Razer Seiren V3 Pro two-minute review

When I look for a gaming microphone, my requirements are modest – I want my teammates to hear me clearly and my foes to know what I really think of them (just kidding, those obscene thoughts stay in my head). I’d wager that most gamers have similarly unpretentious needs.

Razer, however, thinks gamers could do with more – a lot more. And so it’s brought out the Serien V3 Pro, a microphone that’s stuffed to the gills with high-end features that take it way beyond your common-or-garden gaming mic.

But to be fair, it’s not just positioned for gamers. Razer pitches the Seiren V3 Pro as the perfect partner for “musicians, podcasters, and creators who demand more than entry-level gear,” and it’s outfitted its “studio-quality” device with a range of features that might tickle the fancy of users a little more discerning than your average CoD goon.

That includes 32-bit float. Razer has included this expanded capture range to rescue audio that’s been subject to a few too many what we might call “gamer moments.” It can handle more extreme volume spikes – the type that might be prompted by jump scares, frustrating moments and clutch kills – with the idea being that streamers won’t have to worry about clipping and distortion during their broadcasts.

Razer has supplemented this feature with a fistful of other premium addons, including dual 48kHz and 96kHz sample rates, a built-in shock mount and removable pop filter, and a 30mm dynamic capsule. There’s a digital signal processing (DSP) that enables features like an audio expander, compressor, AI noise removal, and more. Razer has also included an XLR connector in addition to USB-C, just in case you want to run your mic through a dedicated audio interface.

Again, it’s all geared towards pros and enthusiasts rather than your average video game enjoyer.

Audio performance is obviously the most important part of any microphone – you can have all the bells and whistles, but if you end up sounding muffled or distorted, they’re not much use to you.

Here, the Seiren V3 Pro impresses. My audio was crisp and clear right out of the box, with no adjustments necessary. Razer walks you through a brief set-up process in Synapse when you get started, and it’s worth doing so the mic can be tweaked to your surroundings. The AI noise suppression in Synapse did a great job cutting out the whirr of my desk fan, while the pop filter put a stop to most unwanted plosives throughout my recordings and voice calls.

The on-device controls worked well, especially the mute button. It’s large and touch-sensitive, so it’s very easy to press in a flash (just be careful you don’t accidentally activate it). Both the button and the mic’s RGB ring turn red when you’re muted, giving a clear visual cue. Only a small nub of the gain dial protrudes from the underside of the device’s body, though, which can make it tricky to find.

As far as visuals go, the Seiren V3 Pro blends understated looks with a few choice touches. Its matte black finish and angled stand are easy on the eye, while this wouldn’t be a Razer product without a smattering of RGB lighting – in this instance, it’s about halfway up. Above it is the removable pop filter cover that hides the mic’s grille and built-in shock absorber. There’s a large touch-sensitive mute button on the front and ports for USB-C and XLR on the bottom alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack and a gain dial.

The build quality feels rock solid, with plenty of reassuringly weighty metal to be found. There’s a hefty foot to keep the mic grounded on your desk, but you can opt to screw the mic onto a boom arm if you prefer. The absurdly long USB-C cable (3.15m at our count) ensures you can trail it far from your PC.

That’s the hardware, but what about Razer’s notoriously finicky software? 32-bit float is only available through Razer’s app, so love it or loathe it, you’ve got to use it to get the full experience.

Synapse is full of controls to tweak the mic to your needs. You can adjust EQ filters and frequencies, change the vocal bass and ramp up the vocal exciter, mess with the stream mixer levels for input and output, enable a noise gate, reverb and AI noise suppression, and even dial in the RGB lighting if required.

To the average gamer, this is all a bit excessive unnecessary, even daunting. But if you’re a podcaster or musician – or just someone who wants as much control over their audio as possible – there’s plenty here to play with.

And that sums up the Seiren V3 Pro as a whole, really. The mic’s high-level features and equally lofty price tag mean it’s simply off the radar for most gamers. But if you know you need it and are willing to pay, you’ll find there’s a lot on offer here.

Razer Seiren V3 Pro review: Price & release date

• Available to buy now
• Priced at $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$429.95
• Optional “Main Character Bundle” including the Seiren V3 Pro and Razer’s Kraken Kitty V3 Pro headset

The Razer Seiren V3 Pro is available now from Razer’s website or from third-party retailers. It’s priced at $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$429.95.

That makes it pretty expensive for a gaming microphone, so you should think carefully about whether you need all of its extra features before pulling the trigger. If you spend most of your time on video calls with family or yelling profanities at enemies in Call of Duty, you could probably make do with something more affordable.

Razer sells an optional “Main Character Bundle” that includes the Razer Seiren V3 Pro and the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro headset. That’s sold for $429.98 / £429.98 / AU$759.90.

Razer Seiren V3 Pro review: Specs

Should I buy the Razer Seiren V3 Pro?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Also consider

How I tested the Razer Seiren V3 Pro

• I created test recordings and also analyzed the mic’s performance during games and on audio calls with friends
• The microphone was tested on both my PC and my Mac
• I also spent time testing out the microphone’s software features in the Razer Synapse app

I spent a week testing the microphone on both my PC and my Mac. I created various audio recordings, used it during gaming sessions and put it through its voice-calling paces with friends.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: July 2026

Multitasking while gaming is typical for many PC users, and certainly so for me. Being able to keep tabs on YouTube videos or, most importantly (in this case), stream to friends in Discord, breathes life into my game activities, especially when diving into an MMO or multiplayer shooter — or in better terms, a game where I don't have to pay full attention.

However, such multitasking comes at the cost of game performance, particularly on lower-end hardware (or specifically, PCs with 8GB of RAM). Discord, Google Chrome, Firefox, Spotify, you name it, can all significantly impact RAM and CPU usage, depending on how many tasks are running simultaneously.

Google Chrome is the worst offender, as simply running a single YouTube video in one tab can use up to 1GB of memory (sometimes even more than that), and almost 4GB for the application overall. Fortunately, I have a beefy system running with 32GB of DDR4 RAM, so I can count myself lucky, especially in a period where affordable memory is hard to come by.

With spare PC parts readily available, came the idea of a dual-PC setup, accompanied by a capture card and a secondary Corsair Xeneon Edge screen. This would allow me to completely shift all of my side activities, including game streaming on Discord, onto a separate system, leaving my main system's hardware solely focused on gaming.

I've built it, installed Bazzite (essentially a SteamOS clone), and it's easily the best decision I've made as a PC gamer in years. Here's how it's changed my PC experience.

The setup was arduous, but streaming is easier now

To get the setup started, you simply connect your main gaming PC's GPU (which is the source of what you'll be streaming) to the NZXT Signal 4K30 capture card's 'HDMI In' port via an HDMI cable. Then, connect the included USB Type-C cable into the 'Type-C' port on the capture card, and the USB-A end of the cable into the second streaming PC, and you're good to go.

The sole purpose of this capture card setup is to allow a separate PC to capture activity from another gaming PC, and this works with other systems like consoles. Ultimately, the goal is to offload the burden of your gaming PC using more resources to stream on the same system, and instead, allow the streaming PC to handle those tasks.

Capture cards are especially helpful for devices like the Nintendo Switch 2, where streaming to Twitch, YouTube, or Discord isn't possible natively, but in this case, the focus is simply on reducing the workload for the main gaming PC.

When streaming on Discord, you'll find your capture card as an option within the 'Devices' tab when attempting to share your screen. Besides a few hiccups here and there, the stream quality is great at either 1440p or 4K, with the former capable of 60fps.

I must stress that my particular setup case was a bit of a nightmare. Using an HDMI passthrough is the recommended route in a setup such as this, as it allows you to transmit video and audio to your main display for gaming, with zero latency, while providing the same for streaming on the capture card.

It's unclear whether the unit I used was faulty, but the Signal 4K30 would consistently force a 1080p 60fps output via HDMI passthrough on my LG UltraGear 45GS95QE ultrawide, without any higher resolutions available.

Without much luck using HDMI passthrough, the easiest alternatives included duplicating my main display via Windows' display settings, or using the OBS projector option (labelled 'Open Preview Projector'), and since the latter has very little to no impact on system resources, it was the easier way to go.

The biggest advantage of the OBS projector option is that there is no constraint on the resolution or refresh rate available, which is usually limited using HDMI passthrough on a capture card (which would be 4K 60fps with the NZXT card), so I had full access to my display's 240Hz refresh rate while gaming.

Multitasking is now a complete breeze, as I can watch other friends stream while doing so simultaneously, without the potential performance dips, especially when playing unoptimized games or those with demanding system requirements.

It's also my custom Steam Machine

Whenever I need a console-like gaming experience, this 2nd PC now acts as a separate custom Steam Machine, but one that's even more powerful than what Valve is poised to deliver.

With the AMD Ryzen 5 5600x 6-core processor and an AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB GPU, it's a build that's powerful enough to provide great performance at 4K when upscaling.

The only Steam Machine-like feature that's missing is the small form factor chassis to house the components, but it's a very tough ask to find a PC case as small as the Steam Machine's that will fit a full-sized desktop GPU — and if you can, it's not going to be cheap.

What actually makes this a custom Steam Machine is Bazzite, which runs like an absolute dream on PCs with AMD hardware. While there's the handicap of certain games not being compatible on Linux due to anti-cheat complications, that's exactly what my main Windows 11 gaming PC is at the ready for.

Using tools like Decky Loader quite literally transforms the SteamOS gaming mode experience into that of a custom console, as several plugins can change the UI, boot videos, navigation sounds, and more. You could turn your interface into that of GameCube or a PS5 if you wanted, and that's what makes it so special.

Just to reiterate, none of this would have been possible if not for my lucky case scenario of having spare parts, as this build would easily cost at least $1,000 / £1,000 / AU$1,400, and the 16GB of RAM would likely eat up a significant chunk of the cost.

Building this system has completely revitalized my PC gaming experience, and it's hard to look back, especially once Valve further optimizes SteamOS for desktop PC users.

• Cherry's new Ultra-Wideband gaming keyboard was during Computex 2026
• The Cherry XTRFY K63W features a 'true 8,000 Hz polling rate' wired and wireless
• It launches in the US in August at $169.99, and in the EU at €179.99 in July

The hardware announcements for gamers are coming thick and fast straight out of Computex 2026, and one of the latest products is primed for PC mouse-and-keyboard (MnK) gamers.

In its press release, Cherry announced the 'first 8K Ultra-Wideband gaming keyboard', the XTRFY K63W Pro Compact, which it categorizes as a high-performance option for MnK gaming.

The keyboard comes with a 'true 8,000 Hz polling rate', meaning it transmits data to a computer up to eight times every millisecond, ensuring latency isn't a point of concern when gaming.

It also helps that the polling rate applies to both wired and wireless connections, with the latter being a strong Ultra-Wideband (UWB) dongle connection, and that's paired with a 6,000 mAh battery, which Cherry claims lasts for 1,100 hours of usage.

Fortunately, battery life is effectively irrelevant for non-portable scenarios, as the K63W Pro can be charged while in use.

On paper, this sounds like the ideal gaming keyboard for competitive players, especially those intent on finding the ideal option for wireless gaming sessions. As a primary controller gamer myself, it has piqued my interest, which may serve as one of the best companions for games that play better on MnK (i.e., Path of Exile 2).

Cherry's low-profile and compact keyboard design is a sight for sore eyes, as it has reduced the K63W's size and bulk, noted as a '70% compact layout' in favor of space for mouse movement.

I've also never been able to stick with wireless keyboards as my main option for both work and play, due to frustrating latency issues, especially with Bluetooth connectivity — and while many high-end options solve those latency issues, they're also expensive.

The Cherry K63W will be available at $169.99 in August, while launching in the EU for €179.99 (£179.99) in July. Frankly, it's still quite expensive compared to some of the more affordable high-quality options on the market, but for what it's worth in terms of specifications, it's a great option.

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K: two-minute review

The premium keyboard space is weird, man. I've been reviewing PC hardware long enough to know that you can usually get a pretty darn good product without spending top dollar, but that's arguably not always the case with keyboards. The bottom end of the market is awash with crappy membrane keys and cheap mechanical switches that fail at the drop of a hat, so I find myself frequently more likely to recommend more premium offerings like the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K.

Priced at $229.99 (around £170/AU$320), it's certainly aiming to be one of the best keyboards on the market, and it does a lot to justify that admittedly rather steep price of admission. Straight out of the box, this feels like a high-end keyboard: the chassis is crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, weighing almost two kilograms in total, with doubleshot PBT keycaps.

For typing, it's a dream; the Keychron Silk POM Banana key switches have an immensely satisfying thwock to them, sitting somewhere between the quiet linear actuation of traditional red switches and the loud clickiness of tactile brown switches. The whole user experience feels great, with multiple connectivity modes and great battery life for wireless use.

I would hazard that, despite featuring the obligatory RGB key backlighting, this likely won't be the ideal option for gamers seeking the best gaming keyboard — at least, not with the Banana key switches in my review model. There is a linear red option available, which offers slightly greater key travel and significantly reduced actuation force, and high-intensity gamers will probably find that better.

While the Q1 Ultra 8K's namesake 8,000Hz polling rate is ostensibly aimed squarely at PC gamers, offering ultra-fast responsiveness and near-zero input lag, it's frankly a bit of a gimmick. All but the twitchiest pro gamers are unlikely to notice any real-world difference; in fact, I used the Q1 Ultra 8K for almost two days before realizing that the 8K polling mode was switched off by default, and I'd been playing Marathon with the regular 1,000Hz polling — and I didn't notice the slightest bit of input latency, so this is a somewhat milquetoast complaint on my part.

Overall, this is a very good keyboard that doesn't quite reach all-around perfection, but will still prove a worthy purchase for anyone who spends a lot of time typing at their PC. If you're looking for something compact but still satisfying to type on, the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K is a solid choice. If you want a compact keyboard to take on the go, though, look elsewhere — this one is far too heavy for that!

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Price & release date

• Costs $229.99 (around £170/AU$320)
• Available now in the US
• Sits at the upper end of the market price-wise

At the time of writing, it appears that the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K isn't available to shoppers in the UK and Australia — potential buyers in those regions will have to settle for the Q1 Max, which offers a similarly premium design but uses slightly cheaper key switches and lacks the 8K polling rate feature.

If you're in the US (or willing to import), you can pick up the Q1 Ultra 8K for $229.99 (around £170/AU$320) – a fairly steep price, though one that puts it in the same bracket as the similarly great SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3. Looking at the wider premium mechanical keyboard market, this pricing is reasonably competitive.

Inside the box, you get a set of alternate keycaps for switching between Windows and macOS compatibility, along with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, USB-A adapter, and a small set of tools for hot-swapping both the keycaps and key switches.

