THE next instalment in our Christmas 2022 Gift Guides is here and this time it’s about peripherals – all those wonderful accessories for our computers and consoles that lift your gaming experience to the next level.
From streaming cards to mice to internet security software, here are our suggestions:
ELGATO HD60 X STREAM CAPTURE CARD (Recommended by Mikeey)
The Elgato HD60 X is the latest capture card produced with the new consoles in mind.
No longer does your loved one need to compromise on video quality when playing on the latest 4K consoles for streaming purposes as they have now engineered the capture card to output to match the latest console quality of visuals in 4k 60fps with HDR10 as well as HDMI (lag-free passthrough) 1440p120, 1080p240 and VRR – sll the while outputting to their favorite streaming platform at 2160p30, 1440p60, 1080p60, 1080p30, 1080i, 720p60, 576p or 480p resolution.
The Elgato HD60 X is easy to set up for any stream capture program as a plug and play; they are a must-have upgrade for streamers.
RRP: AUD$315
AVAST ONE FAMILY
While software rather than hardware, good internet security protection is still an absolute must and Avast One Family fits that bill extremely well.
While it’s tempting for people to sneer and say “I don’t need no steenking antivirus software, I’m a very stable genius who doesn’t visit questionable websites”, antivirus – or more specifically a complete internet security suite – is extremely useful for a lot of people, especially the less tech savvy.
Avast One comes with a full internet security suite and a useful system utility tool set, and even a very effective VPN – I was very impressed with it all when I reviewed it.
Avast One Family lets you share your Avast One subscription with up to five other people – which means it’s perfect for everything from protecting a younger family member delving into the game modding scene to older family members who still haven’t worked out they shouldn’t click on random links from e-mail addresses they don’t recognise.
RRP: AUD$95.98 for the first year
LOGITECH G705 WIRELESS RGB GAMING MOUSE (Recommended by Doomcutie)
The Logitech G705 wireless RGB gaming mouse is a delightful entry to the Logitech mouse family and is beautifully lit with a delicate size of 85g – perfect for anyone with smaller palms.
Movement wise it is very responsive and smooth in its default settings, however you can customise it to your preferred sensitivity. It also features six programmable buttons – perfect for any situation from gaming to the office, and a 40 hour battery life.
This would be a fantastic addition to any dreamy gaming setup.
RRP: AUD$149
LOGITECH G PRO X SUPERLIGHT WIRELESS GAMING MOUSE (Recommended by GrumpyGoron)
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight Wireless Gaming Mouse, more commonly referred to as the Superlight, is without a doubt the most satisfying mouse I’ve ever used. It’s no frills design with its lack of RGB lighting (other than the single LED that denotes the current DPI settings) and basic yet comfortable form factor allow the mouse to weigh in at an extremely light 63 grams, which makes the mouse almost weightless in hand. The No-additive PTFE feet attached to the bottom of the mouse also make the act of moving the mouse even smoother, as it effortlessly glides across mouse pads with style and grace.
While it may still use Micro-USB to charge, it can be somewhat forgiven, because the battery life of the Superlight is fantastic. It’s said to last 70 hours, and I feel like it lasts every bit of that. The HERO 25K sensor also allows for a max DPI of 25600, with DPI easily customisable alongside custom button assignments via the solid Logitech G Hub software.
If you or someone you’re buying for would benefit from a sleek and stylish ultra lightweight gaming mouse that never wavers in its comfort and supreme performance, look no further than the Superlight. It’s a near perfect mouse suited for gamers across basically every genre.
RRP: AUD$279
STEELSERIES AEROX 9 WIRELESS GAMING MOUSE (Recommended by GrumpyGoron)
Although I’m not much of a dabbler in the MMO/MOBA genre of video games, I can’t help but still recommend the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless Gaming Mouse for those who spend the majority of their time playing games of that sort.
Featuring a total of 12 customisable buttons on its left hip (alongside a half dozen other buttons which can of course be customised also), RGB lighting, and the popular porous shell design used to minimise weight, the Aerox 9 Wireless miraculously manages to weigh in at a still relatively light weight of just 89 grams.
Given that it has other perks such as USB-C charging, dual connectivity via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth, and a sizeable battery that lasts a few days without charge, I can’t help but feel that the SteelSeries Aerox 9 is a great mouse for those who want a quality lightweight mouse equipped best for long MMO/MOBA gaming sessions. If that sounds like some you know or perhaps yourself, or if you or someone you know intends to jump into games such as League of Legends or Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn anytime soon, then I suggest you give the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless a look.
RRP: Around AUD$270-$300 depending on what sales are on
LOGITECH G715 RGB TKL WIRELESS MECHANICAL GAMING KEYBOARD (Recommended by Doomcutie)
The Logitech G715 tenkeyless wireless mechanical gaming keyboard is something out of a dream, coming in white mist, with soft, rounded edges and purple and grey accents – a very calming aesthetic.
The mechanical keys are quite high, but the satisfying clicks are very pleasing. The layout also feels super comfy, with a scrolling wheel for controlling computer volume and a stand for adjustable height. I love the ability to paint the lights on the keyboard G Hub software
The keyboard also came with the collection’s Cloud-Soft palm rest (available for an extra $19.99 individually), which is so comfy. I’ve never used one before but now can’t imagine moving on from it. It’s a charming and whimsical touch to the overall aesthetic the Aurora Collection brings.
RRP: AUD$369.95
STEELSERIES APEX PRO MINI WIRELESS KEYBOARD
For those with smaller hands and wanting the best in portable keyboarding, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard has a lot to offer. It’s well made, light, sturdy, response, and generally a premium product for the serious gamer.
It has has the build quality and design of a proper gaming keyboard, has most of the features of a full-size keyboard in some form or another, and it does everything it sets out to do extremely well.
The only drawback (besides its small size) is its high price tag – so whoever you’re buying this for had better be someone you really like.
RRP: USD$237.99 (approximately AUD$350, not including shipping etc)
LOGITECH G915 LIGHTSPEED WIRELESS MECHANICAL GAMING KEYBOARD (Recommended by GrumpyGoron)
When it comes to gaming keyboards of the wireless variety, I can’t recommend one more than the Logitech G915 Lightspeed Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. It’s a full-sized mechanical keyboard that features comfortable low profile keys and a sturdy feeling aluminium alloy face, making it feel premium and fancy.
While the keyboard fancies fine with its enjoyable and precise mechanical keys and decent battery life of roughly 40 hours at max brightness, some of the greatest features of this keyboard are its dedicated media controls, and the fact that the device can transition from its 2.4GHz connection via dongle to Bluetooth with a single key press. The board features a volume scroll wheel and Play/Pause fast forward, rewind and mute toggle buttons, which are fantastic quality of life additions to the keyboard. The easy switch between 2.4GHz is also a glorious feature, especially if you’re constantly shifting between various devices like myself.
Pair these various positives with customisable per key lighting and a handful of dedicated customisable keys that can be assigned to commands via the Logitech G Hub software, and you’ve got yourself a winner in my book. It may be an expensive gift, with $269 AUD the average asking price across retailers, but in my opinion, it’s a must get for those after a reliable wireless gaming keyboard.
RRP: About AUD$269
