If you are building your laptop or PC for gaming, then you already know that you are in need of a good processor. There are many out there on the market to shift through, and it can be a hassle to have to research every single brand option. But the main thing to look for in a processor that will give you the best quality for the best possible price.

If you don’t have the money, or just don’t want to spend a fortune on an eight-core Intel Core i7 6900K CPU, which costs well over 600 dollars – at the absolute lowest – then, an AMD processor that costs less than half as much for the same speed will be the best fit for you.

Here is our list of the best AMD processors for gaming.

Ryzen 3 3200G

This latest third generation of Ryzen AMD processors have a few options to choose from. This 3200 AMD processor is a great little chip that has the latest Vega graphics, that is much better than Intel’s HD graphics, and the Zen+ CPU core works with 1080p, which is great for anyone entry-level.

Coming in at around 100 bucks apiece, for someone just starting up or those who just want to keep the cost reasonable, the price really can’t be beaten. This AMD processor has 4 CPU cores and 4 threads with a base clock of 3.6GHz and a max boost clock of 4GHz.

If you don’t have the system chassis for a graphics card, or you don’t want to spend an arm and leg buying one, then this is a great option.

If you’re looking for something more mid-high range, then this one might not be for you. This is best used for entry-level gaming and you will want to look into getting one of the other, higher-level, AMD processors on this list if that’s not you.

Ryzen 5 3600

This mid-range processor is a competitively priced option that is sure to not disappoint. This AMD processor is made for those above entry-level and has six cores and twelve threads with a 7nm process node. It also has a 4.2GHz max boost clock and base clock of 3.6GHz.

There are alternatives for those who would like multithreaded performance that has more core and supports more threads, but when it comes to games, the 3600X is a bit faster.

For around 200 dollars this processor is a steal in comparison to other brands at the same level, and the performance is head-to-head with the more expensive alternatives. This is definitely one of the best cost-effective AMD processors of its kind, and it works great for those who are trying to be a bit more budget-conscious but still want a great high-quality product.

Ryzen 7 3700X

If you are an avid gamer that plays often, or you just want to make sure you have the capabilities you may need in the future, then this processor just may be the right one for you. This powerful little guy supports sixteen threads due to simultaneous multithreading capabilities, and it blows away the competition in price to price comparison.

The 3700X has a base clock of 3.6GHz with a max boost clock of 4.4GHz. This 8-core chip goes toe to toe with the other brands in the same categories, but the competition takes a hit with the 3700X’s price point being a lot less expensive. With this processor, you are getting the highest possible quality for the lowest price. It’s safe to say that this processor is the champion.

The 3600 is still a great value and will work for most gamers, but for those wanting to have a more powerful eight-core CPU, this is your best option. But at just over 300 bucks, this processor performs best in all categories and is the best bang for your buck.

Ryzen 9 3900X

This heavy-duty third-generation processor is a beast of a chip. It is super powerful with the highest rated boost clock of all the Ryzen CPUs clocking in at 4.6GHz. It is also the first mainstream 12 core CPU ever and is incredibly powerful for the price. With the only other options that come close to this costing upwards of a grand, the 500-dollar price tag makes you feel like your stealing it.

Ryzen came out swinging with this incredible processor. Its only Intel counterpart is falling behind in multithreaded workloads with the 3900X having eight more threads – at a total of twenty-four – and four more cores. It is clear to see why the 3900X is hailed as the best CPU AMD processor ever made, and with the specifications being so much higher than the rest, it is hard to argue otherwise.

Advanced gamers who are looking for great quality and fast speeds will love this processor. It’s the best for a reason, and if you have the cash for such a purchase, the 3900X will be exactly what you need.

Final Thoughts

No matter what processor you end up getting, just make sure that its one that will work for what you want. Sticking with any of these Ryzen AMD processors will give you the processing power you want with a price tag that won’t leave you gasping for breath.

Whether you are an entry-level gamer who wants something budget-friendly, or you are an advanced gamer who wants the biggest, baddest AMD processor on the market, one of the options on our list will certainly work for you.

The post Best AMD Processor For Gaming appeared first on Gearbroz.

The view model for CS:GO is basically what you see of the gun in front of you during gameplay. In simplest terms, the bigger the gun view is, the tougher it is to see the enemies in front of you. So, it’s in your best interest to adjust the view model so the gun is shown as small as possible. That way, you can clearly see the targets.

You can make this happen by lowering the gun and pulling it inward, which will achieve the effect of making the gun look smaller on the screen. But you can also adjust the settings to get a similar effect.

The Script 

The following script is the best viewpoint to use for gameplay, this comes highly recommended, especially for avid users that want to get as far as they can in the game. This script can be copied and put into your configuration, or you can copy the commands directly into your console.

Best View Model For 1024X768 Resolution:

cl_righthand “1”                                            
viewmodel_offset_x “0”
viewmodel_offset_y “-2”
viewmodel_offset_z “-2”
viewmodel_fov “54”
cl_bobamt_lat “0.1”
cl_bobamt_vert “0.1”
cl_bobcycle “0.1”
cl_viewmodel_shift_left_amt “0.5”
cl_viewmodel_shift_right_amt “0.5”

This ensures that you have the best view model when gaming, and are able to see your enemies the best you possibly can. You can also switch a few of these up a little bit to customize it for the best gaming experience.

The look of the gun on the screen will be like the photo above, with the gun towards the center and a clear view of what is in front of you. This is a great way to play because you are able to see what is happening around you and be ready for anything.

If you want to customize the setting further, then you can use a few of these suggestions below to make your gameplay even more comfortable for you.  

cl_righthand “1”-You can change the ‘1’ to a ‘0’ if you are left-handed, or if you like having the gun in that hand better.

viewmodel_offset_x “0”-If you would like the gun to be centered, then you change the ‘0’ to a ‘-2’ so that it will be in the center of the screen more.

How Do You Use These Configurations?

If you have never done this before, then you may be wondering how you put this script to use in the game. Well, there are a few things that you have to do to change these viewpoint settings.

In order to be able to use these settings for CS:GO you will need to make an ‘autoexec.cfg’ file in your CS:GO configuration folder.