• Price score: 3.5/5

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Specs

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Design & features

• Robust machined aluminum chassis
• Comfortable concave PBT keycaps
• Great degree of customization

My review unit of the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K uses the black colorway, and I really like it. Almost the entire unit has a matte black finish, with dark gray used for accenting for keys around the edge of the board and a bright cyan tone for the Esc and Enter keys.

Combined with the tall, blocky keycaps, simple lettering, and the highly satisfying physical volume knob in the top-right corner, it's all got a distinctly retrofuturist feel to it. The white colorway rocks a similar vibe with gray and red accent keys that would make it look right at home aboard the USCSS Nostromo.

Indeed, I was almost loath to turn on the RGB lighting, because it almost detracts from the clean, retro vibe this keyboard has going for it. Fortunately, those RGB LEDs are addressable on a per-key basis, and Keychron's free software gives you a wide degree of customization. Personally, I was a lot happier with the aesthetic of the Q1 Ultra 8K after setting the backlighting to a cool blue that matched the accent keys.

The all-metal construction means there's virtually no flex or sponginess in the chassis whatsoever, with every keypress feeling very solid. However, it also means that this keyboard weighs a whopping 1.73kg – quite literally more than many of the laptops I've reviewed for TechRadar, and far too heavy to be practical as an on-the-go keyboard despite its compact design.

The Silk POM Banana switches require quite a bit of actuation force, which takes a bit of adjusting to if you're coming from a non-tactile keyboard with either linear or membrane switches. They also have less travel distance, which might be an issue for some mech keyboard purists, but didn't bother me in the slightest once I got used to typing on it.

Both the keycaps and the key switches themselves are hot-swappable, and the box includes a puller tool, a hex key, and a mini screwdriver for making your own adjustments should you want to do so. It also comes with a set of alternate keycaps to swap it over to Windows compatibility mode (the default keyboard layout is for macOS), and there are two switches on the rear edge for switching OS and connectivity modes along with a standard USB-C charging port, a cable for which is included in the box.

Given the degree of available customization and the robust, high-quality design of the surrounding board, the Q1 Ultra 8K could be a solid choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who want to tweak their hardware. The larger keys also feature new screw-in PCB stabilizers, which help make the space bar in particular feel a lot less wobbly than it does on some mechanical keyboards, especially when hitting it at either end with your thumb. The double-gasket key switch design uses two separate silicone pads (as well as an acoustic pad on the bottom of the keyboard) to reach a deliberate and very satisfying typing sound that takes me right back to the early 2000s.

In terms of the aforementioned connectivity modes, you've got a few options. Wired will be the way to go for most gamers, as it ensures minimal input latency hand-in-hand with the 8K polling rate feature. This can be done directly via USB-C to USB-C using the included cable, but there's also a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box in case you don't have any free USB-C ports.

If you prefer a wireless connection, the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K supports both Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz connectivity, both of which I found to be highly effective in my tests. The 2.4GHz option is probably a little more reliable in terms of input latency, particularly in environments with heavy Bluetooth signal traffic (I was testing this keyboard in the privacy of my own very rural home, not a busy office!), but I didn't experience any noticeable problems with the Bluetooth mode.

The last unique design feature I'll touch on is hidden on the underside of the keyboard: a wide gold 'art plate' with a sort of astronomy-themed pattern engraved on it. What purpose does this serve? None, as far as I can tell, and you won't even be able to see it when actually using the keyboard. It looks fairly nice, I guess, but it feels slightly like a pointless addition.

Completely absent from the base of this keyboard, however, are any sort of adjustable feet. For a $200+ keyboard, that's simply unacceptable. It won't bother some users, but as someone who prefers a steeper keyboard incline to use with my padded wrist rest, it might actually be a dealbreaker for me if I were opening my own wallet – so for that, I must dock a point from Keychron.

• Design and features: 4/5

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Performance

• Satisfying typing with sharp actuation
• 8,000Hz polling rate is nice, but sort of unnecessary
• Looooong battery life

I'm always a little dubious when keyboard companies start making their own key switches instead of using the ever-dependable Cherry and Gateron brands, but the Keychron Silk POM switches in this keyboard are really very nice to use.

As I mentioned further up, I think the Banana yellow switches in my review model are a bit better suited to typing than gaming, though they're certainly not bad. I used the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K to play several games, including Warframe, Marathon, and Remnant II, and didn't have any significant issues with misinputs or keypresses not registering. The higher actuation force of the Banana switches compared to the mainstream linear red switches you'll find in many gaming keyboards did take a little bit of getting used to, but I still found it to be perfectly acceptable.

For typing, though? This keyboard is a dream. The concave keycap tops let your fingertips slide into the center of each key for confident inputs, even when touch-typing at speed, and the reduced travel and subtle bounce on the Banana switches compared to Keychron's own red and brown switches mean that you don't feel like you're hammering the keys — even if you're a somewhat forceful typist like me.

I know I've mentioned the acoustic experience of this board already in this review, but it really does bear repeating. This keyboard just sounds so damn good to type on. It's like an old 90s Packard-Bell keyboard and a snare drum had a baby. There's no audible click like you'll see with blue switches, though, so typing gently will actually result in a fairly quiet experience — good for office environments where you don't want the loudest keyboard in the building.

The 8K polling rate feature (which requires either a wired or 2.4GHz connection, as Bluetooth doesn't support it) is switched off by default, since some older PCs don't support it. It's set to 1,000Hz as standard, though turning it on in the Keychron Launcher software is very straightforward — you can also use the software to adjust the default keybindings and set up macros, if you're so inclined.

Still, I honestly didn't register much, if any, difference when I turned on the 8K polling. Even in twitchy competitive games like Marathon and Valorant, I didn't feel at any point that swapping over to the 8K polling mode made my inputs feel faster or more responsive.

I should be clear at this point that I am not a 'pro gamer' by any definition of the phrase. I was Diamond-ranked in Overwatch back in the day and have the (dubious) honor of being a Legend 2 veteran in Warframe, so I'd like to think I'm at least above average, but I accept that I'm not really the target audience for a feature like this. If you are a hardcore gamer and you're primarily playing very twitchy, reaction-based games like Valorant or Counter-Strike, then the 8K polling rate may prove beneficial, but the simple fact is that most players aren't going to suddenly find themselves playing better after turning it on.

My last note here will be on the battery life of the Q1 Ultra 8K in wireless mode, which is certainly up to spec. Keychron promises up to 660 hours of use on a single charge, and while I didn't leave the keyboard running for a full 28 days (!) to test that, I will say that it didn't need charging even once after my initial wired testing, and I used it in wireless mode with the RGB lighting on for a full week. As far as wireless keyboards go, the battery life on offer here is undeniably great.

• Performance: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K review: Also consider

How I tested the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K

• Replaced my usual keyboard for one week
• Used for daily work, personal projects, and gaming
• Close to a decade of experience testing PC hardware

As is my usual modus operandi for keyboard reviews, I swapped out my trusty Asus ROG Strix Scope RX in my home desktop setup for the Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K for one week. During that period, I used it for my daily work at TechRadar, as well as personal writing projects and some gaming during my off hours.

I mostly played Marathon and Warframe during my testing period (in addition to a lot of typing), but for variety's sake, I also mixed in some Valorant, Remnant II, and Slay the Spire II – though the keyboard's use was largely relegated to hitting 'E' to end my turn in that last one. I naturally also installed and tested out the free Keychron Launcher software.

I've been a tech journalist for more than eight years, and during that time I've reviewed dozens of keyboards, mice, headsets... you name it, I've probably had my mitts on it at some point. I'm also a long-time PC gamer and self-confessed keyboard freak, meaning I have a keen eye for what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to PC peripherals.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: May 2026

• Sony CEO, Hideaki Nishino, shows commitment to using AI for PlayStation game development
• Nishino intends to use AI to improve game development and 'unleash the creativity of our studios'
• This comes amid the controversy behind AI's impact on the gaming market, and its use in Nvidia's DLSS 5

AI is causing significant issues within the PC and game console markets, with exceedingly high RAM prices and shortages — and now, there's another reason gamers should be worried about its presence in gaming.

As reported by VGC, Sony's CEO, Hideaki Nishino, recently highlighted a new plan that includes using AI on PlayStation to improve productivity in game development.

This comes amid controversy over AI not only driving prices up across the board due to increased memory demand, but also through Nvidia's DLSS 5 (planned for late 2026), which many have likened to a generative AI filter for games.

DLSS 5's introduction has already served as a worrying sign of what game development may eventually become, and it's not even here yet — and while it will be optional for players, many developers have already backed the tool and plan to utilize it once available.

That's exactly what makes Nishino's pledge to use AI concerning, as he stated: "At PlayStation, our goal is always to be the best place to play and the best to publish. We see AI as a powerful tool to help us in this mission."

The latter statement effectively mimics what was said about DLSS 5 by Nvidia itself and some game developers and publishers, suggesting that AI will only be used as a 'tool' and not a centerpiece of games, but it's not that simple.

Nisihino continued saying: "The vision, the design, and the emotional impact of our games will always come from the talent of our studios and performers. AI is meant to augment their abilities, not replace them," further insinuating AI will be strictly used for game development.

"We believe AI will unleash the creativity of our studios, power a more curated platform, and enhance the PlayStation experience for both players and creators."

On paper, PlayStation's commitment to keeping AI use strictly within game development without replacing human artists isn't necessarily bad (not a popular move either), but it's what it could eventually lead to that's very concerning.

With DLSS 5, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told gamers they were 'completely wrong' about DLSS 5 being generative AI in games, as it was 'content-controlled generative AI'. However, those were seen as buzzwords to stop gamers from seeing DLSS 5 for what it actually is, as it clearly changes character and environmental details, straying from the artist's design choices.

PlayStation doesn't have a DLSS 5 equivalent case (thankfully), but AI's very presence in game development for the company to begin with means there's a chance its use could spread even further, perhaps with gen AI assets showing up in games.

It's not much of a stretch to suggest the latter could happen when Activision is actively using AI in its Call of Duty games, which hasn't gone down well with players. The only hope that remains is that backlash from consumers keeps PlayStation and its first-party studios at bay, and if DLSS 5 is anything to go by, it's a decent start.

PC gaming is becoming increasingly demanding over time, with modern titles launching with more stringent and beefier system requirements than usual. If you're up to date on the state of the PC hardware market, you'll know that higher system requirements aren't great news for consumers at all.

Well, that's where upscalers come into play, and fortunately, Nvidia's DLSS has evolved over many years to provide excellent image quality and performance results. It has progressively improved after each iteration, utilizing new technologies to achieve significant enhancements over predecessors.

Fortunately, I can report that the trend continues with DLSS 4.5 in my testing on the Lenovo LOQ 15i Gen 10 gaming laptop, so much so that it's becoming harder to distinguish the difference in image quality and clarity between each mode, from DLSS Performance to Quality.

While DLSS Quality is certainly going to give you the best image quality possible (excluding DLAA, which is essentially native), gamers can now utilize DLSS Performance or Balanced and achieve very similar image stability and clarity, but with better performance results.

This comes after multiple DLSS iterations (particularly DLSS 3.1), including Performance and Balanced modes that were drastically different from DLSS Quality. It was mostly down to whether gamers wanted to prioritize the best visual clarity and sacrifice performance, or vice versa.

Now, with DLSS 4.5, gamers don't have to worry about sacrificing either, and Doom: The Dark Ages is a prime example (as you can see above), with very few differences between DLSS 4.5 Quality and Performance modes. This is ideal, as it means visual clarity won't be bogged down by blurriness or ghosting, as it normally would on previous DLSS versions.

I found similar results testing both Final Fantasy 16 and Arc Raiders and all of their DLSS 4.5 upscaling modes, where Performance and Quality are shockingly close. It's all thanks to Nvidia's 2nd-gen transformer model for super resolution, building upon what DLSS 4 delivers – which I must add, is already fantastic.

Performance mode isn't one-to-one with 4.5's Quality mode, and that should be quite clear since both are upscaling from different internal resolutions, but the differences between the two are minor in several gameplay scenarios.

It's arguably most evident in the Final Fantasy 16 comparison above. If you examine it closely, you may notice that Clive's sword still features some jaggedness around the flames in Performance mode, but not in Quality mode. However, this wasn't perceivable to me while active in gameplay – and frankly, I doubt many will be looking at every pixel with a loupe during gameplay.

DLSS 4 to DLSS 4.5 upgrade is very impressive

We've looked at how DLSS 4.5's image quality, specifically with Quality and Performance, but another strong point here is the leap from DLSS 4 to DLSS 4.5 in image stability.

I didn't think there was a way for DLSS to get much better, going from the first transformer model, which was introduced as a major jump from DLSS 3.1's CNN model, but here we are.

At 1080p using DLSS 4 Balanced, visuals are great, and I've never really had any complaints about this version when using it in many other scenarios with beefier hardware, other than some noticeable ghosting.

At 1080p using DLSS 4.5 Balanced, I instantly noticed a much more refined and sharper image, and better yet, I could use Frame Generation with a less noticeable trail on objects in motion – but just bear in mind, RTX 5060 laptop GPUs are only using 8GB of VRAM, and I found several scenarios where enabling Frame Generation makes performance less stable, due to increase in VRAM usage.

As for performance, since the Legion LOQ gaming laptop is powered by Nvidia's RTX 5060, the frame rate loss (going from DLSS 4 to DLSS 4.5) isn't very noticeable. However, users who don't have an RTX 50 or RTX 40 series GPU will likely suffer a major performance loss, supposedly around 20% to 25% using DLSS 4.5, due to the lack of native FP8 support (part of Nvidia Tensor Cores) on RTX 30 and older GPUs.

Fortunately, the performance loss in most of my benchmarks of this RTX 5060 laptop was only around 5% to 7%, which is insignificant when you realize the benefits you gain in image quality.

While DLSS Ultra Performance on DLSS 4.5 is an improvement coming from the previous version, it's still held back by very noticeable blurriness and ghosting, but this should be expected as it's quite literally the most aggressive upscaling option.

It's all getting to a stage now where DLSS is so good, it's hard to recommend ever gaming at native resolutions again. While many games are well optimized enough to maintain high frame rates, DLSS 4.5's image stability, almost across the board, is fantastic, which is a huge benefit for low-end hardware that may not be able to handle a native resolution or higher graphics settings.

I just hope game developers don't rely on these advancements as a band-aid for poor optimization.

Brain-reading company Neurable is working with HyperX on new products aimed at using neuroscience to improve your gaming performance. The idea is to have gaming headsets with built-in EEG sensors that read your brainwaves as you play, and use the data to not only help you boost your accuracy and reaction times, but also avoid tilting and performance crashes.

TechRadar has experience with Neurable's tech: we tested the Master & Dynamic MW75 headphones, which use the same kind of technology to help you monitor your focus levels and your risk of burnout at work.

