As modern gaming setups move beyond just having the latest hardware or gaming consoles, the market is readjusting to increasing demand for complementary accessories that add functionality, aesthetics, and value to existing PC and console setups. It's not enough to have the best controllers, headsets, keyboards, or mice. From lighting to mouse bungees and headphone stands, just about every part of the set is upgradable.
One of the most in-demand features for accessory upgrades from gamers has been hardware with RGB lighting as well as excellent build quality. With so many options available, it can be hard to sift through it all, which is where Game ZXC comes in. This guide helps gamers pick the best gaming accessory upgrades to up their game.
How to Choose PC Accessory Upgrades
A gaming space can only hold so many things, especially if players want to keep those things close at hand. What kinds of accessories do PC gamers need? Well, that depends on the individual. Computer accessories typically fall into one of only a few categories:
- Wire Management: Products that help keep wires and cables tidy or out of sight completely.
- Lighting: Lamps, RGB light strips, and even wall panels can set the mood in a gaming room.
- Keyboard and Mouse: Most players have very specific preferences regarding the performance specs and design style.
- Available Space: Players with compact desks will typically have fewer options than those with large desks.
- Audio: Some players prefer headsets to speakers, while many gamers would rather have both options.
- Monitors: Dual-monitor and even triple-monitor PC setups offer convenience and better game immersion than single monitors.
- Comfort: From wrist rests to ergonomic chairs, being comfortable is an absolute must in any gaming room.
Each gamer is going to place more or less value on these categories when picking out a new PC accessory. Players who are building a new gaming space or revamping an existing game room should think about which of these categories means the most to them and then focus on those aspects. It's also helpful to consider trying to match a certain theme or color scheme before redecorating. Thinking carefully about which accessories to add to a gaming space will ultimately result in a gaming space anyone could be proud of.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Gaming Setup Upgrade Accessories in 2024
Cougar Bunker RGB Mouse Bungee
Compact, Futuristic Design
The Cougar Bunker RGB Mouse Bungee comes with 2 USB 2.0 ports, an excellent RGB lighting schema that can be changed at the push of a button.
- Brand
- Cougar
- Connectivity
- USB 2.0
- Color
- RGB, button-swappable
- Battery
- N/A
- Weight
- 105 grams
- Capacity
- 2 USB ports
- Dimensions
- 4.33 x 2.75 x 4.52 inches
- Power Supply
- USB-Powered (Passthrough)
- Extremely compact
- Excellent, customizable RGB effects
- Dual USB ports and passthrough power
- USB ports are capped to USB 2.0 speeds
- Somewhat expensive
The Cougar Bunker Mouse RGB Bungee elevates desktop wire management by combining a simple tool with dual USB ports and an excellent RGB lighting scheme that is subtle and customizable, thanks to a dedicated hardware button. It employs a suction cup to stay in place while offering excellent cable management and additional USB connectivity or power for devices depending on your needs.
With excellent RGB lighting and a compact, portable look, and the ability to deploy it at different locations over time, this is both a mainstay on your desk or at LAN parties or events. It does have its limitations, however. It costs significantly more than its non-RGB competition while being limited to USB 2.0 speeds, meaning that peripherals and storage that need the extra USB 3.0 or higher speeds will run at the relatively crippled performance that the dated USB 2.0 standard supports.
Cozoo Powered Headphone Stand
This universal headphone stand packs a lot of functionality in one very affordable device. Featuring three USB charging ports(4A/20W) and two full power outlets (1250W), this stand can hold headsets and charge nearly any device without taking up much space. The durable shell is also fire-resistant to ensure safety at all times.
- Weight
- 0.88Lbs
- Dimensions
- 4.17 x 3.94 x 10.4 inches
- Material
- Plastic, Metal
- Ports
- 3 USB; 2 Outlet
- Manufacturer
- Cozoo
- Has 3 USB outlets and 2 AC outlets
- Contoured headset holder
- Sturdy base
- No RGB lighting
Although Razer has a decent headset stand, there’s little reason to pay the $100 price for it, even if it does come with RGB lighting. Instead, users can get nearly the same experience from Cozoo for just $20 at the time of writing. Even when it isn’t on sale, the budget headset stand is listed at less than $30.
Despite being a fraction of the cost of other options, thousands of users have left positive reviews of the stand, with it offering just about every power need a gamer might have. The Cozoo headphone stand comes with three USB outlets and two AC outlets, making it easy to connect every type of device without having to route cables around desks and chairs. The chargers protect against short circuits while also automatically adjusting the power flow to the fastest possible for each given device.
The sturdy base is weighted to avoid being tipped over, while the durable plastic casing is fire-resistant, further protecting against electrical disturbances. The main function of the stand is just as well-made, as the smooth, curved top is perfect for padded headsets to rest on without being scratched or otherwise damaged. Given its compact form, excellent charging, and seriously affordable cost, the Cozoo stand is the perfect upgrade for gaming headsets.
Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels
The Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels are works of art suitable for any gaming room, sparking conversation even before they are illuminated. The 10 pack of Glide Hexa Lights includes hexagon-shaped lights that affix to walls in various customizable patterns. Govee's RGBIC technology lets each panel light up with multiple colors simultaneously.
Unlike other RGB wall panels, the Glide Hexa Panels include lights on each side of the hexagon shapes, casting light on the surfaces of walls. The panels are also compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, for voice commands and synchronization with other smart home lighting.
- Brand
- Govee
- Integrations
- Amazon Alexa, Google Home
- Hub Required
- No
- Music Reactive
- Yes
- Multicolor Capable
- Yes
- Number of Panels
- 10
- Voltage
- 120 Volts
- Working Temperature
- 14°F to 104°F/-10°C to 40°C
- Less expensive than similar options
- Wide compatibility with smart apps
- Supports up to 20 panels per controller for easy expansion
- Mounting can be a pain point
The Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels are a set of 10 relatively inexpensive light panels that are bright, customizable, and easily controllable using 2 different voice assistants and Govee's own application. They are extremely well-packaged for a mid-range wall lighting RGB option, come with excellent customer support, and most importantly: they just work out of the box, unlike some other models we tested.
While some of us feel that the 20-panel limit is somewhat tame compared to what some of us might want to plug in, it is in line with what most of its competitors offer. At the same time, the Govee light panels rank higher for us simply because they had some of the easiest and most seamless setup processes we have been through. The adhesive is something that could be improved in future iterations by Govee to make it an even more refined product. If it's customizable 3D effects you desire instead, there is a higher-end model you can get that costs $50 extra, however.
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
The Freestyle Edge RGB is the first split mechanical keyboard designed specifically for gaming. Gamers can move the right module out of the way for one-handed FPS play or split the modules apart to place a microphone in between for an incredibly comfortable streaming setup. There is no wrong way to set up the Freestyle Edge! This keyboard promises to deliver excellent performance and make sure a gamer's hands are healthy and comfortable.
- Wireless
- No
- Backlight
- Per-Key 16.8M Color RGB Lighting
- Switch Type
- Cherry MX Mechanical
- Wired operation
- USB Type A Wired
- Dimensions
- 1.25″ tall x 15.5″ wide x 10.25″ deep
- Wrist rest
- Yes
- Ergonomic design
- Allows quick access to important gaming keys
- Customizable design offers remapping and hotkeying
- Somewhat expensive
Lots of pro gamers have dedicated keyboards just for competitions, so why shouldn’t the average gamer be able to enjoy having a keyboard just for gaming? Especially helpful for those who also work from home, the Kinesis Gaming Freestyle Edge is great for optimizing keyboard-based gameplay. Not only is this keyboard super ergonomic, but it offers quick access to the most important keys by keeping them all close at hand, literally.
It's a bit pricey, but compared to other high-end keyboards, it's far from outrageous. The keyboard skips out on having a num pad, placing numbers along the top row while also providing players with an 8-digit hotkey pad, with function keys below that. The directional keys are on the other half of the keyboard, making it extremely intuitive to control almost any game input.
The split format saves some room on desks but still manages to provide a detachable wrist rest. The Cherry MX Brown mechanical switches are responsive and clicky, and users can download the SmartSet app to remap controls or set macros across nine profiles. Plus, the customizable, attractive RGB lighting makes it so that players can really make this keyboard their own.
Corsair MM700 RGB Extended Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad
The Corsair MM700 RGB Extended Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad is an all-encompassing RGB mouse pad solution that can handle a mouse and keyboard and then some on a gamer's desk while throwing in a strategically placed dual USB 2.0 hub and controllable RGB lighting into the fray.
- Dimensions
- 15.75 x 36.61 x 0.16 inches
- Lighting Modes
- ARGB (Controllable via iCUE)
- Brand
- Corsair
- Power Source
- USB Cable
- Material
- Textile-weave cloth
- Excellent, subtle RGB lighting effects with control across 3 different lighting zones on iCUE
- Premium textile-weave cloth merged with an anti-slip rubber base
- Two USB ports conveniently placed and can be used for charging devices, connecting a mouse or small peripherals
- Somewhat pricey compared to some of the alternatives
- Capped USB 2.0 speeds means very slow data transfers for plugged-in storage
The Corsair MM700 RGB Extended Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad is an excellent gaming mousepad that offers a somewhat subtle RGB effect on the side across 3 zones and excellent woven cloth on the top with slip-resistant rubber at the bottom. It comes with 2 USB 2.0 ports located conveniently on the mouse pad where the USB cable meets the RGB controller. With iCUE support out of the box and excellent build quality, the MM700 is a solid mousepad that covers both your mouse and keyboard with room to spare.