This is usually found in- C:\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\csgo\cfg

You can copy the setting that is from above and save them as the ‘autoexec.cfg.’ Then you will need to open up the file, and put this in the bottom line: exec autoexec

By doing this, you will have your settings load whenever you start CS:GO. Although, the script may reset whenever you restart your CS:GO, and this can be annoying to do every time you want to start gaming with your settings already there.

To do this, you can add this to your autoexec file:

viewmodel_presetpos “0”
host_writeconfig

By adding this, you will be able to use these settings as the default every time you play the game, so you don’t have to go through all the steps each time you want to play CS:GO.

Best View Model For 1920X1080

The view model that is best for the 4:3 resolution isn’t going to be the best for another resolution, so you’ll probably want a different model for the 1920X1080 resolution. So, keeping in mind all the steps that we already went over to put the script into the configuration, then just add this view model instead of the one mentioned before.

With each resolution, the ratio is different, so the look of the screen will vary depending on which one you use. The former was 4:3, this resolution is 16:9. This script is one that is made for optimum use on this resolution.

Here is the script for this view model:

viewmodel_fov “68”

viewmodel_offset_x “2.5”

viewmodel_offset_y “0”

viewmodel_offset_z “-1.5”

cl_viewmodel_shift_left_amt “0.500000”

cl_viewmodel_shift_right_amt “0.250000”

cl_bob_lower_amt “21”

cl_bobamt_lat “0.33”

cl_bobamt_vert “0.14”

This is what the screen will look like after you change the view model and the settings are put to use:

To use this script, do the same steps that we went through for the first script used with the other resolution, and you will be able to change the view model to these settings. Don’t forget to set the view model to the default so you don’t have to change it manually every time you start playing.

Each view model changes the way you see the game, and with each resolution, there is a view model that tends to work best. However, that doesn’t mean that it is one size fits all. Each player is different and plays best in different settings. So, trying them out and figuring out what you like the best is the only way to ensure that you get the greatest gameplay.

The great thing about this customization is that the choices are pretty much unlimited. You can learn to change the settings, and the script, to fit exactly how you want to play. If you want the gun to be slightly bigger on the screen than most players do, that doesn’t mean it won’t work well for the game.

You can switch up the settings until you find your favorite, and see what works the best when you are playing. This way, you can find the most comfortable way settings to play with, and be able to play the best you’re able. A little tweak here and there, and you’ll be a pro in no time.

The post Best View Model For CS:GO appeared first on Gearbroz.

Chances are, after some time you will be looking to get something custom built to fit your unique gaming needs. If you’re in the market for a custom laptop, then finding the best builder can make a world of difference.

We will be taking a look at the best custom laptop builders out there, and comparing the advantages so that you know what you’re getting into to.

But before we get to the pros and cons, let’s take a look at what you should look for in a custom builder.

Customer Service

If nothing ever happens to your laptop, which let’s be honest, will happen eventually, then you don’t have to worry about this one. However, because you may run into a situation where you need to talk to the builder’s customer service support, you will want to know that they will help you the best they can.

I won’t name names, but there are some custom builders that seem to be known for horrible customer service experiences and issues. I’ve heard horror stories of people having more issues with the service providers that with the computers themselves.

So, it’s worth it to look up some reviews and see what kind of experience others have had with the company. Gamers don’t take crap from anyone, so you know you’ll get some brutally honest opinions.

Price

Building a custom laptop for gaming is never going to be the cheapest thing in the world, but assuming that you are getting one because you are an avid player, you already know this. You are searching for quality over price point.

That being said, you don’t want to throw money down the drain for a company that will give you the same set up as someone else. But also, don’t be fooled by a low price that is guaranteeing $500 less than a competitor for the same thing. That is probably not the case because they might be cutting corners elsewhere.

So, know what you need and don’t over, or under, pay for something that you will use often. Make sure that you are getting the best set up for the price.

Warranties

Not every custom builder has the same warranty for their products, with some having one to three years, and others having a lifetime warranty. Others have an out-of-bow warranty for one year with the option to pay a fee for three years of coverage.

The warranty doesn’t cover everything though, some cover parts for one year, but labor for three. So, it depends on exactly what you get, and what each builder gives you with it.

Now, here are the best custom laptop builders out there!

OriginPC

This Florida based company builds custom computers that made from components that are simple to choose. They don’t have the widest selection as some others builders do, but they have everything you would need. This makes it easy for someone from any experience to be able to pick out what they need.

Their pricing is middle of the road when it comes to custom builds, but they have a one-year warranty with a fee to extend that to three years. All systems also come with lifetime technical support and free labor.

The price may not be the lowest of the bunch, but because of the unique products they offer for their build, you won’t get the same one anywhere else.

Xidax

Xidax is a Utah based company that is known for their great warranty. Their custom builds come with a warranty that offers parts and labor for life. This is not something that you will get anywhere else.

Their selection is smaller than many of the other builders, but what they do have is of good quality and it all made to work very well together. Plus, because of the limited selection, it is simple for someone just starting out to figure out what to get. There isn’t a selection overload to worry about.

Falcon Northwest

This Oregon based company is the oldest on the list, which comes with decades of experience. Their focus is on a small selection of products, but all of high quality and compatibility. This ensures that no matter what you choose to get, everything will work together perfectly.

Each system comes with an exclusive case design from the company, which they are famous for, and you can also get a custom paint job to go along with it. The custom paint jobs can cost close to $1000 for the work, so this puts the build on the high end if you choose to do so. Without it, it still is a bit higher end in terms of pricing, but well worth it.

The warranty comes with a 1-3-year guarantee, depending on which product you get, and it comes with lifetime technical support.

Ava Direct

This company works out of Ohio and is the lowest price on the list. With a huge selection of products, you can pick and choose exactly what you want from a long list of items. You can even add watercooling loops, custom paint jobs, and premium cables if you like. This company focuses on being completely custom, and with their selection, it’s easy to see.

With so many options, this company is not for the weak at heart. This is definitely well-suited for longtime gamers or professionals. However, the website is simple to use and shows the most popular items first, so even beginners can find a way through it.

The price may jump up a bit higher if you opt for a custom paint job, which prices aren’t listed and are on a project to project basis, but it still comes in on the low end.