The collaboration was announced at CES 2026 and focuses on two areas: improving your headspace before you play in order to improve performance, and monitoring activity while playing to see if you're maintaining peak levels.

I got a chance to try a prototype of the technology and to speak to Dr. Ramses Alcaide, CEO and co-founder of Neurable, to hear more about what it can do and the plan for the future.

I was able to test the technology using a prototype developed with HyperX, but that's still far from the final gaming headset they have planned – for a start, it didn't have a mic boom. It was also pretty heavy, and I'm sure they'll work on a lighter one for long-term gaming sessions.

But the main thing is that the tech worked, and is instantly really interesting.

What's the big idea?

It's not news that your mental state can really affect your performance – whether that's gaming, work, or sports. But what's interesting about Neurable's tech is that if you try to do something about it, like meditating, you're not just guessing whether it's making a difference or not – the improvement is measurable.

"Especially in games like StarCraft or in shooting games like Counter-Strike, one of the biggest issues that exists is that you normally have to choose between reaction time or accuracy, right? You can move quickly, but it may mean that your shots are landing worse. And the same thing happens with RTSes – your APM can be very high, but the quality of your APM can, can drop dramatically. And so this is the first time where you can handle one of the biggest issues that gamers have, which is getting yourself mentally primed for the activity," explains Alcaide.

So the first part of what Neurable is offering is a 'Prime' programming, which is designed to get you in the zone. At the moment, it takes the form of a cloud of dots, like a nebula spinning in space. If you increase your level of focus, the cloud of dots compresses, reducing the space between them until they become just one central dot, and then shrink to nothing.

"The thing is that your brain is highly plastic, which means it's able to adapt very rapidly," says Alcaide. "As you start to focus and clear your mind, these dots get smaller and smaller, and then if you start to mind wander and drift and think about, you know, other things that are happening, it'll start to get bigger. And so the core goal here is to make it get smaller and smaller and smaller until essentially this turns into a dot and disappears and you're ready, through this simple form of biofeedback."

"But the most key part is it has to be tied directly to the user state, you can't just make the dot get smaller. It has to really be training the brain, biofeedbacking the brain in order to get to this state, and then it moves the user to a different mental performance level than where they were when they started."

"If something just happened to you, you know, you heard bad news, your cognitive load shoots up like crazy. It's so hard to focus and get back into that zone. And so essentially what the system does is it helps in train your brain so that it reduces your cognitive load while increasing your focus, so that you can essentially get into that locked-in state and reach your real potential more consistently," says Alcaide.

"And what we've seen is decreases in reaction time, increases in target hits – usually you have to pick one of the two, but we're seeing both go up as they're doing these sessions."

Neurable's stats claim that pro-level eSports players improved target-aiming accuracy by about 3% by using the 'Priming' process, while the average improvement across all players is around 1.5%. The improvement in reaction time is around 40 milliseconds on average, which I found especially interesting – that's a few frames.

Naturally, I went through the Prime process myself. First, I went through a target-shooting practice session on Aimlabs without any preparation and scored around 34,000.

Next, I went through the Prime exercise. Neurable's Dr Alicia Howell-Munson, a Research Scientist and lead on the gaming-focused technology, gave me some tips for entering a focus state when looking at the cloud of dots, such as focusing on a particular dot's movement as it spins.

I found that was a useful start, because they're not easy to follow as they all cross each other – but I can imagine that some people might actually find it better to look 'past' the cloud and focus by allowing the moving pattern to overwhelm their vision.

I found that as the cloud of dots shrank, I started to see patterns and structure in the dots that I hadn't interpreted before, and so I started focusing on those instead – not intentionally, just naturally. Already, it felt like I was finding a flow state.

After around 45 seconds, I'd shrunk the dots and was ready to do. The Neurable team told me that it often takes anywhere from two minutes to four minutes, and that a shorter time suggested I was already in a fairly focused mental state – perhaps not a surprise since I'd already done the target practice once.

I also did the Prime exercise a second time at the end of my demo session so we could get photos, and that not only took longer, but I actually regressed, with the cloud becoming larger again, when the camera entered my eyeline, so you can see the instant effect that distractions have.

After Priming, I retook the same Aimlabs test and scored around 37,000. My reaction time decreased by a very small amount (only around 5ms), but my accuracy jumped over 2%. Just from less than a minute of biofeedback meditation, of a kind.

What's going on?

"Essentially, we're tracking two key metrics," explains Alcaide. "One is cognitive load. So how much of their brain is currently at capacity, right? And then the second one is their focus, or how well you can maintain attention on a particular task."

"Now, they seem kind of similar, but they're very different. You can have a high focus and have a low cognitive load, which is the ultimate way of playing."

"We did some work actually with the Singapore Air Force, where we saw that expert pilots were the ones who had really high focus, they were able to maintain their attention, but it required a very low amount of mental cognitive load. Which means that when something happened, they had a lot of capacity still left in their brain to be able to react and to make adjustments, and to be able to think quickly.

"But if your brain is filled with a whole bunch of thoughts, not only is it hard for you to focus, but then adding more things to your brain while you're focusing creates overflow, which increases errors, essentially per minute in the case of these of these pilots, and also reduces your reaction time."

To measure these elements, Neurable uses an EEG to measure alpha, beta, and theta brain waves. "Beta and theta are usually tied to how fast your brain is processing. We use those through our proprietary pipeline that that boosts the signal to noise [ratio], which is what our company does. We use AI to boost the signal brain data, so that it comes at a level similar to a high-end brain-computer interface."

Alcaide is referring to the need for an elaborate helmet and even conductive gel to get good EEG readings in many cases, but Neurable is able to get accurate enough readings with just the pads of a pair of headphones (or using earbuds and even glasses, they told me).

The data the headset is reading isn't just useful for the Prime process, though. It can potentially be useful for eSports training purposes, and Neurable also showed me a concept of your brain's focus and capacity readings being visible during a Twitch stream, much like how some streamers show their heart rate today.

One of the simplest uses of this ongoing data reading could be to help you improve the quality of your practice.

"[The software] tells you to take a break when you're cognitively tired, not when you're physically tired. Your brain has no pain receptors, so when you feel physically tired, that's when you normally take a break. But if you take a break when your brain is tired, you can actually boost your productivity for one to three hours per day," says Alcaide.

"So just imagine something like that: you're playing, it tells you to go take a 10 minute walk. And now you're getting effectively one to three more hours of practice per day. And that's good practice, not crap practice, right?

"Or prevention of tilt, like there's just so many things that we haven't even tapped into yet."

There's a lot of potential in using the data the headset can connect to, so you can link your brain data to replays of your performance and see whether something changed before you made mistakes or what state you were in during your best period.

In a practice tool like Aimlabs, each score could have brain data connected, so you can look for patterns.

And game developers could even use your brain data to create emergent events – scaring you at the right moment, for example.

I asked whether any additional factors could improve the data's accuracy in the future. Alcaide notes that most other biometric data that can be tracked is actually also reflected in the brain, so Neurable's tech gets most of what it can use anyway.

However, there's one element he calls out as an area to add to the system: "Eye tracking is way faster than brain data, so we could probably use eye tracking to identify what [someone] focusing on, and then the brain can give us an accurate reading of how attention they paid. You know, were they just looking there or were they actually processing the information?"

Alcaide also notes that the tech could be used for better team play, not just individual play: "We're really just scratching the surface of like what's possible, right? Teamwork I think is going to be one of the biggest areas in eSports that we're going to start to see for this technology.

"There's been a lot of incredible research done, with something called 'team synchrony'. So, for example, you can put an EEG system like the ones that I have right now, and then you can see whether the team's brain waves are synced or unsynced, and what they found is that teams that display more synchrony across their brain waves usually perform better, especially at tasks where they're collaborating, they're working together to solve a problem."

Performance enhancement

I asked whether Neurable is worried about its tools being banned from competition if they're really effective, and they noted that they already have a pro poker player who uses their tech to focus their mind.

"There are multiple techniques that gamers use to clear their minds already. This is just a way where it removes the skill level required to be able to get into that type of mental training. It makes it easier. It's like, instead of telling somebody 'hey, just get it out of your head', you're teaching them how to meditate." says Alcaide.

"It's just giving a little bit of a of a opportunity for people to to get in the zone, before they go into things, and actually I was just earlier today talking with an NBA player that wants to use it for the same sort of thing. It's like listening to music before you go play, right? So I don't think that's, that's necessarily something that we're concerned about."

When will you be able to try this out yourself? Both the software and hardware are still under development, but the aim is to have something available in around a year – it's not impossible you'll see a product in 2026, but CES 2027 is maybe more likely.

I only had a brief demo, but I found the Prime process immediately impactful – I think I'd active want to go through the process before firing up a game, no because I'm desperate for the few points of extra accuracy, but because the process of clearing your mind – and knowing you've truly taken steps in clearing it, because you're not just following an animation, the animation is responding to your success – felt really beneficial in of itself.

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

• Windows Latest discovered Discord and other Chromium and Electron-based applications with high RAM usage
• RAM usage spikes from 1GB to 4GB on Discord both in and out of voice chat
• It comes at a time where prices for RAM kits are exceedingly high

It's no secret at this point that the PC hardware market is in an unstable state, with prices for RAM kits skyrocketing like never before due to the current AI bubble – and that's why this Windows 11 issue is far more noticeable at this stage.

As reported by Windows Latest, Discord and other Windows 11 applications using the Electron framework are consuming significant amounts of RAM, with Discord notably spiking from 1GB up to 4GB. This is due to these apps using the Chromium browser instance and Node.js (a JavaScript runtime) for desktop app functionality, which appears to lead to memory leaks.

Being a frequent Discord user, I've noticed several instances where RAM usage exceeds 1GB, steadily increasing the longer it's open and active. While it's not unusual for applications to use a decent amount of system memory, it becomes problematic when gaming or utilizing other resource-heavy applications.

Just like Windows Latest, I tested this by joining a server and entering voice chat to stream; before the voice chat stream was active, Discord's RAM usage was at 780MB, and once I started streaming, it managed to shoot up to 1.4GB after a few minutes (screenshots below).

Now this makes sense, especially when streaming content at high resolutions like 1080p or 1440p. However, the most frustrating aspect is that even after ending the stream (and even leaving voice chat entirely), the 1.4GB of RAM usage didn't decrease, but instead fluctuated consistently between 1.2GB and 1.4GB, which was only resolved when completely restarting Discord.

This now adds further explanations on why game performance may be worse than usual when Discord is active in the background, with instant improvements seen when the application is completely shut down.

While users with 32GB or 64GB of RAM may not find this to be very problematic, it's still a portion of RAM that can impact functionality and speeds, and is undoubtedly a bigger concern for users who only have 8GB or 16GB of RAM – and with RAM kit prices exceeding the normal standard due to the AI boom, this is the worst time for applications to hog system memory.

Analysis: This is just another addition to the current RAM problems

It's one thing for Microsoft's Windows 11 to suffer from a handful of issues, with background processes actively impacting game performance for gamers, and bloatware leaving users frustrated with the operating system's lack of ease of use – but applications like Discord adding to the issue, alongside current memory demand, just makes matters worse.

While I'm personally waiting for Discord to add native support on SteamOS with a dedicated application for its game mode, it seems as though fixing this memory leak (which is what this seems to be) should be the priority.

RAM pricing issues are only going to get worse from here on it as long as this AI boom remains, and if solutions can't be introduced to Discord and other applications based on Chromium using more memory than necessary, it's going to leave more users frustrated.

We're into day two of the Amazon Prime Day sale, and I've spent quite a bit of time looking for a new game controller suitable for my PC, to replace Microsoft's Xbox Series X controller. That's when I stumbled across a controller that has left me blown away - so much so, in fact, that I don't think I'll be upgrading for years.

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 (purple) wireless controller is available for just $47.99 (previously $59.99) on Amazon in the US, while its green-colored counterpart is available at £42.49 (previously £49.99) on Amazon in the UK.

I've already gone on my annual Amazon Prime Day spending spree, and this was the first purchase I made. It's as simple as this: this is the best game controller I've ever used in terms of its ergonomics, with a small, neat design that sits perfectly in my hands for long hours of gaming.

It's compatible with Windows PCs, the Steam Deck, Android, and the Nintendo Switch 2, and provides a comfortable gaming experience suited for all games – but I must highlight that it shines best in fighting games, specifically Street Fighter 6, thanks to its robust D-pad that makes combos easy to pull off.

I know I say it often, but this is one deal I'd seriously hate to miss.

Not in the US or UK? Scroll down to see the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 deals in your region!

Today's best Amazon Prime Day 8BitDo Ultimate 2 deal in the US

Today's best Amazon Prime Day 8BitDo Ultimate 2 deal in the UK

This is a controller that easily stands above Microsoft's Xbox Series X controller; it's far more comfortable in my hands and stops me from hitting the wrong inputs in Street Fighter 6. The same applies in games like Delta Force and others that don't have full controller support, as the extra L4 and R4 bumpers can be programmed to what you desire.

It doesn't feel bulky in my hands, and most importantly, it doesn't require battery switching, something I've always disliked about Xbox controllers. The 2.4GHz USB-C dongle means that there's virtually zero input lag, and you can always connect it to your PC via Bluetooth or a wired connection if that's your preference.

It's the easiest recommendation from me this Prime Day, especially with its $47.99 / £42.49 sale price. If you've been looking for a new controller like me, don't hesitate.

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• Sony unveils its first-ever wireless fight stick, codenamed Project Defiant
• The fight stick is launching in 2026 and is designed for PS5 and PC
• The controller can be used wirelessly via PlayStation Link technology for ultra-low latency gameplay, or wired using a USB-C connection

Sony has revealed its first-ever wireless fight stick, codenamed Project Defiant, and it's releasing in 2026.

Announced during PlayStation's June State of Play, Project Defiant is designed for a variety of fighting games and can be used wirelessly or wired for the PlayStation 5 and PC.

"This sleek new controller will give players more flexibility to play their favorite fighting games, whether that is wirelessly with the innovative PlayStation Link technology that provides ultra-low latency, or through a wired connection on PS5 or PC," said Edwin Foo, Vice President, Product Development, SIE, in a PlayStation blog post.

Project Defiant features a high-quality digital stick that’s custom-designed by Sony, toolless interchangeable restrictor gates (square, circle, and octagon) for the stick, buttons with mechanical switches, and a touch pad like the one found on the DualSense wireless controller.

The controller also boasts a sturdy, ergonomic design for long gaming sessions, features a storage compartment for restrictor gates for convenience, and a PS Link USB adapter.

Like the DualSense wireless controller, Project Defiant also supports the ability to wirelessly wake up the user's PS5 by pressing and holding the PS button on the top side of the device.

