I’m going to come out and say the obvious: this is a backpack. In the grand scheme of technology journalism, dedicating a full review to a textile housing system for my laptop feels kind of daft. Or at least it should.

But if you are getting ready to drop over $100 on a laptop bag, it couldn't hurt to do some actual research. When I first saw Razer’s updated Rogue lineup, my immediate reaction was: "Why on earth would I spend $100-plus on a backpack when the $30 no-brand bag I bought on Amazon two years ago still works completely fine?"

Yet, in a way that only Razer can consistently pull off with their ecosystem accessories, I suddenly get it. Just like what happened with their unassuming USB-C dock, another product category I previously cared absolutely nothing about, I now care a hell of a lot about a simple backpack.

Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: Price, availability and specs

The Razer Rogue Backpack V4 line officially dropped on June 4, 2026, making its way to Razer's official store, and is also available on Amazon. The Rogue V4 comes in two sizes, priced differently depending on what you need.

• Razer Rogue 16” Backpack V4: Retails for $109.99 / £109.99.
• Razer Rogue 18” Backpack V4: Retails for $139.99 / £139.99.

Choosing between them comes down to a quick assessment of your daily haul. The 16” variant is beautifully compact and tailored perfectly for mid-sized setups like the Razer Blade 16.

However, if you are rocking an absolute behemoth of a desktop replacement, like the Razer Blade 18, or you just happen to travel heavy with massive mechanical keyboards and full-sized audio gear, you'll definitely want to step up to the 18” version for that maximum volume capacity.

Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: What's good

Despite my heavy skepticism about whether a premium backpack could actually impress me after years of relying on a bargain-basement Amazon special, I have found myself completely smitten with this Razer number.

And no, it’s not just because it looks great, though I need to mention that the clean matte-black finish, subtle leather-effect accents, and iconic Razer green stitching look incredibly sharp.

When you first unzip this bag, it immediately feels a hell of a lot more intensely engineered than a cheap import. The shoulder straps are seriously reinforced and heavily padded. During particularly chaotic weeks, my everyday carry scales up aggressively. I can be hauling anything from my standard daily laptop to both my personal and work laptops simultaneously, alongside an ROG Ally, a Kindle, a full-sized gaming headset, and all the mandatory cable paraphernalia required to keep them alive.

My normal bargain bag regularly leaves me with aching, sore shoulders under that kind of load because the straps lack substance. The Rogue V4, by contrast, features wide, ergonomically designed padded straps paired with a highly ventilated mesh back panel that distributes dense weight beautifully.

There's also a really neat velcro strip on the front of the bag for attaching badges. My partner has an entirely too large for him Xbox jacket with a stash of gaming related velcro badges that I'm about to raid.

Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: What's bad

When taking a hard look at what I missed from my old, cheap but trusty backpack, my initial critique was that the Rogue V4 seemed to lack an external charging cutout to comfortably feed a power bank cable out to my phone. Alas, as it turns out, when studying the specs, I saw that Razer actually did think of this. The backpack features a fully integrated, stealthy cable passthrough that routes charging cables from the interior to the exterior without leaving your main compartments open. It was simply buried so deeply within the bag's complex ecosystem of pockets that it managed to evade my first few looks (I found it eventually). Just goes to show exactly how many damn pockets, nooks, and crannies this thing has.

Beyond that, the only real negative here is the price tag. At $110 to $140, it's a substantial investment for an accessory that doesn't actually have a processor inside it. However, that premium cost is undeniably reflected in the build quality, heavy-duty zipper tape, and material longevity you will get. If you are a die-hard Razer enthusiast, the Razer tax is a familiar trade-off.

Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: The competition

Almost every major PC manufacturer manufactures a proprietary laptop backpack line to accompany their gaming laptops, though few manage to carry the same streetwear aesthetic appeal as Razer. If you want to keep your accessories strictly brand-loyal, here are a couple of other options in the same ballpark budget.

Hovering right around the $95–$120 mark, depending on active sales, the Legion 16" Armored is Lenovo’s ultimate protective shield. It features an aggressive, weatherproof EVA-molded front armor shell and an ultra-rugged base. It offers excellent structural protection against accidental drops, though its rigid, hard-shell design looks vastly more utilitarian and bulky than the Rogue V4.

Next up is ASUS’s massive 35-liter ROG Ranger alternative built for larger 18-inch rigs. It utilizes an incredibly tough 1260D high-density polyester fabric and excels at raw storage volume, but it lacks the eye-catching looks of the Rogue V4.

Finally, we have Alienware's 18 gaming backpack sitting right in the premium sweet spot at $129.99; this is Dell’s heavyweight champion built explicitly for massive 18-inch desktop replacements. On the inside, it features heavy-duty 360-degree EVA foam cushioning and a soft, anti-scratch Nylex lining to keep your chassis completely pristine.

Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: Should you buy?

You should buy the Razer Rogue V4 if ...

You should not buy the Razer Rogue V4 if ...

Razer Rogue V4 Backpack: Final verdict

Razer has effectively treated a basic textile backpack with the exact same premium material selection and aesthetic precision that they apply to their flagship laptops. They have done the impossible: they made me genuinely care about a piece of luggage. It’s tough, and a dream bag for the meticulously organized. After all, if you've spent hundreds on your tech, what's another $100 on something to house them in? Consider me converted from the bargain basement!

I have reviewed a mountain of Xbox controllers in my time, and it's getting increasingly rare that something truly fresh comes across my desk. That's why I was pleasantly surprised with Flydigi's first Xbox licensed option, dubbed the Vader 5S.

I haven't used a Flydigi product before, so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. And I have to admit, I wasn't exactly impressed with the device at first glance.

The controller's gold accents aren't my cup of tea, but the spec sheet makes the design choices much easier to overlook. Is it among the best Xbox controllers you can get? Let's take a look.

Flydigi Vader 5S: Specs and features

The Flydigi Vader 5S has some really impressive specs on paper, and yes, while it is wired, those who don't mind that aspect of it have a lot to enjoy here.

Hall Effect sticks (or TMR) have become a must for me in 2026, so it's good they've ticked off that box. The Xbox Elite controller I purchased only last year has already started to drift, annoyingly (although there are new ways to fix Xbox controller stick drift emerging over time). I sorely hope every Xbox controller being made now and in the future carries Hall Effect or above.

Additionally, we have a mountain of buttons to configure here, which you can do via Flydigi's Space Station for Xbox app. There are two buttons on the reverse, an additional two on the front plate, and two extra bumpers across the top as well.

It has all the standard Xbox buttons on top, including the standard ABXY and the Xbox share button, view, menu, and nexus buttons. Rumors have it that Xbox is adding C and Z buttons as standard for developers to leverage, so Flydigi is well-positioned for the future as well.

We have vibration motors in both the controller and in the triggers, as well as two-stage trigger locks, a 3.5mm audio jack with mute shortcut buttons, and a lengthy braided cable in the box.

The app itself is capable, giving you custom profiles that you can switch out on the fly. You can tailor the RGB light bar across the bottom, configure the buttons to your liking, and set up response curves and things like that.

The best feature here, though, has to be the customizable tension rings. Around each thumbstick is a steel dial that can be turned to increase or decrease motion tension. So, say for example you're playing Call of Duty and want to have a large degree of control over your aiming, you could ramp up the tension on the stick while also increasing the sensitivity in-game, allowing you to make more precise adjustments to your crosshairs.

On the flip side, if you were playing a non-hitscan hero in Overwatch, you could lower the tension to give you a more rapid turning circle for heroes that don't need precision aiming, like Moira or Reinhardt.

It would take some practice, but it would offer some clear advantages for those willing to min-max their playstyle. It's a really cool feature.

Flydigi Vader 5S: Ergonomics and design

You'll be pleased to hear the controller is also fantastic in the hand. It's actually one of the best-feeling controllers I've used, and the shoulder button designs in particular surpass Microsoft's home-grown best.

The buttons and d-pad all have a pleasant and clicky actuation, which also feels great, and the paddles on the back also retain good positioning.

My gripes about the controller all pertain to cosmetics, which is minor ultimately in the grand scheme of things, but if you are someone who takes pride in their gaming setup, you might find this controller difficult to fit in.

The Xbox nexus button placement, for some reason, has these odd gold flecks which look more like dust/dirt. The gold in general is an odd choice, and feels incongruous with how Xbox accessories generally show up. The incongruent design choices even extend to the braided cable, which has inexplicable blue accents, despite the fact that there's no presence of blue anywhere else here.

The loud and gaudy gold accents also undermine the RGB light bar across the bottom ... which, by the way, doesn't even come close to color accuracy. It can't output red, for example, reaching as far as pink only. No colors, besides yellow, really match up with gold, making the RGB lighting pointless. They should've removed it and shaved a pit off the price point instead, probably.

Sure, it's all cosmetic, but it shows that Flydigi didn't really think the visuals or finer details through too much when building this controller.

Flydigi Vader 5S: Competition

The tension rings are a really nice touch here, and it's a far better implementation than I've seen in some other controllers that do similar things. The Xbox Elite controller, for example, requires a tool to adjust the stick tension, which isn't exactly convenient.

The kicker here is that you're paying a fair premium for what is ultimately, potentially, a pretty niche feature. As wired options go, the GameSir G7 HE is probably still a superior value overall, and the GameSir G7 SE is cheaper still, doesn't compromise on the fundamentals, and comes with customizable faceplates for those who are into their aesthetics. There's also the wired Razer Wolverine V3 option, which comes in at the same price point.

Also, in the short term, we are most likely going to see the debut of new Xbox controllers very shortly, in the form of the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3, so you may want to hold off to see what Microsoft has cooked up for us there, too.

Ultimately, you're going to really need to want the tension adjustment feature to justify this one, I would say. And it would be a fair shout. The Flydigi Vader 5S has a fair price at $60 in my opinion, particularly when you factor in the included Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-month card it comes with.

Flydigi Vader 5S: Conclusion

Like I said, ultimately this product revolves around its thumbstick tension feature, which is admittedly very good. The design isn't to my personal liking, but that might not be an issue for you. Otherwise, Flydigi nails all of the fundamentals here with superb ergonomics, features, specs, and a very fair price.

There's a ton of competing similar options out there, though. Tension adjustment rings alone might not be enough to see Flydigi across the finish line with this one. Also, I'm not sure what the market is like for wired controllers in 2026 ... wireless is simply too convenient to give up for me personally, but going wired does shave a fair bit off the final price point.

If you pick this up, I highly doubt you'll be disappointed. It's a great option and one I'm happy to recommend. Is it mind-blowing? Probably not. I think Flydigi could've paid more attention to the details, but it's still a fantastic option overall, and a great first entry into its Xbox accessory line-up. I'm pretty intrigued to see what they do next.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

After covering how the Limited Edition Forza Horizon 6 controller and headset leaked online, we now have our first official look at both — and wow, they look great.

The controller and headset are currently up for pre-order and are set to release alongside Forza Horizon 6 on May 19, 2026.

That’s now just under a month away. If you’ve missed it, we recently published a detailed preview of the game headed by my colleague Richard Devine, which is well worth checking out. But first, let's see the new gear.

Xbox describes the controller as:

"Inspired by the winding Touge roads of Japan, the Xbox controller blends high-performance style with festival flair. Lock into the open-world driving action with black and pink diamond-patterned grips. Get up to 40 hours of battery life."

Next up is the Forza Horizon 6 Wireless Xbox Headset. I actually prefer the design here over the controller. I was expecting cherry blossoms on the controller, but I digress.

Here’s how the headset is described by Xbox:

“Feel the pulse of the Horizon Festival and the energy of Japan through custom start-up sounds. Stay in the zone with up to 20 hours of battery life from the internal rechargeable battery.”

I’m desperately in need of a new controller. My Elite Series 1, which I’ll admit is pretty haggard after years of use, is on its last legs. The designs here are seriously tempting, but honestly, it would feel like a disservice to actually game with one.

These are the kind of accessories I’d rather have on display somewhere in my office, but that's just me.

With that said, let me know what you think of these new accessories. Are you picking one up, both, or skipping them entirely?

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

UGREEN recently unveiled a duo of new Thunderbolt 5 docking stations, and I got my hands on the powerhouse Maxidok 17-in-1 (U716) for testing ahead of launch.

It's been on my desk for a couple of weeks now, handling my multi-monitor, multi-accessory work setup, and it's proving to be a capable competitor to even the mighty CalDigit TS5 Plus. Is it the right Thunderbolt 5 dock for you?

This review was made possible with a review sample from UGREEN. It had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Where can I buy UGREEN's 17-in-1 Maxidok?

UGREEN's new Maxidok 17-in-1 docking station is available now to buy directly from UGREEN or Amazon. It retails for $499.99 at both outlets, and at the time of writing, you can save 22% thanks to a launch offer.

That's a $109.99 discount, bringing the total down to $390, which is a lot more reasonable considering the dock's set of features and the price of its main competition.

👉 See at UGREEN ($499.99 now $390)

👉 See at Amazon ($499.99 now $390)

For example, CalDigit's TS5 Plus I reviewed retails for $499.99. It offers superior laptop charging, a few more ports, faster 10Gbps Ethernet, and passive cooling, but it lacks a built-in M.2 SSD slot.

Is UGREEN's Maxidok 17-in-1 (U716) able to compete with high-end options?

UGREEN's Maxidok 17-in-1 is an impressive Thunderbolt 5 dock that competes at the high end of the market. Not only does it offer 15 downstream ports, but it also incorporates one of my favorite features that I've recently been using in a dock: a built-in M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slot.

This allows you to turn your dock into a storage hub for any connected laptop, something that is way more useful than I expected as someone who often switches between PCs. It fits M.2 sizes from 2230 up to 2280 with capacities up to 8TB.

Perfect ports for power users

The Maxidok 17-in-1 earns its name with a wide selection of I/O. On the front, three USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) ports run at 10Gbps, and two of them can charge connected accessories at up to 60W total — that's 30W each if divided evenly.

The front also provides easy access to microSD/SD card readers of the UHS-II variety, and I had no problems using both readers simultaneously. That's a boon for multitaskers.

A 3.5mm combo audio/voice jack rounds out the front I/O, but a power button and an LED indicator are useful additions that keep you on top of the dock's status.

The Maxidok U716's power becomes more apparent on the back side. Here you'll find dedicated 3.5mm inputs for audio and microphone, three USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports at 10Gbps/4.5W each, DisplayPort 1.4, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports with 15W of charging power each.

The host upstream Thunderbolt 5 port can charge a connected laptop with up to 140W of power, and a Kensington lock slot makes it easy to keep the dock in place if you're working in an office.

Triple 4K@144Hz external display support

With this mix of DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 5, you can run three external 4K monitors at 144Hz each, or dual 8K displays at 60Hz each. If you drop to dual 4K, they'll each hit a 240Hz refresh rate.

That's assuming you have a Thunderbolt 5 laptop. Dropping down to Thunderbolt 4/USB4 caps it at dual 2K displays at 120Hz each.

Does UGREEN's 17-in-1 Maxidok have any issues?

The Maxidok 17-in-1 is an attractive (but big) piece of hardware with a two-tone finish and angled venting. I only wish it could be used in horizontal or vertical orientations.

The 15W Thunderbolt 5 charging is a tad skimpy compared to the competition, but certainly not a dealbreaker. And for those who use HDMI monitors, the native downstream DisplayPort will require a separate adapter.

If you can't get fast enough internet, the 2.5Gb Ethernet port might not be enough. CalDigit's TS5 Plus boosts it to 10Gb.

Should you buy the UGREEN 17-in-1 Maxidok?

✅ You should buy it if ...

• You're a Windows power user who needs a Thunderbolt 5 dock that can keep up with a heavy workflow.
• You can make use of a built-in M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD slot.

❌ You should not buy it if ...

• You don't have a Thunderbolt 5 laptop and don't plan to upgrade soon.
• You only need a dock to run an extra monitor or two and add some extra USB ports.

UGREEN's Maxidok 17-in-1 (U716) is a premium Thunderbolt 5 docking station that competes quite well with the CalDigit TS5 Plus, also priced at $500.

One of the biggest differences here is the additional M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slot, which is a feature I want to see in every high-end dock.

The fact that the Maxidok 17-in-1 is already discounted by 22% at launch also can't be ignored, as the high-end docking station market usually has prices locked in firmly.

For weeks last year, I had a secret on my desk — an early version of the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro. I’ve watched this device evolve from its early Kickstarter days into a ready-to-launch accessory that finally brings a premium haptic experience to the PC. Now, at CES 2026, the 'Magic Trackpad for Windows' has an official price.

During its Kickstarter campaign, the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro was available for $109 for early backers. It was expected to cost $149.99 when it launched, but Hyper has dropped the price a bit. At $129, the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro aligns with the Magic Trackpad it's frequently compared to.

The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro is a standalone trackpad. Its wedged design will look familiar to those who have used Apple's Magic Trackpad.

The accessory supports multi-level haptics, meaning you can press down with different amounts of firmness to perform different actions. In terms of user experience, I'd call them "levels" of haptics, but you aren't actually moving the trackpad down.

Since it is a haptic trackpad, the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro vibrates to simulate the feel of a button or switch. Being a haptic trackpad also eliminates dead zones and some common pitfalls of trackpads with moving parts.

Our team has covered the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro for over a year. We chatted with the Hyper team at CES 2025 and I got to spend weeks with early versions of the accessory. I also spoke with Hyper's engineers and team several times throughout my review process.

That gave me a unique perspective of the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro. While many, including myself, first saw the device as a Magic Trackpad for Windows, there's more to the accessory than that.

A powerful piece of customization software called Hydra Connect lets you create per-app commands and shortcuts. For example, you can set the same gesture to scrub a timeline in Adobe Premiere Pro but scroll a webpage in Microsoft Edge.

Hyper is at CES 2026 and also announced the HyperDrive USB4 M.2 PCIe enclosure at the event. That accessory can house SSDs and PCIe modules for transferring data. The company unveiled power banks and a set of Qi2 chargers as well.

Make sure to follow our CES 2026 coverage to get all the latest updates from the show.

Are you interested in a 'Magic Trackpad for Windows' or would you prefer to stick with your current setup? Let us know in the comments!

Whatever your reason for wanting one — to become a content creator, because you're always in voice calls, or even because you want to dabble in music — choosing the best microphone for you can feel impossible.

That's even without considering the differences between easy-to-use USB microphones and more flexible, professional XLR microphones. What if you could choose a microphone that does both just as well, though? That's where HP and HyperX are coming in with the FlipCast, an ultra-premium microphone that tries to be the best of both worlds.

I've been using the HyperX FlipCast, and it is a really good, high-end microphone for a variety of use cases. It's also expensive, lacks a mount or stand in the box, and falls behind in software customization compared to other options. Whether it'll be worth spending this much depends on how much you value that dual USB/XLR input capability.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. HyperX and HP had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Refined hardware and excellent audio quality

Like many of the most popular professional-grade microphones, the HyperX FlipCast is a front-address dynamic microphone with a sleek, matte black cylindrical design. Of course, it also boasts some of the gamer-esque details I expect from HyperX.

That includes the RGB light strip in the middle, which is fully customizable... but turns off when the microphone is muted. This is similar behavior to the HyperX QuadCast 2 S I reviewed, but the FlipCast also has an LED indicator strip that turns red when muted, so I wish I could choose to have the RGB lighting stay on.

Speaking of that LED indicator meter, it's one of the FlipCast's best design features. By default, it indicates audio levels, but the multi-function wheel behind it can switch between headset volume, monitoring levels, and microphone gain. In general, the FlipCast's onboard controls are intuitive and useful, even if the touch-sensitive mute button feels a little too easy to press.

It all helps the FlipCast look and feel like the premium microphone its price tag suggests, but how good it is at actually capturing sound is obviously even more important.

The HyperX FlipCast is absolutely a high-resolution microphone with some serious recording props, even if it doesn't boast a wide array of different pickup patterns. It's a front-address microphone, so you'll want it pointing directly at your mouth.

Overall, audio quality is deep, clear, and consistent, exactly as I expected. The FlipCast feels similar in quality overall to the aforementioned QuadCast 2 S, but its AI noise cancellation is even better. This microphone is genuinely among the best at filtering out unwanted background noise, even without relying on the high-pass and presence boost filters built into the FlipCast.

I wouldn't say the FlipCast decidedly takes the crown among other high-end microphones in this price bracket (companies like Shure still wear that crown), but it certainly doesn't disappoint.

USB and XLR versatility, but simple software

The biggest selling point for the HyperX FlipCast is the inclusion of both USB and XLR connectivity. All-in-one USB microphones can be more affordable and are far easier to set up and use, but XLR microphones can deliver greater audio fidelity and support modular upgrades and enhancements.

Why would you want both in one microphone? Well, the FlipCast can support a dual-PC setup with simultaneous USB and XLR, or be easily used with different setups, but the real advantage is that you can invest in a great plug-and-play microphone now, and then upgrade to a more professional XLR setup down the line without having to buy a new mic.

The HyperX FlipCast isn't unique here, but dual USB/XLR microphones aren't exactly common — especially from major brands. The most well-known is likely the Shure MV7+, which you can get for $299.99 at Amazon.com and is critically acclaimed.

That microphone is a fair bit more expensive than the FlipCast (and also doesn't include a stand in the box), but you're also getting Shure's legendary audio quality and greater suite of software features and integration. This is the FlipCast's greatest weakness; HyperX NGENUITY is intuitive, but it lacks the deeper customization that brands like Shure and AVerMedia offer for their microphones.

It's also worth mentioning that, if you're confident you'll never want a full XLR recording setup, you can get an excellent USB microphone for less (like the aforementioned HyperX QuadCast 2 S, which does have a stand in the box).

HyperX FlipCast review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a microphone with both USB and XLR connectivity.
• You need intuitive onboard controls and software.
• You want consistently great audio recording and noise cancellation.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You don't really need a high-end XLR microphone.
• You don't want to pay extra for a proper microphone mount.

The HyperX FlipCast is an excellent studio-grade microphone that's competing with some of the most popular on the market, with consistently great audio quality, an attractive and intuitive design, and surprisingly effective AI-powered noise cancellation.

It can also grow with you thanks to USB and XLR connectivity, which is a huge boon for anyone investing in themselves for content creation or other professional endeavors. That makes the HyperX FlipCast a top-notch option in my eyes, but just because other high-end, front-address microphones forgo including a stand in the box doesn't make it any less annoying here, and you're already paying a nice chunk of change for the FlipCast.

Still, HyperX is once again proving its accessories aren't just for gamers with the FlipCast. It may not be the absolute best microphone across every category, but it does deliver more than enough to earn my recommendation. If this is the microphone for you, the HyperX FlipCast is now available for $229.99 at BestBuy.com and at Amazon.com.

If you also want the exact microphone arm mount I used, that's the HyperX Caster available for $139.99 at HP.com. Check out my in-depth HyperX Caster review for more information on it.

When I agreed to review the HyperX FlipCast microphone, I didn't expect I'd need a mount, as there's no stand included in the box. I've tested a number of microphones and mounts, but I'm always moving between headsets, webcams, and microphones for my audio recording needs, so my desk is often bereft of a boom arm.

So, HP and HyperX sent me its premium Caster arm for microphones and cameras, and I decided to review this often-overlooked accessory alongside the FlipCast microphone.

After a few weeks of using and adjusting, I can say with confidence that the HyperX Caster does boast the sleek design — and toolless installation and adjustment — to compete with the best microphone mounting solutions... but it's also ludicrously expensive, so all but the most determined or affluent are likely better off with a more affordable alternative.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. HyperX and HP had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Easy setup, easy adjustment, easy headaches

A microphone arm isn't terribly complex, so I won't waste time in this review. The HyperX Caster's sleek, subtle design is reminiscent of other premium mounting solutions, but this microphone arm boasts a completely toolless setup.

There's only one clamping option, but the included C-clamp should provide enough leeway to support most desks and tables. You have 360 degrees of rotation, and three spring-assisted joints that can all be moved independently, capped with a standard 5/8-inch mounting thread (with 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch adapters in the box).

I've absolutely no complaints about the Caster's appearance, and it feels reliably constructed. There are also tracks for cable management built in that are equally easy to wrap your mind around. Once the HyperX Caster is properly set up, you're left wanting for nothing.

Setting up the HyperX Caster can be a real pain, though, and it's because of those "simple" spring-assisted joints. Tension dials in each joint adjust the strength of the springs, so you can tune the Caster to the weight of your microphone or camera, and ideally be able to move your microphone around freely without needing to make follow-up adjustments.

It works, but setting the tension in the joints can take a lot of trial and error, and the dials themselves feel cheap and fragile (none of them broke for me, but I can't say I wasn't worried). There's also very obviously a "happy medium" the joints prefer to stay in, so it's another exercise in patience if you need to adjust the HyperX Caster to a more extreme position.

It doesn't help that the Caster is simply large, even by microphone arm standards, so it's not as well-suited to compact, space-restrained setups.

HyperX Caster review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a premium microphone mount and are willing to pay for it.
• You want toolless installation with easy, intuitive adjustment.
• You have plenty of space to make use of this range of motion.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You just need a basic mount for your microphone or camera.
• You have limited space or a setup that won't work with a C-clamp.

