Replacing my cheap peripherals improved my life

Any PC is more than just the sum of its parts. A lot of components and peripherals come together to make a PC what it is, but some parts elevate your experience beyond what you expect. Quality peripherals are one such aspect of any build, improving functionality as well as the perceived experience of using a PC. After using cheap, entry-level keyboards, mice, and headsets for years, I began investing in better-quality models that improved my productivity and increased the enjoyment I derived from my PC setup.

5 Speakers to soundbar

My desk needed this

I've always been a "2.1-channel speakers" guy. Since the day we got our first PC at home back in 2000, I've used a 2 or 2.1-channel speaker setup, and been satisfied with it. In late 2024, however, I decided to get rid of my 7-year-old ramshackle speakers and replace them with a compact and esthetic soundbar. One of the speakers had stopped working, so I needed a replacement anyway. And a soundbar turned out to be the best speaker for my PC.

Firstly, the compact soundbar looked much better on my desk, compared to the two speakers that occupied more space. Secondly, the soundbar had fewer cables to manage — a single cable split into a USB and 3.5mm cable, and that was it. Lastly, the audio experience wasn't a downgrade either; I was pleased with the volume level and the sound quality, considering I didn't spend a lot on the Redragon soundbar.

4 1080p to 1440p gaming monitor

It was a long time coming

While my PC journey started with a 15" CRT monitor, I moved to a 22" TN display around 2010. When I built my previous PC in 2017, I should have upgraded to a larger monitor, but due to a limited budget, I settled for a 22" 1080p IPS panel from LG that had a 75Hz maximum refresh rate. I always felt limited by the size and refresh rate of the display, so when I finally moved to a 27" 1440p 144Hz monitor in 2020, it was a game-changing upgrade.

The model I picked was the iconic LG 27GL850. It cost more than I could have spent on similar models from other brands, but the investment more than paid off. The massive jump in screen real estate, the crisp 1440p resolution, and the smooth 144Hz refresh rate made gaming as well as working on the new monitor a treat. Plus, the Nano IPS panel from LG was well-calibrated and didn't have too much IPS glow.

I haven't felt the need to upgrade my monitor, since the newer monitors demand a significantly higher investment that I can't justify right now. Sure, the 27" 4K OLED 240Hz screens would be an upgrade, but the benefits don't outweigh the cost in my book, at least not yet.

3 Wired to wireless headset

The journey to wireless peripherals begins

I had been using wired headsets forever when I decided to buy the Razer Barracuda X in 2023. I was finally ready to ditch the cable, and wanted a decent gaming headset that wasn't too expensive. The Barracuda X fit the bill, and I've been mostly happy with it, save for its occasional mic issues. I'm not much of a multiplayer gamer, so the mic issue doesn't come up often.

The convenience of no cables, coupled with the dual connectivity with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, means I can use the headset with both my PC and a laptop. The battery life is respectable, and the sound quality is great for the price. I have been considering an upgrade to something like the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro or the Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless, but I'm also waiting for a good deal.

2 Heavy to ultralight wireless mouse

I didn't know what I was missing

I want to confess that I never really considered spending money on a decent mouse or keyboard. All of my builds before 2017 had off-brand mice and keyboards, but I never cared about that. In 2017, however, I bought a Cooler Master keyboard and mouse combo that I happily used for around 6 years before buying the Razer DeathAdder V2 X — my first-ever wireless gaming mouse.

The 88g mouse was lighter than my previous Cooler Master model, but when I shifted to the Lofree Hypace recently, I found out how light some mice can really be. The Hypace was so much easier on my wrists, which I realized at the end of long workdays. Whether it was writing or gaming, the ultralight form factor made me feel as if I wasn't holding anything. And a bonus advantage of a 49g mouse was that I was much more willing to take it with me when working on the go.

1 Membrane to mechanical keyboard

It became an obsession

Perhaps the biggest change in how I use my PC happened with the inevitable transition to mechanical keyboards. The Cooler Master keyboard that I had was a membrane model, and I had wanted to experience a mechanical keyboard for so long. Although I started with an entry-level budget Cosmic Byte mechanical keyboard, I quickly jumped to the significantly better RK84 V2, and then the Aula F87, which made me feel like I had found my dream keyboard.

Mechanical keyboards tend to have this effect on many users — the superior typing experience is addictive, and you start to love typing instead of treating it as, well, "mechanical." Plus, the endless customizability of modern mechanical keyboards, even budget models, means you can experiment with new switches, fancy keycaps, and simple mods to derive more fun out of the same keyboard.

Since I've made the transition, I've become much more attached to my setup, and I still enjoy the pleasing "thock" of a great mechanical keyboard. It has definitely made me more productive, since my typing speed has improved, and I always look forward to returning to my setup every day.

Better late than never

I was too late to the party, but you shouldn't be. If you're just getting into PC building, or have just gotten your first pre-built PC, you should seriously consider investing in quality peripherals to enhance your PC experience. A great mechanical keyboard, wireless mouse and headphones, and a quality gaming monitor can make a huge difference to your setup, both for gaming and work. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars either; budget peripherals have come a long way. It's about doing the research and paying for features that will make a tangible difference.