As previously mentioned, input timing has been refined thanks to Sony's PS Link wireless technology, but there's also an option for players to plug in to play by using a wired USB-C connection.

Sony has also confirmed that the fight stick will come packaged with a sling carry case, which includes a lever gap to keep the digital stick safe, allowing players to take the hardware on the go.

Since Project Defiant is just a codename, we'll likely learn the name of the fight stick closer to launch.

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AMD is helping to usher in the second generation of PC gaming handhelds in 2025 with the announcement of the AMD Ryzen Z2 series of processors, designed to provide more performance and better efficiency for PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go.

Coming in three different tiers, the AMD Ryzen Z2 processors will include the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, AMD Ryzen Z2, and AMD Ryzen Z2 Go. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme will feature eight cores and 16 threads, a 5.0GHz boost clock, 24MB cache, 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores, and a 15W-35W power envelope.

The Ryzen Z2 will also feature eight cores and 16 threads, but with a slightly higher 5.1GHz boost clock, the same 24MB cache, but 12 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores rather than 16, and a slightly smaller 15W-30W power envelope.

The new Ryzen Z2 Go (which had no equivalent with the Ryzen Z1 series), will have four cores and eight threads, a 4.3GHz boost clock, and 10MB cache, but the same 12 GPU cores and 15W-30W power envelope as the Ryzen Z2.

As the chips won’t sell on their own, there’s no hard release date, as that’ll depend on the release dates for the individual handhelds, but handhelds featuring the new chips should be available starting in Q1 2025.

Adding fuel to an already red-hot PC gaming handheld market

Following the launch of the Steam Deck in 2022, the PC gaming handheld market has exploded over the past two years, with nearly every major gaming PC manufacturer producing their own PC gaming handheld.

With few exceptions, these have all run on the AMD Ryzen Z1 series processors, so it’s natural that about two years after the launch of the Asus ROG Ally, the second PC gaming handheld after the Steam Deck, the AMD Ryzen Z-series SoCs would get a refresh with some new architecture and design.

And while the Ryzen Z1 has essentially had the entire market to itself, Intel’s strong showing with the MSI Claw 8 AI+, the first handheld to feature an Intel Lunar Lake SoC, has definitely injected a good deal more competition into this space.

We haven’t been able to test the new chis yet, so we can’t say yet whether the new chips are worth an upgrade, but given the popularity of these handhelds, it’s good to see AMD not just commit itself to further Z-series development, but even expanding it into a lower ‘budget’ specced tier which will hopefully help bring the cost of future PC gaming handhelds down into a more affordable place.

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If the Nintendo Switch proved the concept of a portable hybrid console correct, many would say that Valve’s Steam Deck did the same for handheld PC gaming.

Coming in both LCD and OLED flavors, they share a 7-inch 60Hz screen, 4-core Zen 2 CPU, 8-core RDNA 2 graphics, 16GB LPDDR5 memory and between 256GB and 1TB SSD storage.

Backed by SteamOS, the portable allows users to play a the majority of games on Valve’s ultra-popular digital store, Steam, that goes back as far as 2004. Though we praised the Steam Deck for its versatility and performance in our Steam Deck review, we noted that it was held back a bit by SteamOS.

By not having Windows 11 pre-loaded, as later portable PC gaming handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally do, means that there is a limit to the type of games that can be played on the device. This means that popular games like Fortnite and Alan Wake II, among others, can’t be natively played on the Steam Deck.

The reason is that these games require the Epic Games Store in order to launch, and this isn't natively supported by the Steam Deck. Not all is lost, though, as there are ways to get the app running on the device.

Things You’ll Need

• Steam Deck
• MicroSD Card (optional)
• Windows 11 or 10 license (optional)

Installing through Windows: Step-by-step guide

There is a workaround to get Windows loaded on the Steam Deck, which will let you use the Epic Games Store directly. Here's what you'll need to do.

Installing through Proton: Step-by-step

Proton is an installable interpretation layer available through Steam that allows the SteamOS software to open Windows software, including the Epic Games Store. It’s a less intrusive way of getting the launcher to run on the device without having to fuss with a new Windows installation.

Societal changes, newer technology and an always-connected generation has led to an interesting shift in how individuals interact with games around the world.

According to recent data, many people would rather watch streamers play games than play the game themselves. Putting things into perspective, the biggest live-streaming platform, Twitch, has over 240 million unique visitors alongside 1.8 billion hours of video views during its biggest months.

Soon, a new generation of streamers became ultra-popular celebrities in their own right, many rivaling the biggest names in more mainstream media like film and music.

Whether its Twitch or YouTube or Facebook, video game streaming has come with some serious monetary benefits for creators. Small creators can earn between $50 - $1,500 monthly while mid-tier streamers can make $5,000–$30,000. Those at the upper crest like Ninja ($500,000+ per month) and xQc (over $300,000 per month) easily make six figures or more monthly.

Of course, many want to follow in their favorite streamer’s footsteps, play games for their friends to watch, or something or somewhere in between. To help those interested, we’re here to help you get started when it comes to hardware.

Gaming PC or video game console

What kind of streamers are you looking to be? That honestly depends on the individual and their particular taste.

On the more traditional end, most of today’s most popular streamers use the best gaming PCs for games including Fortnite, Call of Duty, League of Legends, World of Warcraft , and Counter-Strike 2, among others.

Meanwhile, console gamers will need something like a Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Xbox Series X|S or Sony PlayStation 5. Consoles are usually popular for anyone looking to watch first-party exclusives like God of War or Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Capture card

Console gamers who play on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S have native support for Twitch built into the console. All they’re going to need is a solid webcam and possibly some sort of microphone.

The same isn’t true for Nintendo Switch which requires a capture card to a PC or laptop.

Meanwhile, serious PC gamers are going to need a capture card as a way to offset the resource load from streaming out video of more visually intensive or e-sports-leaning games.

Capture cards come in at various prices and specifications, so anyone looking for the right one can check out our list of the best capture cards of this year.

KVM-equipped monitor

The average streamer who plays on PC uses one for gaming and another for conducting the actual stream.

Controlling both PCs at once is done through KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) technology, which enables control of multiple PCs using a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse.

The best gaming monitors like the Gigabyte M27F and MSI MPG 271QR now feature built-in KVM functionality, making it easier for streamers to switch between devices without clutter.

Console gamers also benefit from KVM, using it to seamlessly switch between gaming and work or stream sessions.

Microphone

Separate from an actual gaming headset, which is used to hear the game and communicate with teammates, microphones are the best way to speak directly to viewers of your stream.

There are so many great mics for streaming out there that can work between various setups, across many different budgets.

That doesn’t even count the feature set and even design with some featuring cute RGB lighting as well.

Webcam or camera

Visitors aren’t going to watch a stream without seeing its star. That’s why a webcam at the very least is going to be absolutely necessary.

Just understand that what you spend is going to determine both capture resolution and streaming frame rate. Then there are other things like the type of lens that you'll need to consider as well.

Users who want to take their stream to a new level can get an actual video camera or high-end digital camera with video output and hook it up through a capture card as well.

Streaming PC or laptop

In addition to your actual gaming PC, you'll also need a PC or laptop to process the actual stream, as using the gaming PC by itself can be cumbersome and potentially affect the performance of the game you're playing.

It might be best to get one of our favorite mini PCs to process the captured video. The video capture PC doesn't have to be the most high-end, and even some of the best cheap laptops are more than enough to get the job done (though stay away from Chromebooks).

Lighting

Serious streamers will know that the best webcams and video cameras can be limited by certain lighting conditions.

This is why it’s important to have some sort of professional-ish light source to put you in the best, well, light.

Users can find an affordable ring light or mini light through online retailers like Amazon or go for something more expensive like the Logitech Litra Beam LX.

Green screen

A green screen (or sometimes a blue screen) is a great way to add some flair to a stream.

These colored screens are used to isolate a streamer from the background on video, which allows them to be placed in different backgrounds, or to remove the background of the room they are in entirely, while they are streaming. Some of our favorite green screens even come with lighting as well.

Asus has produced two of the best PC gaming handhelds currently on the market, the Asus ROG Ally and the Asus ROG Ally X.

Both handhelds will get you great gaming performance on the go (within reason), ad both are truly competitive against the current champ, Valve's Steam Deck. But the two ROG Ally models offer quite a bit more than the Steam Deck does, and so they're both very popular.

Which one is the best for you, though? Well, I'm here to compare both to see which is superior in performance and which is the overall best value.

Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: price

There are two models of the original Asus ROG Ally, with the entry-level version equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z1 GPU retailing for $399.99 (around £640 / AU$1,280). The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme equipped ROG Ally retails for a slightly higher $549.99 / £449 / AU$999.

The Asus ROG Ally X only has one model available, and it costs $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599.

In terms of pricing, the ROG Ally is the clear winner. Since its launch in 2023, it's dropped in price considerably, and it's performance is very good, making it a much better value than the much more expensive ROG Ally X.

Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: design & features

The original Asus ROG Ally is much smaller and lighter than other PC gaming handhelds, and its unique white honeycomb chassis stands out against the competition, making it a tempting option for gamers looking for something different.

Both the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X feature dual analog sticks, a 7-inch FHD screen, the same refresh rate and response time, and buttons in the front and back of the system. Both also have ventilation holes along the top to allow for heat dissipation, though the ROG Ally X has the better one cooling setup.

The button layout and grips of the two handhelds are also nearly identical, though the ROG Ally X is more ergonomic with a customizable updated analog stick design. It also has better specs, including more RAM and storage space, a slightly bigger battery (though nothing to write home about), and two new USB Type-C ports that replace the original’s XG Mobile port. Meanwhile, the original version is smaller and lighter, with a far more interesting chassis and color than the updated version.

In terms of design, both tie in my opinion. The ROG Ally is straight-up better looking, more portable, and easier to game with over a longer period due to the weight. But the ROG Ally X is built to be more comfortable for longer sessions, with more USB Type-C ports and a better vent.

Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: specs

Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: performance

There isn't too much different between the Asus ROG Ally and Asus ROG Ally X in terms of performance if you've got an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme model. That said, the base model for the ROG Ally uses the less capable Ryzen Z1 SoC, so its performance will be slightly slower than the ROG Ally X.

Even though this means that the base ROG Ally isn't capable of the power gaming of its updated version, it's still quite impressive in its own right. It'll play most modern PC titles, including DirectX 12 games with ray tracing. I tested the ROG Ally out with Ghostrunner and it ran almost completely stutter-free.

I tested both the ROG Allys with Forza Horizon 5 and ray tracing enabled and even on High settings, the Z1 Extreme chip in the two handhelds can get more than 50 FPS on average. Using Turbo Mode, however, definitely impacts battery life, so it's best to use that setting with the unit plugged in for the most mileage.

Performance-wise, the ROG Ally X gets the win here. Gaming performance, UI, and the operating system are all simply better.

Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: verdict

In the end, the two systems actually tie, in my opinion, with the choice being pure personal preference as to what you value more in a portable system.

The Asus ROG Ally is a great value in its own right due to its much lower price of entry that rivals the Steam Deck, it's lightweight, gorgeous, and highly portable design, and it has excellent specs.

Meanwhile, the ROG Ally X is a pure-performance machine that has better specs than before and more ergonomic, those that comes at a much steeper price point.

Recently purchased a Asus ROG Ally or Asus ROG Ally X? Consider checking out our list of the best Steam games and best PC games to get your collection going on either device.

Since the launch of Valve's Steam Deck, arguably the first major dedicated PC gaming handheld, other manufacturers have released their own takes on the PC gaming handheld like the Lenovo Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally, and MSI Claw.

The Asus ROG Ally was the second major PC gaming handheld release, and was generally well-received, but how does it compare to the Steam Deck on price, specs, and performance? Let's find out.

Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally: price

Valve’s Steam Deck costs $399 / £349 / AU$649 for its base 256GB LCD model, and there are two additional OLED models, which are $549 / £479 / AU899 for the 512GB version and $649 / £569 / AU$1,049 for the 1TB model.

There are two models of the Asus ROG Ally with the entry-level version equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z1 SoC, which currently retails for $399.99 (around £640 / AU$1,280), and the version with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme selling for for $549.99 / £449 / AU$999.

In terms of pricing, Steam Deck was the original the winner, though since the ROG Ally's launch in 2023 it's dropped in price considerably with plenty of deals bringing it down even lower. Right now, both systems are pretty even in price, so they tie in this regard.

Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally: design & features

The original Asus ROG Ally is much smaller and lighter than the Steam Deck and other PC gaming handhelds., and its unique honeycomb white chassis made it stand out. Many gamers will be rightfully tempted to invest in it because of its far more lightweight and distinctive aesthetically.

They both feature dual analog sticks, a 7-inch screen, and buttons in the front and back of the system. Both also have ventilation exhausts on the top of the system to compensate for the massive amounts of heat generated by their components.

Their button layout and grips are also quite similar in size, feel, and quality. The Steam Deck is now slightly lighter and smaller, with an OLED model that upgrades the display even more.

In terms of design, I would nominate the ROG Ally as the tentative winner as it's simply lighter and better looking. But if you're craving a simple and practical design, then the Steam Deck may be more your cup of tea.

Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally: specs

Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally: performance

The obvious difference between the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally are its specs, as the latter is a far more powerful machine due to its superior CPU. This means that games look much cleaner and run better on the ROG Ally.

While the ROG Ally isn't capable of the power gaming of its updated version, the ROG Ally X, it's still quite impressive in its own right. It's capable of smoothly running DirectX 11 and even DirectX 12 at times (though the latter can crash after reboot. I tested this out with the game Ghostrunner and it ran almost completely stutter-free.

Shockingly, even the older Steam Deck model can run demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, though you'll have to keep the settings down. And the OLED version can handle the game even better, with Medium and Low averaging around 26fps.

The Steam Deck has a better OS, however, as the Armory Crate UI on the Ally is, quite frankly, just plain bad (and that's not even factoring in how poorly Windows 11 runs on a gaming handheld). Meanwhile, Steam's OS is built specifically for the system, so it's faster to start up and more intuitive to use.

Performance-wise, the Steam Deck gets the win here. While gaming performance is better overall on the ROG Ally, the Steam Deck is more consistent and its OS is vastly superior.

Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally: verdict

So which is the better PC gaming handheld? Surprisingly, both systems are pretty much tied at this point.

The Steam Deck is still considered by many to be the best PC gaming handheld, and for good reason, since it offers the most balance between portability, price, and performance. It's a well-rounded machine that lets you play the latest PC games on the go with an intuitive UI and solid battery life for its specs. If this is your first PC gaming handheld rodeo, then the Steam Deck is easily the best choice.