Choosing an arm mount for your microphone or camera is definitely setup endgame, a way for content creators and professionals to take things to the next level. Microphone arms rarely break the $100 barrier, though, and the HyperX Caster soars across that threshold.

Is it worth the price? I think so, but only if you're actually willing to pay that much. Most people won't be, and that's fine. There are plenty of other excellent microphone arms that cost less and still do the same basic job.

Once you properly set up the HyperX Caster, though, I have to admit it looks great and is incredibly convenient for perfectly positioning your microphone or camera without having to think too hard about it. If that's what you need, you can get the HyperX Caster for $139.99 at HP.com.

You can also find more information on the microphone I used to test the HyperX Caster by checking out my in-depth HyperX FlipCast review.

I've wanted a Windows version of Apple's Magic Trackpad for years. So when Hyper announced the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro, I was thrilled.

At first glance, the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro looks like my dream come true, a wireless haptic trackpad that pairs seamlessly with Windows PCs. It is that, but I think limiting it to being a Magic Trackpad equivalent sells the device short.

I spent extensive time with two different early-release versions of the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro and spoke with its engineers and the Hyper team. That process gave me a unique glimpse into the device and helped me see the vision behind an accessory that goes beyond extending the trackpad.

I confess I was a bit nervous when testing the first iteration — the software was in its early days. That's normal for early beta software. By the time I tested the next iteration, several software updates had rolled out, and the experience was excellent.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HyperSpace. I used two iterations of the device and held several calls with its developers and the staff at HyperSpace. Hyper had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

If you open the box and simply connect the trackpad through Bluetooth or a USB-C cable, the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro will work as you'd expect. Navigation, swiping, and gestures all work without any special configuration.

If you use a dedicated piece of software called Hydra Connect, you'll unlock the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro. With that software, you can set custom zones, pick what gestures do, and adjust the sensitivity of various settings.

Hydra Connect supports customization on a per-app basis and has app-specific profiles. Profiles for Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Premiere Pro, Figma, and other apps come preloaded, but you can also create your own app profiles.

The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro was my favorite item from CES 2025, though it was still in development at the time. It's now been named a CES Innovation Award honoree for 2026.

A successful Kickstarter campaign wrapped up in November, and the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro is expected to start shipping in early 2026. Following that campaign, the trackpad will be sold for $149.99.

Haptics make all the difference

The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro is a large haptic trackpad. It's likely larger than any trackpad you've ever used, outsizing trackpads on the best Windows laptops.

Because of its haptic nature, the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro lacks any dead zones or areas that need extra pressure. You won't need to press harder near the corners, for example.

You've likely used a device with haptics, though the term covers a broad range of technologies. Smartphones like the iPhone have haptics, as do newer MacBooks. Some Windows laptops have haptics as well, such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) Aura Edition and the Surface Laptop 7. The Surface Pro 11's wireless Flex Keyboard also has haptics.

Haptic touchpads, including the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro, use vibration motors to simulate the feel of a switch or button without requiring any moving parts.

The trackpad of the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro is responsive, accurate, and supports multi-touch gestures. If you're used to navigating around Windows with flicks and swipes, you'll feel at home on the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro — albeit a larger home.

The hardware of the accessory is quite robust. CNC metal housing results in a clean finish that looks professional. The slight slope of the trackpad looks nice, and it also improves ergonomics.

Hyper went for a clean aesthetic here. The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro has rubber feet on the bottom, a small logo on the front, a USB-C port, and a power button on the back. That power button is also used to induce Bluetooth pairing.

More than a Magic Trackpad

Hyper’s accessory is an interesting one to review because it lacks competitors — at least on the Windows side of things. But even if you looked further afield to Apple’s ecosystem, the Hyper trackpad is not just a Magic Trackpad clone.

I spoke with Hyper’s engineers and leaders several times over the past few months. Our discussions often circled back to the fact that the Hyper trackpad has two goals:

1. Replicate the trackpad experience one would expect from their laptop trackpad.
2. Create a unique tool that’s customizable and looks at input from a different angle.

Within each of those categories, there’s plenty of nuance, but I think the vast majority of my thoughts on the device will fall into one of the two.

As mentioned above, Hyper’s trackpad works well, feels great, and has excellent haptics. If you take it out of the box and use it, you’ll be happy with the experience. But if you use Hydra Connect, a customization software included with the device, the trackpad gains new capabilities.

Within Hydra Connect, you’ll see some shortcuts and options, such as choosing what actions single-finger and two-finger clicks perform. Dig a little deeper, and you can choose what regular clicks and deep clicks do. Hop over to a different section of the app, and you’ll see an almost overwhelming number of options that can be set on a per-app basis.

Hyper has some presets in place to help you get started in different apps, such as scrubbing through a timeline in Adobe Premiere Pro with a specific movement. You can also map just about any action you can perform on the Hyper trackpad to do a myriad of things.

A learning curve

Speaking with the Hyper team and having the chance to provide feedback was an interesting experience. I've done something similar with app developers, but this is the first time I've gone in-depth with the folks behind an accessory like this.

I had a bit of a back-and-forth about the capabilities of the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro. While I love it, I think its advanced features can be a bit overwhelming.

The haptics in the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro support multiple "depths." The trackpad doesn't actually move, so depth may not be the correct word, but I'm not sure how else to describe it.

If you push a little bit, you can perform one action. A firmer press can invoke a different action. It feels like you're pushing the trackpad down, even though you're not. It's one of those things you have to feel in person.

I'm used to non-haptic trackpads, some of which have dead zones or require different amounts of pressure depending on where you tap. Because of that, I've developed a heavy hand, meaning I had to learn how to use a trackpad gently.

It took a bit of time to differentiate between a light press and a deep press. I asked if I could disable the deep click entirely to stop my heavy hands from doing the wrong action. While you can't disable the deep click, you can set it to do the same action as the lighter tap.

The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro feels, in some ways, like a laptop trackpad made into a standalone device. But if you take full advantage of its software, it's a lot more than that.

The option to set actions on a per-app basis opens up new possibilities. I could use the right side of the trackpad to scroll up and down in Edge, but set the same action to scrub a timeline in Adobe Premiere Pro.

HyperSpace Trackpad Pro: Final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a MacBook-like trackpad for Windows: This is one of the only standalone trackpads that works with PCs.
• You are a power user in creative apps: Per-app customization makes this trackpad a powerful and versatile tool.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You are on a budget: At $149.99, it is more expensive than even some high-end mice.
• You want to use a mouse exclusively: Gamers and certain creators require a mouse.

I actually had a hard time picking a spot on my desk for the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro. Because it's a trackpad, I first used it below my Logitech K860 keyboard. I then tried the device in place of my mouse, since I was using it to navigate timelines, scroll, and swipe around with gestures.

Ultimately, I placed the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro next to my keyboard but below my mouse, giving me the option to use my mouse for certain tasks. Clicking specs on an image to use a blemish removal tool is easier with a mouse, in my opinion.

The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro could replace a built-in trackpad or a mouse, but I think it carves a niche as a unique accessory that's worth adding to a workflow.

I've used a lot of different keyboards lately, and they've all tried to impress me in different ways. For this latest from HyperX, it's all about offering a premium, wireless gaming experience in a package more customizable than most.

Hot swappable switches, replaceable keycaps, a magnetic frame and badge, per-key and frame RGB lighting — you can make the HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless your own, and trust that there will always be a great, feature-packed keyboard at the core. That's the idea, anyway.

In my testing, though, the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless doesn't always compare favorably to others in the same price range, especially with some oddities and instabilities that you don't expect from a premium product. This keyboard has been out for a while, though, so you can often find it for much less than its original retail price — a fact directly responsible for it earning a slightly more positive recommendation from me.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. HP and HyperX had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

A flexible design packed with features

As much as I personally value a tenkey number pad, I've grown rather fond of the popular 75% keyboard layout.

The HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless is a good jab at the form factor, too, but it's not my favorite; it's missing the "Del" and right "Ctrl" keys, for one, and you still get the shortened right "Shift." You do get an F13 key in the function row, though, which some people will undoubtedly value.

Layout aside, this is a gasket-mounted design constructed mostly of plastic, with an aluminum top frame that is actually connected via magnets. You can pull it off to expose the screws holding the keyboard together, and swap it out for a different color. There's also a small metal badge on the right side of the keyboard that can be swapped out for a variety of designs, with HyperX selling badge packs for $24.99 at HyperX.com.

Combine that with the ability to swap out the switches and double-shot PBT keycaps, as well as the per-key RGB lighting and RGB light strips on either side, and the HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless feels more customizable than your average keyboard, even if the base keyboard only comes in standard black.

Being a premium keyboard, customization isn't the only thing the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless has up its sleeves. You get multi-device connectivity across HyperX's 2.4GHz, three Bluetooth profiles, and the USB Type-C port, a customizable dial, and even an ambient light sensor that can dynamically adjust the RGB backlighting to match your surroundings (you don't see that often).

Battery life is surprisingly good when off the cable, too, getting up to 80 hours of usage even with RGB lighting enabled. The features, design, and build quality are there for the price, but what's it like actually using this keyboard?

Software and firmware that's rough around the edges

Simply setting up the HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless was a chore, and Windows Dynamic Lighting is to blame... Sort of. I had already disabled it, but it was re-enabled when this keyboard was connected — and only affected this keyboard, not any of my other RGB-lit accessories or peripherals.

Until I found the culprit, the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless simply didn't work correctly. Half the built-in keyboard shortcuts didn't work (and if they did, they gave no indication like they normally would), and none of my changes in HyperX's NGENUITY software would apply properly. I'm not the only person (or even reviewer) to encounter similar issues, too.

Once I disabled Windows Dynamic Lighting again and completely reset the keyboard and software, and reinstalled all firmware and software updates, the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless finally worked properly. Well, except for the RGB lighting occasionally turning itself off until I turned the keyboard off and on again. Oh, and the handful of times the keyboard also disconnected from my computer entirely, until I turned it off and on.

The HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless isn't new, either; it's enjoyed a full year of support, and it was still one of the more inconsistent keyboards I've used recently. Tally up every issue, though, and they took up less than 1% of my time using the keyboard, so I wouldn't go so far as to call it broken or even deeply flawed.

The rest of the time, the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless has been great, with excellent performance and typing ergonomics. The acoustics are a little on the sharp and metallic side, though, and other keyboards in the $200+ price range simply feel better — so it's a good thing for the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless that it doesn't really cost $200+ anymore, which helps smooth over all of this.

Alloy Rise 75 Wireless review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a full-featured, premium, wireless 75% gaming keyboard.
• You'll actually take advantage of the increase customizability.
• You find this keyboard on sale for much less than its retail price.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• Small issues wear on your patience very quickly.
• You love creamy typing acoustics, like the best enthusiast keyboards.

The HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless was released for $230, forcing it to compete with some of the best and highest-rated wireless gaming keyboards on the market. At that price, it'd be tough to recommend given how important consistency and stability are with a high-performance gaming accessory.

This keyboard doesn't really cost that much anymore, though. Whether you look at BestBuy.com or at Amazon.com, the Alloy Rise 75 Wireless normally goes for $130-140. That's much more palatable, and honestly makes this keyboard an excellent deal for those who want a premium peripheral without paying a premium price.

It won't go down in history as one of my favorite gaming keyboards, but the HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless is a good option when on sale, delivering a ton of features, better-than-average customization, and a really nice overall typing and gaming experience. Just be prepared for some occasional oddities, though, which will remind you why I reviewed this keyboard more favorably, because its price has fallen.

Some might say I'm too passionate about laptop docking stations, especially after taking a look at the 5,000+ words I've used to cover in-depth the best Thunderbolt docks and hubs of the year. This stripped-back guide is an antidote, delivering the very best docking stations with the latest prices (including Black Friday discounts), without all the extra fluff.

My top pick for power users with Thunderbolt 5 is CalDigit's TS5, though the high price might turn some away. The standard TS5 is a great alternative, as is the Kensington SD7100T5 EQ Pro, which comes complete with a built-in M.2 SSD slot for quick and easy removable storage.

Razer's Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma is another Thunderbolt 5 dock with a built-in M.2 SSD slot, and there's also the Razer USB4 Dock to check out if you don't have Thunderbolt in your PC.

If you're still working with Thunderbolt 4, as I know many are, the Kensington SD5780T, UGreen Revodok Max 213, and CalDigit TS4 remain top options in 2025.

FAQ

Millions of people use Logitech products every time they sit down at their computer, be it their webcam, headset, mouse, keyboard, or any other accessory. Logitech has built up a reputation for offering consistently great and smartly designed products.

It's a reputation so solid, actually, that the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 (K380s) has been one of our top-rated keyboards for ages, even without a full, in-depth review. I know many people need more before they make a final purchasing decision, though, so I've been using the Pebble Keys 2 for a few weeks now to get a feel for this affordable board.

After a whole lot of typing, I'm very comfortable calling this the best all-around wireless productivity keyboard for less than $50. Those looking for a reliable, affordable, and compact keyboard for working on the go should look no further than the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 (K380s).

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Logitech. Logitech had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Too pretty for the price, but not always practical

The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 doesn't quite look like most keyboards with which you'll be familiar, and the reason is in the name: pebble keys. Rather than traditional square or squircle keys, this keyboard goes all-in on circles.

The Pebble Keys 2 is all curves, a slim and light low-profile board swimming in charisma. It caps out at 16mm and weighs a good chunk less than half a kilogram (even with batteries installed). This is a compact design that can easily slip into any bag and won't look out of place on any surface.

Those circular keys add a lot of character in each of the three colorways, too, but not everyone will love them and the odd spacing they cause. If you're used to more traditional keyboard designs, it may take some time to adjust to typing on the Pebble Keys 2.

This low-profile design also doesn't include adjustable stands, so you'll have to content yourself with the single, static angle for typing.

When it comes to build quality, the Pebble Keys 2 is rock solid for the price, but it won't fool you into believing it actually costs $100 instead of $40. It's constructed entirely of plastic, and there is some flexing and creaking if you go looking for it. When actually using the keyboard, though, the Pebble Keys 2 never felt cheap under my fingers.

All the features you expect and more for only $40

Assuming you can acclimate to the circular keys, the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 performs wonderfully as a keyboard. The low-profile switches are responsive and consistent, with a near-silent action for those who want to work quietly.

All the qualities of a great keyboard are here, and the Pebble Keys 2 can boast other features and refinements not guaranteed at this price point, such as smartly chosen function key shortcuts (my personal favorite is a dedicated shortcut to open the Emoji panel).

This keyboard also supports Logitech's intuitive, reliable Logi Options+ software on macOS and Windows; you don't get a ton of software features here, but you can reprogram the function row shortcuts and create custom profiles for different applications.

You also get wireless Bluetooth support across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms, with three profiles you can quickly switch between. I was really impressed by the wireless performance, too, with quick pairing and connecting, no errant disconnects or lag, and a happy lack of annoying double-typing often seen with cheaper Bluetooth keyboards.

Even more impressive is the battery life. Yes, the Pebble Keys 2 does rely on AAA batteries, but I've been using this keyboard for weeks, and the battery level hasn't even noticeably dipped. You could potentially get years of use out of this keyboard before ever worrying about replacing the batteries.

Part of how Logitech pulled such astounding endurance off, though, is by not offering keyboard backlighting, so the Pebble Keys 2 can be slightly inconvenient to use in darker environments.

Logitech Pebble Keys 2 review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want an affordable but capable wireless keyboard for multiple devices.
• You care about aesthetics and like those circular keys.
• Countless months of battery life is a huge boon for you.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need keyboard backlighting.
• You'd rather a more traditional keyboard design.

I've placed countless keyboards on my desk, many boasting elaborate designs, extensive feature sets, and intimidating prices. Despite such a dramatic history with these peripherals, the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 (K380s) has coolly secured a place in my reviewer's heart.

This keyboard is cheap and cheerful, with a fun design and a modest list of features, but it's also a damn good keyboard for the price. The typing experience is consistent, the performance is flawless, the battery life is truly exceptional, and it's all in an affordable package that you'll hardly notice in your bag.

If you're looking to spend less than $50 and want a versatile, portable, and attractive keyboard for your setup, save yourself some time and get the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 (K380s) for $39.99 at Amazon.com or $39.99 at BestBuy.com. For just one pair of Hamiltons, you won't be disappointed.

Razer is known for a lot of PC and gaming accessories, but "webcams" are rarely the first thing that comes to mind. The company is apparently taking the segment seriously, though, as we now have a Razer Kiyo V2 to assess.

I've been using this as my primary webcam for weeks now, and I'm honestly shocked by how good it is. At $150, the new Razer Kiyo V2 manages to undercut some of the most popular premium 4K webcams, but doesn't disappoint when it comes to image or microphone quality.

The best part? The Kiyo V2 comes with a lifetime subscription to Camo Studio Pro, a popular multi-platform software that enables a wide range of webcam features. That's a $100 value on its own, and helps Razer's latest webcam compete with more established players.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Razer. Razer had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

A quality webcam designed for everyone

With the Kiyo V2, Razer has officially moved away from the chunky circle of its previous webcams and adopted a design we've seen a lot, like with the Logitech MX Brio I reviewed, which moves the webcam internals into a horizontal bar (which also has the side effect of spreading out the stereo microphones).

As such, the Kiyo V2 is not a compact webcam, if that matters to you, but it's still a clean, matte black design with excellent build quality. Razer's build quality has steadily improved over the years, and I see those efforts reflected here.

This isn't an "ultra-premium" webcam like Razer's previous Kiyo Pro Ultra or something like the OBSBOT Tiny 2 I reviewed (which is still my favorite webcam of all time), but the Kiyo V2 feels every bit as smartly designed and tightly constructed as the plethora of ~$200+ webcams on the market.

That includes a sturdy, permanently attached stand with a built-in pivot, support for standard 1/4-inch mounts, a detachable USB Type-C cable, and a clearly visible physical privacy shutter that you can open and close by spinning the rim around the sensor. Yes, there's also a white LED that shows when the camera is on — but only the camera, so the microphones can still be active while the light is off (I think Razer should change that).

Speaking of microphones, the Kiyo V2 punches above its weight here. My colleagues at Windows Central expressed surprise at the quality of these webcam mics, and I share their praise. Make no mistake — this is still a webcam, so you'll always be better off with a good headset or (even better) a dedicated microphone.

That being said, the Kiyo V2 does better than most webcams at filtering out background noise and focusing on your voice, keeping it clear and full. Any change in the distance between you and the Kiyo V2 has a huge impact on quality, though, which isn't good for someone as twitchy as me.

The surrounding hardware is top-notch, but it's the sensor at the core that makes or breaks a webcam.

A solid sensor supported by super software

At the center of the Razer Kiyo V2 is an 8.3MP Sony STARVIS sensor of decent size, although it's not as impressively vast as the Kiyo Pro Ultra that precedes it. This sensor is capable of recording at 4K and 30 frames per second (FPS), or 1080p and 60 FPS.

Strangely, the more affordable Kiyo V2 X caps out at 1440p and 60 FPS, while the Kiyo V2 is limited to 30 FPS at the same resolution. I'm not sure why that is, honestly, but in all other respects, the more expensive webcam's sensor is dramatically superior, with a much wider 93-degree field-of-view (FoV), High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, and wider compatibility with various formats and features.

As far as sheer image quality is concerned, the Razer Kiyo V2 is capable of going toe-to-toe with those aforementioned $200 webcams; color reproduction is spot on, low-light performance is respectable, and auto-focus is accurate (if a little slow at times). This webcam's one weakness seems to be with auto-exposure, as the Kiyo V2 has a tendency to blow out lighter skin tones (I definitely fall into that category).

At face value, the Razer Kiyo V2's sensor is good enough to play with the biggest players in this price range, but it doesn't outright beat them in any specific area. What sets this webcam apart is the software that supports it and the attractive price tag tying it all together.

Let's clear the air — when I say software helps make the Kiyo V2 great, I am not talking about Razer Synapse. In this case, Synapse does the absolute bare minimum; it gives you basic settings and is functional, but it simply can't compete with the mature platforms of more established webcam brands.

Razer clearly knows this, though, so it partnered with one of the most popular third-party solutions for upgrading your streaming and video conference setup across Windows and macOS: Camo Studio.

Every single Kiyo V2 (not the more affordable V2 X) comes with a lifetime license for Camo Studio's "Pro" license, and includes a variety of exclusive Razer themes and presets.

Suddenly, the Razer Kiyo V2 has all the software features you could want from the absolute best webcams, including more granular image adjustments, AI-assisted backgrounds and privacy filters, automatic face tracking, and more. Camo may be partially known for transforming your phone into a high-quality webcam, but it's genuinely a powerful and intuitive webcam software suite — and the Razer Kiyo V2 gives you access to all of it without a subscription fee.

Honestly, I'm really impressed by how responsive and intuitive Camo Studio is. The Razer Kiyo V2 doesn't boast gimbal tracking, yet Camo's auto-framing feature easily makes full use of the wide-angle lens to keep me in frame. It's a great experience... but Razer Synapse is essentially useless outside of obtaining your lifetime license, so keep that in mind if you're especially mindful of new applications eating into your system resources.

Razer Kiyo V2 review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You need a high-quality 4K webcam without spending $200+.
• You already know the value of Camo Studio and its features.
• You want a great webcam with a physical privacy shutter you can see.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You really don't want to install a new app just for your webcam.
• You really value hardware features like gimbal tracking.

Look, I'll be returning to the OBSBOT Tiny 2; the gimbal tracking, the superior image quality, and the all-in-one software suite objectively make it the better webcam. It also costs literally twice as much, though.

When judged for what it is, the Razer Kiyo V2 is truly excellent. It's only $149.99 at Razer.com, and it's genuinely not often I can look at a Razer product and remark, "that's a really good deal." This is a good deal, especially if you take advantage of the included Camo Studio Pro license, which unlocks a ton of extra software features.

It's good enough that — despite costing 33% less — I can't really recommend the Razer Kiyo V2 X for $99.99 at Razer.com (get the OBSBOT Tiny SE I reviewed instead). The Razer Kiyo V2 is a fantastic value for frequent attendees of video conferences and streamers alike, and definitively gives the more expensive Logitech MX Brio a run for its money.

If you're here, then you likely already know that mini PCs are an excellent way to play video games without having to spend as much money on a full-blown desktop or laptop. If you're not inclined to use a keyboard, then you need a reliable controller to game effectively.

Thankfully, any controller that works for a Windows laptop or desktop will work on a Windows mini PC. I've rounded up our absolute favorite options so you can get the best gaming controller for your mini PC setup.

I'll be upfront and tell you that the Xbox Wireless Controller, which has a starting price of $53.99 at Best Buy, is my pick for the best controller for mini PCs, but I've also included some other options for different budgets.

Game on your mini PC with a reliable controller

One thing I've learned over my years of PC gaming is that you really do need a reliable controller if you want the best gaming experience possible.

Sure, there are plenty of cheap controllers on the market, but some of them are designed horribly, aren't very responsive, tend to drift quickly, or might regularly drop the wireless connection mid-game.

First and foremost, I always recommend the Xbox Wireless Controller. Its well-spaced buttons, stable Bluetooth connection, large joysticks, and solid weight make it an excellent choice for playing on your mini PC.

Now, if you'd like something that doesn't dig as much into your wallet, then I recommend the GameSir Nova Lite, which is a far more affordable wireless controller with Hall Effect joysticks.

Anyone looking for the best experience available today and doesn't care about price should check out the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. It offers Hall Effect joysticks, six remappable buttons, extremely responsive buttons, and a comfortable layout.

Keychron has become a part of my regular keyboard rotation, and I've been impressed with the company's diverse family of thoughtfully designed, enthusiast-focused keyboards. Now, Keychron's most ambitious board yet has found its way to my desk, and it's definitely interesting.

This is the Keychron Q16 HE 8K, and Keychron calls it the "world's first fully ceramic keyboard." There's no visible aluminum or PBT plastic here — body and keys, the Q16 HE 8K is entirely coated in ceramic, and the result is striking. Under the hood, the Q16 HE 8K is just as impressive with the latest and greatest technology Keychron can muster.

So, what's preventing this keyboard from being a total slam dunk? Well, it's because ceramic probably isn't a great material to use for a keyboard in the first place. As cool as the Keychron Q16 HE 8K is, I wouldn't easily recommend it to any but the most fashion-conscious keyboard enthusiasts.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Keychron. Keychron had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

A beautiful but divisive ceramic design

Keychron is no stranger to designing attractive keyboards, but the Q16 HE 8K's all-ceramic design firmly stands on its own. For better or worse, there's no other keyboard quite like this — and there's a bit of both going on.

This is a 65% keyboard. I'll be the first to lament that you give up too much with a 65% layout, and that TKL and 75% keyboards are best, but Keychron always does a great job with spacing, key sizes, and placement. This is as good as the 65% layout gets.