However, the MM700's price may undermine its appeal. Furthermore, the USB 2.0 ports make its USB hub great for connecting to low-power or low-bandwidth devices but render it useless for data-centric use. People with portable hard drives or flash drives are probably better off getting a secondary USB hub to avoid long waits.
Jarvis Single Monitor Arm By Herman Miller
The Jarvis Single Monitor Arm By Herman Miller is an excellent offering that delivers an excellent (if somewhat expensive) monitor arm. It is functional and well-built with decent finishing, in addition to mounting support for both VESA 75 and 100 monitor standards.
- Brand
- Black, Silver, White
- Max. Display Size
- Up to 32 inches
- Max. Weight
- 19 lbs
- Height Adjustment
- Max height 19.8" from base
- Tilt Adjustment
- Full 360-degree rotation possible with 45' tilt support
- Color Options
- Black, White, Silver
- Vesa Mounting Options
- 75mm, 100mm
- Warranty
- 15 Years Limited
- Very durable build
- Easy adjustability
- Moderately priced
- Not compatible with large screens
Herman Miller is best known for their incredibly ergonomic office chairs, but they have a lot more to offer PC users, including the Jarvis single monitor arm. One of the absolute best monitor arms on the market, the Jarvis monitor arm combines durable materials and a reliable design to offer players a more convenient way to orient their screens.
Able to support monitors of up to 32 inches and just under 20 pounds, the monitor arm allows players to move their screens up, down, and side to side with ease, making it ideal for those who like to game and work on separate screens or those who switch between desktop PCs and gaming laptops frequently. In fact, there’s even a laptop upgrade available for a small fee.
Overall, the Jarvis monitor arm is surprisingly affordable, listed at a price that falls squarely in the mid-range of the market. There are definitely better options for players with larger screens or who would prefer to mount all of their monitors, but for those looking to upgrade their gaming setup’s main screen, it’s hard to go wrong with Herman Miller’s Jarvis monitor arm.
Elgato Stream Deck XL
The Elgato Stream Deck XL is an excellent tool for improving the quality of online broadcasts. This advanced stream controller pairs with a convenient app to make it easy to assign custom functions to any of the 32 touch-sensitive keys for easy access to actions and effects. This Elgato Stream Deck XL advanced stream controller is compatible with a variety of popular live-streaming services. The buttons can also be used to simply swap between PC apps, adjust audio, and so much more.
- What's Included
- 32 Customizable LCD Keys
- Compatibility
- Windows
- Weight
- 410 Grams
- Allows convenient control over dozens of apps
- Excellent for streamers
- Software makes customizing buttons effortless
- Expensive price tag
The Elgato Stream Deck XL is the ultimate hotkey tool, and the perfect upgrade for players who frequently switch between gaming apps and those who stream on Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, or any other platform. Featuring 32 buttons, the number of apps that can be tied to this nimble device is actually far greater, as each button can be programmed to be a folder rather than a single control.
Launching apps isn’t the only thing the Elgato Stream Deck XL can do. Streamers and competitive gamers will especially enjoy being able to adjust audio settings, change cameras, take screenshots, and more. Gamers who also work from their PC can set more professional apps, such as Excel and Slack, to the Stream Deck too, making workflows much smoother and allowing for quick escapes once the day ends.
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The Elgato Stream Deck XL is a bit pricey, but it makes a huge difference with complex gaming setups. For more efficiency during streams, gaming, and even work, adding this Elgato device is the best way to upgrade busy PC setups.
Razer Mouse Charging Dock Chroma
The Razer Mouse Charging Dock Chroma is a magnetic Dock with a convenient charge status RGB light that provides visual indication of charge status, such as red for low battery and green for charging. The anti-slip base ensures better adhesion to surfaces for safe, long-term placement. Powered by Razer Chroma, this device offers effortless, full integration with popular game titles and syncs with Razer hardware, Philips HUE, and gear from 30+ partners. This charger is designed to work specifically with the DeathAdder V2 Pro, Naga Pro, Viper Ultimate, and Basilisk Ultimate gaming mice.
- Compact charging solution
- Compatible with Razer's best wireless mice
- Sturdy, RGB base
- Compatible with limited number of Razer mice
Not everyone has a Razer mouse, but the brand is certainly one of the best around and most gamers would love to have one of their industry-leading gaming peripherals. For those who do have a wireless Razer gaming mouse, the Mouse Dock Pro presents a convenient way to keep it charged without having to add yet another wire to their setup. Although more gaming mice are sure to join the list in the future, currently only users with a DeathAdder V2 Pro, Naga Pro, Viper Ultimate, or a Basilisk Ultimate can enjoy the convenient charging offered by this dock.
