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Last reviewed: September 2026 · Written by the Wiremason Editorial Team
A good gaming setup is not about the most expensive gear. It is about the right pieces for the way you play: a headset that works with your console and your PC, a keyboard that fits your desk, a microphone that makes you sound clear to your team or audience, and a mouse that does not leave your wrist aching after a long session.
This guide walks through each piece and what to look for.
1. Gaming headset: check the connection first
The most common headset mistake is buying one that does not connect to everything you own. There are two main connection types:
- 3.5mm jack: the most universal option. It plugs into a PS4 or PS5 controller, most PCs and laptops, and many other devices.
- USB: common on PC, and supported by PlayStation consoles for many headsets. USB can provide its own audio processing, which bypasses a weak built-in sound card on older PCs.
If you play on both a console and a PC, a headset with both USB and 3.5mm saves you buying adapters. Our Gaming Headset with USB and 3.5mm does exactly that, with a boom microphone and over-ear cups. For a straightforward wired option, our Wired Gaming Headset for PS4, PS5 and PC uses 50mm drivers and an omnidirectional boom mic, with padded earcups and a sprung headband for long sessions.
Comfort matters more than specs. You will wear a headset for hours. Padded, adjustable headbands and cushioned earcups make more difference day to day than a slightly larger driver.
2. Keyboard: pick the right size for your desk
Mechanical keyboards come in standard sizes, usually described by key count or percentage:
| Layout | Keys | What you lose | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60% | 61 | Number pad, arrow keys and function row (reached via a function layer) | Small desks, more room for wide mouse movements |
| Tenkeyless (TKL) | 87 | Number pad only | The balance most gamers prefer |
| Full-size | 104 | Nothing | Gaming plus spreadsheets, number entry, work |
Our Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is available in 61, 87 and 104-key layouts, so you can choose the footprint that suits your desk. It uses tactile switches and full n-key rollover, which means every key press registers even when you hold several keys at once, an important detail in fast games. It is also spill-resistant, which your future self will thank you for.
If your "setup" is a sofa and a smart TV, a slim wireless option like our 2.4GHz Wireless Multimedia Keyboard with volume and playback keys is more practical than a mechanical board.
3. Microphone: sound clear to your team or audience
A headset mic is fine for team chat. If you stream, record videos or podcast, a dedicated desktop microphone is the single biggest upgrade to how you come across.
USB condenser microphones are the easiest place to start: they plug straight into your computer with no audio interface and no phantom power. Our USB Condenser Microphone works exactly this way, with a 192kHz sampling rate.
Get better sound from any condenser mic:
- Get close. Position the mic about a hand's width (10–15cm) from your mouth. Closer means more of your voice and less of the room.
- Speak across it, not into it. Angle the mic slightly off to one side to reduce popping on "p" and "b" sounds, or use a pop filter.
- Tame the room. Condenser mics are sensitive and pick up echo and keyboard noise. Soft furnishings, curtains and a rug help more than you would expect.
- Keep it away from your keyboard where possible, or use a boom arm to lift it.
4. Mouse: think about your wrist
Most gamers choose a mouse on shape, sensor and weight. If you also spend long hours at a desk for work, it is worth considering ergonomics too.
A vertical mouse rotates your hand into a "handshake" position, so your forearm is not twisted flat against the desk. Many people who get wrist or forearm discomfort from long sessions find this more comfortable. It is not a medical treatment, and it takes a few days to adjust, but it is a simple change worth trying if a flat mouse leaves you aching.
Our Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is wired, with 6 buttons and adjustable DPI, so you can set the sensitivity you prefer for both work and play.
DPI in one line: higher DPI moves the cursor further for the same hand movement. Many players prefer lower DPI for precise aiming and higher DPI for desktop work; adjustable DPI lets you switch.
5. Tie it together: ports and cables
Modern laptops often have only a couple of USB-C ports, which is not enough for a headset, keyboard, mic, mouse and monitor. A USB-C hub turns one port into a full desk setup.
Our 8-in-1 USB-C Hub adds 4K HDMI for an external monitor, Ethernet for a more stable connection than WiFi (useful for online games), card readers and 87W pass-through charging, so your laptop stays powered while everything is plugged in. For a smaller bag-friendly option, see our 5-in-1 USB-C Hub.
Streaming from a phone? Our Auto Face-Tracking Phone Holder rotates 360 degrees to keep your face centred as you move, which is handy for facecam or "IRL" content.
A simple setup checklist
- Headset that connects to all your platforms: USB + 3.5mm headset.
- Keyboard sized for your desk: mechanical keyboard in 61, 87 or 104 keys.
- Microphone if you stream or record: USB condenser mic.
- Mouse that suits your hand and wrist: vertical ergonomic mouse.
- Hub if you are short on ports: 8-in-1 USB-C hub.
Frequently asked questions
Will a wired gaming headset work on PS5?
Yes. A 3.5mm headset plugs into the PS5 DualSense controller, and many USB headsets work when connected to the console directly. Check the product listing for confirmed compatibility.
Is a 60% keyboard good for gaming?
Yes, especially on small desks, because it leaves more room for mouse movement. The trade-off is that arrow keys and the function row sit on a secondary layer. If you use arrow keys often, a tenkeyless (87-key) layout is a safer choice.
Do I need an audio interface for a USB microphone?
No. A USB microphone has its own built-in converter and plugs straight into your computer.
Is a vertical mouse good for gaming?
It works well for many games and is comfortable for long sessions, but it takes a few days to get used to. Competitive players in fast shooters often still prefer a traditional shape.
How we wrote this guide: product details come from manufacturer specifications for the items we stock. Compatibility can vary with firmware and platform updates, so check the product listing or contact our team if you are unsure. Ergonomic guidance is general information, not medical advice.