The ceramic design is also striking. Whichever color you choose, the Q16 HE 8K does skew more toward "work of art" than your average keyboard, especially when it has been untouched by filthy human hands. Alas, keyboards are tools, and that's where matters begin to fall apart.

At a glance, the Q16 HE 8K is everything a great keyboard needs to be, but the ceramic material has four major side effects. First, this keyboard is heavy. At over 1,000g, it weighs slightly more than the larger Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% I reviewed — and that premium keyboard has an internal battery and a wrist rest.

Points two and three relate to the keys, which are both slick and insistent on stubbornly clinging to every single smudge and fingerprint. The feel of the Q16 HE 8K's keys is less pleasant and comfortable than other keyboards, and attempting to keep this keyboard clean enough to actually admire its beautiful design is a frustrating exercise in futility.

Finally, there's a real reason to be concerned about durability. Ceramic isn't necessarily fragile, but you do have to baby the Q16 HE 8K to avoid chipping. In fact, my space bar came chipped out of the box, which was sealed and very securely packed in its shipping box.

Form reigns supreme over function with this keyboard's design, but Keychron absolutely didn't cut corners on what's packed inside.

Truly impressive internals... that are heading to other keyboards

The Q16 HE 8K debuts Keychron's new custom "Ultra-Fast Lime" switches, which utilize Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) magnetic sensors to deliver unparalleled precision, reliability, and responsiveness — even compared to Keychron's previous magnetic keyboards, which use the more common Hall Effect technology.

Like other magnetic keyboards, the Q16 HE 8K boasts an adjustable actuation point and features like rapid trigger (registering a press the moment a key is depressed), last-key prioritization (always instantly registering the latest key to be pressed), multi-stage assignments (being able to use multiple shortcuts with a single key press), and more.

Aside from the general improvements of TMR versus Hall Effect, though, the Q16 HE 8K also lays claim to a seriously impressive 8,000Hz maximum polling rate — just like the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 8K we recently reviewed. This may not be positioned as a gaming keyboard, but almost nothing else on the market can brag about this level of sheer performance.

Typing on the Keychron Q16 HE 8K is wonderfully responsive and consistent, and it's just as good as the best gaming keyboards for staying competitive in the most demanding games. If this keyboard's typing experience has one weakness, it's that it's loud; the typing acoustics may be beautifully "thonky," but everyone in the same area code as you may not be as appreciative.

Keychron also makes a lot of keyboards for enthusiasts, and while the Q16 HE 8K does fall in the same category with its hot-swappable switches and key caps (and included tools in the box), it's definitely not as friendly to hardcore keyboard fanatics. The Q16 HE 8K only supports a very small list of Keychron-approved magnetic switches, and accessing its internals requires removing the non-adjustable rubber feet to reach the screws hidden beneath.

Keychron Q16 HE 8K: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You're looking for an artistic keyboard that makes a statement.
• You can actually make use of these advanced features and performance.
• You can accept a high price tag when it's in the name of luxury.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need a keyboard that can take some hits and stay clean doing it.
• You care a lot more about features than you do aesthetics.

Previously, Keychron has seriously impressed me with its keyboards — and I have a strong feeling it'll continue to do so moving forward. On the surface, the Q16 HE 8K should be another unreserved victory for Keychron. Many of the best qualities for a top-notch enthusiast-grade keyboard are reflected here, after all, combined with a truly ridiculous level of performance.

On so many fronts, the Q16 HE 8K does justify costing $229.99 at Keychron.com (or, depending on when you read this review, on Kickstarter), even being completely dependent on a wire. This keyboard's greatest differentiator is also its most potent weakness, though; "ceramic" looks great in a headline, but I'm far from convinced that it's a great material for a keyboard that anyone is supposed to actually use.

That's why I'm so excited to get my hands on the upcoming Keychron Q3 HE 8K that you can see for $229.99 at Keychron, part of a new series from the company that pairs the incredible internals of the Q16 HE 8K with a more traditional aluminum and double-shot PBT design. Unless you're genuinely interested in the Q16 HE 8K's ceramic design, I'd recommend staying your hand and waiting for my thoughts on the Q3 HE 8K, too.

Razer has spent many decades crafting high-quality gaming mice, both at premium prices for people looking to get the best performance out of PC gaming, and lower-end prices for people wanting to save money.

The Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed fits the latter category while packing enough advanced features to make it viable to play the best PC games, and it's now on sale for $43.99 thanks to Amazon cutting its $69.99 MSRP by 37%.

This gaming mouse is great value for money and here's why

Razer's Viper V3 HyperSpeed is one of our highest recommendations for PC players wanting an affordable yet high-quality gateway into the world of upgrading their PC gaming rigs with the best PC gaming accessories.

Why, you may ask? Well, for starters, it has a comfy, streamlined ergonomic design with a smooth, soft-touch finish and sturdy build quality that makes it feel good to use without causing strain on the user's wrist after hours of use.

The Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed also features high-performance rates of 30,000 DPI, 750 IPS speed, 70G acceleration, and a polling rate of 1,000Hz (or 4,000Hz when paired with a HyperPolling Wireless Dongle).

This will ensure you get ultra-accurate and reliable inputs and sensitivity while playing games, especially fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty or Battlefield.

To top it off, the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed has great battery life of 280 hours at 1,000Hz (or 75 hours when set to 4,000Hz) despite not having an internal rechargeable battery.

So if you're in the market for a trustworthy and high-quality wireless gaming mouse at a cheap price, you can't go wrong with the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed, as it has a reasonable MSRP of $69.99.

In fact, its cost has become even more thrifty thanks to Amazon, which is selling the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed for the discounted price of $43.99, saving buyers $26.00 in the process.

FAQ

I've dabbled with integrating portable monitors into my life in the past, but that was in the day when most of the affordable ones were pretty awful. This one from Acer, though, is a little different.

That's because it's all set to flex on your laptop-only coffee shop compadres with its dual-screen magnificence. It only takes up the same amount of space in your bag as a single-screen portable monitor, but spreads its wings to reveal a pair of 16-inch displays, one stacked atop the other.

My first thoughts upon unboxing it were mixed. There's a bit of wow factor, naturally, but also a little "who is this for?"

This is for me. That's the answer there. But more broadly speaking, it solves a problem I didn't know I had. I've used it with both a laptop and a desktop PC, and there's definitely something here. It's not without some flaws, but those are specific to the hardware, not the idea behind it.

Two screens are better than one

If you're even considering a portable monitor, it's because you need more screen real estate to play with. So why not double up? The Acer PD163Q features its 16-inch displays stacked on top of each other, so the footprint is no larger than if it were a single panel.

Both use a 16x9 aspect ratio, but since they're arranged vertically, there's little reason to complain about a loss of vertical space. You can use each as an individual display, giving you two extra monitors to play with, or by pressing a button on the side, you can get a single display that fills both.

In this case, you will need to adjust the scaling in Windows 11, and you've got a break of about an inch right through the middle, but it works. It's usable, even if not my favorite layout. The two displays are connected by the sort of hinge you'd find on a convertible laptop, so you get a lot of flexibility over the angle of the upper panel.

The lower one has the kickstand behind it, and so this is how you adjust its angle. It's a solid kickstand, and as much as I've tried to adjust both it and the upper display, I can't make it topple over. So A+ for stability.

You also only need a single cable to power both displays. Using a USB-C connection, you can get both the power required and video output split between both panels, recognized as individual displays. Alternatively, you have a USB-C power brick and an HDMI cable, but this doesn't work quite the same. More on that later.

It's quite a brilliant little setup, though. I've used it mostly on my desk while reviewing the Geekom A9 Max mini PC, hooked up over USB-C, and it's been a champion. Sure, the refresh rate is only 60Hz, but then, it's not a monitor for gaming. It's got plenty of brightness on tap, easy-to-use controls, solid viewing angles, and colors.

Running the colorimeter over, it shows a 95% sRGB compatibility, which is low if you compare it to the latest desktop monitors. But, it's perfectly fine, I think, for something you can toss in a bag. I think it's pretty good to look at, at least. There is also a selection of built-in modes, including gaming and movie, to tweak the contrast and brightness for that type of content.

What I hadn't expected was how using displays stacked vertically like this would feel more natural and comfortable. I've had multiple displays in my life for years, side-by-side. But I do tire of the constant head movement. With this portable monitor, a little glance up and down is all I need. It's been quite eye-opening. A problem I didn't know I needed a solution to.

There are some flaws

To set it straight, I've no qualms with the quality of the hardware or how the displays look. I love the design, the usability, and it's good to look at. But there are some quirks which, while not necessarily dealbreakers, can make this dual-screen portable monitor harder to live with.

The first is the lack of any real direction on how to use it with an HDMI cable. After much web searching, it turns out that you need to plug in the HDMI, the external power, AND then a USB-C cable to join it to your PC. You should then see an external drive, also known as the monitor, with a driver installer.

This driver is important because without it, you can't use both screens as individual displays over HDMI. The trouble is, no matter how hard I've tried, I can't get this process to happen. Nothing shows up in Windows 11. I've tried just about every cable I can find and every USB port I have at my disposal.

Firstly, there should be better instructions in the box. Secondly, why can't I find this driver on Acer's support site? I've searched and searched, but I cannot locate it anywhere. And judging by some threads I've seen, I'm not the only one having this issue.

For me, it's not a problem; I can use USB-C video output, and it all works perfectly. But if you don't have this capability, I would seriously consider looking elsewhere.

I also wish you could turn off one of the panels and just use it as a single display portable monitor. The top panel can fold right the way over into a 'tent,' but you can't shut it off. I get that the whole purpose is having two screens, but I also feel like it's something simple that could have been added.

It can also be a bit sluggish to come back on from sleep. This won't be an issue if you're on the road and hooking it up to a laptop, but in a desktop environment, there have been times I've needed to detach and reattach the USB-C cable to spark it back into life.

It also, for whatever reason, refuses to remember my brightness settings. In the standard mode, every time it turns off, it resets back to 30 when it comes back on. And that's just too dim for my liking.

A good idea if you can use USB-C

I would say that this is an easier recommendation on the proviso that you have USB-C video output capabilities on your laptop, desktop, or mini PC. If you do, it's really quite good. A single cable for power and video to both displays makes it an ideal travel companion.

Folded closed, it has no larger footprint than the laptop you might be carrying it with, so it's slim enough to stash in the same bag, especially since you don't need an extra power adapter.

It looks good to the eye, even if it's not ideally suited to something such as creative work. But the colors are good, the text is crisp, and I've enjoyed using it for the past few weeks.

I wish the process of using it with HDMI were easier, and as such, I'd encourage folks to steer clear if this is their intended method. You may have the same frustrations I had, and at best, you're going to be carrying a power adapter and two cables just to use it.

I said it solved a problem I didn't know I had, and I meant it. I don't have much space on my desk, but the Acer PD163Q has given me two additional displays that need a smaller footprint on the desktop than a laptop. Using displays stacked vertically like this, also, is more comfortable than I expected and actually feels more natural to me than going left to right all the time.

And, hey, you look like a boss in Starbucks.

Thunderbolt 5 is slowly (and I mean slowly) becoming the new standard for laptop connectivity, and Lenovo is looking to keep up with its adoption by announcing a new ThinkPad docking station.

The Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock 7500, which is expected to arrive in Q3 2025 at a whopping $549.99 price tag, is one of a trio of docks revealed at IFA 2025.

Lenovo also showed off the ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock Gen 2 7500 and the ThinkPad USB4 Smart Dock 5500. These docks are also expected in Q3 2025, but at more reasonable prices ($379.99 and $269.99, respectively).

Three 8K displays and more?

The two biggest draws to Lenovo's new ThinkPad Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock 7500 are likely the impressive display support and the cloud-based management tools.

Thanks to the inclusion of dual DisplayPort 2.1, an HDMI 2.1 port, and dual downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports, the dock can handle up to three 8K displays each at a 60Hz refresh rate, plus a fourth 4K display also at a 60Hz refresh rate.

Don't have any 8K displays lying around? Lenovo says the dock will fall back to dual 4K displays each at 240Hz and two 4K displays each at 120Hz, simultaneously. That's similar to Dell's new Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock (SD25TB5) that I'm eager to test out, capable of four 4K displays each at 120Hz.

I reviewed the mighty CalDigit TS5 Thunderbolt 5 dock earlier this year, handing it a perfect five stars and a Windows Central Editor's Choice award in the process. CalDigit's dock, capable of handling dual 8K displays each at a 60Hz refresh rate, is easily outpaced by the new ThinkPad hardware.

The ThinkPad Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock 7500 likewise pulls ahead in terms of remote management capabilities. Makes sense, as this is a dock designed for professionals and enterprise users.

Via the RJ45 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, the dock is compatible with Wake-On-Lan (WOL), PXE Boot, and MAC Address Passthrough when connected to a ThinkPad laptop.

Lenovo says the dock can deliver up to 180W of charging power thanks to PD 3.1, although it doesn't specify if that number includes USB charging or only host laptop charging.

Charging capabilities include USB-A ports with up to 12W, USB-C ports with up to 15W, and downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports also with 15W. That's more than enough to keep smaller accessories charged.

One feature I love, which each dock includes, is a removable Thunderbolt 5 host cable that connects in a small cutout area, keeping the connection tight while in use. It's not something I've seen on any other dock. You'll also find mounting slots on the underside, allowing you to get the dock off your desktop without too much effort.

Here's a closer look at the specs that make up the ThinkPad Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock 7500, as well as its two new siblings.

Lenovo also has new ThinkPad docks for Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 laptops

As mentioned, Thunderbolt 5's slow adoption rate among laptops is keeping Thunderbolt 4 a viable alternative. Lenovo's Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock Gen 2 7500 (what a mouthful) is thus a better choice for those who don't plan to upgrade to a TB5 laptop anytime soon or who don't want to spend as much money.

👉 Related: Thunderbolt 5 vs. Thunderbolt 4 vs. USB4

The Thunderbolt 4 dock, with half of the bi-directional bandwidth as Thunderbolt 5 (and a third when TB5 has Bandwidth Boost enabled), supports just one 8K display at a 60Hz refresh rate.

Should you connect a couple of 4K displays, you'll get up to a 144Hz refresh rate in each. With four 4K displays, each monitor's refresh rate tops out at 60Hz. Power delivery falls to a more modest 100W, but Lenovo keeps four USB ports on the front for easy charging at up to 15W.

The same remote management tools — PXE Boot, WOL, and MAC address passthrough — are available when the Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock Gen 2 7500 is connected to a ThinkPad laptop.

Thunderbolt is a proprietary Intel technology that must be licensed for use in laptops. While it has been found in some AMD-powered laptops, the vast majority of PCs without an Intel chip — including Qualcomm Snapdragon X laptops — inside rely on USB4.

USB4 is essentially a no-name version of Thunderbolt 4, with similar capabilities and cross-compatibility. Lenovo's ThinkPad USB4 Smart Dock 5500 makes the most of those abilities. It supports the same single 8K display at 60Hz, dual 4K displays at 144Hz, or four 4K displays at 60Hz.

The USB4 version of the dock also hits 100W of power delivery, with quad USB-A ports at up to 12W of charging, and three USB-C ports at up to 7.5W of power.

Considering the ThinkPad USB4 Smart Dock is expected to cost about $280 less than the Thunderbolt 5 version and about $110 less than the Thunderbolt 4 version, it should serve as an excellent alternative even if you have a Thunderbolt-equipped PC.

All three of Lenovo's new docks are said to support Accessories Fleet Manager, allowing connected IT teams to monitor and manage in real-time.

ASUS makes a lot of products, so I cover a lot of ASUS products. I really enjoy the company's laptops, monitors, and gaming hardware, but ASUS' accessories have yet to really win me over — until now.

This is the ASUS ROG Harpe Ace Mini, an ultra-light, high-performance wireless gaming mouse that delivers a stellar user experience. It's an all-around great mouse for $130, and I've already seen it go on sale for much less than that, too.

If you're in the market for a fast and reliable wireless mouse, but want it to be more compact than many of the most popular options, the ROG Harpe Ace Mini is absolutely worth considering. If you value a higher 8,000Hz polling rate, though, you'll need to track down ASUS' elusive (and optional) polling rate booster.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by ASUS. ASUS had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

A sensible design with seriously little weight

ASUS' gaming accessories often adopt wild and edgy "gamer" designs, but the Harpe Ace Mini doesn't fall into that trend. This is a small, ambidextrous mouse that favors right-handed users, molded entirely out of smooth, matte plastic with few embellishments.

A lot of people prefer a more compact peripheral for gaming and working, and the Harpe Ace Mini delivers that in (tiny) spades. I love this shape, which is comfortable for multiple grip types, and only 49g of weight makes this one of the lightest high-performance gaming mice I've ever used.

Subtle lines on the side make for solid grips, the optical mouse switches feel tactile and responsive, the PFTE feet offer a smooth glide (and the mouse supports almost all surface types), and you still get some subtle RGB lighting embedded in the scroll wheel.

Despite the small size, you still get a long-lasting internal battery, a garage to store the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and three controls on the bottom (a DPI profile button, a Pair button, and a connectivity mode switch).

"Simple" is oddly difficult to do well, but ASUS nailed it here. The matte black colorway does love to hold on to every fingerprint and smudge, though, and the scroll wheel is a bit soft for my tastes.

A great experience from hardware to software

The ASUS ROG Harpe Ace Mini may be small, but it packs a big punch. At the core of this mouse is a precise, reliable 42,000 Dots-per-Inch (DPI) optical sensor, and performance has been excellent for me.

There are plenty of other mice with a lot more mass and similar price tags that don't offer quite this level of performance, and ASUS' Armoury Crate provides a ton of options for customizing and finetuning the Harpe Ace Mini.

You can remap the buttons, dial in the DPI, set up angle snapping or tuning, calibrate for different mousepad surfaces, and more. It's easy enough to go through these options, and the Harpe Ace Mini even supports ASUS' lightweight Armoury Crate Gear software if you don't have more than one ASUS product.

If you do, the 2.4GHz wireless receiver in the box can connect to two different compatible ASUS products, and ASUS includes a nice, braided USB cable and a USB extender in the box to get your setup exactly as you want it.

It's also nice to see Bluetooth connectivity baked in, which isn't a guarantee for a high-performance gaming mouse. I'm certain productivity users would prefer an extra button or two, but the Harpe Ace Mini is small and capable enough to be an excellent travel companion, too.

I didn't have any issues with longevity, either. ASUS promises up to ~130 hours depending on your settings, and that feels accurate from my testing. The only thing this figure doesn't take into account is the support for up to 8,000Hz polling.

That's now a staple for premium gaming mouse, but the ROG Harpe Ace Mini doesn't include ASUS's Polling Rate Booster in the box — and, honestly, you'll be hard pressed to find it in stock even if you are willing to spend extra for that feature.

ROG Harpe Ace Mini review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You're looking for a compact wireless gaming mouse.
• You also want fantastic performance in that small package.
• You value Bluetooth connectivity in your gaming mouse.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You want 8,000Hz polling and you want it to be easy.
• You want a mouse with more features for productivity and creativity.

Alright, ASUS, you finally got me. The ROG Harpe Ace Mini is an awesome wireless gaming mouse. It's sleek and travel-friendly, the build quality is there to go the distance, the performance is consistently great, and the overall user experience from the software to the battery life leaves little to be desired.

There are definitely some areas for improvement, but I'm largely a big fan of what ASUS accomplished here. The only major weakness is that the absolute best performance requires an additional purchase — and I honestly couldn't reliably find that accessory in stock in my market.

I don't think you need 8,000Hz polling to make this mouse worthwhile, though. If you're looking for a compact mouse that still delivers top-level performance, the ASUS ROG Harpe Ace Mini is now available for $129.99 at Amazon.com or $129.99 at BestBuy.com — and be sure to watch out for sales, because I've already seen this mouse go for as little as $100.

I have genuinely grown to love ASUS' laptops over the last few years, but I'll be honest and tell you that the company's accessories have historically never impressed me. When I reviewed products like the ASUS ROG Delta II gaming headset, ASUS failed to shift the needle in a meaningful way.

I frankly didn't have high hopes for the ASUS ROG Azoth X, an ultra-premium wireless gaming keyboard going up against some real heavy hitters from companies like Razer. Now that I've actually used this keyboard for a while, I can admit that ASUS surprised me.

Will I start recommending the ROG Azoth X to all my friends and family? Absolutely not, this is still a $300 keyboard — and one with plenty of imperfections at that. Still, I do really like this keyboard, and it's good enough to make me pay more attention to what ASUS does with accessories in the future.

A divisive design backed by actually good hardware

Once again, while in the midst of a candid mood, I only agreed to review the ASUS ROG Azoth X because of its distinct (but divisive) design. With a clean, white keyboard at its base, ASUS' default keycap set marries black, bright reds, and subtle blue hues in a glorious mess strewn with classic ROG iconography.

I wouldn't blame anyone for being turned off by this design in the same vein that I wouldn't judge anyone for being drawn to this design. ASUS is one of the few major companies still holding on to that infamous "gamer" aesthetic, and in the Azoth X, I do think it fits rather well.

It's a mostly plastic construction, and while this keyboard is put together well, it doesn't quite feel like a $300 keyboard. At least ASUS didn't cut any corners with the internals, as you're looking at a gasket-mounted design with five sound-dampening layers, an FR4 positioning plate, south-facing PCB, three-sided translucent dye-sublimated keycaps, an integrated OLED display and control dial, and ASUS' rather nice linear and tactile ROG NX V2 Mechanical Switches.

A USB Type-C port for charging and wired connectivity, a dedicated garage to store your 2.4GHz wireless dongle, a switch to change between connectivity modes (including Bluetooth), two-stage stands, an included color-matched silicon wrist rest — the ROG Azoth X gives you all of it, and you also get Windows and macOS keys included in the box alongside a two-in-one tool for swapping out the keycaps and switches.

So, I like the design and I (mostly) like the hardware, but what is it like to actually use this keyboard? Spoiler, I also like it.

The typing and gaming experience with the ROG Azoth X is lovely. The layout makes sense and is clearly labeled, the switches feel consistent and responsive, the keycaps have a great texture to them that doesn't cling to every smudge and stain, and the typing acoustics are great (although the spacebar is noticeably clunkier than the rest of the keys, and the difference does bug me a little).

Performance is fantastic, and the ROG Azoth X does support "Speed Tap," which is the last keystroke prioritization feature we've been seeing in all the best gaming keyboards lately.

You can configure everything you need to through ASUS' solid Armoury Crate software, but there's even a lightweight web-based version if this is your only ASUS product. If you do have more than one ASUS product, you can connect one more supported ASUS accessory to the Azoth X's wireless dongle and free up an extra port.

Honestly, I've really enjoyed this keyboard... so, what's the catch?

You don't need to spend $300 on a keyboard, and there's a better option if you do

If you've seen how much the ASUS ROG Azoth X costs, you already know what its biggest weakness is. Very few people are willing to drop $300 just on their keyboard, especially when you can get some incredible boards for a whole lot less.

Just to pick out one example, I recently reviewed the Keychron K8 HE, a $130 80% keyboard that boasts hot-swappable magnetic switches and keycaps, per-key RGB lighting, tri-mode connectivity, and web-based software. The Azoth X is the nicer keyboard, but is it $170 nicer? I don't think so, at least.

Even if you do want the best of the best and you're willing to pay for it, there's an obvious alternative to the ASUS ROG Azoth X that I flat out like more, and that's the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% I reviewed.

That keyboard also costs $300, but the design is sleeker, the build quality is higher, the typing and gaming experience is superior, the RGB lighting is brighter and more vibrant, and the software is more feature-packed. I still criticized the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% for costing $300, but it justifies that price tag more than the Azoth X does.

The only area where this keyboard genuinely impresses over other options is its endurance. I've been surprised by how long this keyboard lasts on a charge, even with RGB lighting enabled. ASUS did a good job on that front.

ROG Azoth X review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You love the distinct multi-tone design and keycap set.
• You other ASUS products and want everything under the same roof.
• You don't mind dropping $300 just for that little extra something.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You want a keyboard that offers great bang for your buck.
• You can get the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% for the same price.

When I saw how much the ASUS ROG Azoth X actually cost and given some of my past experiences with ASUS accessories, I'll admit my expectations were lowered considerably. Now that I've used this keyboard for hours, I've been converted — even if that $300 price tag still stings.

The build quality could be better, the OLED display is still of dubious usefulness (that's true for any keyboard with an OLED display), the spacebar feels radically different from the rest of the keys, the RGB lighting isn't particularly vibrant, and the design is decidedly divisive. All those minor complaints add up when you're spending so much.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% has its own share of similarly impactful flaws, but it's still a much better keyboard overall. If you're going to spend $300 anyway, get that one instead. If you don't want to spend $300, why are you here? If you fall in that in-between area and find the ROG Azoth X on sale, though, this is a really good keyboard.

You can buy the ASUS ROG Azoth X wireless gaming keyboard for $299.99 at BestBuy.com or $299.99 at Amazon.com right now.

PC gaming is more popular than ever as nearly every videogame publisher under the sun is committing to releasing their upcoming titles on this platform. As a result, the demand for top-of-the-line gaming mice has grown astronomically, and few fulfill that need better than the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro.

