HP Omen 27K
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HyperX Cloud III Wired Headphones
HyperX Cloud III Wired Headphones
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HyperX Alloy OriginsHyperX Alloy Origins
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Xbox Series X controllerXbox Series X controller
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Samsung T9 Portable SSDSamsung T9 Portable SSD
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Whenever I get into a conversation about gaming, it typically revolves around the same few topics. What‘s better: PC or console? Which games do I recommend? What rarely comes up is what accessories I recommend — and I think that’s a shame. The peripherals you pair with your computer or console can significantly impact your gaming experience. The right monitor will immerse you, the right headphones will let you play for hours without ear fatigue, and the right controller or keyboard will make every input impactful.
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I’ve used dozens of gaming accessories over the years, and I’ve found myself returning to the same handful of products. They are the best in terms of performance and reliability. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your setup (or shopping for the gamer in your life), here are the five accessories I recommend.
5 gaming accessories you can’t miss
Full stop, the HP Omen 27K is my favorite gaming monitor of all time. It is a 27-inch 4K IPS display that delivers a crisp, vibrant picture, making everything from sprawling RPGs to fast-paced shooters look fantastic. Colors are rich. The 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time ensure gameplay feels fast and responsive. Support for both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-SYNC eliminates screen tearing, no matter the graphics card. It has everything you could want in a display.
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In addition to being an excellent gaming monitor, it is equally capable as a work screen. The accurate color reproduction has made the Omen 27K my go-to partner for photo and video editing.
At around $610, the Omen 27K isn’t the cheapest monitor on the market. The good news is that it frequently goes on sale. I picked mine up a few years ago for around $350, and at that price, it’s a steal.
My gaming sessions often stretch multiple hours, so wearing a comfortable pair of headphones is important. The HyperX Cloud III delivers on that front in spades, sporting memory foam ear cushions, a padded headband, and a lightweight aluminum frame. Comfort alone wouldn’t be enough to make these my favorite headphones.
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They also sound great, thanks to the 53mm angled drivers that deliver crystal-clear audio and punchy bass. Support for DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio enhances immersion. You’ll be able to pinpoint the in-game steps of other players coming up behind you in a competitive shooter or engulf you in the world of a survival horror title like Resident Evil 4. And the 10mm noise-canceling microphone ensures crisp audio quality in calls.
HyperX sells several variations of the headset. The Cloud III Wireless model, for example, has the same comfortable design but cuts the cord and adds Bluetooth support. Then there’s the Cloud Alpha, which ups the ante with better audio output courtesy of the Dual Chamber Drivers.
You may have noticed that several of my picks come from HP (HyperX is HP’s gaming brand, if you didn’t know), and that’s no coincidence. The company has consistently impressed me with its gaming hardware, and that extends to the HyperX Alloy Origins.
I’ve tested a variety of gaming keyboards, yet I always find myself returning to the Alloy Origins because it is one of the most well-balanced keyboards I’ve used. It’s not as small as the Razr’s BlackWidow V4 or Asus’ ROG Strix Flare II. For a full-size keyboard, it’s the perfect size for my hands. I’m able to type away without making any mistakes.
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Speaking of which, typing feel is great. The aluminum chassis gives the Alloy Origins a premium feel and sturdy foundation for the keys. HyperX offers the Alloy Origins in two switch options: Red and Aqua. Red switches are exceptionally smooth, requiring only a light press to register an input. Aqua switches have a subtle bump, which helps with accuracy.
When it comes to gaming controllers, comfort is king, and the Xbox Series X controller is up there as one of the best. The flared handgrips conform well to the human hand, providing a comfortable ergonomic design. Something you’ll instantly notice when you grab the controller for the first time is the textured finished on the rear grips, analog sticks, triggers, and bumpers. That texture ensures a more secure hold, helping prevent your hands from slipping off due to sweat during intense matches — or after one too many slices of pizza.
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Instead of a rechargeable battery, the controller uses two AA batteries when playing wirelessly. Whether that’s a benefit or a drawback depends on personal preference. I would’ve preferred a rechargeable battery, but fortunately, it can also be powered through a USB-C cable. Another great aspect of the Xbox Series X controller is the wide range of colors. Beyond the standard Carbon Black, there are Robot White, Shock Blue, and special editions like Gold Shadow.
Rounding out the list is the Samsung T9 Portable SSD. Available in capacities up to 4TB, the T9 boasts transfer speeds of up to 2,000MB/s over the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 standard. It can transfer large media files and back up your Steam collection in just a few seconds.
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What sets the T9 apart from the SSDs is its durability. The rugged, rubberized exterior protects the drive from occasional bumps, drops, and scratches. It’s tough enough to handle the rigors of travel. For peace of mind, the T9 supports AES 256-bit encryption, which keeps the files stored inside safe from unauthorized access. It also works with Samsung’s Magician software. This is a management app that lets you monitor your drive’s health in real time, install firmware updates, and optimize performance, among other things.
Honorable mentions
Not every great accessory made my top five. Below is my honorable mentions list. These are products that deserve their recognition, but for one reason or another, didn’t make the top cut.
- Western Digital Portable SSD: Although not as robust as the Samsung T9, the WD Portable SSD is a reliable drive with equally fast read and write speeds.
- Razer Viper V4 Pro: A lightweight, high-performance wireless gaming mouse perfect for competitive gamers who want precise tracking and fast response times.
- PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller: Sony’s controller is packed with great features, including adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and an ergonomic design. If it weren’t so expensive, I would’ve recommended it over the Xbox gamepad.
- Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: This is a premium mechanical keyboard with a compact layout, deep customization options, and multiple performance modes.
- TP-Link Deco BE23: A Wi-Fi 7 mesh router that delivers fast, reliable connectivity with 3.6Gbps speeds, 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports for wired gaming connections, and broad coverage for houses with many devices.
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