5 Cool Gaming Gadgets for Under $100

Whether it’s the urban dystopian setting of “Cyberpunk 2077” or the vast wastelands of “Red Dead Redemption 2,” the video game experience has come a long way. No matter which platform you choose: PC, Xbox or PlayStation, there are tons of titles covering every genre of gameplay. There are also tons of essential and fun gadgets that no PC setup should be without.

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Although technological advancements guarantee a higher price ceiling for modern gadgets, the market is still generously filled with exciting gaming accessories that don’t break the bank. From a fully customizable gaming mouse to an affordable webcam ready for live streaming, here are five accessories under $100 that can add tremendous value to your gaming setup.

Our choices were based not only on practicality, but also on positive consumer reviews and opinions of experts in the field of peripherals and accessories for computer games. A detailed explanation of the methodology can be found at the end of the book.

No matter how powerful your gaming PC is or how quickly your monitor refreshes every second, choosing good peripherals will have a huge impact on your gameplay. A solid gaming mouse delivers reliability, comfort and performance – all of which are turned up to eleven with the Logitech G502 Hero Wireless.

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I purchased the Logitech G502 Hero in 2021 and have since spent thousands of hours with the gaming mouse in a variety of titles. I’m impressed not only with how well it has held up to wear and tear over the past three years, but also with how I’ve become accustomed to using several of its proprietary features.

The frictionless scroll wheel has spoiled me so much that I instinctively look for the switch when using other mice. It is extremely useful when scrolling through long documents or web pages. Logitech G Hub software allows you to fully customize the mouse’s 11 programmable buttons and even adjust the DPI range that the dedicated buttons can switch between – so you can switch between the precise control of competitive shooters like “Counter Strike 2” or a more comfortable sensitivity in games like “Fortnite,” which rely heavily on movement.

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You can get the G502 Hero for less than $50, but there are other versions of this mouse you might be interested in. The G502 Lightspeed Wireless costs more than twice as much, but eliminates the need for a wired connection.

While aiming with a gaming mouse may seem superior, there’s no denying that some games are simply more comfortable to play with a controller – after all, you can’t beat the comfort of playing while sitting on the couch. The Xbox Wireless Controller takes this spot simply because of the convenience of using a wide range of products. In addition to being compatible with Xbox consoles, you can connect your Xbox controller to any Windows computer or even your smartphone. An extensive review by Windows Central praised the iconic look and touch-sensitive buttons of the Xbox Wireless Controller, earning it 4.5/5 stars.

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It’s worth noting that the new share button on the controller makes it much easier to capture screenshots or gaming videos and then share them with friends. The ability to remap buttons on your Xbox controller may also be useful. Thanks to Bluetooth technology, it’s easy to connect the controller to any device, and when the battery is low, you can always use a wired connection using the included USB-C cable.

While you won’t get nearly the same level of response as the PS5’s DualSense controller, which uses dynamic rumble and adaptive triggers, the $59 Xbox Wireless Controller is a must-have for any PC or console gamer.

Speakers may be comfortable, but they are notoriously bad at achieving a sense of space in any game. The Logitech G435 Lightspeed Wireless Headphones are a great first-time purchase at $79 and come with all the essential features you could ask for. It uses a USB-A dongle, making it compatible with a wide range of products, including Windows PCs, Macs and PlayStation consoles.

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The headset is constructed primarily of plastic and is relatively compact in a market saturated with large and bulky gaming headsets. That said, the G435’s small form factor is definitely aimed at younger gamers and teenagers, as highlighted in Tom’s Guide’s review on the subject. The headphones are available in three colors, two of which are quite unique.

Like other Logitech peripherals, this headset uses Lightspeed wireless technology, which provides an end-to-end wireless connection to ensure ultra-low latency – crucial for competitive gaming. If you want to pair these headphones with your phone, you can switch back to Bluetooth and enjoy up to 18 hours of claimed battery life.

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Since the headset is more portable, you’ll notice that it lacks a regular microphone arm in favor of dual beamforming microphones. Weighing just 165 grams, the Logitech G435 strikes a good balance in terms of sound quality, features, and comfort.

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard for gaming, there are several things to keep in mind, including keyboard layout, switch types, and customization options for those living an RGB lifestyle. Mechanical keyboards use individual switches, thanks to which they are able to provide a much better tactile experience compared to their membrane counterparts.

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There are many great mechanical keyboard brands to choose from – Keychron is one of them. Keychron K2 version 2 is a tenkeyless keyboard with a total of 84 RGB keys and can work fully wirelessly via Bluetooth. It’s built on an aluminum frame, which gives it plenty of weight – which is actually a good thing, as it gives the keyboard a solid feel when things get competitive.

There are three switching options, each with its own characteristics. I chose Gateron G Pro Brown switches, which provide tactile feedback without being obnoxiously loud – perfect for gaming or writing long essays at night. The set also includes a set of interchangeable keycaps that allow you to switch between Windows and Mac layouts.

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I’ve been using the Keychron K2v2 for the better part of a year and I’m very impressed with how good this keyboard is, especially since it’s only $100.

A cheap but effective way to breathe new life into your gaming rig is to illuminate it with RGB lights. You can choose from a variety of brands, but Govee RGBIC LEDs cost just $20 each and offer a large number of customization options to fit any setup.

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You can buy some RGB strips and stick them behind your monitors, desk, or even in your computer cabinet. The Govee app for Android and iOS makes it easy to control your LED lights and customize them to your needs. You can choose static colors or get creative and use one of several scene modes. I opted for a slightly calmer gradient myself, which adds a bit of personality to my setup.

You can plug the USB-A end of the RGB controller into any available port, and it’s worth checking if your monitor or TV has a service port you can use to minimize the need for cable management. This lamp also has a music sync mode which, honestly, is too delayed to be enjoyable. Fortunately, the remaining modes offer plenty of preset color and animation settings, such as fire, sunset or ocean themes, and some of them even play ambient sounds via the connected smartphone.

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Investing in the right peripherals for your gaming setup is a process that takes time, and while the gadgets offered here offer great value, this list is not definitive. Some may prefer an ambidextrous gaming mouse to the contoured design of the Logitech G502, while others require a full-layout keyboard.

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Before finalizing your purchase, it is recommended to check customer reviews on the product page and possibly refer to comprehensive reviews from reliable sources. The people on this list were selected based on my own experience as a gamer or recommendations from professional reviewers from publications such as SoundGuys and Windows Central.

Each of these gadgets is also included in the manufacturer’s offer of similar products. For example, those who don’t need as many buttons on a mouse can choose the cheaper Logitech G402 gaming mouse, or save a few dollars and buy the G435 headset, which is also easier to carry around.