This wireless gaming mouse with long-lasting batteries, responsive inputs, and comfy ergonomics normally runs for a high MSRP of $149.99. With the advent of Amazon Prime Day, however, it's now been reduced by 42% for a more affordable fee of $86.44 at Amazon with an active Amazon Prime membership.

Why is the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro worth buying?

When it comes to third-party gaming accessories, I always turn to Razer.

For many years, this company has produced some of the best peripherals I've ever owned for both PC gaming and console gaming, like the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma controller or the Razer Huntsman V2, to name a few.

Another shining example of Razer's credible gaming accessory pedigree is the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. This gaming mouse is one of the best PC gaming accessories around as it's designed to help your gaming experiences be more enjoyable with improved input reading and handling.

It's got a sleek, lightweight, ergonomic-friendly design that makes it comfy to hold without straining your wrists for long periods of gaming.

The Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro also comes equipped with six very responsive buttons (five of which can be reprogrammed to suit your playstyle), 90 hours of battery life before needing to recharge, and a Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor with Acceleration Performance rates of 70G and 750g inches per second max speed to help detect mouse movement with sharp precision.

The mouse also includes Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3 to improve input detection of the buttons by giving them 90 million actuations with zero debounce delay. It can be outfitted with either a 1000Hz dongle or a 4,000Hz HyperPolling Wireless Dongle to further improve mouse movement input detection.

For those who need a techno-jargon translation of what I just said: This advanced tech will help you make faster, pinpoint headshots in first-person shooters like Call of Duty or DOOM, or perform evasive maneuvers without any input delay in fast-paced action games like Elden Ring, Lies of P, or Monster Hunter.

That being said, there are a couple of nitpicks you may want to consider before picking this gaming mouse up.

For starters, while the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro can be used for most game genres, it's not up to the task for playing MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, as those games require dozens upon dozens of buttons.

For MMORPGs, I recommend seeking out the Razer Naga V2 Pro, since that gaming mouse has many more side buttons designed for those types of games.

Another foible with the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro is its MSRP, which runs very high at $149.99 at most retailers. A price like that for a gaming mouse is too rich for most gamers' blood, but fortunately, Amazon Prime Day is here to alleviate that by a great margin.

For a limited time, you can get your hands on one of the best gaming mice for a 42% discounted price tag of $86.44 at Amazon and save yourself $60 in the process.

Additionally, if you sign up for Amazon Prime Membership, you can get your gaming mouse shipped faster via same-day shipping and enjoy other benefits like multimedia streaming apps, access to exclusive discount deals, and more.

Hall Effect magnetic sensors are all the rage in personal technology right now, notably in controllers and keyboards. My review of the Keychron K4 HE was my first experience with the latter, and I came away extremely impressed.

Keychron is continuing to expand its Hall Effect family with new layouts and designs, and now we have the K8 HE wireless keyboard. This board boasts a more compact 80% layout than the 96% of the K4 HE, but it's functionally the exact same keyboard.

Seeing as I already went in-depth in my original K4 HE review, I won't be rehashing the same conversations. Instead, I want to use this fantastic keyboard to discuss how you don't need a gaming keyboard to get a great keyboard for gaming.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Keychron. Keychron had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Another excellent keyboard from a brand I trust

It didn't take much for Keychron to win me over — this company has impressed us with everything Windows Central has tested, and gave me fresh appreciation for the value of customizable, enthusiast-focused keyboards.

Meant to be taken apart and reassembled, with hot-swappable switches and easily replaceable keycaps, anyone can make a Keychron keyboard their own (but always get the same top-notch typing acoustics and software features).

Lately, though, Keychron has begun addressing the biggest weaknesses of most boutique keyboards — performance. That's where families like the K-series come in, and especially the HE variants that use Hall Effect switches.

In addition to improved wireless performance and stability, reduced latency, and RGB lighting, Hall Effect switches enable adjustable actuation and advanced software customization for features like rapid trigger, last keystroke prioritization, and much more.

All of it is meant to improve your ability to compete in the most demanding games, but without sacrificing the foundation of customizability and acoustics that make so many people spend so much money on these keyboards.

The Keychron K8 HE boasts the same tray-mounted design (with a special edition featuring rose wood sides), Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, tri-mode connectivity (including 2.4GHz and three Bluetooth profiles), native support for both Windows and macOS, and support for Keychron's web-based software.

Everything I loved about the K4 HE is repeated here, but in a more compact design that somehow feels more spacious (there's literally more spacing between sections, that's the reason). Of course, that also means the K8 HE shares the same flaws, just in a smaller form factor.

The cable Keychron includes in the box is still far too short, which continues to be odd when the company includes so much value (like tools for taking apart the keyboard and keycaps for macOS and Windows) here.

You'll notice that the cable is too short, too, because the Keychron K8 HE once again doesn't boast the most impressive battery life (per-key RGB lighting will do that), and you need to plug in to customize the K8 HE using the Keychron Launcher, which never stops being lame.

For those who care, you also can't buy a barebones version to build yourself — all K8 HE models come preassembled.

You no longer need to consider a "gaming" keyboard

Gamers typically demand different approaches to design and features than tech designed for productivity, creativity, or luxury, so they're more likely to go to brands like Razer, Alienware, Corsair, ASUS, and many others for all their gaming peripherals and accessories.

Tech that can blur the lines and do it all has become increasingly desirable, though. Keychron is making its bespoke keyboards better for gaming with improved performance, more features, and RGB lighting, while companies like Razer are meeting Keychron in the middle with products like the hot-swappable, acoustics-focused Razer BlackWidow V4 75% we reviewed.

In fact, I recently built my first keyboard from scratch thanks to the BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones, which just gives you the base so you can use your own switches and keycaps.

Honestly, this is the right direction to head in. We no longer have to worry about "categories" and can now focus on what matters: am I getting the design, the performance, the features, and the value that I want?

It gives us more choice than ever. You can still go get the pre-built gaming keyboard that makes all the decisions for you, or you can build your own and still enjoy a fantastic gaming experience.

Either way, the typing should feel immaculate (seriously, keyboards designed around the feeling and acoustics of typing are addictive once you try them).

My final thoughts on the Keychron K8 HE keyboard

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want the unparalleled per-key customization of magnetic switches.
• You want to game on the keyboard that you can recreate yourself.
• You care a lot about the typing experience and acoustics.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You don't want to be limited to just certain Hall Effect switches.
• You'll never use all the features and adjustability Hall Effect gives you.

The Keychron K8 HE is unsurprisingly excellent, just as the K4 HE was. Keychron already made awesome keyboards, but now they're making awesome keyboards that can game.

Part of the appeal is the use of Hall Effect, of course. There will always be some that prefer more tactile mechanical switches, but in many ways, Hall Effect is objectively better. They're more durable and more adjustable, hands-down.

No single-actuation mechanical switch can compete with multi-level macros, analog input modes, instant response times, and all the other features that Hall Effect enables. At the end of the day, though, the Keychron K8 HE simply provides another option to gamers, keyboard enthusiasts, and everyone in between, and that's pretty cool.

You can configure your Keychron K8 HE from $129.99 at Keychron in standard and special editions.

As a reviewer with a meticulous testing process, the products I recommend are usually the products I like — but that isn't always the case.

I do not enjoy using the ASUS ROG Spatha X wireless gaming mouse, but it still earns a recommendation from me (with some caveats). It's an unsightly mass of plastic and metal pulled straight from a teenage gamer's fever dream, but the Spatha X still has a lot going for it.

Unlike most gaming mice, the Spatha X doesn't care about being lithe and agile. Instead, it squeezes in as many buttons as possible, alongside some unique features like replaceable mouse switches, a wireless charging dock, and a rather large pile of included accessories in the box.

It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but there are plenty who can and will love the ROG Spatha X. Even looking past my biases, though, there are some weaknesses to discuss.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by ASUS. ASUS had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

ROG Spatha X review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A right-handed, MMO-focused wireless gaming mouse with a wireless charging dock.
• Who is it for? Those who want a larger, heavier mouse with extra buttons, and value extra features like wireless charging.
• How much does it cost? The ASUS ROG Spatha X retails for $169.99 at ASUS. You can also buy it for $169.99 at Best Buy or $169.99 at Amazon.
• What did I like? The plethora of accessories in the box, the unique features like wireless charging and replaceable switches, the solid build quality.
• What did I not like? The unwieldy, awkward design, the inconsistent performance.

ROG Spatha X review: Pricing and specifications

The ASUS ROG Spatha X is a premium wireless gaming mouse, but it actually feels well-priced considering how much is packed into its gargantuan box.

You can pick up the ASUS ROG Spatha X for $169.99 at ASUS, which is a $20 increase over its original retail price.

It's also available from more popular retailers, so you can buy it for $169.99 at Best Buy or $169.99 at Amazon, where it's more likely to go on sale.

No matter where you buy the ROG Spatha X, the wireless charging dock and receiver, the replacement mouse switches, the travel case, and the extra cable are all included.

In the box, you'll find the ASUS ROG Spatha X wireless gaming mouse, the two-piece wireless charging dock (which doubles as the wireless 2.4GHz receiver), two 2-meter braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cables, two replacement ASUS ROG Micro Switches, a screwdriver, and a soft travel pouch.

• Back to the top ⤴

ROG Spatha X review: What I like

While I personally do not appreciate this design, the ASUS ROG Spatha X is intended to be larger and heavier than the lightweight, high-performance mice favored by many gamers.

Aesthetics aside, this mouse is built very well, with a sturdy plastic frame reinforced by the shaped metal plate at its base. You'll find ergonomic alcoves for your thumb and ring finger, and a wide assortment of buttons and controls that you can customize to your heart's content.

There's also RGB lighting, of course, present in the logo, scroll wheel, and side buttons. The lighting looks good, and ASUS makes it easy to customize (or sync with your other ASUS products).

For such a hefty mouse, the Spatha X does still glide relatively frictionlessly, and that chunkier frame does allow for some truly unique features, such as push-fit switch sockets that allow you to swap out the mouse switches in minutes.

ASUS even includes two replacement switches in the box, in case you do manage to wear out the originals and their 70-million click lifetime rating, as well as a screwdriver to open the mouse up.

You'll also find two contact pins on the bottom of the Spatha X, which enable wireless charging through the included two-piece dock — which also doubles as your 2.4GHz wireless receiver.

Whether you plug the Spatha X in or connect to its wireless dock, performance is identical. Up to a 1,000Hz polling rate and 19,000 dots-per-inch (DPI) gives the Spatha X the raw numbers it needs to stay competitive in all the most popular PC games, although its size inevitably slows you down.

The wireless connectivity has been flawless for me, and the dock obviously makes it a breeze to keep this mouse charged. That's good, because the Spatha X's battery life is... Fine.

Even with every slider turned to the max, the ROG Spatha X boasts more than enough endurance to survive the most arduous all-day gaming sessions, and being able to effortlessly charge it simply by docking it makes up for the lessened longevity versus some of the best competing mice.

A lot of the ROG Spatha X's value comes from its plethora of buttons. The traditional two side-mounted buttons you'll find on most mice have been relocated next to the left-click mouse button, and in their place, you'll find six uniquely shaped buttons.

Include the scroll wheel and DPI profile switch, and that's a total of 12 remappable buttons. Armoury Crate gives you a handful of other customization options, too, making it easy to configure the Spatha X to your needs.

• Back to the top ⤴

ROG Spatha X review: What I don't like

I could wax long about how much I detest this design, but I'll keep it brief. The ROG Spatha X is edgy and garish in a 2005 kind of way, and its large frame unfortunately does not translate to superior ergonomics (despite the presence of two finger rests).

Atrocious aesthetics aside, the ROG Spatha X makes more precise movements difficult to consistently pull off, a design trade-off that's exacerbated by slightly unreliable sensor performance. It only happened once in a while, but the Spatha X would sometimes skip or move in an unpredictable way, which could make or break a competitive game.

I can also lament the lack of some features in this premium mouse, such as Bluetooth connectivity, a proper tilt scroll wheel, and per-app profiles for shortcuts and other software customizations.

It also bears mentioning that the ROG Spatha X is designed for those who need lots of buttons, such as for MMO games, but there are plenty of mice that provide even more buttons.

• Back to the top ⤴

ROG Spatha X review: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

ROG Spatha X review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a larger and heavier mouse.
• You value extra features like wireless charging and replaceable switches.
• You want lots of programmable buttons for gaming and work.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need the absolute best performance.
• You dislike this design as much as I do.

Most gamers will likely gravitate toward more nimble mice that can keep up with the most extreme movements, but there are plenty that prefer larger, heavier peripherals that require more deliberation to move around.

The ASUS ROG Spatha X is a mouse for those people, and it uses its size to give you more buttons and more features than the average gaming mouse. There's also a surprising number of goodies included in the box, so you really feel like you're getting a lot of mouse for your money.

I won't even try to convince you that I'm reluctant to let this mouse go. I'm immediately moving on to the next product, and I won't be looking back. My personal preferences don't make this a bad product, though.

This is a really good mouse with some prominent — but acceptable — weaknesses, and those who know what they want will likely be pretty happy with it. If you count yourself in that group, you can buy the ASUS ROG Spatha X for $169.99 at Best Buy or $169.99 at Amazon.

• Back to the top ⤴

Razer recently dropped its first vertical productivity mouse, which overshadowed the more traditional, horizontally-inclined mouse released at the same time.

This is the Razer Pro Click V2, a premium wireless mouse designed around productivity, comfort, and gaming. Razer is positioning the Pro Click V2 as a high-performance alternative to Logitech's insanely popular MX Master mice series, and the similarities are obvious.

I already reviewed the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition, but now I want to focus on the pros and cons of the more mainstream half of the Pro Click duo.

The Pro Click V2 is an excellent ergonomic mouse with a great selection of features and reliable performance, and it's a worthwhile alternative for anyone who wants a top-notch productivity mouse that can also do gaming.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Razer. Razer had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Pro Click V2 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A high-performance, wireless ergonomic mouse.
• Who is it for? Those who need a comfortable mouse designed for productivity, with the performance for competitive gaming.
• How much does it cost? You can buy the Razer Pro Click V2 for $99.99 at Razer. You can also get the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition for $119.99 at Razer.
• What did I like? The comfortable design, the excellent wireless and gaming performance, the HyperScroll tilt wheel.
• What did I not like? The lack of extra programmable buttons, the larger size.

• Back to the top ⤴

Pro Click V2 review: Pricing and specifications

The Razer Pro Click V2 is a more premium wireless mouse, but its pricing feels very reasonable compared to the fan-favorite Logitech MX Master 3S. This mouse retails for $99.99 at Razer, and is only available in black.

If you prefer vertical mice, you can get a very similar feature set with the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition for $119.99 at Razer. That mouse earned a similar recommendation from me, but you need to really want that vertical design.

In the box, you'll find the Razer Pro Click V2 wireless mouse, a USB Type-A Razer HyperSpeed Wireless 2.4GHz dongle, and a 1.2m, braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable.

• Back to the top ⤴

Pro Click V2 review: What I like

The Pro Click V2 is very clearly a Razer product, but it does deviate from Razer's other mice quite drastically due to its primary focus on ergonomics. Hence, the "Pro Click" brand, rather than the snakes Razer names its other mice after.

This is an extremely comfortable mouse, too, with an aggressively angled surface meant to mold to your palm, a thumb rest, and a lovely, grippy texture on both sides.

Razer hasn't broken the mold with the Pro Click V2's design, but companies have already spent decades researching the most ergonomic shapes, curves, and profiles — Razer is using all of it, but with its own spin on the formula.

Build quality is excellent, with wonderfully clicky and responsive buttons, a grippy scroll wheel with defined clicks, tilt support, and a free spin mode, a snug garage to store your Razer HyperSpeed Wireless dongle, and subtle metallic accents.

You get a hint of the Pro Click V2's gaming roots with the sweeping 14-zone Razer Chroma light lining the bottom edge of the mouse. This lighting looks amazing without being distracting, and it practically disappears should you choose to disable it.

It's not just RGB lighting that allows the Pro Click V2 to compete with the best gaming mice, either.

Despite prioritizing productivity and comfort, the Pro Click V2 is also highly performant thanks to one of Razer's most tried-and-true optical sensors, wide and near-frictionless PFTE feet, and perfectly reliable wireless connectivity.

It's precise, smooth, consistent — and that ergonomic design is just forgiving enough to accommodate different grip styles.

If you need to switch between devices, the Pro Click V2 makes that easy, too, with support for up to five connections (one via Razer HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, three via Bluetooth, and one via a wire). Bluetooth is often sacrificed in gaming mice, so I'm glad to see it here.

You don't have to worry much about battery life, either; the Pro Click V2's endurance isn't nearly as impressive as its much larger Vertical Edition sibling, but this mouse can easily go weeks without needing a charge.

Finally, you can optionally install Razer Synapse to access all the Pro Click V2's additional features, including per-app profiles, button reprogramming, endless shortcuts (with Razer HyperShift support), basic dots-per-inch (DPI) and polling rate performance settings, and more.

Like with the Vertical Edition, the Pro Click V2 also has Razer's new AI Prompt Master built in, which basically gives you quick access to simple ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot AI features just by long-pressing the scroll wheel. It's... Fine. Some may find use in it, and others will never be bothered by it.

• Back to the top ⤴

Pro Click V2 review: What I don't like

Razer got a lot right with the Pro Click V2, but I do wish the black-and-green company had pushed a little harder in the "productivity" direction. Another reprogrammable button or two would've been great, as would've been a dedicated button for manually switching between onboard profiles (rather than relying on Synapse to do it for you).

The Logitech MX Master 3S I reviewed is this mouse's biggest inspiration and competition, and part of what makes that iconic mouse so beloved is the horizontal scroll wheel and the excellent software. Razer could've done a little more here.

I'm very glad the Pro Click V2 features Razer's excellent HyperScroll Tilt Wheel, a feature the Vertical Edition strangely lacks, but this mouse does not support Razer's Smart-Reel feature, which dynamically switches between tactile and free scrolling depending on the force of your scrolls. I love that feature on my Razer Basilisk V3 Pro.

It's absolutely not outlandish to suggest the Pro Click V2 is just a little too big. It's noticeably larger than any of Razer's dedicated high-performance gaming mice, so those with small hands may not enjoy the same comfort.

• Back to the top ⤴

Pro Click V2 review: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

Pro Click V2 review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a comfortable, productivity-focused mouse that also games.
• You want plenty of connectivity options, like multiple Bluetooth profiles.
• You can find value in per-app profiles, a built-in AI assistant, and more.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You don't game at all and simply want the best productivity mouse.
• You have small hands and need a more compact ergonomic mouse.

When I went hands-on with the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition, my first thought was "I'll probably prefer the non-vertical version." That wasn't a dig at the Vertical Edition, simply an acknowledgement that I personally prefer a more horizontal peripheral.

Sure enough, I do prefer the regular Razer Pro Click V2 — it's insanely comfortable, elegantly designed, and still packs all the performance I could ask for when playing competitive multiplayer games, but in a more familiar form factor and with my favorite HyperScroll Tilt Wheel.

It's still crafted with productivity and ergonomics at its core, but the Pro Click V2 is — at least on paper — the perfect mouse for someone who works, creates, and games in equal measure (and for hours on end). In other words, me!

I admit, I'm probably returning to the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro we reviewed in the past, if only because of the Smart-Reel and wireless charging features, but the Pro Click V2 is an excellent wireless mouse that is well worth considering, especially if what you want is basically a Logitech MX Master, but for gaming.

The Razer Pro Click V2 is now available for $99.99 at Razer, and it easily earns a wholehearted recommendation from me. You can also check out my Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition review for all the info you need on this mouse's taller sibling.

• Back to the top ⤴

Plugable has a new laptop docking station available to buy now, and it's setting a new industry standard in terms of display support.

The UD-7400PD, as the dock is named, was actually announced at CES 2025. I initially missed it in the chaos of new tech products, but it's certainly worth a look now that it's on the market.

The big news? It can handle up to four external 4K displays at 60Hz each and an 8K display simultaneously (or five 4K@60Hz displays), besting the usual maximum quad-display setup available in even the best Thunderbolt docking stations today.

What's even more impressive is that the dock only requires a host connection via USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2). Thunderbolt, while compatible, isn't required. The same goes for USB4.

I honestly didn't know this was even a possibility, and indeed it wasn't until Synaptics created a new DL-7400 chipset for docking stations (set to be highlighted at Computex 2025, according to Plugable's press release).

The combination of the new DL-7400 chipset and USB-C DisplayLink tech is what makes it all possible.

The dock relies on three USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) ports with DisplayLink and two HDMI 2.1 ports for external displays, but that's far from the only connectivity on the dock.

It also features a single USB-C 3.2 port on the front with 30W of power delivery and 10Gbps bandwidth, two USB-A ports each with 10Gbps bandwidth, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Topping things off is a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port and the host USB-C connection (which thankfully doesn't have a fixed cable).

The dock is compatible with Windows 10/11 laptops with USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), Thunderbolt 4/5, or USB4. It's also compatible with macOS 11+.

Plugable's new UD-7400PD isn't just a great dock for display support

Laptop docking stations aren't always the most exciting subject, but this represents a major step forward in docking capabilities. I'm not just talking about the impressive external display support.

Plugable's UD-7400PD pushes past the usual maximum host laptop charging power of around 90-99W, allowing for up to 140W of power to make it back to the host.

That opens up charging for more power-hungry laptops, including those with entry-level discrete GPUs.

Because the UD-7400PD is made for regular consumers and professionals, it includes some enterprise features.

Most notable is the new DockTag, Plugable's proprietary solution for IT departments.

According to Plugable, it's "designed to lessen the load on the IT department by displaying real-time dock status and asset details through a dynamic splash screen and QR code, enabling improved remote support and user self-diagnosis."

Plugable is one of the leading names when it comes to laptop docking stations, competing directly with other big names like CalDigit and Kensington.

Needless to say, I'm very excited to test out the UD-7400PD's capabilities first-hand to see if they measure up to what's being advertised.

If you'd like to forego reviews and check it out yourself, you can pick it up now for $279.95 at Amazon. A 20% coupon is currently available on the product page, knocking the price down to $223.96.

Considering many of the high-end laptop docks I rate the highest climb well beyond $300, Plugable's pricing seems very reasonable.

When implemented well, colorful ambient lighting can be soft on the eyes and still illuminate a room while providing a nice effect. So, it isn't surprising that RGB is featured on most PC gaming devices and accessories.

Of course, there are also plenty of gaming devices that don't have RGB. So, if you want to add a colorful glow to your gaming room, a monitor light bar like the ASUS ROG Aura ALB01 can be a straightforward way to do just that.

I spent a couple of weeks using the ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar to get a better understanding of its capabilities and features.

While I appreciate its universal clamp, secure design, and LED desk lighting, I did find that the RGB lighting, while decent, didn't meet my expectations, especially given the price of this accessory.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by ASUS ROG. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A light accessory that you place on top of your monitor to provide a desk light as well as a back-facing RGB glow.
• Who is it for? Anyone who wants to quickly add colorful lighting or a desk lamp to the top of their monitor.
• How much does it cost? This light bar sells for $199.00 at Amazon and the ASUS ROG website.
• What did I like? It is very easy to assemble and install on a monitor. The Display Widget Center app is somewhat clunky, but it makes it easy to change settings. Buttons and a dial on the light bar allow me to control it without needing an app.
• What did I not like? The RGB back glow doesn't get all that bright and doesn't illuminate as much of an area as I expected. Considering how expensive this light bar is, it really should have a better RGB glow experience.

• Back to the top ⤴

ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar: Price and availability

ROG (Republic of Gamers) is ASUS' well-known gaming sub-brand, which creates monitors, gaming handhelds, desktops, laptops, and more.

The ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar is a PC accessory specifically marketed for gaming. When placed on top of a monitor and turned on, it can shine bright LED lighting downward to illuminate a desk, can throw colorful RGB behind it to illuminate a wall, or it can do both at the same time.

This light bar has an MSRP of $199.00 and can be purchased at Amazon and the ASUS ROG website. It is somewhat pricey compared to some other monitor light bars.

With its 19.6-inch length as well as its adjustable, universal clamp, the Aura Monitor Light Bar was designed to work with everything from small to large monitors, whether they be flat or curved.

ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar: Everything in the box

The ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar comes in a rather wide box to safely cushion the light. Inside, I found the light bar itself, a universal clamp, a USB-C cable, and manuals.

All you have to do is press the light bar into the adjustable clamp, place it on your monitor, and connect the USB-C cable between the light and your PC, and then you're good to go.

• Back to the top ⤴

ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar: What I like

Only minimal assembly was required when I opened the Aura Monitor Light Bar box. I simply had to press the actual lightbar into position on the adjustable clamp, and then plug the USB-C cable into it.

From there, it was just a matter of placing the light bar on top of my monitor and adjusting the weighted clamp's dial until: One, the light bar felt secure, and two, the lighting was angled just the way I wanted it. This only took a few minutes.