Meanwhile, the Asus ROG Ally is a great value in its own right due to it much lower price of entry that rivals the Steam Deck, its lightweight, gorgeous, and highly portable design, and its excellent specs and gaming performance. Either way, you really can't go wrong with either handheld.

Recently purchased a Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally? Consider checking out our list of the best Steam games and best PC games to get your collection going on either device.

Steam Deck's launch has truly changed the landscape of PC gaming handhelds, showing how a portable system built for power could be financially viable.

Since then we've gotten plenty of iterations from other manufacturers including the Lenovo Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally X, and these two are especially in competition with each other as they overlap in both design and specs.

But how do these two juggernauts of handhelds stack up against each other? We'll compare both to see which is superior in performance and which is the overall better purchase.

Price: Which gaming PC handheld offers the best bang for your buck, the Lenovo Legion Go or Asus ROG Ally X?

The Lenovo Legion Go starts at $699.99 / £700 (inc. VAT) / AU$1,299 for the base model that features 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, with availability in the US, UK, and Australia. The more expensive model goes for $749.99 and ups the storage to 1TB, though there are some regional differences in specs and pricing.

The Asus ROG Ally X retails at $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599 and launched in 2024. There's only one model and it comes with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

The Legion Go eeks out a slight win over the ROG Ally X for pricing, due to the $100 difference between them for the former's base model and the $50 difference for its upgraded model.

Power in your hand: which handheld feels most comfortable and has the best features, the Lenovo Legion Go or the Asus ROG Ally X?

Both the Legion Go and ROG Ally X feature dual analog sticks, the same CPU, and buttons in the front and back of the system. Both also have mostly equal ventilation exhausts on the top of the system to compensate for the massive amounts of heat generated by their components. Their button layout and grips are also quite similar, though the ROG Ally X is more ergonomic with a customizable updated analog stick design.

The Legion Go's display is a gorgeous 8.8-inch QHD+ with a refresh rate of 144Hz. It also has a surprisingly high 97% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, so games look crystal clear and vibrant through its screen. The touchscreen is incredibly well-designed and pairs perfectly with Windows 11, most likely the best iteration of it so far. There's also the standout features, the dual detachable joysticks for first-person mode and the kickstand on the back that's perfect for long gaming sessions.

Design-wise the Legion Go wins. It has all the similar looks, button layout, and feel of the ROG Ally X but with an even better display, UI, and features that elevate the gaming experience. Its two real downsides are the added weight (but that's mitigated by the kickstand) and that Legion Space is useless compared to Asus's Armoury Crate CE.

Power up: Who out of the Lenovo Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally X has the most powerful hardware?

Which one plays games the best? We test the performance of the Lenovo Legion Go vs Asus ROG Ally X

As the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally X share the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme SoC, the overall performance is nearly the same, with the latter just getting one over the former thanks to Turbo Mode.

I tested the two handhelds with various titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Cyberpunk 2077 to see how each fared. With Forza Horizon 5, the Legion Go had ray tracing enabled on Medium settings and could reach above 50fps. When it came to Cyberpunk 2077, the portable ran at around 26fps on Medium and Low settings. When I enabled ray tracing on the Legion Go, the framerate dipped to 15fps but was still able to run.

I tested the ROG Ally X on Turbo Mode with Forza Horizon 5 and ray tracing enabled and even on High settings could play it at an impressive rate of above 50fps. On Cyberpunk 2077, the ROG Ally X got roughly the same performance as the Lenovo Legion Go, hovering around 28fps while on Turbo Mode. The downside is that Turbo Mode depletes the battery life extremely quickly, meaning that you need to keep it on AC power for the most mileage.

The Legion Go has the overall better UI, thanks to Windows 11 being far more optimized for the system and better synergy with the touchscreen. The only caveat is Legion Space, which is rather useless compared to the much improved Armoury Crate CE but offset by the simple fact that you don't need to use it.

Lenovo Legion Go vs Asus ROG Ally X - which powerful handheld gaming PC should you buy?

So which is the better PC gaming handheld? It has to be the Lenovo Legion Go as it shares performance and general design with the Asus ROG Ally X but wins out in nearly every other category.

Pricing is especially the most important category to consider here, as the Legion Go is $50-$100 cheaper (without sales) than the ROG Ally X but offers an overall better experience due to the host of features, superior UI, and better display.

Recently purchased a Lenovo Legion Go or Asus ROG Ally X? Consider checking out our list of the best Steam games and best PC games to get your collection going on either device.

Valve's Steam Deck kicked off a whole new PC gaming handheld market, and several other PC gaming brands have since released their own PC portable machines like the Asus ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and Lenovo Legion Go.

Now, Asus has launched the Asus ROG Ally X, a revamped version of its original Asus ROG Ally handheld.

But how does this PC handheld hold up against the Steam Deck, the current champ of PC handhelds? I'll compare the two, looking at their specs, price points, performance, and features to see which is the better purchase overall.

Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally X: price

Valve’s Steam Deck launched in 2022 and starts at $399 / £349 /AU$649 for its 256GB LCD model. The new OLED versions will run you $549 / £479 / AU$899 for the 512GB model and $649 / £569 / AU$1,049 for the 1TB model.

The Asus ROG Ally X retails at $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599 and launched in 2024. There's only one model and it comes with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

For price, the Steam Deck is the winner between the two handhelds. Even the OLED models are cheaper than the far more expensive ROG Ally X.

Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally X: design & features

The original Asus ROG Ally was much smaller and lighter than the Steam Deck and other PC gaming handhelds, with a unique honeycomb white chassis that made it stand out. But the ROG Ally X is much closer to the Steam Deck now due to the enhanced specs.

They both sport dual analog sticks, a black chassis, a 7-inch screen, and buttons in the front and back of the system. Both also have ventilation exhausts on the top of the system to compensate for the massive amounts of heat generated by their components.

Their button layout and grips are also quite similar, though the ROG Ally X has better analog sticks that you can customize the grip on. The Steam Deck is now slightly lighter and smaller, with an OLED model that upgrades the display even more.

In terms of design, both systems are tied as they're extremely similar in specs with slight differences between them - what appeals to you is based more on preference than superiority.

Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally X: specs

Here’s a full breakdown of the Steam Deck’s specs:

Here’s a full breakdown of the Asus ROG Ally X’s vital statistics:

Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally X: performance

On the performance front, when using Turbo Mode, the Asus ROG Ally X is more powerful thanks to its superior processor and specs, more than matching the Steam Deck in gaming performance. So even though both portables have the same screen size and resolution, games look much cleaner on the ROG Ally X.

For example, I tested both handhelds using Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5, and with Forza Horizon 5, the ROG Ally X had ray tracing enabled and even on High settings was able to get more than 50 FPS. The downside is that Turbo Mode depletes the battery life extremely quickly, meaning that you need to keep it on AC power for the most mileage.

When it came to an even more demanding game like Cyberpunk 2077, the Steam Deck on Medium settings averaged around 26fps. On the ROG Ally X, however, it was unplayable at less than 10fps unless you turned down the graphical settings.

The Steam Deck has the superior OS, bar none. Armory Crate is much smoother and more streamlined on the ROG Ally X but Windows 11 still runs very poorly on PC gaming handhelds generally. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck's OS is built specifically for the system, so it's faster to start up and more intuitive to use.

While it's close, the Steam Deck eeks out a win here too. Though the ROG Ally X can sometimes handily beat out the Steam Deck in performance, the latter is also far more consistent from game to game. The Steam Deck has a far superior OS as well.

Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally X: verdict

So which is the better purchase? The Steam Deck holds on to its crown.

The Steam Deck offers the perfect balance of price, portability, and performance, letting you play the best PC games with a great OS and good battery life given its specs. If you're just starting out with this kind of handheld, the Steam Deck is the best choice.

And while the Asus ROG Ally X is objectively a much better portable than its predecessor, it still loses out in key areas. It no longer has the style and portability of the base model, the performance has the potential for greatness but also has trouble with other demanding games, and the price is much more expensive when comparing similar models.

Recently purchased a Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally X? Consider checking out our list of the best Steam games and best PC games to get your collection going on either device.

The FTC has ordered Razer to pay over $1.1 million in refunds to those who purchased the Razer Zephyr RGB mask which was supposedly "N95-grade". It wasn't. 

First reported by IGN, The Federal Trade Commission has said that the $1.1 million total must be returned to users due to its misrepresentation of the Razer Zephyr mask. The company claimed its face masks were N95-grade (which are commonly found in surgical applications) but no such official certification was ever passed, and the company changed the fine print on its website to reflect that back in 2022. 

FTC Director of Bureau of Consumer Protection Sam Levine said: "These businesses falsely claimed, in the midst of a global pandemic, that their face mask was the equivalent of an N95 certified respirator" and that Razer only "stopped the false advertising following negative press coverage and consumer outrage at the deceptive claims". Scathing words indeed. 

The Razer Zephyr was available for $100, which means that roughly 11,000 consumers are owed their money back for the purchase of the ill-fated COVID-era face mask. It was available in the US online and through its three physical stores as well as the country's native Singapore while supposedly selling out almost instantly. 

While the filters were not the grade promised, you did get a fair amount of them in the box. The starter pack included 30 filters which would last you around three days apiece, so you would be covered for 90 days before needing to invest in filter packs for $10 a pop, but by that point, the product was quietly pulled from stores. Any mention of the Razer Zephyr has been scrubbed on its website. 

When contacted by TechRadar for comment, Razer told us: "We disagree with the FTC’s allegations and did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. It was never our intention to mislead anyone, and we chose to settle this matter to avoid the distraction and disruption of litigation and continue our focus on creating great products for gamers. Razer cares deeply about our community and is always looking to deliver technology in new and relevant ways." 

"The Razer Zephyr was conceived to offer a different and innovative face-covering option for the community," the Razer spokesperson continued. "The FTC’s claims against Razer concerned limited portions of some of the statements relating to the Zephyr. More than two years ago, Razer proactively notified customers that the Zephyr was not an N95 mask, stopped sales, and refunded customers."

The mask was originally announced at CES 2021 as a proof of concept known as Project Hazel before it was made official to the world to purchase later that year. While it didn't feature an N95 respiration system, it did have RGB lighting and swappable filters. A Zephyr Pro, complete with voice modulation, was announced a year later but never materialized.

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BodyBilt G7 Chair: Two-minute review

The BodyBilt G7 Chair is a gaming chair that's solely built for comfort. Every feature is devoted to delivering an incredibly high level of comfort to the buyer, and in this goal, it succeeds tremendously. Aesthetically it's simple yet pleasing, with mostly black and brown highlights on the seat that give it a classy look. It fits right at home in both an office and gaming setup.

Its parts are also high-quality, with a cushy seat that conforms to your derriere and ensures minimum discomfort during long and intense gaming sessions. The back of the chair is just as comfortable, with a mesh that's breathable (important for long sessions in which sweat becomes an issue) yet outfitted with proper lumbar support for the lower back that many other gaming chairs lack.

The armrests are height-adjustable 4D, making them much more stable and ergonomic. The back is also high and quite straight, which allows for freedom of movement when you rotate or stretch your body. The best part is the headrest, which looks unassuming but is easily the most comfortable one I've tested out. Unfortunately, the back is a bit short, so those taller than me might not fully benefit from the comfort of the headrest.

Like the other parts of the chair - including the cylinder, reinforced steel brace bars, and steel plate - the material of the seat and back are high quality and built to last for a long time. The steel parts that build up the chair are rather refreshing, as many gaming chairs tend to use plastic which creates a flimsy base that's uncomfortable and wears down quickly. As for the seat material, you can even have it outfitted with leather to give it that extra quality and longevity. This also includes the casters, which are likewise high-quality and roll well over most floor types including hardwood and carpet.

In my opinion, the best feature to grace the BodyBilt G7 is that it's delivered to you fully assembled, which not only means you don't need to struggle to put it together yourself (or pay someone else to) but that professionals put the chair together. This ensures that no parts are worn down, broken, or poorly slotted together.

The second best feature is the fact that you can have the chair customized to your specifications, not only for the aforementioned leather option for the seating but for general measurements as well, including a custom fitting from the company to help make sure your fit is as solid as possible.

Though the standard design has a more shallow seat than I'm used to, the recline is steep and feels downright luxurious, especially coupled with the integrated lumbar support. Unlike many other gaming chairs, the BodyBilt G7 is made with comfort first in mind, much closer to an office chair rather than a flashy chair with bright colors, a gamer aesthetic, and very little else to commend them. For those like myself who have significant lower back problems, it's refreshing.

My only complaint on the comfort front is that the armrests aren't padded. While they aren't uncomfortable in the least, I would have expected some cushioning on them considering that BodyBilt clearly prioritizes comfort above all else. Otherwise, it;s easily one of the best gaming chairs around, especially for those who find most gaming chairs long on flash and short on comfort.

BodyBilt G7 Chair: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $1,048.95 (around £842 / AU$1,615)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US

The BodyBilt G7, while an extremely high-quality chair, is extremely expensive as well. According to the official website, the standard model will run you by $1,048.95 (around £842 / AU$1,615), and that's not including the pricing for a customized version which you would need to request a quote for depending on your needs and add-ons.

It's around the same price as the Razer Fujin Pro, which retails for $1,049 / £999, but is far more expensive than the Boulies Master, which runs for $499.99 / £349.99. Both options, like the BodyBilt G7, are made to be more well-rounded chairs that attract both gamers and office workers. They all offer nice adjustment options and ergonomic designs that prioritize comfort over style, an issue that most other gaming chairs in the market have.

The only real downside to the BodyBilt G7 is that it's only available in the US with no UK or Australia options. It's a shame since the quality of this chair is superb and having shipping options for other regions and countries would be great for the market.

Should you buy the BodyBilt G7?

Buy the BodyBilt G7 if...

Don't buy it if...

BodyBilt G7 Chair: Also consider

How I tested the BodyBilt G7 Chair

• I spent about a month testing this chair
• I tested it for gaming and productivity work
• I used it extensively in an office environment

I tested the BodyBilt G7 in a work office environment, seeing how well it functioned in both gaming and productivity work. I also carried it around in various bags to test its portability.

The BodyBilt G7 is a gaming chair that's meant for extensive use over the years. I made sure to quality-test it to see if it held up to those standards while maintaining maximum comfort levels.

I use and extensively test a wide range of chairs for both the office and gaming, and understand how to properly rate and test them out to ensure that they reach a certain level of quality.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2024

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro: Two-minute review

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is a high-end gaming keyboard that offers a variety of useful features, including the ability to adjust key sensitivity, swap profiles quickly, perform two functions using a single key, and much more. 

It follows on from the impressive Razer Huntsman V2 Analog, which at the time of writing occupies the top spot in our best gaming keyboard guide - and at first glance, the Huntsman V3 Pro’s capabilities appear largely the same, although there are some key differences that set them apart.