The warranty is similar to others with a 1-year guarantee and an option to pay a fee for three-year coverage. Like others as well, you will get lifetime technical support and labor.

The post Best Custom Laptop Builder appeared first on Gearbroz.

Even if you have the perfect monitor for your set up, and the most expensive headset on the market, you could end up having a subpar gaming experience if your camera settings are out of whack.

So, ensure a great time with these Rocket League camera settings that can take your gameplay up a notch.

Here are the best camera settings for Rocket League gameplay and how to use them.

FOV-Field Of View

This camera setting is one that allows you to have higher visibility in the game. This means that if you turn it up that you will have a larger view of the playing field, but if you turn it down too low, that you will cut down your sight drastically. That is why this setting is typically turned up as high as possible, to get the best view of the field.

Obviously, having bad sight in a game is not the way to go, but you can adjust this setting to be high without maxing out. The highest level is 110, but you can choose to go a bit below that and still have a great view of everything you need, although the average for most professionals comes in at 110. It’s all up to how you personally like it.

Height

This one is a bit self-explanatory, but I’ll still go over it anyway. The height setting changes the height of the camera, allowing you to have a higher overview. This can seem like an advantage, but it can also have a few cons.

You may have trouble with aerial shots if the camera height is not working for you because it may become difficult to judge the height of where the ball is if the camera is too high above your car.

So, find a camera height setting that works best for you, and that still allows you to judge the distance and level of where the ball is.

Angle

The angle of the camera can be important too because if the angle is too high, then you won’t be able to align with the ball, just like with height settings. Then, if it is too low you will have the opposite problem as you will be looking up at the action instead of at it. This will make it difficult to see the pitch.

This is also something that comes down to preference, and how good you can judge height and distance, as some people like a little more of an angled view as long as they can still be able to play efficiently.

via Gfycat

Camshake

This camera setting quite literally shakes the camera to simulate speed, as though you are actually driving a vehicle. This makes the game immersive and more realistic to players that want a more VR type of experience.

Although this makes the game feel more real to the player if often serves no real person other than immersion. It is usually better to turn the camshake setting off completely so that you can get a clear view at all times to get the best gameplay. 

Camera Stiffness

The stiffness refers to the literal stiffness of the camera as it follows your car. At high speeds, the camera typically follows loosely and will zoom out quite a ways, almost bouncing around a bit as the car moves. If you want the camera to stay in place, then adjusting the stiffness will do the trick. The stiffness is often used during aerials so that the camera is as stiff as possible.

This is something that doesn’t necessarily interfere with gameplay if the setting isn’t ‘just right.’ However, each player has their own preference for changing this setting, and you may need to adjust it and play in order to find out how you like it set.

Toggle Ballcam

Basically, this camera setting determines whether you have to hold down the button that activates the ballcam or toggle it. This means that if you hold down the button it activates the ballcam, then when you release it returns to your car.

The disadvantage of having to hold down the button is that when you are trying to do other things, it may get in the way, or you may forget to hold the button and have it switch on you by accident. But it all depends on how it feels to you, so play around with it and see what you like best.

Distance

The distance we are talking about here is the distance between your camera and your car in the game. Adjusting this further back will give you a better overview of the field or closer up will give you a good look at when your car will hit the ball.

A further, or closer, distance changes how you see the game, so you can adjust it to your preferences and see how close you like to be. Some like to be right in the middle of the action so they can see exactly where the ball is going, but others like a view from further back so they can see more of what is going on.

It’s really all up to the individual player and which setting they play better with.

Swivel Speed

This camera setting determines how fast the camera turns when you move in the game. Having the camera moving faster can feel more immersive with the view being a bit more realistic, but a slower turn will allow you to see more of what’s happening around you, not just in front of you.

This varies pretty widely from person to person, so settling on what camera setting works best for your gaming is up to you.

The post Best Camera Settings For Rocket League appeared first on Gearbroz.

This kind of wear and tear adds up and can make your keys stick and make gaming more difficult, and annoying. Keeping your mechanical keyboard clean is a must. But accidents happen, and if this happens to you and you find yourself in need of cleaning your keyboard, then you’ll need to know a few things.

The best way to keep your keyboard clean is to prevent any damage, being careful around your keyboard and making sure not to bring food and drinks around it can make a big difference. However, the oils on your hands can do some damage too, and other than continually washing and drying your hands, there is really no way around that.

So, if you need to give your mechanical keyboard a good washing, then here is how to do it.

Prevent Any Build Up First

If your keyboard is not too far gone and only has some light cleaning, then keep up with this to ensure that it doesn’t get worse. This is the absolute best way to keep your keyboard in prime condition for as long as possible. Light cleaning here and there will keep your keyboard working properly.

What To Do:

What you want to start with is simply getting any small pieces of debris out from between the keys. To do this, just simply unplug your keyboard, turn it upside down, and shake it out. This will get any larger pieces of dirt and dust.

Use compressed air to blow out any debris that is left in the crevices. You can also use a vacuum for this portion, as some keyboards ask that you don’t use compressed air.

Then, using a soft microfiber cloth with a bit of alcohol, gently rub the cloth over the keys and surrounding areas to disinfect and get rid of built-up oil residue.

How To Deep Clean Your Keyboard

To deep clean your keyboard, you will have to get it a little more attention to get in there and get all the gunk out. You should take a picture or have a list of the order to place all the keys for when you put them back together and then you will begin by removing the keycaps.

You will want to get a bucket and fill it with warm water and soap. You will use this in a minute., then you can begin the process.

Removing The Keycaps

There are key pullers to remove the caps, and this will save a lot of time and effort. They are worth it, and they are relatively cheap. Most are around 3 or 4 bucks, and they will make this process painless.

Then, take the removed keycaps and place them in the warm water and soap. You can leave them in for as long as you need, but it is usually recommended to leave them overnight. Just remember, the better you clean them now, the longer they will stay clean. So, keep that in mind.