The parts of the clamp that touch the monitor are covered in rubber to prevent slippage. During the time I used it, the light bar always felt secure and balanced. It didn't move without me touching it.

ASUS says this clamp has a universal design that should work with curved and flat monitors of all sizes. I tried it on a few different monitors and never had any issues getting it to stay in place. That said, I could see some bulkier back designs getting in the way of the clamp.

Something to note is that there is a small magnetic piece on the bottom of the clamp that needs to be in the correct position to accommodate a flat or curved panel. If you're having issues, try turning that part around.

The USB-C cable connects to the back of the light and looks a little unsightly from some angles. But when I'm seated at my desk, it's hidden well enough.

There are two ways to control the Aura Light Bar: The physical controls (an LED desk light brightness dial and an RGB effects toggle button) or the Widget Display Center app (download it at ASUS.com).

Widget Display Center is a bit clunky, but it does make it easy to use a color picker or quickly select effects. I really only felt the need to use the software when I wanted to choose a specific color. Otherwise, the physical buttons let me do just about everything I needed.

I have sensitive eyes, so I really like that the LED screen light can switch between a white and a yellow hue to better fit my preferences. This light also does a fantastic job of uniformly illuminating my desk, regardless of what brightness it's at.

Most importantly, it does this without casting direct light onto the display or into my eyes, which means I can easily make out the details on screen without getting a headache.

• Back to the top ⤴

ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar: What I don't like

The Aura Monitor Light Bar is a decent offering from ASUS ROG, but it does disappoint in one key way.

Given how expensive it is, I expected it to illuminate a decent area of my wall with its bright RGB glow. However, even when I used it at night in a dark room and changed between different effects, the RGB lighting only illuminated a limited area and was dimmer than I wanted it to be.

I can honestly say that I would be disappointed if I spent $200 on this accessory only to find that it doesn't cast much of an RGB glow.

• Back to the top ⤴

ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar: Alternatives

If you're specifically interested in adding colorful lighting to a room, you should check out our guide on the best smart lights for gaming.

Otherwise, here are some of the closest alternatives for the ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar.

• Back to the top ⤴

ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You'd like a light bar that serves as both a desk lamp and provides a subtle RGB ambiance.
• You're looking for a monitor light bar that's more likely to fit your specific display's shape and size.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You specifically want an accessory that casts strong RGB lighting on a wide area.
• You'd prefer to go with something cheaper.

While not perfect, the ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar is a decent accessory that is easy to assemble, stays in place, works with a wide range of monitors, and illuminates the desk area uniformly with its downward lighting.

However, it doesn't cast as bright of an RGB glow behind it, and the space that it does illuminate is smaller than I'd like. Given that it costs $200, I expected the RGB glow to be better, and it mostly why it falls short of higher praise.

If you want a mild amount of RGB, then this accessory will fit your needs well. Otherwise, you might want to go with a different option.

• Back to the top ⤴

CalDigit is one of the leading brands when it comes to laptop docking stations and hubs, and it has a sparkling reputation thanks to its high-end hardware.

Complementing its full-size docking stations is the Element 5 Hub, which launched in February 2025.

It's an updated version of the original Element Hub I reviewed, designed to handle the latest Thunderbolt 5 and USB4 v2 connection standards that are only now starting to show up in modern laptops.

The Element 5 Hub is a powered device with 9 total ports (including the host connection), and it's ideal for those who need to add USB-A, USB-C, and three additional downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports to their PC.

I've been using the Element 5 Hub on my desk for a few weeks to see how it performs and, ultimately, whether or not it's worth your money.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample from CalDigit. The company had no input and did not see the contents of the review prior to publication.

CalDigit Element 5 Hub: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? The Element 5 Hub is a compact 9-port laptop hub with Thunderbolt 5/USB4 v2 performance.
• Who is it for? The Element 5 Hub is designed to be paired with Thunderbolt 5 laptops, but it will work with older standards (some with reduced functionality).
• How much does it cost? The Element 5 Hub costs $279.99 at Amazon.
• What did I like? Triple 4K@144Hz display support, USB-C + USB-A ports, 90W host charging, smaller power supply, and high-end construction.
• What did I not like? Not as much port variety or as many ports as a full-size dock, plastic faceplates get scratched up over time.

• Back to the top ⤴

CalDigit Element 5 Hub: Pricing and specifications

CalDigit's Element 5 Hub is available to buy now.

I don't recommend buying directly from CalDigit; there, even with a 7% discount, it costs $392.

Third-party retailers have a far better price, and it's not even close. You can pick up the Element 5 Hub for $279.99 at Amazon.

The hub comes with a 0.8m Thunderbolt 5 cable, two rubber strips you can add to the hub as feet, and a 180W power supply.

• Back to the top ⤴

CalDigit Element 5 Hub: What I like

The Element 5 Hub is considerably smaller than your average Thunderbolt dock. It's a bit thicker than the original Element 4 Hub, but it otherwise shares the same dimensions and a similar design.

Due to the increased heat created by the blistering transfer speeds, CalDigit has added inward-facing ribs to the top and bottom aluminum panels for better dissipation.

The metal casing has beveled corners — I imagine they'd be quite sharp otherwise — and channels run from front to back on the top and bottom.

These channels are designed to fit the included rubber feet. Because the hub is reversible, they'll fit on either side, allowing you to get the preferred orientation.

The Element 5 Hub ultimately takes up less space on your desk compared to a full-size Thunderbolt dock, but you will have to sacrifice some connectivity.

The included 180W power supply is also smaller this time around, despite having an extra 30W of power.

With about 90W reserved for the host laptop, which covers most Windows laptops aside from those using a discrete GPU, it leaves roughly 82.5W of power for the other ports and their connected accessories.

I tested using an inline power meter between the dock and my accessories, and what CalDigit claims is true.

The three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports each offer up to 15W of power, while the USB-C and USB-A ports each offer up to 7.5W of power for charging.

That's enough to handle a wide range of accessories — like phones, tablets, and wearables — and I can confirm that the hub keeps charging accessories even if a laptop isn't plugged in.

You've likely noticed at this point that the Element 5 Hub lacks any native video out connectivity. This would pose more of a problem if not for the three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports.

Thunderbolt 4 has a maximum bandwidth of 40Gbps, and it can support up to dual 4K displays.

Thunderbolt 5 pushes those numbers way up. It can handle 80Gbps of bandwidth in both directions simultaneously, and when necessary, one receive lane is moved over to transmit, bringing the total up to 120Gbps (and leaving 40Gbps for the rest of the dock).

That's ideal for 4K monitors that are thirsty for bandwidth. Here's a look at a breakdown of external display compatibility from CalDigit.

Although I don't have three external 4K monitors on my desk to test, my current 4K at 120Hz plus 3.4K ultrawide at 144Hz monitor setup posed no problems for the Element 5 Hub when connected to the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835L) I recently reviewed.

That's not exactly surprising, as the hub should handle three 4K displays each at a 144Hz refresh rate (or dual 8K each at 60Hz) when connected to a Thunderbolt 5 host.

If you're still using a Thunderbolt 4 laptop (which most of us are), the Element 5 Hub tops out at dual 6K displays at 60Hz each, or dual 2K displays at 240Hz each.

That's not bad at all, and it makes a case for buying the Element 5 Hub to use while you await an upgrade to a Thunderbolt 5 laptop.

• Back to the top ⤴

CalDigit Element 5 Hub: What I don't like

For such a small piece of hardware, the Element 5 Hub's abilities are impressive.

However, there are some caveats to the performance metrics I noted above, as well as some less-desirable traits that will influence your final decision.

If you're using a multi-display setup, you will most likely notice a bandwidth slowdown on the other ports. This is most noticeable when testing external storage speeds while powering a couple of high-res monitors.

Considering the Element 5 Hub can hit up to 6,200MB/s read speeds via Thunderbolt 5, you'll only really notice this if you're using a TB5 SSD (of which there are still very few in the first half of 2025).

Using standard USB-C external drives (which are far more plentiful these days) with two monitors connected, there was no compromise to drive performance in my testing.

CalDigit continues to use plastic faceplates on the Element 5 Hub. While they reduce overall weight, they tend to get scratched up with regular use. This is evident when examining the Element 4 Hub I've used on and off for a few years.

The Element 5 Hub's port selection also leaves something to be desired.

Users with modern USB-C monitors won't likely have issues, but others will require a DisplayPort or HDMI dongle to connect between the TB5 port and the monitor.

Considering the Element 5 Hub is designed for desktop use (an unpowered hub is always preferred when traveling), this is more irksome than deal-breaking.

Finally, CalDigit's two-year warranty doesn't match the three-year warranty generally offered by Kensington, one of its main competitors in the docking station market.

I will say, however, that I've never had a CalDigit product fail on me, and I've extensively used every major piece of hardware it's released in the past 8 years.

• Back to the top ⤴

CalDigit Element 5 Hub: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

CalDigit Element 5 Hub: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You have a Thunderbolt 5 laptop and need extra ports.
• You have USB-C monitors or don't mind using dongles for video.
• You rely mostly on USB-A and USB-C connectivity for accessories and devices.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You frequently use SD/microSD cards and need a built-in reader.
• You want to spend less than $280.
• You're a traveler and want an unpowered hub.

The Element 5 Hub doesn't come cheap at about $280, but in regular CalDigit fashion, it has produced what I consider to be the best option in the category.

OWC's Thunderbolt 5 Hub is much more affordable at about $170, but it has fewer ports and uses a lot of plastic in its larger design.

The Element 5 Hub isn't for everyone. I recommend it to those who have a Thunderbolt 5 laptop (or who plan to get one soon), allowing you to take full advantage of its performance potential.

I also don't recommend it to frequent travelers. Sure, the power supply is much smaller, but it remains best suited for a desktop setup with AC power in reach.

As far as I can tell, no other Thunderbolt 5 dock or hub is as compact with as many ports, with the ability to charge at up to 90W of power.

CalDigit effectively fixed the issues I had with the original Element Hub, including adding USB-C to complement USB-A, upping the power delivery to 90W, and slimming down the power supply.

If you're searching for a premium hub with cutting-edge performance to complement your modern home or office setup, all the while adding 8 ports to your laptop, this is it.

• Back to the top ⤴

Gamers may seek the best accessories with the greatest specs and the most features, but what happens when you find yourself away from home?

Mobile workers may desire portable companions that they can bring with them everywhere, but what happens when they need more performance?

Razer is attempting to bridge that gap with its latest products, the Razer Basilisk Mobile and Razer Joro. The former is Razer's most compact, ergonomic wireless mouse, and the latter is the most low-profile wireless keyboard the company has ever put out.

They're both available starting today (the Razer Basilisk Mobile for $89.99 at Razer and the Razer Joro for $139.99 at Razer), but I already have them on my desk. Here are my early impressions, before you see a full review from me down the line.

What should you know about the Razer Basilisk Mobile and Razer Joro?

The Razer Basilisk Mobile is up first, taking the iconic ergonomic design of the Basilisk mice and shrinking it down significantly. It's shorter and thinner, but it's also considerably lighter than the other Basilisk mice at 76g — heavier than Razer's highest-performance mice, but lighter than anything with this combination of features.

This is a wireless gaming mouse with both Razer HyperSpeed 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, a rechargeable battery, Razer's 18,000 dots-per-inch (DPI) sensor and Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3, 10 customizable buttons, and up to 180 hours of battery life.

The Razer Joro is an all-new product line for Razer, and is a wireless gaming keyboard with a 75% layout that — at least for now — can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth. Razer will release an update for the Joro in the future that'll allow it to connect to Razer HyperSpeed dongles with multi-device support for upgraded performance.

Basically, though, Razer took the redesigned keyboard I praised in my Razer Blade 16 (2025) review. At only 16.5mm thick and with 1.6mm of key travel, the Joro is a high-end laptop keyboard that you can take everywhere. Notably, it's also designed with both Windows and macOS in mind — a first for Razer.

My hands-on experience with these two ultra-portable peripherals

This new Razer duo comes in sustainable packaging, just as petite as they are, with both products being very focused.

That means no extras — the Basilisk Mobile comes with its USB Type-A HyperSpeed dongle and a charging cable, and the Joro only comes with a charging cable.

The Basilisk Mobile is too small to support Razer's wireless charging dock like the full-sized Basilisk mice, but it does at least boast an internal battery (many productivity-focused mice rely on disposable batteries).

The Joro's low-profile scissor switches mean no replaceable keycaps or hot swappable switches, and you won't even find deployable kickstands on the bottom. That's fine, though; both products are exactly as they should be.

I've already used both of these peripherals for a few hours now, and I have some thoughts.

The Razer Basilisk Mobile is genuinely small, but Razer still made it tall and wide enough for an ergonomic curve and sweeping thumb rest. That makes this mouse surprisingly comfortable to use, and Razer still includes its HyperScroll tilt wheel and three extra, reprogrammable buttons on the side.

This mouse isn't equipped with Razer's highest-end sensor, but it's still incredibly responsive and precise, and the mouse switches are Razer's most reliable, with excellent tactile feedback. It really feels like a premium wireless gaming mouse, shrunk down for mobile use.

Having both HyperSpeed Wireless and Bluetooth means you can choose between performance and convenience, and it's easy to switch between them. There's even a garage to store the USB dongle. You can rely on a wired connection in times of need, too.

Razer also baked in its unique AI Prompt Master feature that debuted with the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition mouse I reviewed, and installing Razer Synapse will let you customize the onboard DPI profiles, power settings, and program the plethora of buttons (with HyperShift support for even more shortcuts).

The Razer Joro is arguably even more exciting than the Basilisk Mobile. At first glance, it looks a lot like many other portability-focused productivity keyboards, but it immediately feels higher quality than most when you pick it up.

The sturdy aluminum frame is cold to the touch, and the low-profile keys are backed by a plate that doesn't flex or make the typing feel or sound overly metallic. The keycaps are high-quality, too, making the entire keyboard simply feel premium.

This 75% layout is great, too, with plenty of integrated shortcuts that work across operating systems, full-sized arrow keys, and dedicated page navigation keys. As I already mentioned, the typing experience feels very similar to the Razer Blade 16, which is a good thing in this case.

All the makings of a top-notch productivity keyboard are here, but it wouldn't be a Razer product without some gaming-inspired injections. The boring white backlight is replaced by single-zone Razer Chroma RGB lighting, for one, and you can install Razer Synapse to gain access to a ton of features.

That includes customizing the lighting and power settings, of course, but you can remap all the keys, set up your own custom macros and shortcuts, take advantage of HyperShift for even more combinations, enable Razer Snap Tap for improved gaming performance, create up to five onboard profiles with different settings, and more.

Should you buy either of these mobile Razer accessories?

Based on my early impressions, the Razer Basilisk Mobile and Razer Joro have the potential to be incredibly popular for Razer, especially since both are designed to work with basically any Bluetooth-enabled device.

The Basilisk Mobile has all the makings of a great wireless mouse that balances productivity, gaming, and portability, but I think the Joro is even more promising.

Excellent build quality and an impressive feature set certainly help with that, but the Joro is Razer's first keyboard also designed with macOS in mind. Relevant keys come with Windows and macOS markings, and the various shortcuts and macros are programmed to work across operating systems.

Earlier today, in fact, Razer released the first macOS beta for Razer Synapse for free at Razer, with the Joro keyboard at its core (and more products to come). That gives you access to more of the Joro's features outside of Windows, and that alone will make this a tempting keyboard for many.

The Razer Basilisk Mobile mouse is available for $89.99 at Razer starting today, and the Razer Joro keyboard is available for $139.99 at Razer starting today. My full reviews will have to wait, but I'm already feeling good about these accessories.

Razer is one of the best places to go for gaming mice, but Logitech still dominates the productivity side of the category.

The black-and-green behemoth is closing in on Logitech territory with the new Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition mouse. This is Razer's first attempt at the unique vertical form factor, a niche type of mouse that focuses on ergonomics and comfort.

Razer's inexperience in this space didn't stop it from crafting a truly great mouse. The core of Razer's top gaming mice inside a premium vertical chassis makes for a powerful combination, and Razer gives you plenty of options to customize your experience, too.

I won't go so far as to say no one should consider the Logitech MX Vertical we reviewed and recommend, but Razer has delivered a unique product unlike any other with the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition, and I have to admit I'm a fan.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Razer. Razer had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Pro Click V2 Vertical: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A high-performance, wireless, vertical ergonomic gaming mouse.
• Who is it for? Those who prefer the comfort and ergonomics of a vertical mouse, but still want to game.
• How much does it cost? The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is available for $119.99 at Razer. There's also a non-vertical Razer Pro Click V2 available for $99.99 at Razer.
• What did I like? The thoughtful execution of the vertical design, the excellent gaming performance, and good mixture of software features.
• What did I not like? The lack of a HyperScroll wheel, and the few odd design decisions Razer made.

• Back to the top ⤴

Pro Click V2 Vertical: Pricing and specifications

The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition costs $119.99 at Razer, which is actually the same retail price as its biggest competitor, the Logitech MX Vertical (although that mouse is regularly on sale).

If you want a more horizontal ergonomic gaming mouse, there's also the ordinary Razer Pro Click V2 available for $99.99 at Razer. I will be reviewing that mouse, too, but I don't have complete thoughts on it yet. Both mice are only available in black.

In the box, you'll find the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition wireless gaming mouse, a USB Type-A Razer HyperSpeed Wireless dongle, and a braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable.

• Back to the top ⤴

Pro Click V2 Vertical: What I like

Razer could've phoned it in when designing its first vertical mouse, but it's clear the company put in the time and effort to get this right.

Design-wise, the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition somehow embraces the form factor without looking like a carbon copy of the category leaders, and somehow looks like a Razer mouse while also looking completely different from the company's other products.

This mouse is characterized by its wide, circular base wrapped in 18 RGB LEDs, vertical mouse buttons angled at 71.7 degrees, flared palm rest, and deep thumb alcove flanked by dual buttons.

Large PFTE feet ensure a smooth glide despite the hefty 150g of weight (it's a large mouse, after all), and you also get a garage to store the 2.4GHz wireless dongle when you're not using it.

If you're not used to vertical mice, then you can expect a lengthy adjustment period to truly adapt, but the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition really is very comfortable for long sessions. The build quality is excellent, too, and I love the textured surface where your thumb rests.

At its core, the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition shares a lot with some of Razer's most performant gaming mice thanks to its fast, precise, and customizable Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor.

The sheer size and ergonomics-focused design don't stop the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition from excelling at gaming. It's ludicrously responsive, the mouse buttons are well-positioned and feel tactile, and Razer HyperSpeed offers reliable wireless connectivity with minimal latency.

The Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition can also connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth, and it still supports a wired connection, so you have plenty of options.

Razer took advantage of this roomy chassis to include a sizeable rechargeable battery, too, promising up to 6 months of battery life. I can tell you I got nowhere near that level of longevity, but I'm also using the mouse with RGB lighting enabled.

Download Razer Synapse, and you'll gain access to various software features, including ramping the polling rate up to 1,000Hz, customizing the Chroma lighting, tweaking your power settings, reprogramming any of the six buttons (including with dual action shortcuts), and creating custom profiles for any app — with the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition able to automatically switch as you move between those apps.

You don't get every feature that Razer's highest-end esports mice do, but you do get access to the new AI Prompt Master feature. Long press the top button, and you'll get a dedicated menu to ask ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot to summarize text, compose emails, create images, and more.

I personally don't see a ton of value in having this built into your mouse, but it's an optional feature that Razer is seemingly committed to improving over time.

• Back to the top ⤴

Pro Click V2 Vertical: What I don't like

I did just finish praising Razer for doing so well with its first vertical mouse design, but that doesn't mean it's perfect.

For one, the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is aggressively vertical, far more than the most popular vertical mice from companies like Logitech. I still found the mouse to be comfortable to use, but Razer probably could've held back a little here.

Having only six programmable buttons on such a large mouse is a shame, too, especially with the thumb rest providing the perfect place for some additional inputs. The USB Type-C port is really deeply inset, as well, so thicker charging cables simply won't fit.

I also can't fully express how much it annoys me that the two halves of the mouse don't meet seamlessly, disrupting the curve of the base with a noticeable pointed seam. This criticism may just be me, though.

Less specific to my own obsessive-compulsive tendencies, the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition also lacks Razer's HyperScroll wheel, which brings tilt functionality as well as smart tactile and infinite scrolling. The regular Pro Click V2 features the HyperScroll wheel, so it's even more disappointing that the Vertical Edition is missing out.

• Back to the top ⤴

Pro Click V2 Vertical: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

Pro Click V2 Vertical: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• Traditional mice place a strain on your wrist.
• You want a vertical mouse that's also designed for gaming.
• You actually do want AI built into your mouse.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need the absolute best gaming performance.
• You're as reliant on the HyperScroll wheel as I am.

The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is one of the more surprising accessory drops of 2025, but I knew that from my initial hands-on.

It may not be quite as comfortable as the most popular vertical ergonomic mice, and it's certainly not as performant as the most popular gaming mice, but it strikes a balance unlike anything else you can buy right now.

I can already see where Razer can make some improvements with the second version (V3, because that's how Razer does it), but this is a remarkably great first attempt that also feels pretty reasonably priced.

I will say that a more traditional mouse will still be better suited to hardcore gaming, but those who will consider this product are those who work or create just as much as they game. Razer's additional software features are also nice to have, even if I'm not totally sold on the value of the "AI Prompt Master."

If the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is speaking to you, it's available now for $119.99 at Razer. Stay tuned, as I'll be reviewing the regular Pro Click V2 mouse in a separate review somewhere down the line.

• Back to the top ⤴

Keyboards can get awfully tiny, but sometimes you want the most compact form factor without sacrificing any performance or features.

That's where keyboards like the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) comes in, a wired peripheral designed for the hardcore gamers who want to keep their desk as clean as possible.

SteelSeries uses its latest magnetic switches (utilizing Hall Effect technology) to make the third-generation Apex Pro keyboards some of the most feature-packed and user-customizable on the market, and the Mini is the smallest of the bunch.

With a 60% layout, the Apex Pro Mini is demure and understated, but still boasts features like adjustable actuation, last-keystroke prioritization, dual-stage shortcuts and activations, and much more.

It's an impressive board, but you're also paying a lot of money for a wired keyboard — and other companies are starting to offer very compelling alternatives.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by SteelSeries. SteelSeries had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Apex Pro Mini review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A miniature wired gaming keyboard with a compact 60% layout, with advanced features like adjustable actuation.
• Who is it for? Gamers who need the absolute best in gaming performance and customization, but want it in as small a package as possible.
• How much does it cost? The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) can be purchased for $219.99 at Amazon. You can also buy this keyboard for $219.99 at Best Buy.
• What did I like? The intuitive 60% layout, the excellent gaming performance, and the optional software for added customization.
• What did I not like? The average typing experience, the wired connectivity, and the high price tag compared to the competition.

• Back to the top ⤴

Apex Pro Mini review: Pricing and specifications

The SteelSeries Apex Pro line sits at the top of SteelSeries' keyboard offerings, so the Mini is as premium as they come.

You can get the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) for $219.99 at Amazon, and it's also available for $219.99 at Best Buy. If you'd rather buy from the source, you can pick up this keyboard for $219.99 at SteelSeries.

Wherever you buy this keyboard, it'll only be available in black (at least for now), but you can buy it in a few language layouts, and it supports replaceable keycaps. The SteelSeries Apex Pro is also available in full-sized and tenkeyless (wired and wireless) variants.

In the box, you'll find the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) gaming keyboard, a detachable, braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable, and a keycap removal tool (which can be stowed under the keyboard in a dedicated compartment).

• Back to the top ⤴

Apex Pro Mini review: What I like

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is a 60% keyboard, meaning it sacrifices the tenkey numberpad, dedicated function, page navigation, and arrow keys, and extra macro buttons and multimedia controls — all in the name of being as compact as possible.

This keyboard is indeed diminutive in every dimension, but it's also surprisingly intuitive. A dedicated SteelSeries button highlights all the shortcut keys on the board, allowing you to switch onboard profiles, change the RGB lighting, adjust the actuation, control media, navigate pages, use the function keys, and more.

There's definitely a learning curve, but the Apex Pro Mini is responsive in everything it does. SteelSeries' latest OmniPoint 3.0 switches enable even more features, too, thanks to the Hall Effect magnet technology.

Since these switches can detect any input between 0.1mm and 4.0mm, you can adjust their actuation and reset points, enable features like Rapid Tap (which always prioritizes the last pressed key), Rapid Trigger (which recognizes a key input the moment you begin pressing), and dual-stage activations (different functions at different press depths).

We've seen other keyboards with similar features, either with analog optical switches or similar magnetic switches, but SteelSeries has been in this space for a few years, and its execution is among the more refined.

Overall, the Apex Pro Mini is an excellent peripheral for gaming thanks to its in-depth software customization options. The SteelSeries GG Engine is a stable and intuitive software suite, giving you easy access to all the settings and features you could need.

The possibilities are endless for building custom profiles, assigning custom shortcuts and meta bindings, and generally making this keyboard the ultimate control hub for your setup.