However, these are three of the best gaming mice on the market right now, so it’s not as exclusive as it may seem at first glance. Gamers committed to picking up wireless mice with Razer’s cutting-edge sensors are already going to be spending a pretty penny on their gear, and even though these mice come with charging cables, an extra $50 to cut down on clutter isn’t a bad idea to plenty of players. Plus, there’s a newer, slightly more expensive version that players can use if they have the Basilisk V3 Pro, the Cobra Pro, or the Naga V2 Pro.
The sturdy base ensures that the dock won’t get jostled easily and can safely be placed at the far corner of a desk to maximize available space. Additionally, as is expected of Razer products, the dock features colorful and customizable RGB lighting that can add to the aesthetic of any space. Those lights also indicate power levels, letting players know whether their mouse is charged at a glance.
Secretlab Memory Foam Lumbar Pillow
The Secretlab Memory Foam Lumbar Pillow is designed to provide enhanced support for your lower back. Made from dense, premium memory foam, this lumbar pillow adapts to the contours of your lower back, ensuring a customized fit that promotes proper posture. The soft velour covering adds an extra layer of comfort, making it an ideal addition to any seating arrangement. Measuring 29cm x 29cm (11.4" x 11.4"), this lumbar pillow is an excellent choice for those seeking improved lumbar support in their daily seating, whether for work or leisure activities.
- Ergonomic memory foam support
- Super soft fabric upholstery
- Tons of designs
- Somewhat expensive
Gaming chairs are getting more sophisticated (and more expensive) by the day, and sometimes getting a brand-new seat is just out of the question budget-wise. For those who are saving up for a better seat but need some extra support as soon as possible, the Secretlab memory foam lumbar pillow is an excellent way to refresh an old chair.
Available in dozens of colors and styles, including tie-ins with popular franchises such as League of Legends and Fortnite, players get both ergonomic support and stylish flair all in one package. Being memory foam and made with a supremely soft fabric, these lumbar support pillows are a bit costly, with the cheapest among them being listed at $47 at the time of writing thanks to a sale. Though these kinds of sales are frequent on Secretlab, the MSRP of these pillows is a bit too high for some players.
However, for those who want ergonomic support that they can depend on for years, even with whatever chair they buy next, Secretlab’s offering is the best option.
The Best Gaming Chairs Under $100 in 2024
Some gaming chairs offer great quality and features for a reasonable price. This guide reviews the best gaming chairs under $100.
MANBASNAKE Keyboard Cloud Wrist Rest
This cute cloud-shaped keyboard wrist rest is made with high-density memory foam, offering a soft, smooth, and breathable experience. The advanced PU material is supported by a waterproof inner lining, making the wrist rest easy to clean. The wrist rest won't lose its shape over time like a gel, providing continuous ergonomic support and stylish flair to any desktop.
- Brand
- MANBASNAKE
- Material
- Polyurethane (PU)
- Color
- Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, Red, Orange, Yellow, White
- Very affordable
- Foam wrist support
- Cute cloud design in multiple colors
- Some users won't like the design
It’s rare to find a full-sized keyboard mat with a wrist rest attached and, honestly, they usually aren’t the best anyway. Enter the viral cloud wrist rest, which offers thick foam padding in a mildly cute shape perfect for any gaming setup. This version of the cloud wrist rest, from ManbaSnake, comes in a wide variety of colors too, making it easy to match pastel gamers, Dragon Ball Z fans, or anyone else.
The cloud shape isn’t just there to look good; the contoured edges create comfortable resting spots along the entire length, so gamers can be comfortable even if they sit slightly askew. Gamers should definitely be trying their best to mitigate staring while playing, and having a wrist rest is key to that. There aren’t any fancy extras with this product, but there don’t need to be. Adding a wrist rest is a no-brainer for PC users, and the ManbaSnake cloud wrist rest is one of the best options. At just $15, this is a seriously low-level upgrade that can make a huge difference in overall comfort.
FAQ
Q: Does RGB lighting have any effect on gaming performance?
RGB lighting is purely aesthetic and does not make any difference when it comes to performance for an end user. However, having a plethora of RGB software on a PC can result in performance degradation. At the same time, using wireless, rechargeable hardware can result in low battery life when RGB lighting is used extensively as a larger portion of the existing battery capacity is spent (literally) keeping the lights on.
Q: What is the best gaming brand for accessories?
There is no single gaming brand for accessories that can claim to be the best for all accessories; PC gaming hardware brands such as Logitech, ASUS, Razer, and SecretLabs tend to rule the roost for some specific niches, but as the market continues to evolve extensively, so do the number of quality options available to end-users. The best gaming brand for you would be the one you resonate with and which understands your needs and accommodates them accordingly. Finding it will require research or testing multiple products to discover the right fit for you.