Give The Keyboard a Once Over

While the keycaps are soaking is the perfect time to clean the rest of the keyboard, so you can start by using a cloth or cotton swabs with a bit of alcohol to clean in between the key switches. You want to get rid of any dust and dirt that has accumulated and disinfect it

Then, you will probably want to go over it with compressed air, or a vacuum, just like for preventative cleaning. Blow the air in the same direction the whole time to make sure that you aren’t just moving it around, but getting it out.

Once you are done, you won’t be able to put the keycaps on yet because they will still need to soak and dry. So, place your keyboard face down on your table or desk to keep any dirt or dust in the air from collecting while you’re waiting for the keycaps to dry.

Spilled Beverages

With all this being done, we want to talk about spilled drinks, which are a whole other mountain to climb. If you have spilled some water, this may not mean the death of your keyboard, unless it was completely drowned.

However, drinks that contain sugar or alcohol, like soda, beer, wine, and energy drinks may mean that you have to put your keyboard down for good. And, even if you do get it cleaned up right away, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it can be saved.

But, in the event of a spill, you should keep yourself from moving your keyboard. You want to keep the liquid from spreading and getting into key switches, so moving it will just exacerbate the issue.

You should remove the keycaps and see if the liquid is spreading like a wildfire, or if it only in a small area. If it can be salvaged, and the switches are intact, you will want to immediately start the deep cleaning process we went through to keep anything further from damaging the keyboard.

If there is any chance that your keyboard might still work, you will want to do everything you can to help that chance. After cleaning it, you will need to hold your breath, plug it back in, and test it to see how bad the damage was. If you’re lucky, and the spill was very small, then you could go back to gaming. If you’re not so lucky, you may have to fork over some cash for a new keyboard.

Just remember to avoid spills at all costs, place your drinks away from your system, and don’t take a swig over the keyboard. It is worth it to go out of your way to make sure you don’t have to replace a good keyboard.

Follow these cleaning tips and procedures to keep your mechanical keyboard working it’s best, and to ensure that the life of your keyboard will be as long as possible.

The post How To Clean A Mechanical Keyboard appeared first on Gearbroz.

Today, we’re going to be looking at keycaps for mechanical keyboards. But why would you care what keycaps you use?

Keycaps are where you interface with your PC – literally. If they don’t feel right, or have the wrong weight, your badass gaming keyboard won’t perform as well as it could. But no worries. We’re about to show you the best keycaps on the market.

Before we start, let’s look at what makes one set of keycaps better than another.

Different Materials

The most obvious difference between keycaps is the material used in their construction.

Most keycaps on the market today are manufactured from ABS, which is a durable, lightweight plastic that’s used in all kinds of products, from cell phone cases to pistol grips. Keys manufactured from ABS tend to have a light touch, and have the higher-pitched click you’d expect from an office keyboard.

A lot of higher-end keyboards utilize PBT keys. These have a heavier feel, and make a deeper, chunkier sound when you strike them. They also don’t absorb skin oil, so they won’t develop the smooth shine you may have noticed on ABS keyboards after a few months of use.

Some gaming keyboards have aluminum keys. While this is overkill in the durability department, there’s nothing wrong with using the toughest material possible.

Other keycap materials include PVC, PC plastic, POM plastic, and resin. But these options are either too cheap or expensive for gaming use, or, like resin keys, are predominantly used for novelty key sets.

Lettering Type

There are three types of lettering commonly used on keys.

• Printed keys. These are the most basic type, where the letters and numbers are printed on top of the key. This process is cheap, but it means that the lettering wears off under extended use.
• Etched keys. This is most common with aluminum keys, where the lettering is etched into the material.
• Doubleshot keys. In these keys, the lettering goes all the way through the material. Not only does this make it impossible for the letters to wear off, but it allows for the use of other materials. For example, a clear acrylic can be used to allow for backlighting. All of the keycaps we reviewed are doubleshot.

Other Things to Look For

Beyond the basics, there are some advanced features you may want to look at if you’re looking to seriously geek out over your keycaps. We’re not going to get into that here, but this Reddit FAQ has enough information to satisfy even the most obsessed keycap nut.

Now, let’s check out some keycaps!

Best ABS Set: Redragon A101 Replacement Keycaps

Redragon A101 Replacement Keycaps are a full, 104-key replacement set that ships with a key puller for easy installation. These keys are made from lightweight ABS plastic, and feature doubleshot keys that are compatible with RGB backlights.

We liked this set because it fits non-standard keyboards like Corsair, which has different sized Ctrl, Alt, Win, and spacebar keys.  It’s also inexpensive, so you can buy it with the money you save by skipping coffee for a few days. That said, these are ABS keys, so they’re going to develop some shine with continued use.

Pros:

• Backlight compatible
• Fits non-standard keyboard layouts
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Not as durable as other sets

Best PBT Set: Huo Ji E-Element PBT Double Shot Keycap Set

The Huo Ji E-Element PBT Double Shot Keycap Set is another complete keycap set, so you can give your whole keyboard a facelift. These keys are constructed from durable PBT, which will maintain its touch and texture for years if you need them to. They’re also compatible with RGB backlights.

This set has an electroplated surface that makes the keys look like heavier aluminum keys, so all of your friends will be impressed with your upgrade. The downside? They’re only compatible with standard keyboards, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you have a non-standard design.

Pros:

• Backlight compatible
• Durable PBT construction
• Beautiful metallic-looking design

Cons:

• Only compatible with standard keyboards

Best Aluminum Set: Quartet Trade Generic Backlit Keycaps

If you want the toughest, most durable keys on the market, you’re going to want to use aluminum. There are plenty of complete aluminum keycap sets on boutique sites, but we decided to look at something that’s more reasonably priced. In the case of this set, you’re getting WASD and arrow keys, so you can upgrade your most frequently-used keys without breaking the bank.

These keys are backlight compatible, have a textured surface, and feel nice and heavy when you’re running around a Call of Duty map.

Pros:

• Backlight compatible
• Sturdy aluminum construction
• Heavy, chunky feel

Cons:

• WASD and arrow keys only

Best Partial Set: Runstar 9 PBT Key Set

The Runstar 9 PBT Key Set is another partial set, but unlike the Quartet Trade set it also includes an Esc key and a keycap puller. These keys are backlight compatible, and work with almost any standard-sized keyboard. All in all, they’re a great value at a low price.