Performance is excellent, too. Keys are instantly responsive, with zero ghosting, reliable debouncing, N-Key Rollover, and rapid resetting. Even the per-key RGB lighting is lightning fast when highlighting shortcuts or reacting to on-screen content (when configured).

Build quality is equally excellent. The majority of the frame is matte plastic, but the top frame is high-grade aluminum, and SteelSeries has improved its keyboard construction with per-key pre-lubricated stabilizers and three separate sound-dampening layers.

Rubber feet keep the Apex Pro Mini well-grounded, and there are two-stage stands if you want a more angled typing experience. There's even a secret compartment on the bottom of the keyboard, hiding the included keycap removal tool behind a silicon flap.

SteelSeries does offer alternative keycaps sets in other layouts and languages, and you can always search for third-party solutions to further customize your keyboard. However, the default double-shot PBT keycaps feel comfortable, durable, and perfectly grippy, and ably resist smudges and oil buildup.

It's also worth remembering that SteelSeries' default keycaps are labeled with the various keyboard shortcuts specific to the Apex Pro Mini's 60% layout, so keep that in mind if you plan to swap these keycaps out.

There's not much to say about connectivity or battery life, since this keyboard is wired-only, but the detachable USB Type-C cable is high quality and securely attaches to the Apex Pro Mini.

• Back to the top ⤴

Apex Pro Mini review: What I don't like

I'll put aside my personal dislike of 60% keyboards (you're just giving up too many keys), especially since the Apex Pro Mini is one of the best examples of how to do this form factor right.

I can criticize this keyboard for three reasons, though: the pricing, the connectivity, and the typing experience. I guess the RGB lighting isn't as vivid and bright as the best from Razer and Alienware, either, but that's a nitpick.

First, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) is $220. It's only $20 more for the tenkeyless and full-sized variants (which also include wrist rests) and $50 more for the wireless tenkeyless model.

You can absolutely find great alternatives for less, some with more features or greater hardware customization. The Apex Pro Mini lacks any wireless connectivity, too, which will be a dealbreaker for many.

My greatest complaint is that the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini doesn't offer the best typing experience outside of gaming, considering its price. Other premium keyboard brands have been upping the ante with more refined typing experiences and more luxurious acoustics in the last few years.

That's especially obvious when you look at bespoke custom keyboard brands like Keychron, which is investing more into gaming-grade features and performance. Don't get me wrong, the Apex Pro Mini is both comfortable and precise, and it feels great — it's just not as good as I'd expect for $200+.

• Back to the top ⤴

Apex Pro Mini review: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

Apex Pro Mini review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You're looking for a 60% keyboard with full-sized performance.
• You can take advantage of the adjustable actuation and other features.
• You're more than happy taking time to set up your keyboard's software.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need wireless connectivity.
• You want the best typing experience and most premium hardware.

If I had to give you a single company to source all of your gaming accessories, SteelSeries would certainly be a contender.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) may not be one of the absolute best keyboards in my eyes, but it's still a fantastic peripheral with top-notch performance and a wealth of software features.

SteelSeries put in some serious effort to make this compact, 60% layout as comfortable and intuitive as possible, and the magnetic switches offer some obvious advantages over traditional mechanical switches.

More companies are taking notice of this technology, though, from both ends of the spectrum. Bespoke keyboard brands are creating some seriously incredible gaming hardware, while gaming companies are paying more attention than ever before to typing experiences and acoustics.

With the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) charging you $219.99 at Amazon to add it to your desk, you'll want to be sure it offers everything you need and not much that you don't. As long as you do that, you won't be disappointed.

• Back to the top ⤴

HYTE has announced a new collaboration with Metaphor: ReFantazio, which is set to bring a new themed PC case, deskpad, keycaps, and other accessories to the PC builder's product lineup later this year.

All of HYTE's new themed pieces are available for preorder today at its official website, and they're expected to launch later in Q3 2025.

HYTE has a sizzler reel available for a live look at the new hardware, which I've included above.

The HYTE Y70 case has Metaphor: ReFantazio artwork wrapped on the glass panels, with the rest of the case stylized to fit the game's fantasy aesthetic.

It's the Metaphor: ReFantazio keycaps set that will likely prove to be most popular.

I know how passionate keyboard enthusiasts can be, and a full set based on the game looks like it will work with nearly any mechanical keyboard.

Three huge deskpads are coming our way, each with a slightly different design.

They all appear to be the same size, and by that I mean they'll cover most of your desk.

Rounding out the themed accessories are a keychain and a wall scroll to hang in your gaming den.

What is Metaphor: ReFantazio and why is this a big deal?

Metaphor: ReFantazio is the title that many gamers believe should have won Game of the Year at 2024's Game Awards.

Windows Central's Zachary Boddy called it "the best game I've played this year" in their Metaphor: ReFantazio review, and many other reviewers shared the same sentiment.

Alas, Astro Bot picked up the prestigious award, leaving Metaphor ReFantazio with an impressive three awards: Best Narrative, Best Game Direction, and Best Score and Music.

Sega was 2024's best game publisher according to Metacritic, and a lot of that success falls on Metaphor: ReFantazio and its developer, Atlus.

The game sold more than one million copies in 24 hours after launch, shattering Atlus' previous sales record.

There are a lot of Metaphor: ReFantazio fans out there, and I suspect HYTE's new lineup featuring the game's artwork will prove to be popular.

Another manufacturer of fine PC related hardware has seemingly fallen into the U.S. tariffs black hole.

8BitDo, makers of the incredible Retro Mechanical Keyboard and its current officially licensed Xbox sibling, has ceased shipping some of its products to American customers.

As reported by Polygon, buyers heading to the 8BitDo store in the U.S. are now being greeted with messages on some items declaring they are unable to be shipped to locations in the U.S.

It doesn't apply to everything, mind, though at this point there's no telling how long that may last. Anything currently in the U.S. in the company's warehouse is fine, but anything that needs to come from China, is not.

Polygon goes on to confirm that some of the affected hardware includes the Retro Mechanical Keyboard, it's mini Xbox controller, as well as some Bluetooth controllers and N64 related hardware for now.

But without knowing how much stock is already in the U.S. there's no telling just how long it'll last. The Xbox-themed keyboard and mouse at least does seem to be unaffected for now.

8BitDo isn't the first company to hit the tariff barrier. Razer has already suspended shipments of a large part of its hardware range, including its laptops, while a solution is resolved.

Amazon does still have stock of some of the affected items, including the Retro Mechanical Keyboard, so there is still hope for prospected buyers in the short term. But, again, once stock runs out, it has to come from China, so currently, the endgame is unclear.

I've reached out to 8BitDo for additional information, and will update this post accordingly if and when it arrives.

In better news, the 8BitDo Xbox keyboard is currently reduced to just $89.99 on Woot, so you definitely want to grab one while you can.

Few audio brands carry the prestige and reputation of Shure, well-known for its high-end gear tailored toward musicians, streamers, and professional creators.

The Shure MV6 is a little different. It's an accessible USB microphone positioned for "gamers," but it's really Shure's attempt to break into a new price segment with a more affordable product.

Shure's iconic design language and famously excellent audio recording quality can be found in the MV6, the latter being a great companion to the more approachable price tag and easy plug-and-play set up.

An awkward mute button, chunky stand, and lack of onboard controls are peculiar decisions, though, and the MV6's software is functional but does lack in advanced features some users may expect.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Shure. Shure had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Shure MV6 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A mid-range USB cardioid microphone focusing on delivering premium audio recording.
• Who is it for? Gamers and streamers looking for a straightforward, high-quality microphone with a simple setup process.
• How much does it cost? The Shure MV6 retails for $149 at Amazon. You can also find it for $149.99 at Best Buy.
• What did I like? The excellent and consistent audio quality, the plug-and-play USB interface, the attractive pricing.
• What did I not like? The lack of onboard controls and other confusing design decisions, the lack of advanced software features.

• Back to the top ⤴

Shure MV6 review: Specifications

In the box, you'll find the Shure MV6 USB microphone, the two-piecer 12cm round base stand, and a 1m USB Type-C 2.0 to USB Type-C 2.0 cable. There are no USB Type-C to USB Type-A or 1/4-inch mount thread adapters in the box.

• Back to the top ⤴

Shure MV6 review: What I like

The Shure MV6 isn't a major departure from the rest of the company's microphone portfolio, with its matte black, cylindrical zinc alloy casing. Light green accents prove this product was designed for "gamers," but this design is otherwise quite simple.

Being a USB microphone, getting the MV6 set up requires no more than plugging a USB Type-C cable into the bottom of the microphone and attaching the other end to your Windows PC, macOS computer, or mobile device.

It's a dead-simple plug-and-play process, and it's just as easy to piece together the two-part circular stand or mount the MV6 on any standard 5/8-inch tripod or arm. The MV6 is designed so that the top of the mic should be facing you, not the side, but it's pretty easy to position.

You don't need it for the MV6 to work, but you can also install Shure's MOTIV software on Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS for some additional options. The MOTIV Mix app on Windows PCs also acts as an all-in-one mixer for managing all your audio devices, if you want that added functionality (you can set it to just display device settings, though).

You'll find a basic slider for managing the tonal quality between dark and bright, monitor mix controls. There are also toggles for auto gain control, denoising, popper stopping, and high pass filtering.

These are simple options, but the fundamentals are covered.

You don't have to tweak anything for the MV6 to sound great, though. Audio recorded through this microphone is clear and detailed, and the automatic background noise cancellation does an excellent job of dealing with low-frequency sounds.

With up to 24-bit and 48 kHz recording quality, the MV6 isn't the highest resolution microphone out there, but it still captures plenty of depth in recordings and is adept at isolating your voice.

As I mentioned, though, the biggest selling point for this USB microphone is that it sounds this good without touching a single setting. Advanced users and professionals may require more control, but the MV6 works with a wide variety of devices and sounds wonderful out of the box.

Muting is handled by a capacitive button on the top, and you can monitor your recordings with a 3.5mm audio jack on the rear. The external pop filter is easily removed to expose the cardioid microphone behind its green-tinted cage, if you need that.

• Back to the top ⤴

Shure MV6 review: What I don't like

The Shure MV6 may stand out as a fantastic plug-and-play option, but Shure erred too far on the side of simplicity in some cases, with both software and hardware.

For the former, you won't find multi-band equalizers, granular control over noise suppression, and echo cancellation. There also aren't any unique effects and filters like reverb or half-stepping, customizable profiles, or any other advanced settings in Shure's MOTIV software.

The MV6 is firmly a unidirectional microphone designed for one user, too, so you won't be able to switch between omnidirectional, stereo, or other polar pickup patterns.

There are some oddities on the design front, too. The plastic mute toggle set into the metal casing has so much give that it feels like an incredibly cheap button, but it's actually a capacitive touch surface with zero tactile feedback and only a subtle LED glow to indicate if the MV6 is muted or not.

You won't find any onboard audio or monitoring controls on the MV6, either, so you will need Shure's software to change any settings. The included base stand is weirdly massive and lacks any adjustability whatsoever, and the included cable is incredibly short.

None of this is a dealbreaker on its own, but altogether may be enough to push you toward a different USB microphone in this price segment.

• Back to the top ⤴

Shure MV6 review: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

Shure MV6 review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a simple plug-and-play microphone with great audio quality.
• You need a USB microphone that works with all kinds of devices.
• You have faith in Shure's reputation for quality and reliability.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need in-depth software customization options.
• You really value having onboard volume and monitoring controls.

Podcasters, streamers, musicians, and all manner of content creation professionals rely on Shure for all their audio recording needs, often with extremely expensive and customized setups.

The Shure MV6 is a more affordable entry point to the brand, though, delivering the consistently clear audio and industrial design with simple plug-and-play functionality and an accessible price point.

What the MV6 sets out to do, it does with aplomb, but it hasn't immediately become my top recommendation for those seeking a great microphone to get them started. The MV6 is really good, but its few pain points make a handful of other microphones easier to suggest.

My go-to is absolutely the AVerMedia VERSATI go you can get for just $69.99 at Amazon, a phenomenal value for a really capable microphone. There's no denying the guarantee of quality attached to the Shure brand, though, and that alone will make the Shure MV6 a very compelling choice for $149.99 at Amazon.

• Back to the top ⤴

Most people can benefit from having a great webcam in this day and age, but you don't have to spend a ton.

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K webcam I reviewed is still my favorite webcam of all time, but it's also a $300 camera — more than many will want to spend.

Now, though, we have the OBSBOT Tiny SE, a distilled version of my top choice that trades some resolution, features, and refinement to hit a third of the price of its big sibling, and it's genuinely amazing.

For just $100, you can get an AI-powered webcam with 2-axis gimbal tracking, and there's no webcam I'd rather recommend at this price point, unless you really need 4K recording.

There are some weaknesses of which you should be aware, but the Tiny SE is easily one of the best webcams you can buy for video conferencing or streaming.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by OBSBOT. OBSBOT had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

OBSBOT Tiny SE review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A 1080p webcam with 2-axis gimbal tracking and AI-powered software features.
• Who is it for? Those who want an excellent, intelligent webcam for video conferencing and streaming on a budget.
• How much does it cost? The OBSBOT Tiny SE webcam only costs $99 at Amazon. You can also get the OBSBOT TIny SE for $99 at OBSBOT, where you may find even more optional accessories and bundles.
• What did I like? The excellent image quality in various lighting conditions, smart gimbal tracking, and compact design.
• What did I not like? The less reliable software and gimbal tracking versus the more expensive OBSBOT Tiny webcams.

• Back to the top ⤴

OBSBOT Tiny SE review: Specifications

In the box, you'll find the OBSBOT Tiny SE webcam, a USB Type-C 2.0 to USB Type-C 2.0 cable, and a USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter. This webcam's mount is built-in, but there's still a 1/4-inch tread for tripods and other mounting solutions. Unlike the OBSBOT Tiny 2, you won't find a travel case in the box.

• Back to the top ⤴

OBSBOT Tiny SE review: What I like

The OBSBOT Tiny SE fits its name, with compact dimensions courtesy of a design that closely resembles its more expensive siblings. Plenty of smaller details differentiate the more premium Tiny webcams from this one, but the Tiny SE still boasts excellent build quality.

The mount is no longer magnetically attached and is now integrated into the webcam's body, giving you slightly less flexibility but helping lower that price tag.

The 2-axis gimbal is the same, a compact mechanical tracking system that gives you around 140 degrees of panning in each direction, and around 70 to 90 degrees of tilting up and down.

That gimbal tracking is (mostly) smooth and accurate, too, only occasionally wandering off and easily brought back with manual adjustment. The Tiny SE also supports OBSBOT's remote control if you want more power over the camera.

Connectivity is handled by a simple, detachable USB Type-C 2.0 cable that works with both Windows PCs and macOS. You can even install the optional (but highly recommended) OBSBOT Center software to access the plethora of options and features.

It's a practical design, with the Tiny SE able to automatically turn on when needed and pivot to keep you in frame, with a visible LED clearly indicating if the camera is on or not. It turns to face straight down when turned off to assuage any privacy concerns.

The star of the show is the camera sensor, of course. It's smaller than the 1/1.5-inch sensor of the OBSBOT Tiny 2, but the 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor of the Tiny SE isn't a slouch.

Image and recording quality are fantastic for a webcam in this price range, with excellent clarity, detail, and color reproduction. You get automatic focus, exposure, and white balance, as well as granular sliders for editing contrast, saturation, sharpness, and hue.

Those base settings are enhanced by optional beauty filters and effects, including integration into NVIDIA Broadcast for more advanced background blurring.

All of these features should work with basically any software, too, as the Tiny SE supports OBSBOT's virtual camera feature, as well as Elgato Stream Deck and OSC integration.

One area where you'd expect a more affordable webcam with a smaller sensor to struggle is in low-light situations, but the Tiny SE performs very well here, too, with no excess noise or crushed detail.

Impressively, you still get dual native ISO and staggered High Dynamic Range (HDR) support in the Tiny SE, too. These are performance and image quality-enhancing features you don't often find in budget webcams.

As far as pure image quality at 1080p is concerned, I found the OBSBOT Tiny SE to be more consistent than the Insta360 Link 2 I reviewed, a great webcam that costs twice as much as this one.

This webcam is equipped with a single microphone rather than the dual, omnidirectional recording setup of its big siblings. Clarity and depth certainly take a hit, but it still gets the job done.

Automatic noise cancelation and gain control work well, and you have a variety of basic options for customizing your microphone experience. It's better than your average webcam, at least, which is more impressive at this price.

In general, it's hard to criticize any of the cuts OBSBOT made to get the Tiny 2's platform down to a third of the price. Image quality is still great with this downgraded sensor, and the OBSBOT Tiny SE can actually record at up to 1080p and 100 frames-per-second (FPS) or 720p and 120 FPS versus the 60 FPS maximum of the Tiny 2.

Crucially, you're also saving yourself $200. This is a very balanced, value-driven AI webcam.

• Back to the top ⤴

OBSBOT Tiny SE review: What I don't like

Since I was already comparing the two, I'll break down exactly what you lose when you go from the flagship OBSBOT Tiny 2 to the entry-level OBSBOT Tiny SE.

The camera sensor is smaller, has a lower resolution, and is more cropped. Meanwhile, the design is less premium since you drop a microphone and miss out on features like faster USB 3.0 data transmission, voice control, and desk/whiteboard presentation modes.

Those are all completely understandable downgrades, especially considering the quality of that camera. I won't complain about Windows Hello facial recognition also missing from this OBSBOT camera, because I don't expect such luxury features at this price point.

Of course, this is a 1080p camera where many of the most popular webcams support 4K. Some people will really miss the extra detail and zooming capabilities of a larger, higher resolution sensor, but for the most part, the Tiny SE packs all the features people need and then some.

This webcam does possess one weakness of its own, though, and that's how it often takes multiple attempts to properly communicate with its software. Firmware updates frequently fail to install successfully, too, and the software sometimes feels slow to navigate.

The gimbal tracking on the Tiny SE is slower and less responsive than the Tiny 2, as well, and occasionally drifts off randomly. That all being said, the OBSBOT Tiny SE never felt like a burden to use; there were just some minor annoyances every now and then.

• Back to the top ⤴

OBSBOT Tiny SE review: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

OBSBOT Tiny SE review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a webcam with smart tracking capabilities.
• You don't want to spend more than $100 on a webcam.
• You need a webcam you can use with any software or app.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You absolutely need a 4K webcam.
• You'd never use any of the extra AI features.

I wasn't confident OBSBOT could really make a $100 gimbal-tracking webcam I'd actually want to recommend to people, but the OBSBOT Tiny SE offers an experience so similar in quality to the $300 Tiny 2 that I was completely caught off guard.

Sure, it's only 1080p, but the Tiny SE offers some truly great image quality in a wide variety of lighting conditions, and it backs that with plenty of customization options and extra features.

On top of that, you're getting true, AI-powered 2-axis gimbal tracking, a hardware feature normally found in $200+ webcams. Getting such a quality product for just shy of $100 is one hell of a deal.

The OBSBOT Tiny SE makes the Tiny 2 look overpriced in comparison, although that webcam is still objectively superior. For most people, though, the OBSBOT Tiny SE is an unbeatable value for $99 at Amazon.

There's also the OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite for $179 at Amazon, a 4K webcam that's supposed to straddle the gap between the SE and 2, but I haven't personally tested that webcam. I can still recommend the OBSBOT Tiny 2 for $299 at Amazon, but that's only for those who need the absolute best and are willing to pay for it.

• Back to the top ⤴

Keychron is already well-known among keyboard enthusiasts for crafting quality mechanical keyboards.

The K4 HE is one of the latest premium custom keyboard options from the company, but is unique for employing magnetic Hall Effect switches. A technology that gained popularity in controllers, Hall Effect dramatically expands the capabilities of the K4 HE.

Now, you can build your own keyboard with adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, keystroke prioritization, and even four-level macros. It's an impressive array of features packed into an attractive chassis, but at its core is a simply great keyboard.

The Keychron K4 HE's 96% layout is comfortable and intuitive, and the typing experience is wonderful. You can't enter this category without mastering typing acoustics, of course, and the K4 HE passes this with flying colors, too.

I do have a few minor qualms, especially when it comes to navigating the wired-only software with a cable that barely reaches my PC, but none of that stops me from considering the K4 HE as one of the best keyboards I've used.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Keychron. Keychron had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Keychron K4 HE review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A premium, custom keyboard using magnetic Hall Effect switches.
• Who is it for? Those who value ultimate control over every element of their keyboard's software and hardware.
• How much does it cost? The Keychron K4 HE goes $134.99 at Amazon for the fully assembled Standard Edition, $144.99 at Amazon for the Special Edition, or from $134.99 at Keychron if you want more options and add-ons.
• What did I like? The wonderful typing experience, attractive and customizable design, and absurd number of features.
• What did I not like? The software requiring a wired connection, and the included cable being woefully short.

• Back to the top ⤴

Keychron K4 HE review: Specifications

Regardless of which version of the Keychron K4 HE you purchase, in the box you'll find the fully assembled keyboard (including the case, PCB, switches, and preinstalled macOS keycaps), a complete set of Windows keycaps, a braided USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable, a USB Type-C to USB Type-A extension adapter, a USB Type-A 2.4GHz wireless dongle, a keycap and switch removal tool, a screwdriver, and a hex key.

• Back to the top ⤴

Keychron K4 HE review: What I like

Bespoke keyboards are still relatively niche, appealing mostly to a small but passionate group of enthusiasts that value customizable hardware and luxury acoustics.

Keychron is one of the bigger brands in the space, and the K4 HE is its latest attempt at a jack-of-all-trades custom keyboard that equally excels at productivity, gaming, cross-device compatibility, and customizability.

This is a 96% layout, a relatively uncommon size that gives you the tenkey number pad of a full-sized keyboard in a more confined space.

It also fully supports both Windows and macOS out of the box, with Keychron being nice enough to provide swappable keycaps that adhere to your preferred operating system (as well as a handful of cosmetic alternatives, like differently colored Esc and Enter keys).

It's a wonderfully comfortable layout, with each individual key carefully sculpted for an optimal typing experience. These are double-shot PBT keys that promise good durability, and the font is clear and legible.

In general, I really like this design. There are sleeker keyboards than this, with the K4 HE using a plastic case with an aluminum frame, but both white and black colorways look incredibly clean, and the per-key, North-facing RGB lighting is decently vibrant and highly customizable.

If you want some added flair, the Special Edition that I received boasts rosewood accents on either side. The dimensions are slightly different from the Standard Edition, but the keyboard is functionally the same.

As a keyboard, the K4 HE is excellent. The Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Switches, which employ Hall Effect technology, offer a consistent, responsive linear action with a rapid reset.

Keychron's expertise in typing acoustics makes itself known in the K4 HE, too, with a silicon acoustic pad and two separate layers of sound dampening foam provides a soft, even, and warm sound profile despite this being a tray-mounted design (rather than the more expensive gasket-mounted design favored by the most premium keyboards).

I'd be lying if I claimed I preferred the K4 HE over the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% I reviewed, but that keyboard also costs twice as much. For the price, the K4 HE is awesome, and it's equipped with an incredibly impressive list of features.

The use of magnetic switches over more traditional mechanical switches allows for far more precise, granular control over your input. In a broad sense, this means having adjustable actuation, or being able to change exactly when input is measured when depressing a key.

Historically, that was a feature reserved for extremely expensive keyboards using custom analog optical switches, like the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro I reviewed, but we're now starting to see more keyboards using Hall Effect technology.

Using the Keychron Launcher, you can customize the actuation distance of each individual key between 0.2mm and 3.8mm in 0.1mm intervals. You can enable rapid trigger, a feature that dramatically shortens the actuation reset so you can mash a key without missing any inputs.

You can tune keys to always prioritize the latest or deepest input. You can set individual keys to emulate a gamepad's analog triggers or thumbsticks with granular input. You can even assign up to four functions to every key, dependent on how deep you press it and in what combinations.

It's an incredibly deep layer of customization that you won't find in most keyboards, and the Keychron K4 HE boasts onboard memory to remember your separate profiles for both Windows and macOS (in addition to its healthy amount of built-in shortcuts and features).

Unlike many custom keyboards (including other options in Keychron's catalog), the K4 HE is also a great performer when gaming, even outside of the utility gained by the adjustable actuation.

Many wireless keyboards not designed for gaming are afflicted with egregious latency, as an instant response isn't as crucial with standard typing or productivity work. The K4 HE drags that latency down to just 3.4ms in 2.4GHz mode, though, and boasts up to a 1,000Hz polling rate in both wired and wireless modes.

With added Bluetooth support on board, the Keychron K4 HE can adapt to gaming, productivity, and creation across multiple devices with ease. Battery life in wireless modes has also been quite good for me, even with the RGB lighting enabled and its standby is efficient enough that I don't bother turning the keyboard off overnight.

• Back to the top ⤴

Keychron K4 HE review: What I don't like

I have some minor complaints about the Keychron K4 HE's design, like how it's a little on the chunky side and is always propped at an angle — which not everyone wants.

The switches on the side that allow you to change connectivity or OS modes also feel cheaper than the rest of the keyboard, and the labels are tiny and blend into the casing so you have to have perfect, direct lighting to even begin to read them.

