Getting Into PC Gaming: A Beginner's Gear Guide
So you want to get into PC gaming. Maybe you've been on console your whole life, or maybe you just built your first gaming PC and realized you need a mouse, keyboard, and headset that don't suck. Either way, the sheer amount of gaming gear out there is overwhelming. Here's the thing most gear guides won't tell you: you don't need a $400 setup to enjoy PC gaming. A solid mouse, a decent keyboard, and a headset that doesn't sound like a tin can — that's the foundation. The expensive stuff matters for competitive players chasing every millisecond of latency, but if you're just starting out, good fundamentals beat premium specs. We've picked options at different price points so you can start with the basics and upgrade later when you actually know what matters to you. Don't blow your entire budget on peripherals when you could put that money toward games.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Razer DeathAdder V3 Gaming Mouse | Mouse | Ultra-lightweight at 59g | Buy on Amazon |
| Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse | Mouse | LIGHTSPEED wireless at budget price | Buy on Amazon |
| Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Mechanical Keyboard | Keyboard | Compact 75% layout saves space | Buy on Amazon |
| HyperX Cloud III Wireless Gaming Headset | Headset | Incredible 120-hour battery | Buy on Amazon |
| HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Gaming Headset | Gaming-Headset | Extremely lightweight | Buy on Amazon |
| ASUS TUF Gaming 27-Inch 1440P HDR Monitor | Gaming-Monitor | 1440p resolution noticeably sharper than 1080p gaming | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Razer DeathAdder V3 Gaming Mouse
Ultra-lightweight ergonomic gaming mouse at just 59 grams. Focus Pro 30K optical sensor with 30,000 DPI tracking. 90-hour battery life with Razer HyperSpeed wireless. 5 programmable buttons with Razer Synapse software.
- Ultra-lightweight at 59g
- 90-hour battery life
- Top-tier sensor
- Excellent ergonomic shape
- Right-handed only
- No RGB lighting
Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse
Budget-friendly wireless gaming mouse with HERO 12K sensor and 1ms LIGHTSPEED wireless. Runs on a single AA battery for up to 250 hours of gameplay. Compact and lightweight at 99 grams.
- LIGHTSPEED wireless at budget price
- 250-hour battery on single AA
- HERO 12K sensor
- Lightweight 99 grams
- Uses AA battery instead of rechargeable
- No RGB lighting
Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Mechanical Keyboard
Compact 75% gaming keyboard with Razer Orange tactile mechanical switches. Dedicated knob and media keys for quick adjustments. Per-key RGB lighting with Razer Chroma integration for game sync.
- Compact 75% layout saves space
- Tactile Orange switches
- Dedicated media knob
- Razer Chroma RGB
- Wired only
- No included wrist rest
HyperX Cloud III Wireless Gaming Headset
Wireless gaming headset with 120-hour battery life. DTS Spatial Audio for immersive 3D soundstage. 53mm drivers with signature HyperX comfort. Detachable noise-cancelling microphone. Memory foam ear cushions.
- Incredible 120-hour battery
- Very comfortable memory foam
- Good microphone quality
- Solid value
- No Bluetooth (2.4GHz only)
- Plastic build
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Gaming Headset
Lightweight 275g design with memory foam earcups for marathon gaming sessions without fatigue. 50mm directional drivers deliver clear audio with accurate positional sound. Swivel-to-mute microphone stays out of the way when you are not chatting.
- Extremely lightweight
- Memory foam comfort
- Swivel-to-mute mic
- Wide platform compatibility
- No wireless option
- Bass is average
ASUS TUF Gaming 27-Inch 1440P HDR Monitor
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ delivers WQHD 2560x1440 resolution at 165Hz refresh rate with 1ms MPRT response time for a competitive gaming experience that outperforms standard 1080p displays at a reasonable price. ELMB-Sync technology combines motion blur reduction with G-Sync compatible adaptive sync for smooth visuals in fast-paced games. The ergonomic stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot to find your perfect viewing angle.
- 1440p resolution noticeably sharper than 1080p gaming
- 165Hz combined with 1ms creates butter-smooth gameplay
- Full ergonomic adjustability for comfortable long sessions
- IPS panel has slightly worse black levels than VA panels
- HDR performance is considered entry-level only
Frequently Asked Questions
What gaming mouse should a beginner get?
The Logitech G305 is the sweet spot — wireless, lightweight, reliable sensor, and it runs on a single AA battery for months. It's about $40 and punches way above its price. The Razer DeathAdder V3 is the step-up pick if you want something more premium.
Do I need a mechanical keyboard for gaming?
Need? No. Want? Probably, once you try one. Mechanical keyboards feel way more responsive and satisfying than membrane boards. But a basic membrane keyboard works fine for casual gaming. If you do go mechanical, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is a great starting point that won't take up your whole desk.
How much should I spend on a gaming headset?
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is about $50 and sounds surprisingly good for the price. That's the budget pick. If you can stretch to around $100, the HyperX Cloud III Wireless adds wireless freedom and better mic quality. Don't spend $200+ on a headset when you're just starting out.
Is a gaming monitor worth it?
If your PC can push high frame rates, absolutely. Going from a 60Hz monitor to 144Hz+ is one of those things you can't unsee. Everything looks smoother. But if your PC is mid-range, a 1080p 144Hz monitor is the practical choice. Don't buy a 4K 240Hz panel for a computer that can't drive it.