Pros:

• Backlight compatible
• PBT construction
• Good value

Cons:

• WASD, arrow, and Esc keys only

Verdict

If we had to pick a single keycap set as the best on the market, we’d choose the Huo Ji E-Element PBT Double Shot Keycap Set. They’re tough, they’re durable, and they’re a complete matching set.

That said, all of these choices are good. If you prefer an ABS set, the Redragon A101 is a solid choice that will perform better than most on the market. And if you just want more durability from your WASD and arrow keys, the Quartet Trade set will get the job done. Alternatively, the Runstar set is a more affordable option, and utilizes sturdy PBT that will keep you gaming for years.

The post Best Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps appeared first on Gearbroz.

At first, this may sound silly. Who cares what the keys are made from? As long as they’re not carved out of wood like George Washington’s teeth, they should all be the same, right?

As it turns out, the different types of plastic used in your keyboard can make a huge difference. So we’re going to take a closer look.

What Are Your Keys Made of?

Many different materials are used to make keyboard keycaps. The lowest quality is PVC, the same material used to make plastic pipes and cheap plastic sheets. These keys tend to be very flimsy, and you’ll only see them on cheap, discount keyboards. If you’re using even a low-end gaming keyboard, you won’t have to worry about PVC.

On the very high end, you have POM, which is some of the toughest plastic on the market. This is uncommon because it’s very expensive. It’s basically a luxury item for people who can drop ridiculous amounts of money on their keyboard. But if you own a keyboard with POM keycaps, congratulations! You’ve got the best keys on the market.

Another choice is PC plastic, which is a tough, clear plastic used specifically for translucent keys.

You can learn more about all these materials in this article. But for our purposes, we’ll be talking about the two most common materials used on mechanical keyboard keycaps: ABS and PBT.

What is ABS?

ABS is short for “Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene”, which is a polymer that’s commonly used in all kinds of consumer products. It’s cheap to produce, it’s lightweight, and it’s durable enough to be used in wilderness survival equipment.

You’d think that if it’s good enough for real-world marines, it’s good enough for playing Call of Duty. And it is. But you’re not taking your keyboard into combat, and you’re probably not planning on hitting it with a hammer any time soon. As for being lightweight, there’s There are other factors that are more important than durability, like the weight, feel, and sound of your keys.

What is PBT?

PBT stands for “Polybutylene Terephthalate”, and we hope that’s the last time we ever have to subject our readers to an unpronounceable chemical name. It costs more to produce than ABS, but it’s heavier, and has better dimensional stability. Dimensional stability is what engineers call the ability of an object to hold its shape. This is an obvious advantage when you’re hammering on your WASD keys day in and day out.

How do They Perform?

Now that we’ve gotten a big picture look at ABS and PBT, let’s talk about what really matters: how they perform while you’re four hours into a five-hour PUBG session.

Noise

The first thing you’ll notice about a PBT keyboard is that it makes a deeper, chunkier sound than ABS when you hit the keys. For a good example, check out this video by YouTube user Richardlizhu:

As you can see, the PBT keys sound sturdier, while the ABS keys have a lighter, more hollow sound. This doesn’t make PBT better. Some people prefer a lighter-sounding key. But it does speak to a tougher design. Higher-pitched sounds also carry further, meaning that even though PBT keys are louder, they won’t sound as loud on the other end of a chat channel.

Weight

PBT keys weigh almost twice as much as ABS keys. Now, we’re not suggesting you use your keyboard as a weightlifting accessory. But we are saying that a heavier key will tend to have a smoother response, which makes for a better feel while you’re playing your game.

That said, like a lot of differences between these two materials, this is a matter of opinion. If you prefer a lighter touch, you’ll probably prefer ABS keys. But at least now you know what you’re getting.

Key Shine

Key shine is what happens when you use an ABS keyboard for a long period of time. You’ve probably noticed this on your own keyboard if you’ve used the same one for a year or more.

The reason for this shine is that oil from your fingers collects in the tiny indents in the keys’ texture. Over time, this makes the surface of the keys completely smooth, and they reflect more light than they did when they were new.

This isn’t just a cosmetic problem, though. As you can imagine, smooth keys can lead to slippery fingers. That’s not a big deal on an office keyboard. But when a single missed keystroke can make the difference between getting a headshot and getting shot in the head, do you really want your own keyboard giving you butter fingers?

Durability

As we’ve already mentioned, PBT has better dimensional stability than ABS, so the keys won’t deform as quickly under repeated use. To be fair, we’ve never met anyone who needed to replace their keycaps because they literally got bent out of shape. But it’s still worth mentioning.

Our Verdict

At the end of the day, which type of keycaps you use is going to be a matter of personal preference. If you like a lighter, quieter keystroke, a set of ABS keycaps may be just fine for your purposes. If you prefer a heavier, louder keystroke, you’ll probably prefer PBT. That said, PBT won’t turn shiny, which means you won’t need to replace your keys as often, if ever. And that means you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Does this make PBT the best? Not necessarily. But it does make it the better value of the two options, even at a slightly higher price point.

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The reason is that 144 Hz monitors are quickly becoming the standard for gaming. We’ve written about refresh rates in the past, but here’s a quick refresher. The refresh rate measures how many times your monitor refreshes the image every second.

Basically, it’s the upper limit to your frames per second (FPS). So, a 144 Hz monitor will allow you to run your games at 144 FPS instead of maxing out at 60. That’s a significant improvement over older, 60 Hz hardware. Needless to say, an ultra-fast monitor won’t do you much good if your graphics card can’t run your game any faster than 60 FPS. If you’re not sure, run a benchmark test and find out.

As for the 24-inch size, it’s the ideal size for viewing at a normal gaming distance. Much smaller, and you’ll start having trouble making out fine details. Much larger, and you’ll be too close to the screen to see everything comfortably.

Here are a few other things we considered when making our choices.

Lag Time

Lag time is the amount of time it takes from when your graphics card updates the image to when your monitor makes the changes on screen. A low lag time, more than a few milliseconds, will put you at a disadvantage in competitive gaming.

All of the monitors we chose have a lag time of 1ms, which gives you as much of a gaming edge as a monitor can provide.