Firstly, the Huntsman V3 Pro features the second generation of the Razer Analog Optical Switch, which offers the option to alter the actuation within a range of 0.1-4.0mm, allowing for a much broader range of sensitivity customization compared to the V2’s 1.5-3.6mm. This means that you have even more control over how responsive the keys are, ensuring they’re fully optimized for whatever you’re playing. Optical (or opto-mechanical) switches are also more durable and offer faster input times than conventional mechanical or membrane keys.

This upgraded level of sensitivity is pretty incredible to experience – when set at 0.1mm it takes only the slightest touch to trigger a key. While this is useful for some games, however, unless you’re a world-class touch typer you may want to keep an eye on your settings if you plan to use this keyboard for both work and play, as in my experience, trying to type with a shallow actuation point leads to typos galore. 

These switches also facilitate the Rapid Trigger Mode function, which makes it possible to repeatedly press and release the keys at a fast pace, far surpassing the capabilities of a standard keyboard, and possibly giving you an advantage over other players. In practice, this function does indeed make a difference in games – it’s noticeable that the key doesn’t have to travel past a fixed reset point, meaning that it’s possible to repeat inputs with minimal movement. 

Another standout feature is the intuitive on-board adjustments. Easily triggered by pressing two keys and twisting the dial, you’re able to increase or decrease the actuation point or rapid trigger sensitivity, with a super-helpful LED indicator located above the directional keys so that you can quickly adjust your levels and carry on playing.

The Huntsman V3 Pro is available in matte black with a brushed aluminum alloy faceplate and shiny media controls, and it looks pretty satisfying even without its RGB lights pulsing. The base of the keyboard is made of plastic and has two-stage adjustable feet, so you can alter the angle to suit. This full-size keyboard measures 5.5 x 1.5 x 17.5 inches / 139 x 39 x 445 mm, and is pretty weighty at just over 2.7lb / 1.2kg. The opto-mechanical keys have a long travel and sound quite clacky, so if you’re not a fan of shallow laptop-style keys then you’ll probably be happy.

The keyboard is powered by a removable USB-C cable on the left-hand side. I had no issues with this, although this might be something to note if your gaming machine is to the right of your setup. You get all of the keys you’d expect from a standard full-size keyboard, with the addition of some multi-function media buttons at the top-right. These include two macro buttons that load up the Xbox Game Bar and Task View on Windows by default. These keys can be easily remapped in the Razer Synapse app to perform a wide range of functions – you can set them to launch a program, trigger a Windows shortcut, perform a keyboard or mouse operation, and so on.

An additional button gives you easy access to multiple audio controls – you can play and pause with one press, skip tracks with two presses, and return to the previous track with three presses. The multi-function digital dial is a quick and tactile way to control volume levels, and makes it easy to mute your audio by pressing the center.

The keyboard comes with a removable wrist rest; however the magnet attachment that’s supposed to keep it on the front of the keyboard is not very strong, so it can be easily knocked or moved. The rubber feet do an okay job of keeping it in place if it’s flat on your desk, but if it’s a little over the edge and not in full contact with the desktop it does like to wander off with the slightest nudge. The flatter design is a considerable downgrade from the Huntsman V2 wrist rest, which was much more comfortable. 

While I understand that the leatherette material used on the V2 didn‘t fare too well over time, this new wrist rest is so flat that it verges on obsolete. In addition – although this doesn’t affect the operation of the keyboard in any way – I’m very disappointed that Razer has chosen to remove the RGB strip around the wrist rest. I ended up removing the wrist rest after a little while, as it was not offering any support and was just taking up space on my desktop. 

The Razer Synapse software is a little buggy, and lagged a bit on the Acer Predator Helios 300 gaming laptop that I tested it with. It does, though, offer an abundance of customization capabilities. Aside from the satisfying visual effects that can be achieved, such as a range of nine different Chroma effects that can be fine-tuned in the software and then easily triggered on the keyboard every time you fancy changing up the RGB ambience, you also get a high level of customization when it comes to key functions and sensitivity.

One such customization is that you’re able to assign specific game controller functionalities to different keys simply by dragging and dropping the key from an illustration of the controller onto the keyboard displayed on the software – making it so simple, and easy.

However, although you are given the ability to alter the function of keys, many options require you to have Razer Synapse running in the background because, despite its hybrid onboard storage, some functions cannot be stored as part of any of the memory profiles on the keyboard itself. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s not exactly desirable to have this somewhat laggy software running constantly in the background, which could prove especially frustrating while gaming. 

While playing a game, it’s easy to switch between different profiles thanks to simple keyboard shortcuts, meaning it only takes a matter of seconds to switch between default settings, Rapid Trigger, High Sensitivity and so on, depending on your needs.

The Huntsman Pro is a knockout thanks to its vast array of customizable features, making it an impressive and high-quality gaming keyboard, but it’s definitely more suited to a pro than the average gamer. If you're looking for most of these features for a much lower price, we like the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL and MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic gaming keyboards.

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro review: Price and release date

• How much does it cost? $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$469.95
• Where is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK and Australia

Priced at $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$469.95, this gaming keyboard costs serious money. If you’re someone that just enjoys a casual Thursday night Halo session with friends then this is understandably going to be off-putting, but if you’re looking for a bucketload of customization options so that you can thoroughly fine-tune your keys across different games and tasks, then the price tag could well be worth it.

There is, of course, an abundance of options available on the market that will suit different budgets, but if you’re sold on the Huntsman V3 Pro then there is a slight saving to be had with the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless, if you aren’t fussed about the keypad, as this lowers the cost to $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$419.95.

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro review: Specs

Should you buy the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro review: Also consider

How I tested the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro

• Used to play games, as well as to write articles and in general use
• Tested with a gaming laptop to ensure good performance

I tested the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro keyboard in the TechRadar office, using it to write articles and emails at work, as well as playing some games on an Acer Predator Helios 300 laptop.

I spent a lot of time customizing different elements, such as the RGB and key programming options. I tested out the various preset profiles as well as my own customizations, and assessed the differences for both typing and gaming when the actuation points and rapid trigger were adjusted.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: April 2024

Sony INZONE H9: One-minute review

Sony, without a doubt, has a reputation as an exceptional manufacturer of products. It’s a company that’s seriously made a name for itself, building one of the most successful console series we’ve seen in the last two decades.

Its DualSense controllers, PlayStation handhelds, and general hardware ecosystem over the years have been nothing short of outstanding, so, going into testing the $250 plus Inzone H9 wireless noise-canceling headset, a blend of both that PS5 design and ecosystem, combined with Sony’s legendary audio and noise-canceling prowess, I had high hopes that it was going to be an absolute killer piece of kit, easily making its way onto our best PC gaming headsets list and beyond.

After all, as I’ve mentioned, this is a company that already has an impressive audio subsection of its brand. Just grab some of those engineers, give them a design IP and a bit of budget, chuck a full-fledged microphone on the beating heart of a unit like the Sony WH1000XM5 or its predecessors and they’d be off to the races.

So, is that the case? Is the Sony Inzone H9 wireless noise-cancelling gaming headset, a pair of WH1000XM5s disguised as a PS5 headset? Well, no, not quite. They're expensive, stylish, and well-designed - but the audio performance doesn't really line up with the price tag.

Sony INZONE H9: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $300 / £269 / AU$450 - but now available cheaper
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available worldwide

So let’s talk price: what are we looking at here? Well, the Inzone H9 wireless clocks in at a fairly steep $300 in the US, £269 in the UK, and AU$450 for our friends down under. However, you can pick it up cheaper from most major retailers - the best bet for stateside shoppers is Amazon or Bestbuy, for the UK, Currys or Amazon are the best picks here too. Likewise, you’ll also find these floating around in Europe at Amazon.de, and Australia as well, although stock there is far more limited.

The Inzone H9 Wireless is a costly piece of kit, and slapping that kind of price tag on a headset of this caliber makes it fair game for comparison against a whole swathe of top-tier competition from the likes of Logitech, Razer, Corsair, and more.

In fact, its retail price in the US actually did sit at $300 until fairly recently, and even at its reduced price, that puts it in spitting distance of the excellent Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed headset, or even the likes of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro. In other words, the competition is fierce. Both those sets of cans do miss out on one key feature, namely the ANC, but more on that later.

• Value: 2 / 5

Sony INZONE H9: Design

• Stylish aesthetic
• Very comfortable to wear
• Multiple on-headset controls

One quick look at the Inzone H9 Wireless and you’ll immediately fall under its spell. Particularly if you’re already heavily invested in the Sony PS5 ecosystem, and pick up a white version of this little beauty. It’s got an incredibly clean style to it, complete with that sandblasted white plastic we’ve come to expect, paired with a high contrast black shiny plastic mixed with matt touches, along with perhaps not-so-subtle Sony branding on the ear-cups.  

The microphone in particular looks exceptionally clean, with its swivel mechanism, and the overall ergonomic inclusions Sony has integrated into the Inzone H9 are nothing to be smirked at. The earcups are big circumaural affairs that easily coffer your entire ear, and it has a similar feel to a helicopter pilot’s cans. Perhaps not something you’d want to wear around town, but it does lend itself to a classy overall look, and some top-tier comfort.

Speaking of, the headband is much improved over the more affordable Inzone H5 wireless, and the earcups equally feature a softer faux leather finish (although it does feel a little “crisp” which is weird for a headset). The padding is a lot more plush than its cheaper siblings too. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it's memory foam (and that’s not something Sony has in its marketing materials either), but it’s comfortable for long-term use, and that’s what’s important here.

Aside from the physicality of the thing, the Inzone H9 features only two connection standards, Bluetooth 5.0 and your standard Wireless 2.4 GHz dongle affair. Unlike the Inzone H5, the H9 doesn’t feature an analog connection, although it does have USB-C connectivity.

There are a number of buttons integrated into the headset as well, including power, Bluetooth, game/chat volume adjustments, a volume wheel, and a noise-canceling button, allowing you to swap between different presets on the fly.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

Sony INZONE H9: Performance

• Sound quality is only middling
• Mic doesn't perform well
• Good battery life

The one thing that will make or break a good gaming headset is the quality of its audio. It doesn’t matter what extra features it comes with, what noise-canceling it has, or what spatial audio AI sound control gimmickry is baked into its marketing language: if it can’t produce good audio, comparatively to the products in its price bracket, it’s going to get hammered.

So then. Sony’s Inzone H9 wireless noise cancelling headset. Audio? Not great. Nope, sadly, these are the exact same drivers found in the far cheaper Inzone H5 wireless gaming headset, the same 5 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, and to cap it off the same confused EQ tuning has been applied straight out of the gate. The bass, although potent, seems muted and muffled, there’s no punch to it, the mids seem to be lacking their top-end, and overall clarity re-inforced by the treble, like its H5 cousin, is just absent, which is a really sad thing to report given the high price of this headset.

I tested the Inzone H9 wireless for a few weeks, comparing it to several cheaper and more expensive headsets, and it just fails to make an impact in contrast to the likes of offerings from Audiotechnica, Corsair, and Razer. This is sad, because Sony is a company that already has such a prestigious audio pedigree behind it. Music is just okay; it’s an okay headset. In-game it’s enjoyable enough, sure, but again: you don’t just want “okay” when you’re spending this much cash on a gaming headset.

Then we get to the microphone. Now this is different compared to the likes of the Inzone H5 - by which I mean it’s somehow more muffled and less clear, and again, when you consider products like Corsair’s HS80 or HyperX’s Cloud Alpha, and how potent they are in that department, it’s just not a good feeling.

The noise-cancelling however is somewhat of a saving grace. It’s there, it’s powerful, and it’s good at cutting out hum and vibrations, fan noise from your PC, or the drone of a washer-dryer, although it’s not capable of cutting out all noise in the vicinity. If someone’s playing loud music in the next room, or shouting your name, you're still going to hear them. Similarly, there are very few ANC gaming headsets out there at this price point (after all, it’s a lot easier to control the ambient sound of your gaming environment than it is outside your home). That said, the real killer piece of tech is (somewhat ironically) the ambient sound mode. It’s generally quite a nice touch, and performs well, giving the Inzone H9 wireless an impressive open-backed feeling to it.

Connectivity is fine. 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C are enough in this day and age, and the USB dongle included has a switch allowing you to swap between PS5 and PC mode depending on what you’re plugging it into. I found that the battery life was solid; Sony advertises up to 32 hours of playback with ANC turned off, and while I don't think it lasts quite that long in practice, it certainly holds charge well enough to not need plugging every other day. There's quick charge via USB-C too, giving you an hour of game time after 10 minutes of charging.

Sony’s Inzone hub software suite is pretty slick too, and impressively easy to use - which is good, because you'll want to adjust the wonky factory EQ settings. You’ll still be handicapped by those audio drivers though, sadly.

The Sony Inzone H9 isn’t a bad headset, not at its heart. In isolation, it’s a decent experience. If you pick one of these up, you’ll have an alright time with it. But really, you’re going to be buying this headset if you want that “Sony” badge clout, and for your cans to match your PS5 DualSense controller, and in that regard, it’s highly difficult for me to recommend it. The audio just isn’t up to scratch compared to the competition (and Sony's own cheaper Inzone cans), and that’s a real problem.

• Performance: 2.5 / 5

Should I buy the Sony INZONE H9?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Sony INZONE H9: Report card

• First reviewed April 2024

How we test

I spent four weeks testing the Inzone H9 wireless noise-canceling gaming headset, along with its H5 cousin, while comparing it to some competitor headsets at the same price point. I was testing mostly on PC but also used my PS5 to check the software and to see if there were any major changes to audio quality. I’ve used it playing Dark Souls III, Elden Ring, Total War: Warhammer III, and World of Warcraft -really taking advantage of a multitude of high-quality soundstages to get the most out of those audio drivers.

I also used the Inzone H9 wireless extensively while listening to music on Spotify Premium and while consuming endless content on YouTube Premium as well, listening and watching a vast array of different videos from multiple genres. For microphone testing, I cranked it up in Windows 11’s in-built sound recorder program for my own internal comparison tests and passively used it in Discord calls as well.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

The release of Valve's Steam Deck caused a massive shift in the gaming handheld market, with other manufacturers releasing their own versions of a PC portable machine. Devices such as the Asus ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and Lenovo Legion Go have all been aiming to unseat the Steam Deck.

The Lenovo Legion Go, in particular, is set up to be the Steam Deck rival in aesthetics, specs, and performance. But how does this PC handheld hold up against the current champ of PC handhelds? We'll compare both to see which is superior in performance and which is the overall better purchase.

Steam Deck vs Lenovo Legion Go: price

Valve’s Steam Deck costs $399 / £349 for its entry-level 64GB model. There are also OLED models, which are $549 / £479 for the 512GB model and $649 / £569 for the 1TB model.