The advantages of Hall Effect switches also come with one disadvantage, too. Yes, these switches are hot swappable and Keychron includes all the tools you need for customizing your K4 HE in the box, but this keyboard is only compatible with other Hall Effect switches. More specifically, other Hall Effect switches you can only get from Keychron.

More than all that, though, is a two-fold problem with the Keychron K4 HE. On one hand, the Keychron Launcher is packed with an absurd number of features, but on the other hand it's a slightly awkward web app that requires a wired connection to the K4 HE.

The K4 HE really feels designed to be used mostly wirelessly, and it certainly doesn't help that the angled, braided cable Keychron includes in the box is woefully short. When I need to charge the K4 HE, it has to sit on my mousepad to reach the cable — and my desktop is close by, not mounted below my desk or somewhere else.

The former issue could potentially be solved in a future firmware update and the latter could be fixed by Keychron simply supplying a longer cable in the box (or you using your own), so that goes to show how good this keyboard is that I have to nitpick.

• Back to the top ⤴

Keychron K4 HE review: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

Keychron K4 HE review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a wireless, custom keyboard that can also do gaming.
• You want to be on the cutting edge with adjustable Hall Effect switches.
• You value being able to customize every part of your keyboard.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You want to be able to use any key switches you want.
• You won't use any of the Hall Effect features and options.

Magnetic switch technology like Hall Effect and Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) have already begun to take over controllers with more reliable, precise, and adjustable thumbsticks and triggers, and now we're seeing the same tech in keyboards.

The Keychron K4 HE isn't the first to use the tech and it won't be the last, but it's still one of the best custom, wireless keyboards you can buy right now that excels at every typing aspect — be it gaming, productivity, or creation.

Great typing acoustics, respectable hardware customization, an attractive price tag, and an absurd number of software features made possible by those unique Hall Effect switches makes the K4 HE a stupendously easy recommendation.

Not everyone will make use of any of those Hall Effect-specific features, though, and the wired-only launcher is kicked while its down by the ridiculously short cable in the box. Those are minor qualms, though — this is a killer keyboard.

You can grab the Keychron K4 HE from $134.99 at Amazon, but you may have better luck with availability at the source from $134.99 at Keychron. I also want to mention the Keychron K2 HE, a 75% version of this keyboard, that you can now get from $135.99 at Amazon.

• Back to the top ⤴

HyperX makes some of the best PC gaming accessories in the business, from mice and keyboards to headsets and microphones.

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 wireless gaming mouse we reviewed last year was one of our favorits of 2024 and an excellent value to boot, and HyperX has expanded that family with a new Pro variant.

I've been using that exact mouse for a few weeks now, enough to be confident it's just as impressive as its more affordable sibling as an all-around great gaming mouse, but this time with even better performance.

There's almost nothing I can truly criticize, but it's also difficult to enthuse about this mouse when HyperX took the "tried and true" approach to design. More than that, though, a lower price tag and 99% of the same price tag makes the standard Pulsefire Haste 2 the better value in my eyes.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP and HyperX. HP had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A high performance wireless gaming mouse designed for Windows PC.
• Who is it for? Those who want the best performance and lowest latency from a wireless gaming mouse.
• How much does it cost? The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro comes in one color (grey) for $119.99 at Amazon. You can also get it straight from the source for $119.99 at HP.
• What did I like? The comfortable design, reliable wireless connection, and smooth performance.
• What did I not like? The lack of standout features, the price increase over the regular Pulsefire Haste 2 mouse.

• Back to the top ⤴

Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: Specifications

In the box, you'll find the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro wireless gaming mouse, preinstalled PFTE low-friction skates, optional HyperX Grips, braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable, USB Type-C to USB Type-A extension adapter, and USB Type-A 2.4GHz wireless dongle.

• Back to the top ⤴

Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: What I like

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is nearly indistinguishable from the non-Pro version that came before it, apart from a new colorway. It's a right-handed symmetrical design constructed entirely of matte plastic.

The body is rigid, with a firm and comfortable texture that doesn't readily pick up fingerprint oil or other smudges. At 61g, it's also a very light mouse, although doesn't quite hit the magical sub-60g weight that many companies seem to consider the ideal.

Either way, the your hand will enjoy the refined ergonomics of the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro, with a subtle shape that should play nice with many hand sizes and grip styles, smartly placed buttons, and a soft, textured scroll wheel.

The optical sensor is located in the center of the mouse, with a convenient cubby for your wireless dongle below it. The charging port is exactly where you'd expect it, right at the front.

This mouse would blend in with dozens of others if placed in a lineup, but in the hand it's clearly refined from countless hours of research and development, and it makes it comfortable for long sessions.

In the box, you'll also get some optional grip tape that you can install if you want some extra texture to grasp. It's a nice addition.

Under the hood you'll find HyperX's 26,000 dots-per-inch optical sensor, which can also handle up to 650 inches-per-second of speed and 50 G of acceleration. It's hardly the most technically advanced sensor you'll find in a gaming mouse, but it's reliable, precise, and responsive.

Indeed, the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro's tracking was impeccably smooth and accurate for me. You can enjoy up to 4,000Hz polling rates, too, combining with NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency Validation to ensure instant reactions.

The optical mouse switches for the main buttons are tactile and instantly spring back, so in general this mouse performs excellently for gaming and everything else. Wireless performance was also reliable, never stuttering in use and (almost) always instantly connecting after leaving standby.

If you install the HyperX NGENUITY software, you'll gain some added customization options, although it's nothing crazy. You can assign up to five DPI profiles to store on the mouse, customize the limited RGB LED in the scroll wheel, reprogram the six buttons, change the polling rate, toggle the lift-off distance between 1-2mm, and... That's really it.

Battery life does take a hit versus the standard Pulsefire Haste 2 mouse, but you can still expect up to 90 hours of usage at the 1,000Hz polling rate most people will probably stick to.

For me, that estimation felt accurate, with the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro never suddenly dying on me. I only charged it once during the time I used it, and I never bothered turning it off overnight, either.

HyperX Glass Skates

By default, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro is equipped with very run-of-the-mill plastic skates that feel pretty average for the high-performance gaming mouse segment, but you don't have to stick with those feet.

HyperX offers optional glass skate upgrades, and I was sent a set alongside the Haste 2 Pro to try for myself. Installation feels a bit haphazard, prying off the glued-on originals to slap on the glass replacements, but once in place stayed put.

Does it make a difference? Absolutely. The HyperX Glass Skates are noticeably smoother than the default feet, helping the Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro positively glide across surfaces.

Friction is noticeably decreased, especially on my hard mousepad, but the Haste 2 Pro doesn't become slick in a way that makes it feel "uncontrollable."

If you're interested, you can get the HyperX Glass Skates (which are compatible with a variety of HyperX mice) for $19.99 at Amazon. If you're noticing low availability, you can also find them for $19.99 at HP.

• Back to the top ⤴

Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: What I don't like

I'll go out and say that there's nothing "bad" about the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro wireless gaming mouse. In basically every category, it's a fantastic and trustworthy product.

If this mouse is guilty of any sin, it's the sin of being safe and boring. It's good across the board, but it doesn't take any risks, attempt to innovate, or add any extra features that would set it apart from all the other great mice in this category.

Even the flat, grey color is boring. The Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro can't claim to be a major departure from the standard Haste 2, even, with the changes easily summarized as: 4,000Hz wireless polling rate, optical mouse switches, 10% less battery life, and 33% more expensive.

Even the lovely glass skates are an added, optional purchase that you can just as easily buy for the regular HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2. When that mouse costs $30 less, why wouldn't you just do that?

• Back to the top ⤴

Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You just want one of the best gaming mice without worrying about details.
• You want a light, symmetrical, 4,000Hz wireless mouse for less than $150.
• You already have other HyperX products and want to keep things simple.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You don't need 4,000Hz polling (just get the Haste 2).
• You value features like infinite scrolling, wireless charging, or anything else.

Is the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro one of the best wireless gaming mice you can buy right now? Yes.

Should you buy the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro? Unless you're adamant about having 4,000Hz polling, probably not. For most, the standard Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro costs $30 less and feels like the better deal.

This mouse is in a weird spot. It's genuinely amazing and I don't have a solid reason to tell someone not to buy it aside from "the cheaper version will probably be just as good for you."

If HyperX had preinstalled its superior glass skates rather than charging you an additional $20 upcharge for them, that could've made the difference to properly separate the Haste 2 Pro from its little sibling, but it didn't.

If you want the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro, it can be yours for $119.99 at Amazon. In the same breath, you can save yourself some money and get a mouse that's almost as good for $89.99 at Amazon.

• Back to the top ⤴

I've been on something of an OLED binge lately, and I challenge you to fault me for that obsession.

That doesn't mean I can't fall in love with monitors and displays of all kinds, though, and this offering from Dell has captured my heart enough that I'm genuinely reluctant to let it go after the conclusion of this review.

The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is exactly what its name would suggest: a 27-inch, 4K display with a built-in Thunderbolt USB hub, falling under Dell's productivity, enterprise, and prosumer-focused UltraSharp branding.

A comfortable display with surprisingly deep blacks and that aforementioned Thunderbolt hub elevate this monitor above its competitors, though, and help make it one of the top monitors I've reviewed in quite a while.

If you need a monitor that will tie together your devices, help you get your work done in comfort, and can even play your games afterward... Well, have I a monitor for you.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Dell. Dell had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Dell U2725QE review: Pricing and specifications

• This monitor retails for $699.99, which does feel appropriate.
• There's a 32-inch version for $950, which is identical apart from screen size.
• Not many monitors can claim this exact list of features.

There are countless monitors out in the world, but this display provides an uncommonly unique blend of features and capabilities.

Its 27-inch display uses IPS LCD Black technology for greater contrast, and a 4K resolution ensures a very sharp image. You still get a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, though, and full High Dynamic Range (HDR) support.

The standout feature for this monitor is the inclusion of a Thunderbolt 4 USB hub, allowing you to connect far more peripherals, accessories, and devices than most monitors can handle. You can even daisy chain other monitors.

The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE) retails for $699.99 at Dell, which is a respectable price for this caliber of display. For those who need more screen real estate, there's a 32-inch version of this monitor available for $949.99 at Dell, a sizeable upcharge for the larger display.

Finally, there's the U2724DE from last year for $549.99 at Dell, which also packs a Thunderbolt hub behind its QHD, 120Hz display, but I can't claim with confidence that it's identical in all other ways (besides the resolution) to the latter two.

In the box, you'll find the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE), the included two-piece stand (with toolless installation), a 1.8m DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable, a 1m USB Type-C to USB Type-A upstream data cable, and a 1m Thunderbolt 4 cable.

This monitor is covered by Dell's 3-year limited hardware warranty, which includes Dell Advanced Exchange Service for next-day replacement shipping.

• Back to the top ⤴

Dell U2725QE review: The good

• A practical design makes this monitor easy to set up and use.
• Image quality is also great, with good color accuracy and contrast.
• Having a built-in Thunderbolt hub is incredibly useful.

I wouldn't describe the Dell U2725QE as "premium," even if its pricing verges on that territory. This is a pragmatic, barebones design that gets the job done, and sometimes that's all you need.

Thin enough bezels, a slim enough chassis, sturdy enough build quality — what more do you need?

Taking the U2725QE out of the box, and you'll be met with a nice, compact two-piece stand that assembles without tools and neatly clicks into the back of the monitor. The stand's cable management slot is basic, but you do get height, swivel, tilt, and pivot adjustability.

As the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor, this display is meant to act as the center of your setup, so its ports are neatly lined up on the back and out of sight. There are a lot of ports, and you even get three front-facing ports that can hide inside the monitor, ready to be released at any moment with a spring-assisted action.

Along the front, you'll find the 27-inch display. Dell is using IPS LCD Black technology here, a variant of the traditional IPS panel that boasts far superior contrast ratios.

While obviously lacking the punch of OLED, this is nonetheless an excellent display. Color reproduction is practically flawless with excellent color accuracy for a productivity-focused monitor, and a color calibration tool is built in that syncs with X-Rite colorimeters.

Dell brags that the U2725QE is one of few to earn a 5-Star TÜV Rheinland EyeComfort rating alongside Dell's improved ComfortView Plus technology, and this is a very comfortable display to look at for hours on end.

The hard anti-glare coating does a respectable job combatting reflections, and there's practically no noticeable backlight bleed anywhere. Brightness is consistent across the panel, and this is all obviously built on top a 4K, 120Hz foundation.

Yeah, this monitor renders fine text with ease and can scroll through mountains of it smoother than silk.

Turning to the benchmarks, you'll see the hard numbers for that color accuracy (100% of sRGB and 99% of DCI-P3 color gamuts), as well as the U2725QE's level white balance, which does noticeably drift warmer as the brightness is lowered.

Contrast ratio is well above average for an IPS LCD display, although obviously still far short of any OLED panel. Still, blacks do look great, and that consistent backlight further helps.

The U2725QE surpassed the promised 450nits of brightness, but there is a pretty sizeable gap between 75% and 100% brightness, with Dell warning you of increased power consumption every time you go beyond 75%.

Peak brightness is higher with HDR enabled, and while this monitor won't blow you away in that regard, it's certainly not the worst display I've used for consuming HDR content.

Finally, let's talk about the headlining feature for this monitor: the Thunderbolt 4 hub. There are plenty of monitors that feature Thunderbolt 4 ports, but few are quite as impressively equipped as the UltraSharp U2725QE.

Five USB Type-A ports, 3 USB Type-C ports, Ethernet, a 3.5mm audio jack, the ability to daisy-chain monitors through Thunderbolt 4 or DisplayPort, 140W Power Delivery through the Thunderbolt 4 port, this monitor seemingly has it all.

Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) support with Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP) lets two of your devices take advantage of all those ports, too.

Connect one via Thunderbolt 4 and the other through DisplayPort or HDMI and the USB Type-C upstream port, and both devices can access all your connected accessories and peripherals.

I've connected my 4K webcam, high-resolution microphone, RGB-lit keyboard, wireless mouse with its wireless charging station, and my wireless gaming headset and its control hub. Oh, did I forget to mention I still have three USB ports left over? All of that, accessible to my desktop and whatever Thunderbolt-equipped laptop I'm using.

How many other monitors can be the hub for all your devices, additional monitors, peripherals, and accessories? The UltraSharp U2725QE's KVM isn't quite as slick as HP's new OMEN Gear Switch, but it all works shockingly well. Enough that I'm properly spoiled by a monitor that can handle so much.

Oh, and its power supply is entirely internal, so it's just a simple cable connecting this monitor to the outlet. That's impressive.

• Back to the top ⤴

Dell U2725QE review: The bad

• I do wish this monitor got brighter, and wasn't so stingy with getting bright.
• The included cables are also too short, making part of the setup a pain.
• The OSD is only alright, too, and Dell's optional software suite isn't good.

Any criticisms I can levy toward the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor are largely minor, but there are criticisms.

For one, while the U2725QE certainly gets brighter than your average OLED monitor, it's still outclassed by other premium IPS LCD panels. The monitor is also hesitant to get bright, with a warning every time you go above 75%.

There's an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust brightness and color temperature, but I left it off for the former because it went far too dim, even on the "High" preset.

The Thunderbolt 4 and USB Type-C upstream cables in the box are also incredibly short. As you can see in the images, the cable connecting the U2725QE to my desktop is practically stretched across — my monitor and desktop can't be described as "far apart" under the loosest of definitions, and I still had to scoot everything closer to make it work.

Sure, Thunderbolt cables get prohibitively more expensive as they extend beyond a meter (all that data doesn't do well over long distances), but this is too short.

Finally, there's the On-Screen Display (OSD) and the new Dell Display and Peripheral Manager. I suppose I may have been spoiled by the smooth, intuitive OSD and dedicated button for enhanced KVM on the HP OMEN Transcend 32, but Dell fell short of my expectations here.

The OSD is fine, if clunky and awkward to navigate, but the DPPM software that you can optionally install to manage all your Dell accessories just isn't good. The interface looks fine, but the app is incredibly slow, frequently forgot my settings, and didn't seem to be fully communicating with the U2725QE on matters like KVM (I had already set it up, but had to go through the process again just in the app).

I could complain that the UltraSharp U2725QE lacks any integrated speakers or webcam, as my ideal "hub" monitor would boast those features, and you're missing the proximity sensor for Human Presence Detection (HPD) that some newer premium monitors boast, but this monitor can already do a lot for $700 — I just wish Dell would make a flagship that can truly do it all.

• Back to the top ⤴

Dell U2725QE review: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

Dell U2725QE review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a comfortable monitor with no flickering issue

OLED monitors are all the rage, but they can cause more eye strain and headaches due to flickering while dimming. IPS LCD monitors have no such issue, and the U2725QE is even more comfortable for long sessions thanks to EyeComfort and ComfortView Plus certifications.

✅You want one monitor to rule your setup

If you're a multi-device user and want to condense your messy setup into one place, this monitor can handle it. KVM support for two devices, support for daisy chaining monitors, and enough USB ports for all your accessories makes managing your setup a cinch.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You want the absolute best image quality or performance

A 4K panel with a 120Hz refresh rate is awesome, but the U2725QE can still be outdone by plenty of monitors with higher refresh rates, better adaptive sync support, faster response times, and superior image quality. OLED monitors, usually.

I'm constantly cycling through monitors, laptops, accessories. Products rarely stay on my desk for long, so I've gotten good at avoiding attachment to any one piece of tech.

It's going to be difficult to let go of the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor, and I knew that when it was released.

It's not the most premium, or the best-looking, or the most performant — far more expensive monitors have graced my desk before this one, and the U2725QE is hardly going to outperform them.

A very well-balanced blend of image quality, comfort, ease-of-use, and features make this monitor uniquely qualified to be the center of your setup, though, and is capable enough to extend beyond productivity for creating, gaming, and consuming media.

Not everyone needs a Thunderbolt USB hub baked into their monitor, but those who can find a use for all these USB ports and features won't be able to use any other monitor after. The U2725QE is just that useful.

The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE) is now available for $699.99 at Dell, and it does earn my recommendation at that price. Asking $949.99 at Dell for the 32-inch version is a tougher call, but it may be worth it to you for that bigger display.

• Back to the top ⤴

A monitor stand is one of those accessories that you don't value until you have one on your desk, when the convenience makes you wonder why you didn't buy a monitor stand sooner.

For those that do value a good monitor stand, though, we have another option. The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma expands the company's catalog into another category, once again with an ultra-premium product designed exclusively for the hardcore Razer fans and those who covet opulence in their desk setup. It's needlessly expensive for a monitor stand, but it definitely does more than the hordes of generic stands you'll find on Amazon today.

You're not just paying for a way to lift your monitor a few inches, you're also adding four more ports to your computer and expanding the Razer Chroma RGB ecosystem we both know you already have. Razer's delivering that with its familiar sense of style, too, which may just perfectly appeal to those with a little extra money burning holes in our pockets.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Razer. Razer had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Razer Monitor Stand: Pricing and specifications

• The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma retails for $199.99.
• That's much more than your average monitor stand, but with reason.

Anyone looking for a monitor stand to prop up their display or add some extra storage to their desk will probably head to Amazon first, and there you'll find countless options for $50 or less.

There are luxury brands handcrafting bespoke monitor stands for the wealthy executive, of course, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a mainstream option that costs quite as much as Razer's. The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma retails for $199.99 at Amazon, which is definitely a lot to spend on such a product. Razer isn't charging this much for no good reason, though.

The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma expands Razer's immersive ecosystem and is incredibly well-built, milled out of a single block of CNC aluminum and coated with an electrochemically bonded finish.

You also get additional ports to expand your laptop's connectivity options, as well as tastefully hidden RGB lighting that you can customize to your heart's content. You won't find any drawers or additional storage elements here, but a large part of this product's aesthetic appeal is the understated design.

In the box, you'll find the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma and a 1m, braided USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable with video throughput. This stand is covered by Razer's 2-year standard warranty.

• Back to the top ⤴

Razer Monitor Stand: The good

• The Monitor Stand is rock solid, with no hint of give or flex.
• It also looks great, with a clean finish and subtle lighting.
• The additional ports are great to have, too.

Razer mills the Monitor Stand Chroma out of a single block of CNC aluminum, and then coats the finish product with its iconic matte black finish. Constructed to a meticulously high standard, the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma is steadfast in its place on your desk; there are no structural weaknesses, no sign of flex or give under even too-large monitors.

The rubber feet do an excellent job keeping the Monitor Stand cemented in place, so you don't have to be concerned with shifting or sliding. Purely from a build quality perspective, I can't fault the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma.

Visually, it's also a great-looking product, especially if you're already a fan of Razer's design language. Clean lines, no seams, and thoughtful placement of the Monitor Stand's extraneous features help convey that feeling of "luxury."

The RGB light bar stashed under the Monitor Stand (powered by the Razer Chroma engine, of course), also looks great. It's hidden from view when you're positioned normally, but you'll always be able to see the light cast smoothly and evenly onto your desk (or whatever you keep beneath the Monitor Stand).

Around the rear, you'll find a recess in which you can plug in your computer via a meter-long, braided USB Type-C cable to enable all the other ports. That includes the HDMI port also hidden in this recess, allowing you to connect your monitor while keeping unsightly cables hidden.

On the right side, you'll find a second USB Type-C port and two USB Type-A ports to expand your device's I/O, a good mixture that makes the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma a lot more useful than simply as a shelf. There's also a button for cycling between various Chroma profiles for the built-in lighting, if you'd rather not install Razer Synapse just for this.

The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma embraces both form and function, delivering a premium and attractive product that also packs some useful features. The build quality is top-notch and the extra features work, so what more is there to say?

• Back to the top ⤴

Razer Monitor Stand: The bad

• This monitor stand may be smaller than you expect.
• The display output is also only HDMI 2.0, not HDMI 2.1.
• Ultimately, you're paying $200 for a monitor stand.

Considering how extravagant this product is as a monitor stand, it surprisingly falls just shy of fulfilling both of the main demographics likely to buy it: gamers and executives.

The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma is designed with 24 to 27-inch monitors in mind, so it's definitely on the short side. Even 27-inch displays may feel like a tight fit; if your monitor uses triangular legs rather than a square base for its stand, you may be out of luck. The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub monitor I'm reviewing now fits like a charm, but the HP OMEN Transcend 32 monitor I reviewed previously hung off the edge.

The Monitor Stand supports a ton of weight due to its construction, but it's just not big enough to really work with larger monitors. With the industry progressively moving toward ultra-premium monitors being 32-inches (even in the gaming industry), that's a big weakness.

On top of that, the one and only built-in display port is only HDMI 2.0, not the latest HDMI 2.1 standard. Have a 4K monitor that runs at 120Hz or higher? You'll be locked to 60Hz. Don't care about resolution and went out to buy the fastest FHD monitor you could? You'll be limited to 240Hz, when many monitors are pushing 360Hz or greater.

The small size is fine, most people use a 27-inch monitor, right? HDMI 2.0 is fine, most people don't use more than a QHD display at 144Hz, right? Except most people aren't going to drop $200 on a monitor stand in the first place, so it does feel like an oversight. That's the real clincher, too — the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma costs $200. The hardware is extremely nice, but are you willing to pay that much?

• Back to the top ⤴

Razer Monitor Stand: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You're already heavily invested in the Razer Chroma ecosystem

If everything else on your desk already taps into the Razer Chroma ecosystem, and you can't get enough of that lighting, then the Monitor Stand Chroma is an obvious way to add — and you'll actually reclaim some desk space in the process.

✅You want a very high-quality monitor stand that doubles as a USB hub

Affordable monitor stands are a dime a dozen, so it's understandable if you're intentionally looking for something outside the norm. This monitor stand isn't just lavish, it's also a USB hub to give you some added functionality.

You should not buy this if ...

❌Your monitor falls outside what this stand is designed for

Is your monitor bigger than 27-inches or boasts a large stand? Prepare for it to hang off the edge of the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma in perpetuity. Does your monitor's specs go beyond what HDMI 2.0 can handle? Prepare to simply not use that port at all, it won't do you any good.

The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma approaches perfection at a base level, just given the quality of its design, construction, and features, but all that "quality" demands a high cost.

Unfortunately, this monitor stand's only weaknesses — relative to personal needs on any other monitor stand — help disqualify this product from the shopping lists of the exact people who may want to buy it.

Oh, it looks amazing, it's built like you could probably stack a couch or two on top of it, and there are some genuinely cool additions you don't see in other monitor stands. On the other hand, it's too small for larger and more premium monitors, and its HDMI port doesn't play nice with faster and higher resolution displays.

When the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma costs $199.99 at Amazon, whether either matters to you will make or break your potential purchase.

• Back to the top ⤴

During CES 2025 (Consumer Electronics Show), the latest Cherry mechanical keyboards and accessories were unveiled. At the center of these announcements are the new MX 8.3 TKL Wireless and MX 10.1 Wireless mechanical gaming keyboards, which CHERRY says are "super-fast advanced keyboards for professional gamers and hobbyists alike."