Panel Type

Another thing to consider if you’re shopping on your own is the type of LCD panel the monitor uses. There are three main types: TN, IPS, and VA. Now, the differences between them are pretty technical, but here’s what it comes down to: IPS and VA panels display brighter, more vibrant colors, but they cost more and have a longer lag time. TN panels have slightly less vibrancy and a narrower viewing angle, but cost less and have a shorter lag time.

All the monitors we chose utilize TN panels. Maybe in the future we’ll see some IPS or VA monitors that run at 144 Hz, but the technology just isn’t there yet.

Other Features

Of course, there are other things you’ll want to think about. Here are a few.

• Input types. HDMI is currently the standard, but DisplayPort technology is becoming more common on high-performance systems. If you can get a monitor that has both, it will be more future-proof.
• Curved or flat. Many people feel that a curved screen provides a more immersive experience. However, think about your lighting situation before you buy one. They’re more prone to glare.
• Backlighting is by no means an essential feature. But it makes long gaming sessions easier on your eyes.
• Having your speakers inside your monitor means you won’t need to spend more money just to get sound. It also frees up space on your desk.

Editor’s Choice: BenQ ZOWIE XL2536

This monitor is a good choice for just about any application. It allows you to set three different color balance profiles, and switch between them with the push of a button. If you want a high contrast setting for reading news articles, and more detail in the black for gaming, you can make the change quickly and easily.

This monitor has removable side shields that block light from coming in from the sides, reducing glare. It also offers a DisplayPort and Dual-Link DVD input in addition to standard HDMI, so it will work with your next graphic card as well as your current one. The only downside is the price, but you expect to pay more for a high-end monitor like this.

Pros:

• 3 color balance presets
• Multiple video inputs
• Removable, glare-blocking side shields

Cons:

• Expensive

Asus VG248QE

This monitor is specialized for playing fast-paced, reaction-based games like Destiny or Overwatch. It has an optional crosshair overlay, which is pretty cool if you want to turn off your games’ crosshairs and use the same crosshair for all your games.

This monitor also comes with built-in, 2-watt speakers, and features three input ports: a DisplayPort, a Dual-Link DVD, and HDMI. However, the colors are noticeably dull compared to what you’ll see on a more vibrant display.

Pros:

• Optional crosshair overlay
• Built-in speakers
• Multiple video inputs

Cons:

• Lackluster vibrancy

Sceptre C248B

This monitor is a great, affordable option that will get you into 144 Hz at a price that won’t break the bank. It has a curved profile, which provides a more immersive experience. Not only that, but it offers a DisplayPort and Dual-Link DVD input, which is impressive for the price.

That said, the screen is fairly dim, particularly in the white range, which has a faint yellow tinge.

Pros:

• Curved profile
• Multiple display ports
• Affordable

Cons:

• Dim whites

ViewSonic Elite XG240R

We really like the RGB backlight on this monitor. It changes color along with your screen, which really makes a difference when you’re playing Battlefield for hours on end. It also offers both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, so you won’t have to worry about it becoming obsolete any time soon.

While the ViewSonic is fast and responsive, it suffers from the same defect as most fast-refreshing monitors: poor vibrancy. It’s a great choice for gaming, but not for doing any kind of design work.

Pros:

• RGB backlight
• HDMI and DisplayPort inputs

Cons:

• Lackluster vibrancy

Verdict

Look, these are all great monitors. The Sceptre’s curved profile provides an immersive experience. The ViewSonic offers RGB backlighting to take the strain off your eyes. And the ASUS has built-in speakers that save both your money and your desk space.

All of that being said, our choice for best 24-inch, 144 Hz monitor is the BenQ Zowie XL2536. The multiple color presets allow you to quickly switch to the ideal settings for whatever game you’re playing, and the side shields can prevent glare. If your number one priority is to have a crisp, clear image, with a rich color balance, it’s hard to go wrong with this monitor.

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But even the world’s most high performance mouse will perform like an old rolling ball mouse if you pair it with a shoddy mouse pad. So why not complete the package by pairing your top-tier gaming mouse with a slick Razer mouse pad?

But before we go any further, let’s talk a little bit about what you should be looking for.

Different Materials

To paint things with a broad brush, there are two types of mouse pad: cloth and plastic.

Cloth mouse pads are by far the most common, and they’re what you’re probably familiar with. They’re flexible, and can typically be rolled up for easy transport. Many gamers appreciate the texture of cloth, since it gives more feedback than plastic. The disadvantages here are twofold: they wear out faster than plastic, and can be stained if you spill something on them.

Plastic mouse pads, on the other hand, are easy to clean. They’re also more durable, and can potentially last a lifetime if nothing goes awry. However, plastic mouse pads are less convenient for travel, and don’t provide the same tactile feedback as cloth mouse pads.

Size

A lot of gamers prefer to use low DPI settings for their mice. The advantage of this is that it gives you precise control over your mouse movements, which gives you an edge with high-precision tasks – such as sniping from all the way across the map.

The downside of low DPI settings is that you need to move your mouse further to get the same movement on the screen. In order to make this work, you need a larger mouse pad.

Of course, your own personal gaming space is going to have some impact here. If you’re working on a small surface, you’ll have to use a mouse pad that fits.

Other Things to Look For

A quick word about advertising: a lot of manufacturers use words like “speed”, “control”, or “stability”. These are all marketing buzzwords. We’re not saying they’re bad – every company takes pride in their products – but focus on the features, not the hype.

Now that we’ve gotten our bearings, let’s get started!

Best Overall: Razer Goliathus Speed

This was our editor’s choice for best extended mouse pad, and it’s easy to see why. The surface features a tight weave that’s designed to be more durable than your average cloth surface. It offers pixel-perfect accuracy, allowing you to get your crosshairs on target quickly and easily, without stuttering.

This pad measures 10” x 14”, making it large enough for serious gamers but still small enough to fit on most desks. The rubberized backing prevents it from sliding around while you use it. However, it also makes it difficult to clean the mouse pad, since putting it in the washing machine would cause it to fall apart. If you spill something on it, you’re going to end up with a stain.