The Lenovo Legion Go retails at $699.99 / £700 (inc. VAT) / AU$1,299 and launched on November 2023. The cheaper model comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage. The more expensive $749.99 ups the storage to 1TB. Lenovo has stated that a version with the AMD Ryzen Z1 CPU is set for a future launch.

In terms of pricing, Steam Deck is the winner. Even the OLED models are cheaper than the most expensive Legion Go model and both have 1TB of storage.

Steam Deck vs Lenovo Legion Go: design & features

The Steam Deck and Legion Go have similar designs, with dual analog sticks, a black-heavy chassis, a large screen, and tons of buttons in the front and back of the system. Both also have ventilation exhausts on the top of the system to compensate for the massive amounts of heat generated by their components.

The Steam Deck is lighter and smaller, with a screen size of 7 inches. The OLED version upgrades the display even more. It's an efficient design that makes it comfortable to hold it up for several hours.

The larger and heavier Legion Go has an 8.8-inch QHD+ screen. The side controllers are removable joy-cons, with one able to mount on a base for FPS mode, and there's a built-in kick-stand for balancing on a flat surface. The analog sticks even have light rings that flash colors depending on battery life.

If you prize weight and size the most, the Steam Deck is the clear winner. However, the Legion has far more features built in, making it more flexible for multiple types of gaming styles and genres.

Steam Deck vs Lenovo Legion Go: specs

Here’s a full breakdown of the Steam Deck’s vital statistics:

• Size: 298mm x 177mm x 49mm (W x H x D)
• Weight: Approx 669 grams
• CPU: AMD Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
• GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz (up to 1.6 Tflops FP32)
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
• Storage: 64GB eMMC / 256GB NVMe SSD / 512GB NVMe SSD (all models include high-speed microSD card slot)
• Display resolution: 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio)
• Display size: 7-inch diagonal
• Brightness: 400 nits typical
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Touch enable: Yes
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Audio: Stereo speakers, dual microphone array, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
• Power: 45W USB Type-C
• Battery life: 2 to 8 hours of gameplay
• Operating system: SteamOS 3.0

Here’s a full breakdown of the Lenovo Legion Go’s vital statistics:

• Size: 11.76 x 5.16 x 1.60 inches (298.83 x 131 x 40.7 mm; W x D x H)
• Weight: 1.88 lbs (854 g)
• Resolution: WQXGA (2560x1600)
• CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
• GPU: AMD RDNA Graphics
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X (7500Mhz)
• Storage: Up to 1TB M.2 2242 SSD
• Brightness: Up to 500 nits
• Refresh rate: 60Hz or 144Hz
• Touch enable: Yes
• Connectivity: 802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.1
• Audio: Stereo speakers, 2W x2, dual-array microphone
• Power: 49.2 Wh USB Type-C
• Operating system: Windows 11
• Video output: Up to 1080p
• USB connector: USB Type-C for charging
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Battery life: approximately 2 to 3 hours of gameplay
• Charging time: approximately 3 hours

Steam Deck vs Lenovo Legion Go: performance

In terms of performance, the Lenovo Legion Go is objectively stronger. It has superior specs and resolution and is capable of ray tracing, all while matching the Steam Deck in terms of framerate. Visually, games look absolutely stunning on the Legion Go thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate and QHD+ screen, though the Deck's OLED is a nice boost from the original.

I tested two titles on both portables, Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5, to see how each fared. With Forza Horizon 5, the Legion Go had ray tracing enabled on Medium settings and was able to match the Steam Deck with above 50fps.

When it came to Cyberpunk 2077, both systems on Medium and Low matched each other at around 26fps. When I enabled ray tracing on the Legion Go, the framerate dipped to 15fps but it was still able to run.

The Steam Deck does have a better OS. While Windows 11 on the Legion Go feels more natural and easier to navigate than the Asus ROG Ally, Steam's OS is built specifically for the system, so it's faster to start up and more intuitive to use.

Overall, I have to give the victory to the Legion Go, as games look and run much better on that portable.

Steam Deck vs Lenovo Legion Go: verdict

So which is the better PC gaming handheld? It depends on what you want from one.

The Steam Deck is still king for a reason, as it offers the best balance between portability, price, and performance. It's well-rounded, allowing you to play the best PC games with an intuitive UI and decent battery power for its specs. If you're just starting out with this kind of handheld, the Steam Deck is the easy choice.

The Lenovo Legion Go is heavier and larger but with better specs and display. Games look and run smoother, and can even handle ray tracing depending on the title. It also has more features that make it more flexible for various genres and gameplay styles. However, the pricing is a big downside and it has a slower UI thanks to Windows 11.

Recently purchased a Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go? Consider checking out our list of the best Steam games and best PC games to get your collection going on either device.

I'm not usually a sucker for custom controllers. Just give me the basic official one – and definitely not a cheap third-party misshapen monstrosity – and I'll happily game away the hours. But I've recently seen the appeal of adding a bit more colour to my life. So, now there's a chance to get one of the most universally liked and widely compatible gamepads out there in a vibrant new hue for a record-low price, I'm hitting that buy button.

I'm talking about this Xbox Wireless Controller sale at Amazon that drops the popular gamepad down to £39.99 (was £59.99). Strangely eschewing Henry Ford's supposed saying, you can have it in any colour you like except black. Deals are available in most other colours, though, including Red, Blue, Electric Volt (aka Yellow), Pink and, my new fave, Purple. 

You can also get the Gold Shadow Special Edition for £51.99 if you want to be more bougie. And I'm not dismissing the deals-focused ready salted lovers out there as the cheapest option available is the Xbox Wireless Controller in White for £36.99 - that's just £2 more than the record-low price from Black Friday.

Today's best Xbox controller deals

The Xbox Wireless Controller is a great option whether you're playing on a console, PC, mobile, or other Bluetooth-compatible device. I find the layout and design the most intuitive and comfortable to use, too, so it's my go-to option when I have a choice of gamepads. It's also more affordable than the high-end ones from the likes of Razer and Turtle Beach while still getting the job done.

If you need a new one – or you're like me and fancy a different splash of colour in your gaming setup – then don't miss your chance to pick one up for a discounted price.

These deals are part of the Amazon Spring Sale that's underway at the mega-retailer from March 20 - 25. Be sure to check out our full Amazon Spring Sale coverage for even more of the best hand-picked deals on laptops, TVs, tablets, appliances and more.

Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition: Two-minute review

The Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition doesn’t come cheap, but it absolutely nails all the important features for a premium wireless gaming mouse. Its ambidextrous symmetrical form factor is streamlined and comfortable, making it ideal for longer play sessions or competitive settings. The responsive micro switches deliver clean, satisfying clicks that easily keep pace with even the fastest moments of first-person shooter titles like Counter-Strike 2 or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.

It’s a very versatile mouse too, with support for USB-C wired play in addition to wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and the proprietary 2.4 GHz Asus ROG Omni Receiver. Although the report rate of up to 1,000 Hz isn’t the highest on the market, it's more than enough for competitive use and I didn’t experience any noticeable latency using any of the three connection types during my testing.

Even so, the inclusion of a dongle extender in the package is a great added bonus, as it allows you to clip the ROG Omni Receiver directly to your mousepad to further reduce the chance of latency affecting your aim. This is especially important given the clear focus on esports, where many pros tend to veer towards wired gaming mice for their reliability. 

There are two color options to choose from: black and white. In addition to a ROG logo on the palm rest, both sport two baby blue side buttons that inject a little color to help give an otherwise utilitarian design some element of personality. The RGB scroll wheel, while nothing ground-breaking, adds a further element of customizability thanks to the option to illuminate it in a variety of basic colors and modes. It even alerts you when the battery is running low, which should help prevent you from ever being caught out by a depleted mouse in the middle of a match.

There’s some optional grip tape for the mouse buttons and sides too, though you’re unlikely to really need it given the grippy, premium-feeling plastic used across the mouse. The side also sports grooves (alongside a very subtle Aim Lab logo decal) which prevents the mouse from ever feeling slippery in the hands.

The Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition certainly looks premium, but it also packs some seriously high-end specs under the hood. The first area where this mouse really raises the bar is its sensitivity, which is a staggeringly high 36,000 DPI. It goes without saying, but this will be more than enough to satisfy even the twitchiest competitive gamer and should comfortably make this model worth considering if sensitivity is your number one priority.

That’s not all it has to offer, though, as the ultra-light 1.90oz (54g) weight is very impressive too. This is lighter than even the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed, which comes in at 2.12oz (60g), and makes for a mouse that is not only very easy to transport but can glide smoothly across most surfaces with little friction or fatigue. There are still lighter mice around, like the wired 1.66oz (46g) Asus TUF M4 Air, but it's quite remarkable to see a wireless option this light.

There is also the matter of the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition’s namesake: its compatibility with Aimlabs. For those not in the know, Aimlabs is a freemium aim trainer program that is a popular choice for training among competitive FPS players. Aimlabs sees you undergo a series of short exercises, namely clicking on various targets in blank environments, in order to evaluate your overall performance. The Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition is able to automatically find your ideal mouse settings based on these tests, even saving them to a special profile for easy access.

Although most esports competitors will likely already know their own preferred settings, this is still a brilliant addition that could prove genuinely game-changing for those not quite at that professional level. It is a shame, though, that the features offered by the compatible ROG Armory Crate software aren’t so strong. All the basics like the option to change your DPI, map buttons, or calibrate your mouse are at least here but the lack of premium additions like the ability to download profiles from the internet leave it lagging behind the offerings from leading esports brands like Zowie.

The only other real issue is the placement of the DPI button which is, unfortunately, on the bottom of the mouse. While this might not be an issue for some, I am someone who enjoys creating specific profiles for different games and alternating between them quite frequently so having more limited access to the switch is a little annoying.

Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition: Price & Availability

•  How much does it cost? $139.99 / £139.99 / AU$189
•  When is it available? Available now 
•  Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia 

Coming in at $139.99 / £139.99 / AU$189, the ASUS ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition is very much a high-end product. Even so, it is less expensive than current esports favorites like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed, which costs $159 / £149 / AU$299, and features better specs in most important areas including DPI and weight.

The real question here is whether it’s worth actually getting a wireless gaming mouse for esports in the first place. The wired Razer DeathAdder V3 features a higher report rate of 8000 Hz, a 2.08oz (59g) weight, and a very sensitive 30,000 DPI all for just $69.99 / £69.99 / around AU$99. Considering how many esports pros use wired mice, it might be worth weighing up just how much of a premium you’re willing to pay to cut out the cord. If you are shopping exclusively for wireless options, however, this is a very reasonable price for what you are getting.

Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition: Specs

Should you buy the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition?

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if…

Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition: Also consider

How I tested the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition

• Tested for over a month
• Used for both gaming and productivity
• Tested with leading esports titles

I spent over a month using the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition every day. This included standard productivity tasks, plenty of internet browsing, and of course playing lots of different games. I was careful to test the mouse with fast-paced esports FPS titles, including Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

That said, I also used the mouse for plenty of other games including Anno 1800, The Sims 4, and The Caligula Effect 2, where I found that it performed well in a range of genres. I predominantly used the mouse with its wireless receiver, but was sure to test the other connectivity modes too. I experimented with both the ROG Armory Crate software and Aimlabs to try out all of the available features.

As a hardware writer over at TechRadar's sister site TechRadar Gaming, I have plenty of experience going hands-on with all kinds of gaming peripherals every day. I’m also a pretty avid FPS player and have played lots of games using a variety of different mice over the years.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2024

Every year, when it comes to putting up the Christmas decorations for your home, you may be the one usually responsible for achieving this mighty task. When it comes to your PC, however, you may wonder how you can glow-up your PC and its fellow peripherals to match the holiday season as well. One way of achieving this is through modding your keyboard.

This method may sound scary at first, but it’s really not. For those unaware, it’s a process of swapping the keycaps, the base of the keyboard, or even the wire that connects the peripheral to the PC — all so the keyboard can match your style.

You can buy keyboards that give you this ability right off the bat — and some even require you to place the keycaps yourself. While you can buy a Keychron keyboard for $36.99 on Amazon that allows you to mod it to the hilt, we’ve got a few ideas to get you into the holiday spirit of modding your keyboard before Santa arrives.

Red and green keycaps

You could argue that red and green are synonymous with Christmas. The green holly, the red Santa suit — you’ll be seeing these colors well before you hear one note of a Christmas song.

This is why these red keycaps, and green keycaps from Amazon, are a great way to highlight the holidays. The best thing about modding a keyboard with fresh keycaps is that you can pick and choose which keys you want in certain colors. Fancy the function key row in nothing but red? How about the space bar in green and each shift key in red?

It can be done, yet it doesn’t stop there. You can also buy keycaps in different ‘cherry’ profiles. This means that both the feel and the sound when pressing down on a key, will be very different. These can come in red, blue, or brown, all in their different feels and sounds. So if you think you’ll benefit from these types as well, you should go the extra mile to see which profile suits you best.

RGB Lighting

A keyboard with Christmas RGB is the equivalent of putting up lights on the front of your home — it’s simply essential to spruce up your PC to celebrate the holidays. These days, plenty of keyboards offer this feature. Some have pre-programmed patterns that make a bunch of keycaps flash in every available light.

Yet there are some out there, such as ones from SteelSeries and Keychron, that allow you to program your own colors and how they appear. Some can light up as you press down on a keycap for instance, or pressing another will light up the rest of the keys in red or green.

Having the RGB programmed for the holidays is a perfect accompaniment to marking some Christmas cheer as you type away on that important email, or as you play through Baldurs Gate 3 for the fourth time.

Christmas cables

A straightforward change for your keyboard, but one that can make a big impression, especially if you can’t hide the wire.

Much like the RGB lighting, red and green are synonymous with Christmas, so it only makes sense to look for something that’s similar to a candy cane. This USB-C to USB-A cable from Amazon for $14.99, is an easy swap for that black wire that most likely came with your keyboard.

So if you prefer to leave the keycaps, and the RGB lighting on your keyboard as they are, having a Christmas cable is at least something to mark the holidays as you game on your keyboard.

Cherry MX-LP 2.1 Compact Wireless: Two-minute review

With all the mechanical keyboards out there, it’s hard to see the Cherry MX-LP 2.1 Compact Wireless as a particularly remarkable option – it's neither innovative nor flashy. Yet, it is exceedingly capable, combining features of the best mechanical keyboards with that of the best wireless keyboards for something that just works.

Yes, you’re not going to be able to customize it quite the way you can with some other keyboards, whether you want the ability to change out switches or the top plate. But, this is not for modders, even if it is made by a company famous for its aftermarket switches. 

