Best PC gaming accessories 2021

Making a switch to PC to handle your fun is a big step, and it's not complete without some of the best accessories for PC gaming. Whether you've gone with one of the best gaming laptops, best gaming desktop PC, or you've navigated stock shortages to build a custom gaming PC, this collection of hardware will get you set up the right way.
Best monitor
Your PC gaming experience is only as good as your monitor, and the LG UltraGear 27GL850-B is mighty good. It's a 27-inch screen with 2560x1440 (QHD) resolution, it has a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, and excellent color and contrast. NVIDIA G-Sync means less tearing, and the stand allows for height, swivel, and tilt.
Best headset
This wired gaming headset doesn't come cheap, but it brings unbelievable sound with virtual 7.1 surround, Hi-Res certification, and dedicated DAC with amplifier. The quality is top-notch, the headset is comfortable to wear for hours at a time, and your voice will come through clearly for anyone listening. Check out our Arctis Pro + GameDAC review for more info.
Best keyboard
While most gaming keyboards rely on mechanical switches, the SteelSeries Apex Pro goes its own way and uses magnetic actuation that can be tuned on a per-key basis to get exactly the performance and feel you need. Per-key RGB lighting, included wrist rest, built-in control display, and overall high build quality make this keyboard worth every dollar.
Best wired mouse
The Razer Viper 8K features mechanical switches for the clickers, 5G optical sensor, and 8K polling rate for exceptional performance. It's comfortable, it's built to the usual Razer standard, and it's ideal for competitive play. If you want a wired gaming mouse, this is the one to get.
Best wireless mouse
If you want to ditch the wires, Logitech's G502 Lightspeed is the way to go. It was a HERO 16K sensor and 1ms report rate, with support for up to 16,000 DPI. The mouse is comfortable to use for long periods, it's built well, and it's going to keep up with your skill despite its wireless nature.
Best gaming earbuds
Razer's new Hammerhead earbuds are a true alternative to a full headset for gamers. They bring active noise canceling, THX certification, customizable EQ, and low latency despite their wireless nature. Your voice comes through clear thanks to built-in microphones, and the buds come with lots of extra tips so that you can find a comfortable fit.
Best gamepad
The new Xbox Wireless Controller works with the Xbox Series X|S and Windows 10, allowing you to game on your PC with just a Bluetooth connection. It's a continuation of the unbeatable design, now with a dedicated share button. If you'd rather forego a mouse and keyboard, this is the best way to go.
Best mousepad
Not only is the MM300 Pro mousepad from Corsair big enough to handle wide mouse swipes, but it's also spill-proof, so your Mountain Dew doesn't soak in when the can tips over. The bottom is a bit rubbery to prevent it from slipping around, and the top's micro-weave is guaranteed to help your mouse track exceptionally well.
If we're making some suggestions
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All of the best accessories for PC gaming listed above will contribute to an overall fun time, but you're undoubtedly not in need of everything. However, if we're making some suggestions, we'll start with the LG UltraGear 27GL850-B gaming monitor. It sits at the top of our best PC gaming monitors roundup thanks to a quality QHD image, 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and NVIDIA G-Sync technology.
After the visual experience comes the aural experience, and we can't recommend enough the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC headset package. The audio it delivers thanks to the bundled amp unit and virtual 7.1 surround is unbeatable. These have Hi-Res certification, a noise-canceling microphone, and a ton of comfort, so you don't have to worry about your ears during a long play session. They sit at the top of our best PC gaming headset roundup, and for a good reason, as you can see more about in our SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC review.
Be sure to have a look at more of our roundups for plenty more accessory options, including the best PC gaming mice and best gaming keyboards.
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Cale Hunt is formerly a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He's been reviewing laptops and accessories full-time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.