Pros:

• Tight, durable weave
• Responsive surface

Cons:

• Difficult to clean

Best Oversized Mouse Pad: Razer Gigantus

This mouse pad is big. It measures 455mm x 455mm, or about 18” x 18”. That’s enough to run your mouse at very low DPI settings without having to pick it up and reposition it. The weave isn’t quite as tight as the weave on the Goliathus, but it’s still very smooth, with plenty of feedback as you glide your mouse alone.

Because it’s a cloth pad with a rubber back, the Gigantus is difficult to clean, so be careful with drinks while you’re using it. It also has a rubberized logo in the top right corner, which makes that small portion of the surface unusable.

Pros:

• Very large
• Smooth cloth weave

Cons:

• Difficult to clean
• Rubberized logo

Best Portable Mouse Pad: Razer Goliathus Mobile

The Goliathus Mobile is Razer’s travel option, and it’s a beautiful piece of engineering. This pad is 215mm x 270mm, which is about 8 ½” x 10 ½”. But the main feature that attracted us was its thin, 1.5mm design, which makes it very easy to roll up for transport.

The cloth weave on this mouse pad is the same as the surface of the Goliathus Speed. This means you get the same reliable, pinpoint accuracy without the thick backing. The downside is that the thin rubber on the Goliathus Mobile doesn’t hold up to abuse as long as the original model.

Pros:

• Easily portable
• Tight, durable weave
• Responsive surface

Cons:

• Not as durable as the regular Goliathus
• Difficult to clean

Best Plastic Mouse Pad: Razer Sphex V2

This polycarbonate mouse pad measures 10” x 14”, the same as the Goliathus Speed. That’s enough for most gamers. The smooth surface tracks surprisingly well, allowing for the kind of precision movement that you’d expect to get from a cloth pad.

This mouse pad is easy to clean by wiping it down with a rag, and it’s more durable than cloth. However, it doesn’t give you the same tactile feedback, so take that into consideration of the “feel” of your mouse is important to you. It also has a little cloth logo on the bottom right corner, which makes that corner of the pad poorly suited for moving your mouse over.  

Pros:

• Durable
• Easy to clean
• Smooth cursor/crosshair movement

Cons:

• Little tactile feedback
• Cloth logo tag on corner

Verdict

We were torn on this. We almost picked the Sphex V2 as our top choice, since it’s so durable and easy to clean. And make no mistake, it’s a nice mouse pad. All of these pads are, which is why we chose them.

At the end of the day, though we had to choose the Goliathus Speed. The weave is so tight that it may as well be plastic in terms of washability. Add to that the fact that it’s easily portable, and you’ve got yourself one beast of a pad that you can

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In most of our previous reviews, we’ve looked at mice for specific games, like League of Legends. In those reviews, we had to prioritize certain functions. For example, for CS:GO, we looked for a high DPI and fast polling rate to maximize twitch reflex performance.

This time, we’re looking for the best all-around Razer mouse, so we’ll be looking for a balance between multiple criteria. Before we go any further, let’s talk about those features.

DPI and Polling Rate

DPI stands for “dots per inch”, and it’s a measurement of how precise the mouse is. The higher your DPI, the further your mouse will move on screen for the same movement of your hand. At very high DPI, spinning your character in a complete 360 is easy.

However, high DPI has a downside: it makes it more difficult to make accurate shots, particularly at a distance. The best gaming mice have a “sniper mode” button to quickly drop DPI levels when you need an accuracy boost.

Polling rate is a measure of how many times per second your mouse updates its position with your CPU. For example, a 150 Hz mouse will update its location 150 times every second.

This is a controversial measurement. On the one hand, a high polling rate gives as much responsiveness as possible. On the other hand, it can slow down your CPU. If you own a high-end PC, it’s generally worthwhile to use a high polling rate. That said, anything over 500 Hz is going to provide a boost so minimal that it’s unnecessary.

Our friends at How-To Geek break these concepts down in more detail here.

Comfort and Grip

Comfort might sound like it’s not worth your concern in a gaming mouse. But try playing League of Legends all weekend with a mouse that’s too small or too large, and you’ll think differently.

Not only does an uncomfortable mouse make it harder to play, it can also lead to cramping, swelling, and chronic injuries.

Now, a lot of this comes down to the rest of your setup. For example, if you have high wrist support, a fatter mouse is better. If you have low or no wrist support, a slimmer mouse is better.

Another consideration is handedness. If you’re left-handed, you’re going to have fewer options than a right-handed person. Some mice are ambidextrous. We’ll even review one! But if you’re buying an “ambidextrous” mouse elsewhere, be careful. Not all ambidextrous mice are ergonomically designed for both hands.

Extra Buttons

The most noticeable feature of most gaming mice is the cluster of extra buttons near the thumb. These provide a convenient way to access frequently-used keys. For games like Fortnite or Rocket League that use a handful of inputs, these are mostly unnecessary.

However, for games like World of Warcraft or Starcraft II that use a lot of inputs, a few hotkeys can be a real lifesaver. Clicking an extra button instead of needing to hit Shift+5 to select your space marine response team can make all the difference against a Zerg rush.

Razer provides a cloud-based app for rebinding buttons and keys on all of their hardware. It’s lightweight, loads quickly, and will get your custom buttons mapped in minutes.

Wired or Wireless?

Just a few years ago, wired mice were universally faster, due to the limitations of wireless technology. Nowadays, some high end wireless mice are as good as their wired cousins. With low to mid-range mice, wired models are still superior, although the gap is closing daily.

A wireless mouse is more portable than a wired mouse, and can be used further from the tower. On the other hand, you’ll need to change batteries from time to time.

Basically, this is a matter of personal preference.

Razer Atheris

If you prefer to use a wireless mouse, the Razer Atheris is a top performer. This little monster is adjustable up to 7,200 DPI, which makes it more than fast enough for any reasonable configuration. By clicking a button behind the mouse wheel, you can cycle through the five DPI settings, as low as 400.

This mouse connects both via wireless and through Bluetooth, which gives you the freedom to connect it to a variety of devices. It’s ready to run on Windows or Linux right out of the box. Using Razer’s online software, you can adjust the polling rate as high as 500 Hz.