Aside from their sizes and the fact that the larger XTRFY MX 10.1 TKL has a full number pad, the main difference between the two is that the more compact MX 8.3 TKL has hot-swappable Cherry MX2A switches with double-shot PBT keycaps, while the MX 10.1 Wireless has MX low profile 2.0 switches and PBT keycaps.

Otherwise, these two wireless models both offer three connection methods (via dongle, Bluetooth, or cable) and really fast 4000Hz polling rates in wireless mode or 8000 Hz in wired mode.

Additionally, these mechanical gaming keyboards feature LCD displays with rotary knobs to allow users to view typing speeds, battery life, and more. The Cherry XTRFY MX 8.3 TKL will sell for $299.00, while the XTRFY MX 10.1 TKL will have a slightly lower $279.00 MSRP.

More peripherals from Cherry at CES 2025

The Cherry Corporation has been manufacturing quality computer peripherals for decades. While it is primarily seen as a keyboard company, Cherry does offer other computer accessories as well.

In addition to the MX 8.3 TKL Wireless and MX 10.1 Wireless gaming keyboards, Cherry also announced a new H3 Wireless headset at CES. Wireless connectivity works via USB-A dongle or Bluetooth 5.1. This headset is compatible with PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.

The official specs show that this wireless headset has a 2,000 mA battery that should last up to 100 hours. When it runs out of power, users can charge it back up with the USB-C to USB-A charging cable.

Cherry also announced several non-gaming office keyboards and accessories, including the XTRFY GP6 and GP7 mousepads, KW 300 MX hot-swap office keyboard, KW 550 MX LP wireless keyboard, KC 500 MX LP wired keyboard, and a KC 500 MX LP TKL compact keyboard to meet computer user's various needs.

You can take a look at the listed specs to see the differences between these office keyboards below.

Consumers will be able to get these devices at different points of the year. The first to come to market is the H3 Wireless headset, slated for sometime in Q1 2025. The rest of these computer accessories will launch sometime in Q2.

CES 2025 runs from Tuesday, Jan 7 through Friday, Jan 10, 2025. This event hosts tech companies from around the world. We at Windows Central are at the show this week and will be reporting on various computer-related announcements as it goes on. So, check back to see our latest coverage.

If you need the flexibility to get the most out of your microphone or webcam, you need a dedicated arm for mounting.

There are plenty of options for mic arms, especially from generic brands, but the guarantee of quality and compatibility that comes from an established company can't often be passed up. AVerMedia's FLEXI go (BA311L) is a great example, with a durable and highly practical design that provides a ton of adjustability to suit any setup.

This is a great mounting solution, but it has one fatal flaw — it simply costs too much. You wouldn't expect your mic arm to cost a fair bit more than the microphone you attach to it, but the AVerMedia FLEXI go is more expensive than its recording counterpart.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by AVerMedia. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

FLEXI go review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) mic arm retails for $99.99, making it one of the more expensive mounting solutions.
• For reference, the AVerMedia VERSATI go microphone only costs $69.99, so you're paying a lot more just to have more positioning options.

If you look online, you can find any number of generic yet functional microphone and webcam caster arms for around $40-50, with the option to spend more if you desire a name-brand alternative with a sleeker design or more features. The AVerMedia FLEXI go has the former but lacks a lot of the latter, with the AVerMedia name carrying a guarantee of quality, but not the promise of a great value.

The AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) mic arm retails for $99.99 at Amazon, making it one of the more expensive in the category. However, you're getting a very analog design with no spring assistance or sleek and smooth hinges. AVerMedia positions the FLEXI go as a great companion to the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone that costs $69.99 at Amazon, but this product doesn't feel like you should be paying so much.

In the box, you'll find the AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) microphone arm and c-clamp mount, and two Velcro straps for cable management. This product is covered by a 30-day limited warranty.

• Back to the top ⤴

FLEXI go review: The good

The pros highlights

• The FLEXI go is well-built, with a sturdy aluminum construction and wide compatibility with different microphones and webcams.
• You also get a wide range of adjustability, although it does rely on a very manual screw system.

The AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) microphone arm is broken into two parts — the two-part aluminum tubing and the c-clamp for mounting to your desk or table. Construction is excellent, with no part of the FLEXI go feeling cheap or flimsy, a positive side effect of such an industrial design.

The c-clamp mount provides a solid amount of leeway for adjusting to different desks (up to 55mm), the total package is relatively light (964.9g), gives you a little over two feet of length, and supports up to 1.5kg in weight. Standard 1/4-inch mounting support (with a 5/8-inch thread adapter in the box) means the FLEXI go will be compatible with most mics and cameras.

When you attach your microphone or webcam, you'll find you have an excellent amount of adjustability in three places. The arm connects to the c-clamp with a 360-degrees ball joint, the arm is hinged in the center with 180-degrees of movement, and there's a second ball joint at the end of the arm to provide 360-degrees of adjustability for your connected accessory.

There are also two basic Velcro straps in the box to help secure the cable for your mic or camera to the FLEXI go. It's an extremely practical design that trades refinement for simplicity, and once you've made your adjustments the FLEXI go (BA311L) is rock solid — there's very little give, and everything stays perfectly in place over time.

• Back to the top ⤴

FLEXI go review: The bad

The cons highlights

• By far the biggest flaw with the FLEXI go is its price tag, which feels far too high for the product you're getting.
• Yes, the build quality is there, but other offerings in this range are more refined and fluid.

The AVerMedia FLEXI go mic arm is on the small side, and folds easily for traveling, but its usability is that of a much more affordable mic arm (and its range is limited).

There is no spring assistance or smooth hinges here — every minute adjustment has to be made manually and with two hands. It's practical but utilitarian, and doesn't reflect the price you're paying.

In this price range, you can find mic arms that look better, are easier to adjust, and even have more features like integrated cable management or any form of shock absorption. The BA311L just can't compete on the design front, and it feels especially odd when it costs more than the microphone AVerMedia positions alongside it.

When you can find functional mic arms for literally a quarter of the price, the FLEXI go becomes hard to justify.

• Back to the top ⤴

FLEXI go review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a compact mic arm with solid build quality

The FLEXI go breaks down into two parts, and the actual arm folds neatly in half for quick transport. It's a compact design and the aluminum construction is sturdy.

✅You don't mind trading convenience for more permanent adjustments

The best mic arms (and monitor arms, for that matter) are designed for quick and easy adjustments, but that does mean the potential for gradual drifting or falling. The FLEXI go stubbornly resists change, but it's a lot more of a pain to adjust when you need to.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You're looking for a great value

If all you need is a practical and reliable arm to mount your microphone or webcam, chances are excellent that you can find an equivalent to the FLEXI go for far less than what you'd pay here.

As a product, I honestly have few complaints about the AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) mic arm. Many of its weaknesses are simply byproducts of its design, with its competitors being the inverse.

All of those compromises are cast in a harsh light when you're paying $100 just to mount your microphone or webcam, though, and that price tag stings even more if you look at the most popular microphone and webcam mounting solutions. I reviewed the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone, and it's a genuinely phenomenal value at just $69.99 at Amazon.

On the other hand, the BA311L retails for $30 more, or $99.99 at Amazon, making it a surprisingly costly purchase considering this product's positioning. It'd be an easy recommendation at half the price, but as it stands, this is a very good microphone mounting arm that you're probably better off avoiding (unless you really like this design approach).

• Back to the top ⤴

You may not think about or interact with your webcam as much as your keyboard or mouse, but it's still a vital part of many people's PC setups, whether for work, school, or creation.

One of the most popular high-end webcams in recent years is the original Insta360 Link, a capable 4K webcam with AI-powered gimbal tracking. Now, Insta360 is back with the official successor, debuting a brand-new design, an expanded feature set, and even a lower initial retail price. It's a compelling package with a lot to love, even if the software and AI features feel a little rough around the edges right now.

There's one webcam that's better than the Insta360 Link 2 in almost every way, but it also costs 50% more. That more attractive price point is what really sells the new Link 2 webcam, and it's why I can recommend it to anyone who truly wants a gimbal-equipped webcam for advanced, smooth, and effortless tracking.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Insta360. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Insta360 Link 2 review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Insta360 Link 2 webcam retails for $199.99, or $100 less than the original price of the Insta360 Link.
• There's also the new Insta360 Link 2C, which utilizes the same sensor and hardware but without the 2-axis gimbal tracking.
• Finally, the first Link webcam is still available for a reduced $179.99 if you don't mind giving up features and image quality.

The original Insta360 Link webcam debuted at $299.99, making it a luxury product for those who needed the best webcam they could find without sacrificing portability or ease-of-use.

The Insta360 Link 2 is still a premium webcam, but Insta360 actually dropped the retail price by a full $100 and simultaneously released a more affordable alternative.

The Insta360 Link 2 is available for $199.99 at Best Buy, and those who are interested in the camera capabilities but not the gimbal tracking can save even more with the Insta360 Link 2C, available for $149.99 at Best Buy. You can also consider the original Insta360 Link for a reduced $179.99 at Amazon if you don't mind trading some features and image quality in exchange for gimbal tracking at a lower price.

In the box, you'll find the Insta360 Link 2, the magnetic mount attachment, and a basic USB Type-C 2.0 to USB Type-A 2.0 connecting cable; there's no travel case or other add-ons included in the box. Everything is covered by a standard 1-year warranty.

At this price, the Insta360 Link 2 is now competing with potent alternatives like the Logitech MX Brio I reviewed — and it makes a compelling argument for itself with crisp image quality, an above-average webcam microphone, and gimbal tracking. That $200 price point also makes it an excellent challenger for the OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K I reviewed, an incredible gimbal tracking webcam that's honestly better than the Link 2 in practically every category... But also costs $100 more.

Finally, it's worth mentioning the Insta360 Mini 2-in-1 Tripod you can get for $29.99 at Amazon, which gives you more flexibility in how you can use the Insta360 Link 2 or Link 2C (and could be particularly useful for streamers and mobile content creators).

• Back to the top ⤴

Insta360 Link 2 review: The good

The pros highlights

• The Insta360 Link 2 debuts a sleek new design with premium construction and a convenient magnetic mount.
• The new 1/2-inch 4K sensor also provides excellent overall image and video quality with auto exposure, white balance, and focus.
• The Insta360 Link Controller is a fast, easy-to-use app that provides a decent amount of customization and enables support for almost any streaming or video conference app.

The first Insta360 Link was a premium enough webcam, but it didn't quite reflect its opulent price tag. The new and improved Link 2, on the other hand, feels every bit like the high-end webcam it is, with a fresh, compact, and sleek design. This design is also practical, though.

Premium materials and excellent build quality help provide confidence in the Link 2, and the included magnetic mount is dead simple to set up on any monitor (or flat surface, honestly). The 2-axis gimbal for smart tracking is front and center with this design, but the elongated lens housing results in the more affordable Insta360 Link 2C looking remarkably consistent alongside its gimbal-equipped sibling.

There's also a standard 1/4-inch mounting point that should work with most tripods and mic/webcam arms, but Insta360 would obviously prefer you use its own Mini 2-in-1 Tripod. It's a solid accessory if you desire a little more flexibility with where you place and use your Link 2 (or most other Insta360 cameras).

Now, onto image quality. The Insta360 Link 2 boasts a sizeable 1/2-inch 4K sensor with a wide F1.8 aperture. HDR support, autofocus, and a suite of AI-backed features and optimizations complete the camera experience, and it's a good one. The Link 2 performs well in a wide variety of situations, including when lighting may be sparse, and does a good job retaining detail, accurately reproducing colors, and avoiding unwanted noise or artifacts.

That 2-axis gimbal also means the Insta360 Link 2 is more capable than most with tracking, as it can adjust itself to follow you across a room or automatically shift focus to help you present on your desk or even a whiteboard. Tracking is smooth and accurate, although it's not without its issues (more on that later). What's important, though, is that the Link 2 doesn't have to sacrifice resolution and crop in to track your face, body, or presentation — you're always getting the full might of this 1/2-inch sensor, and it's mighty indeed.

When you need to make adjustments, the Insta360 Link Controller app is a dependable piece of software. You can manage your Link 2's AI adjustments and tracking, customize background effects or filters, manually control the gimbal, and more. It's clean, smooth, and incredibly simple to use. This app is also what enables you to take full advantage of the Link 2's features in almost any streaming or video conference app, thanks to the new virtual camera debuting with this webcam.

There's a high probability that many of the people investing in a premium webcam already have a suitably premium dedicated microphone or headset to accompany it, but the Insta360 Link 2 does boast a built-in microphone of its own, complete with AI-powered noise canceling.

I have to admit, the Link 2's mic surprised me. It has limited range and constrained depth, but it does a good job of ensuring your voice sounds clear and detailed. More impressively, the AI noise cancelation really does make a noticeable difference, filtering out unwanted background sounds without affecting what you really want to record. A good microphone or headset will still be better, but the Link 2's mic is great for when you're in a pinch.

• Back to the top ⤴

Insta360 Link 2 review: The bad

The cons highlights

• The Insta360 Link 2's AI tracking, auto adjustments, and background detections can all be wildly inconsistent at times.
• Tracking can cause erratic shifts and movements, the exposure and white balance can swing to extremes, and background blur often clips too far into the foreground.
• You're also missing some luxuries, like an included travel case or Windows Hello facial recognition support.

The Insta360 Link 2 would be an impressive webcam all on its own but is particularly so when viewed as the sequel to the original Link. It's hard to find fault with such an obvious improvement over an already acclaimed product, but the faults are there.

Namely, the Link 2 webcam suffers from a number of inconsistencies. The AI-powered gimbal tracking can shift back and forth, zoom in and out, and change focus targets in an erratic and jarring fashion; the auto white balance and exposure adjustments can fluctuate from extreme to extreme, resulting in blown-out highlights, crushed shadows, and strange colors; the background detection can aggressively cut too far into the foreground, causing background effects and filters to look disconcertingly unnatural.

You can see the Link 2's brilliance through the cracks of these inconsistencies, but they're there, and they do affect the experience. Fortunately, all of these issues seem software or firmware-related, and during my review period, the gimbal tracking, at least, has noticeably improved following a handful of firmware updates. Still, you should always buy a product for what it is now, not what it could be in the future.

The Link 2 isn't the most generous when it comes to added luxuries or features, though. There is no IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition, for example. Despite the Insta360 Link 2 advertising its mobile design, you won't find a protective travel case in the box. Both of these are likely a product of the Link 2's reduced retail price, but they're worth noting nonetheless.

• Back to the top ⤴

Insta360 Link review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a high-quality webcam with 2-axis gimbal tracking

There are plenty of great webcams with comparable image quality, but the Insta360 Link 2 is a little unique in this price range thanks to its 2-axis gimbal hardware tracking, which is versatile and buttery smooth.

✅You don't want to pay more than $200 for the best webcam

The Insta360 Link 2 isn't the best webcam money can buy, but it certainly makes a fair case for being the best webcam $200 can buy. If that's your budget, you're looking in the right place.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You're willing to spend more to get more

One webcam, in particular, stands out as a potent competitor to the Insta360 Link 2, and that's the OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K. That gimbal webcam may cost $100 more, but it's smaller and more portable, boasts superior software and more features, enjoys a healthier accessory ecosystem, and includes a quality hard-shell travel case in the box.

When we reviewed the original Insta360 Link webcam, we called it "the best webcam you can buy today." The new Insta360 Link 2 is the perfect successor and is undeniably better than what came before, but it not being the absolute best webcam you can buy today is more indicative of how good webcams have become.

More features, including a virtual camera that lets you take full advantage of the Link 2's capabilities in almost any app, an improved and more premium design, and superior image quality, make the Link 2 an excellent addition to any streaming or video conferencing setup. It costing a full $100 less than its predecessor did at launch is just icing on the cake.

I'll still choose the OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K in almost every scenario, but a 50% upcharge is hardly negligible. For $199.99 at Best Buy, it's hard to beat the Insta360 Link 2, especially if what you're seeking is a versatile webcam with best-in-class tracking (gimbal hardware makes that a cinch). If you don't need that headlining feature, though, you can still get the same fantastic core webcam in the Insta360 Link 2C for $149.99 at Best Buy.

• Back to the top ⤴

What you need to know

• Secretlab may trace its origins back to premium gaming chairs, but nowadays the company makes a lot more than just places to plant your rear.
• There's actually a whole line of monitor stands, designed for Secretlab's MAGNUS desks but compatible with most setups.
• Today, Secretlab has announced its most ambitious mount yet: the Vertical Monitor Stand, with quad arms.
• This stand can support up to four 32-inch monitors simultaneously, with independent swivel, tilt, and rotation support for each display.
• Oh, and it's available now from $299 at Secretlab.

I currently have an HP OMEN Transcend 32 QD-OLED monitor in front of me, which I'm testing for a review (stay tuned for that). This 32-inch, 4K, 240Hz monitor feels every bit like all the screen I reasonably need, but Secretlab (yes, the Secretlab that probably made your chair) has proffered a new question: "What if... Four of them?"

Secretlab recently announced and released its new Vertical Monitor Stand, the latest addition to its display mounting family and absolutely the most ridiculous of the bunch. This ultra-premium desk accessory can support up to four 32-inch monitors at once, with each monitor boasting its own swivel, tilt, and rotation (including horizontal and vertical orientations) adjustability. It's a ridiculous but inarguably impressive product, allowing you to have all the monitors you want.

The Secretlab Vertical Monitor Stand is now available from $299 at Secretlab, and there's a reason for that high starting cost.

🔥The hottest post-Cyber Monday deals🔥

• 💻HP EliteBook 14 (Ryzen 7 PRO) | $699 at HP (Save $2,223!)
• 🎮Xbox Series X Digital Edition (1TB) | $398 at Walmart (Save $51.99!)
• 🕹️Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months) | $29.29 at CDKeys (Save $11!)
• 🎮Lenovo Legion Go (Z1 Extreme) | $539.99 at Amazon (Save $160!)
• 💻Surface Pro 11 w/ keyboard (X Plus) | $999.99 at Best Buy (Save $350!)
• 💽Seagate Xbox Series X|S Card (2TB) | $199.99 at Best Buy (Save $160!)

A premium dual monitor arm that can expand to hold even more

There are plenty of people who love multi-monitor setups, and want the freedom to arrange their monitors vertically or horizontally, stacked or side-by-side, and more. Setups that allow for so much freedom are costly, and often compromise on certain features or are just messy to look at, but Secretlab is trying to maximize freedom, features, and design in one product.

Behold: the Secretlab Vertical Monitor Stand. It looks ridiculous. Silly, even. If you search for other quad monitor mounts, though, Secretlab's offering looks incredibly clean and sleek in comparison to most, and you get a degree of adjustability and modularity that most other stands don't offer.

The Vertical Monitor Stand boasts a wide base and a powerful clamp, from which protrudes a short... trunk makes sense here. That trunk can support up to four of Secretlab's fully adjustable monitor arms. It's important to note that, by default, the Vertical Monitor Stand actually comes with two monitor arms, with the third and fourth sold separately. That makes this stand even more costly, but also means you don't necessarily have to have four monitors to consider it.

Two, three, or four displays — it doesn't matter. Each arm on the Vertical Monitor Stand is fully independent, allowing for the exact same full range of swivel, tilt, and rotation adjustability as Secretlab's standard single, dual, and heavy duty monitor stands. Secretlab also spaced the arms so that it's easy to make all your monitors flush with each other, whether horizontally or vertically.

Most modern monitors of up to 32-inches in size are supported, too; the idea of having four HP OMEN Transcend 32s on my desk is intimidating (that's just far too much screen for how close I sit), but it's possible. Secretlab designed the Vertical Monitor Stand specifically for its MAGNUS and MAGNUS Pro desks, with it slotting neatly and seamlessly integrating into Secretlab's acclaimed cable management system. Of course, the Vertical Monitor Stand also supports most desks and tables of between 10-50mm in thickness.

Secretlab's MAGNUS monitor arm family has grown quite large, with prices starting at $149 at Secretlab for a single display arm. The Secretlab Vertical Monitor Stand now stands at the top as the most premium offering in the Secretlab catalog, starting at $299 at Secretlab, with an additional $139 per third and fourth arm.

💽More Cyber Monday deals that won't quit💾

• Dell: Lowest PC prices of the year for a little longer after Cyber Monday
• HP: Aggressive "Cyber Week" deals on laptops while supplies last
• Lenovo: Still save up to 68% on laptops, desktops, and select doorbusters
• Samsung: Week-long holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more

Black Friday felt like a flash in the pan this year, but there are some really stellar deals that you can still get your hands on. If you're like me and struggling with the lack of ports on your PC or laptop, you might want to take advantage of this deal that can save $30 on the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub from Best Buy, now just $139.

🔥The hottest Cyber Monday deals🔥

• 🎮ASUS ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) | $349.99 at Best Buy (Save $150!)
• 💽MSI GeForce RTX 4070 + free game | $479.99 at Newegg (Save $60!)
• 💻Surface Pro 11 (X Plus) | $899.99 at Best Buy (Save $300!)
• 💽AMD Ryzen 5 7600X + free SSD (1TB) | $194.99 at Newegg (Save $74!)
• 🖥️Beelink Mini PC (Ryzen 5) | $249 at Amazon (Save $100!)
• 🎮Xbox Series X Digital Edition (1TB) | $399.99 at Best Buy (Save $50!)

My desktop PC serves me well as a multipurpose device for gaming, work, and hobbies like digital art. That means my desktop is bogged down with monitors, drawing tablets, and game controllers, not to mention other items like my smartphone, key lights, and recording equipment. All that gear needs a port to plug into, but my Phanteks case only offers so many. I could cough up a couple hundred bucks for a new case with more ports, but that only solves the problem for my desktop and leaves my port-deprived laptop in the cold.

The solution, then, is a multipurpose hub like the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub from Best Buy. This hub is a creative techie's dream, capable of supporting a single 8K (4320p) display with a refresh of 30 Hz or dual 4K (2160p) displays with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, and offering data transfer rates of 40 Gbps.

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months) Was $49.99 Now: $27.99 at CDKeys

Unfortunately, the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub doesn't have DisplayPort or HDMI support, so we're limited to USB connections here. There are three Thunderbolt 4 connections available in all, and one USB-A 3.2 port. The hub offers more than enough bandwidth for video and data and is also backward compatible with USB-4 and USB-C 1 and 2 alike. The dock is capable of charging up to 60W to the host device and provides an additional 15W of charging via each of the three Thunderbolt 4 ports. Phones, drawing tablets, LED lighting—plug it all in, and you're good to go with this dock.

While Apple was the earliest adopter of the Thunderbolt ports, these nifty hubs do also work on Windows PCs. However, the Satechi hub is limited to only working with Windows PCs that support Thunderbolt 4. It is not compatible with Thunderbolt 3 systems. If you're running an older desktop or laptop, you may want to consider checking out some of the best Cyber Monday deals on laptops, instead.

💽More great Cyber Monday deals💾

• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• Amazon: Constantly rotating sales on everything you can imagine
• Walmart: Major savings on practically everything
• Target: Live deals on a huge range of products
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• HP: Save big on laptops, desktops, accessories, and more
• Lenovo: Doorbuster deals on all PCs, monitors, accessories, and more
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Discounts and free gifts for Razer hardware, gear, and more
• Samsung: Holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more are live

Out of the many Thunderbolt dock stations on the market, the CalDigit Element Hub is considered to be one of the best for its rich features, sturdy build quality, and value for money. This handy device can augment laptops with high-performing, fast-reading USB-A ports and Thunderbolt 4 ports at an affordable MSRP of $199.99.

However, this MSRP has been considerably reduced during Black Friday this week as it has been diminished by 20% to an even cheaper price tag of $143.99 at Amazon.

🔥The hottest Black Friday deals🔥

• 🎮ASUS ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) | $349.99 at Best Buy (Save $150!)
• 💽MSI GeForce RTX 4070 + free game | $479.99 at Newegg (Save $60!)
• 💻Surface Pro 11 (X Plus) | $899.99 at Best Buy (Save $300!)
• 💽AMD Ryzen 5 7600X + free SSD (1TB) | $194.99 at Newegg (Save $74!)
• 🖥️Beelink Mini PC (Ryzen 5) | $249 at Amazon (Save $100!)
• 🎮Xbox Series X Digital Edition (1TB) | $399.99 at Best Buy (Save $50!)

🍁More great Black Friday deals🦃

• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• Amazon: Constantly rotating sales on everything you can imagine
• Walmart: Early savings on practically everything
• Target: Live deals on a huge range of products
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• HP: Save big on laptops, desktops, accessories, and more
• Lenovo: Doorbuster deals on all PCs, monitors, accessories, and more
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Discounts and free gifts for Razer hardware, gear, and more
• Samsung: Holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more are live

Why should you by the CalDigit Element Hub?

Our own Cale Hunt reviewed the CalDigit Element Hub back in 2021 and gave it a glowing reception, giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars, a near-perfect score. He didn't give this positive recommendation lightly, for this device is packed with all kinds of features that anyone looking to add more Thunderbolt 4 ports to their laptop should not sleep on.