6 PC Peripherals That Will Have You Gaming and Streaming Like a Pro

PC gaming before the introduction of the internet used to be a one-sided affair. Back then, you could only interact with your computer; the internet allowed gamers to connect with each other and play games together, bringing an entirely new dimension to the activity.

Nowadays, you’re no longer limited to sharing your favorite games with other people who play them, though. Game streaming has reached mainstream popularity: people from all over the world tune in to watch their favorite streamers play games while interacting with their audience. In addition to being popular, it can also be an extremely profitable side hustle–which is why it’s easy to see why so many gamers want to get in on that action.

To get into game streaming, you’ll need a great gaming PC, of course. If you already have one and are looking into what else you’ll need to gain a competitive edge in games and put together a sick streaming setup, this is the article for you.

Keyboard
Believe the hype: a good keyboard will give you a competitive advantage in games.

Take note, we said a good keyboard, not a gaming keyboard. There are many companies out there that sell gaming keyboards, which are nothing more than ordinary keyboards equipped with RGB lighting. This is decidedly not one of the features you need to be on the lookout for. What you want is a good keyboard that makes use of mechanical switches for consistent key actuation, which will help when you need to press multiple keys in rapid succession.

Another term worth looking into when shopping for a keyboard is “N-key rollover”, or NKRO. Keyboards that possess this feature have the ability to scan each keypress individually, as opposed to having your gaming PC process them. As a result, even if you press a bunch of keys at the same time, keypresses are registered accurately and in the correct order.

Build quality is another thing you should consider when buying a keyboard. Flimsy keyboards often don’t last very long if they’re consistently used for gaming, and are therefore quite unreliable. The last thing you want when you’re in the middle of a game is your keyboard dying on you.

Mouse
In addition to the keyboard, your mouse is one of the primary ways you’ll interact with your games and gaming PC. Here, the mouse you need will depend on the way you play, as well as the games you most enjoy. Some gamers prefer speed over accuracy, or the other way around, or the perfect balance of both.

For gaming, we recommend lightweight mice to help you nail those quick movements with ease. It’s a good idea to look for one that fits your hand perfectly, to reduce strain and discomfort. Some gaming mice are equipped with extra buttons that you can program to perform various in-game functions, which can also be useful in a competitive environment.

One of the terms you should research before buying a mouse is DPI, or dots per inch. This refers to the sensitivity of the mouse, which will also affect how quickly you can move in a game, or how well you can control your aim. Some gaming mice are equipped with features that will allow you to manage and adjust your mouse’s sensitivity on the fly, which, again, can be helpful while playing games.

Headset
A good headset serves two important purposes when you intend to play games while streaming to a live audience. It’ll give you a more immersive gaming experience while also providing a clear and direct line of communication with your viewers.

Comfort should be one of your top priorities when buying a headset, especially if you plan on streaming for long periods of time. After that, it all depends on your preference. You may want a headset that offers excellent sound quality and isolation, or one that’s equipped with a good microphone, so that you don’t have to buy one separately. Headsets equipped with surround sound can be helpful for certain types of games, as they can make you more competitive in ones that require fast reaction time.

Professional streamers often use over-ear headsets for a more immersive gaming experience, and then purchase a dedicated streaming microphone for unparalleled clarity.

Webcam
There are two types of streamers: those that show their face on camera, and those that don’t. If you happen to want to be one of the first, you’ll need a good webcam that can capture your reactions to your viewers, live.

Most professional streamers make use of prosumer-grade point-and-shoot or DSLR cameras, which can be a good option if you enjoy doing photography on the side. Other game streamers are happy with a 4K webcam, which will provide the best image quality to your audience.

Capture Card
A capture card is a piece of hardware that allows you to record or stream video from a variety of sources such as a video game console, video cameras, or broadcast TV. It works by connecting to the video source, such as a gaming PC, and then capturing the video signal and converting it into a digital format. This digital video can then be recorded or streamed over the internet. It’s an essential piece of gear for budding game streamers, because it eases a lot of the burden that streaming can place on your computer. Additionally, a capture card can help reduce or completely eliminate any lag you might encounter while playing your games while livestreaming.

Capture cards are available in both internal and external models. Different models also vary in terms of resolution capabilities. Look for one that suits your needs, and make sure that your internet connection is fast enough to upload at your chosen resolution.

Game streaming is a lot more fun when you have a competitive gaming PC that can handle everything you throw at it. Purchase yours on CLX now.