The Atheris has a small, ambidextrous design, and fits well in smaller hands. It has five programmable buttons for customizing your rig, and its batteries last for a whopping 350 hours of continuous use.

If you have bigger hands, you may want to think about using a different mouse. The Atheris’ small profile can be uncomfortable if you’ve got paws big enough to palm a basketball.

Razer DeathAdder Elite

The Razer DeathAdder Elite is a 16,000-DPI streak of lightning that can give Sonic the Hedgehog a run for his money. If you prefer a more realistic speed in the 1,000 DPI setting, or a 100 DPI sniper setting, the two buttons directly behind the scroll wheel can be programmed to jump to your two most frequently-used settings.

The polling rate on the DeathAdder Elite is also adjustable. Using their online app, you can set it as high as 1,000 Hz. As we’ve already mentioned, anything over 500 is dubious at best. By going from 500 to 1,000, you increase your maximum response time from 2ms to 1ms, but double the load on your processor. But if you’ve got a serious next-gen gaming rig, it’s nice to have the option!

The buttons on the DeathAdder Elite are ultra durable – rated for 50 million clicks. The seven programmable buttons give you enough macros for even the most demanding high-level raids.

Be careful with the scroll wheel on this mouse. While it works well, it’s very close to one of the DPI buttons, and it’s easy to accidentally change your DPI if you’re rapidly zooming in or scrolling up.

Razer DeathAdder Chroma

At up to 10,000 DPI, the DeathAdder Chroma offers enough sensitivity that anything extra would be redundant. You can use their software to set it as low as 200 DPI, or use the buttons on the side of the mouse to cycle through sensitivity settings.

This mouse really shines when playing on a larger mouse pad with lower DPI settings. It offers an impressive acceleration sensitivity of up to 200 inches per second, which means you can use tiny motions for pinpoint, 200-400 DPI accuracy, while still turning quickly when you’re getting shot at from behind.

This mouse is built with the same 50 million click-rated buttons as the rest of their DeathAdder line, so it’s highly reliable.

The downside of the DeathAdder Chroma is the shortage of extra buttons. There are two. If you map them for DPI changes, you’re left with none. Depending on what kind of game you’re playing, that may or may not be an issue.

Razer Naga Trinity

The Razer Naga Trinity adjusts from 200 DPI up to 16,000 DPI with a pair of buttons that are positioned just behind the mouse wheel. Whether you need high DPIs for your new 4K monitor, or lower settings for pinpoint sniping, this mouse has got you covered. As with all Razer mice, you can adjust the polling rate with their online app.

The main attraction on the Naga Trinity is the removable side plate. It ships with three: a basic, two-button version, a seven-button version, and a truly impressive twelve-button version. If you spend a lot of time going on WoW raids, you’ll have enough macros that you won’t need to look at your keyboard once.

The fat body on this mouse makes it a solid choice for people with big hands. People with smaller hands will probably prefer something that has a slimmer body.

Razer Mamba Elite

The Razer Mamba Elite is adjustable from 200 DPI up to 16,000 DPI. Two small buttons behind the wheel allow you to quickly cycle your sensitivity up and down. You can also use Razer’s app to set the buttons to specific DPI settings, and to adjust the polling rate.

This mouse features 9 programmable buttons. In addition to the normal buttons, the scroll wheel, and the DPI adjustment, you’ll find two buttons by the thumb and one each by your pinky and your ring finger.

The Mamba Elite utilizes the same buttons as the DeathAdder series. They’re rated to last for over 50 million clicks, so there are no concerns about durability. However, the scroll wheel is a bit looser than the wheel on the DeathAdder series, making it a little bit flimsier than those models.

Razer Lancehead Tournament Edition

The Razer Lancehead Tournament Edition utilizes a lot of the same hardware as the DeathAdder Elite, so it has many of the same features. The DPI is adjustable from 100 to 16,000 DPI, with the two adjustment buttons located behind the scroll wheel. You can also get up to 1,000 Hz of polling speed.

This mouse is designed to be ambidextrous. For once, left-handed gamers can use the same gear as us right-handers. However, there are some ergonomic issues that go along with this decision. There are two extra buttons on each side that are positioned for your thumb, but they’re poorly located for hitting them with your fingers.

The Lancehead Tournament Edition features a total of eight programmable buttons. It utilizes the same main buttons as the DeathAdder series, rated for 50 million clicks.

Razer DeathAdder Essential

The Razer DeathAdder Essential is a more barebones version of their DeathAdder line. It offers sensitivity settings from 200 up to 6,400 DPI, and features two programmable buttons by your thumb.

This mouse is more affordable than most of Razer’s line, and they put most of your money into durability. The DeathAdder Essential is small, slim, and built like a brick, with tough buttons that are rated for 50 million clicks.

Of course, the small size has some disadvantages. The two thumb buttons allow you to change DPI settings, but if you set them to any other control you’ll be locked into whatever your default DPI is.

That said, 6,400 DPI is plenty fast enough for any gamer, and the durable build makes the DeathAdder Essential well worth the price.

Razer Mamba Wireless

The Mamba Wireless is a wireless variant of the basic Razer Mamba. It offers up to 16,000 DPI, which you can adjust as low as 200 using the buttons behind the mouse wheel. A polling rate as fast as 500 Hz gives you an edge in just about any duel.

And it’s wireless. The built-in rechargeable battery lasts for up to 50 hours of continuous use. It also ships with a USB cable, so you can plug it into your PC for recharging when it’s not in use. 50 hours may not seem like a lot, but it’s longer than any session we’ve ever played!

The Mamba Wireless features seven programmable buttons. The main buttons are just as durable as most of Razer’s lineup, built to last for 50 million clicks.

Verdict

At the end of the day, we felt the DeathAdder Elite was the best of the bunch. The Atheris is a great choice if you prefer a wireless mouse, and the Naga Trinity gives you more macro options than anything else on the market, but the DeathAdder Elite is the most complete package.

It doesn’t require a battery. It offers an impressive DPI range. The grip is firm but comfortable, and the seven programmable buttons give you enough versatility to perform like a pro at any type of game.

What gaming mouse do you use? And what do you think of our choic

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