What the Cherry MX-LP 2.1 Compact Wireless is, then, is an incredibly portable mechanical keyboard with fairly speedy switches that offers enough connectivity to seamlessly switch between up to five different devices on-the-fly. If you want a great typing experience that you can throw in your backpack along with a laptop, then this might be one of the best keyboards for you.

Just looking at it, it’s obvious how small the Cherry MX-LP 2.1 Compact Wireless is, measuring just 13.78 x 8.66 x 1.38 inches. Two particular design choices contribute to this petite form factor. The first is the fact that it has a 65% layout, meaning there’s no number pad or dedicated function keys. The second is the fact that it’s also a low-profile keyboard. Even if Cherry didn’t provide a carrying case, it can easily fit into a backpack.

As far as its construction goes, it seems to be fully made of plastic. However, it feels very sturdy and well-made. From the ABS keycaps down to the black speckled case, durable is the word that comes to mind.

It looks pretty good, too. It’s not the stunner that some boutique keyboards are, coming in two somewhat muted colorways with just hints of color. The black version reviewed here has a black case with mostly black keys, some gray and a few in road-cone orange, while the white version pops just a little more with white, baby blue, and red.

To go with its small stature, it’s pretty stripped down on physical additions. There’s no wrist rest, no feet to adjust the typing angle, and only a single port on the back. Outside of the actual keys, there’s only one additional control, an on/off toggle also on the back.

The interesting thing about this stripped-down design is that Cherry has actually packed in quite a lot of functionality here. You just have to use the Fn-key for secondary function access to use the extra features. These include on-the-fly RGB lighting adjustment, media controls, a Cherry function that opens the Cherry app, and, most interestingly, input selection.

By pressing a combination of keys with the Fn function, you can switch seamlessly between USB, 2.4GHz Wireless, and three different Bluetooth connections. So, if you wanted to, you could use this one keyboard between five different sources.

Since we’re talking about a keyboard, I would be remiss not to mention what’s under the proverbial hood. While the Cherry MX-LP 2.1 is not hot-swappable and therefore not really for modders, it does come with some excellent switches. The Cherry Low-Profile Silver switches are of the linear variety (my personal favorite) with a speedy 1.0mm actuation. Since these are low-profile, they don’t have quite the smooth, even feel that I expect with linear switches – they tend to bottom out quickly – but they still feel good to type on.

In fact, the overall typing experience is very pleasant. I wouldn’t say it’s the best ever as a a non-low-profile linear switch feels a bit better, but I was able to use it quite a bit without any missed presses or issues feeling cramped. Having full n-key rollover and anti-ghosting helps. The keycaps with their concave shape helped as well as I didn’t feel like my fingers ever slipped from a press, either.

Since it has a 1ms response time and 1,000Hz polling rate, I found it to be very speedy without lag no matter which connectivity I used. It’s not going to blow the latest from Razer, Roccat, or Corsair, etc. out of the water, but you won’t have any issues keeping up during gameplay. 

During testing, I found it to keep up with aplomb whether I was frantically shooting at the opposing team in Battlefield 2042, frantically trying to kick an oversized ball with a car in Rocket League, or frantically trying to throw pieces of concrete at what are basically zombies in Control.

As far as the Cherry app goes, it allows you to mess with the RGB lighting and user keys plenty, but doesn’t go quite as deep as the apps from the big boys (no secondary functions, for instance). That said, it does more than what most people need. However, I did find adjusting the RGB settings to come with a bit of a learning curve. At least there are three profiles to finetune.

Lastly, Cherry doesn’t advertise its battery life, so I frankly don’t know how long it’s supposed to last. All I can tell you is that I’ve charged it once and have since put about five hours of use on it. It’s still at 68%. Having done a little research, the Cherry MX-LP 2.1 seems to last about 20 hours before requiring charge so my experience so far seems to corroborate that.

Cherry MX-LP 2.1 Compact Wireless: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $147.05 / £147.05 (about AU$228)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Both the black and white versions of the Cherry MX-LP 2.1 go for $147.05 / £147.05 (about AU$228), a price that seems expensive before you consider that it’s a great mechanical keyboard that not only has wireless connectivity but can connect up to three different Bluetooth sources as well. Plus, being a Cherry keyboard using Cherry switches, the proprietary switches of choice for many keyboard modders, this was never going to be a budget option.

If you consider alternatives like the KiiBOOM Phantom 81, which retails for $159 / £128 / AU$233.18, it’s clear that getting a boutique mechanical keyboard with wireless capability is not out of the ordinary. Of course, this keyboard is hot-swappable, unlike the Cherry MX-LP 2.1.

The Wombat Pine Professional, a full-sized mechanical keyboard also with a variety of connectivity, goes for a similar $159.99 (about £130 / AU$240). It doesn’t have backlighting but offers a similar linear typing experience. In essence, the $150 / £150~ price for the Cherry MX-LP 2.1 is more than appropriate.

• Price: 4 / 5 

Cherry MX-LP 2.1 Compact Wireless: Specs

Should you buy the Cherry MX-LP 2.1 Compact Wireless?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Cherry MX-LP 2.1 Compact Wireless: Also consider

How I tested the Cherry MX-LP 2.1 Compact Wireless

• Used regularly for a week
• Tested with typing as well as gaming
• Tested all included features

I used the Cherry MX-LP 2.1 Compact Wireless regularly for a week, typing numerous articles on it as well as using it for gaming. Specifically, I tried fast-paced gaming like Battlefield 2042 and Rocket League as well as less-speed competitive games like Control.

I looked at other aspects beyond performance, of course. I played with its programmable features, whether it’s remapping or adjusting RGB, and also looked at how easy it was to remove and replace parts of the keyboard.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and mice, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed November 2023

Higround OPAL Base 65 Keyboard: Two-minute review

There’s a lot to like about the Higround OPAL Base 65 keyboard. It’s affordable, hot-swappable, and there’s plenty of functionality available through the company’s app. Beyond all that, the RGB is as brilliant as I’ve seen on a keyboard.

But, the Higround OPAL Base 65 is one of those niche models that’s not for everyone. After all, this is geared towards modders who consider the best keyboards to only be of the mechanical variety. It’s not geared toward esports gamers and you’ll probably never see it rank among the best gaming keyboards, at least not in its stock form.

Yet, if you don’t need a 1.0mm actuation with an 8000Hz polling rate, but just want a solid and customizable keeb with some of the best RGB lighting out there, this might be one of the best mechanical keyboards for you. And, since it is customizable, you can always install switches with a faster actuation point.

As far as the way Higround designed this keyboard, the company made sure that it’s pretty striking out of the box. Its shiny, clear keycaps with “Ninja” style lettering – basically, all the characters are printed on the side of the keycap instead of on top – make for a very clean, brilliant look and that’s without any RGB on. The only real issue here is that having the characters on the side makes looking for a certain key tough if you don’t have the 65% layout memorized.

Keyboard modders will be happy to note that Higround used a durable aluminum plate here along with dampening foam for sturdy and relatively silent usage. And, the switches used here is the Silent Glacier Switch, which only adds to the quiet operation.

Though there are no adjustable feet to lift the Higround OPAL Base 65 up at an angle, that’s not too much of an omission as it’s already angled in the case. And, since it’s not low profile, I didn’t feel like it was shallow or inconvenient in any way. There are, however, rubber feet to keep the keyboard from sliding around.

Since this is a wired keyboard, there’s not much to report in terms of ports. Just a single USB-C port sits centered on the back of the case.

When it comes to the performance here, there are two things to consider and that is how it does with games and its typing experience. As the pre-lubed Silent Glacier Switches that come stock have a 2.0mm actuation point with a total travel of 3.5mm, I didn’t find this keyboard particularly satisfying for gaming. 

Its 39 gram actuation force did mean that I didn’t have to press too hard. However, presses didn’t feel immediate. For games like Starfield, Control, and the like, the Higround OPAL Base 65 was more than adequate, but for faster-paced games, it was not.

On the flip side, typing on it is a pleasure. Presses are as smooth as butter and its operation is about as quiet as I’ve seen on a mechanical keyboard, making it great for typing up an article or long emails (that is, unless you’re in love with the loud clack of some mechanical models).

There is one other facet to consider that has less to do with how it feels during use that I think is critical to appreciating the Higround OPAL Base 65 and that’s how it looks. While the Silent Glacier Switches are a bit slow, they do have what Higround calls a “special light guide” to enhance RGB lighting. 

I couldn’t tell you if that does anything. However, the keycaps are completely clear and the RGB lighting on hand can only be described as brilliant and vibrant. In fact, it can almost be too much. But, if you’re a fan of RGB lighting, this might be your Mount Everest.

When it comes to the RGB lighting, there’s a lot of customization to be had in the Higround app. There are quite a number of presets, all with at least two or three ways to finetune, along with the ability to customize individual keys. The only RGB feature missing here that I’ve seen with a few other keyboards is the ability for the RGB to either reflect what’s onscreen or the audio being heard. 

The app also allows for remapping and Macro recording, which is more than I would expect from such a niche company. Having such a robust app, even if it seems on the surface to be more lightweight than something from, say, Razer or Cooler Master, is quite the addition.

Higround OPAL Base 65 Keyboard: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? Starting at $135 (about £112 / AU$215)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

If you’re into keyboard modding, or just a collector and want an affordable mechanical keyboard, the Higround OPAL Base 65 keyboard is an ideal option. With a price tag of $135 (about £112 / AU$215), it’s on the lower end of the mid-range market. While the company only puts its pricing in dollars, this keyboard is available in just about all of Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.

Since this is a hot-swappable keyboard, if you want to drop in one of Higround’s other switches, they range from $25 (about £25 / AU$40) to $36 (about £30 / AU$58) in price. Even if you include an extra set of switches, this keyboard is pretty affordable.

Consider the fact that the Drop ALT, also a 65% wired mechanical model, goes for $180 - $200 / £157.43 - £180.74 (around AU$260 - AU$290) and you see how affordable the Higround is in comparison. Performance-wise, you may not find an appreciable difference – neither model is one of those keyboards targeting competitive gamers.

You’re probably saving a little bit based on the form factor as fuller-sized alternatives like the KiiBOOM Phantom 81 with its $159 / £128 / AU$233.18 price tag and the Wombat Pine Professional, which retails for $159.99 (about £130 / AU$240), are not all that much more. That said, I actually do prefer the 65% foot print so am happy to save the $30.

• Price: 4.5 / 5 

Higround OPAL Base 65 Keyboard: Specs

Should you buy the Higround OPAL Base 65 Keyboard?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Higround OPAL Base 65 Keyboard: Also consider

How I tested the Higround OPAL Base 65 Keyboard

• Used regularly for a couple weeks
• Tested with typing as well as gaming
• Tested all included features

I used the Higround OPAL Base 65 regularly for a week, typing numerous articles on it as well as using it for gaming. Specifically, I tried fast-paced gaming like Battlefield 2042 and Rocket League as well as less-speed competitive games like Starfied and Control.

I looked at other aspects beyond performance, of course. I played with its programmable features, whether it’s remapping or adjusting RGB, and also looked at how easy it was to remove and replace parts of the keyboard.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and mice, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed November 2023

Creative Katana SE: Two-minute review

The Creative Katana SE is a very good, almost great all-in-one audio solution for PC gamers. It has a host of features that set it apart from a lot of the best computer speakers. And, even though the Creative Katana SE is the only model among the company’s Katana soundbar offerings to not feature a subwoofer, it still provides a surprising amount of rumble that you’re not likely to find in sub-less alternatives, whether you’re considering speakers, a soundbar, or even the best gaming headsets.

If you’re looking for one of the best soundbars, it’s important to remember that the Creative Katana SE is specifically geared towards gamers. Though it has functionality beyond that, a lot of the fine-tuning is only available through the app so you’ll be somewhat limited using it with a TV.

The Creative Katana SE is not a radical departure from the soundbar design. At first glance, it just appears to be a slightly more ergonomic take with its slanted sides and slightly upward-angled front grill, which I can only guess is because Creative assumes that it’s more likely to be used with a computer setup where your ears are situated above the soundbar.

However, there are quite a few touches here that not only set this soundbar apart from a lot of other options but also justify its slightly higher price tag.

Instead of just two forward-facing drivers, there are also two large tweeters facing upward from the top of the unit, giving the Creative Katana SE some physical spatial audio capabilities. There are also two passive radiators on the back that give this soundbar its outsized bass response. 

And, lastly RGB lighting lines the bottom of the grill for a bit of color. My favorite part of the RGB lighting is its ability to adjust brightness according to the actual volume of whatever media is currently playing. Of course, you have to set that up through the app.

As far as the port selection goes, it’s decent with an optical, Aux, and USB port going into the unit. It also has a headphone jack on the front and an SXFI and ARC-capable HDMI out in the back with the other ports. 

I do wish there was an HDMI in as well to allow for a single passthrough connection from the computer to a monitor or TV. There’s also no subwoofer out, so you’re limited to the admittedly ample bass response that the unit provides.

When it comes to actually using the Creative Katana SE, setup and use is very easy. It comes with a USB and optical cable and is basically plug-and-play with a number of buttons on the top of the unit to go through sources, modes, and adjust the volume. There’s a remote that does that as well. Downloading the Creative app offers even more control (more on that later).

Once in use, the Creative Katana SE provides a ton of volume, enough to use for a small home theater setup. The sound quality, while not audiophile quality, is quite good. 

The most impressive part is the bass response. Thanks to those two passive radiators on the back, the rumble is there. While not on par with an actual subwoofer, the low-end is quite substantial. Whether it was the oomph from explosions in games or the bass in music or movies, I was initially shocked by how good the low-end is.

The mids are full and rich, maybe even a little too much, while the high-end has enough detail to hear everything clearly but without the crispness that more Hi-Fi pieces of equipment would provide. In essence, the sound quality is good for the price but it’s not a game changing soundbar.

The soundstage is decently wide for a soundbar and the sound imaging is fairly precise. But, you’re still experiencing a stereo image at the end of the day. And, since you can’t adjust speaker placement the way you would with actual computer speakers, it’s not going to match the soundstage of properly placed computer speakers.

What does add to the sound, however, are those upward-firing tweeters. While not actually providing surround sound, they function the same way that Dolby Atmos does by sending the audio up, giving a vague dimensionality that makes everything sound better. The best way to describe the experience is that the audio sounds taller. However, you’re still getting a stereo image. That said, I prefer this over virtual surround sound as that usually just sounds like there’s some reverb on the audio signal.

Interestingly enough, the soundbar has a built-in mic that, while convenient, sounds a bit thin and nasally. While there are some notable and useful in-app adjustments like background noise reduction, I would suggest investing in one of the best USB mics instead. That is, unless you want your voice to sound like it’s coming through a rotary phone circa 1998.

Regarding the Creative app, it’s fairly intuitive to navigate though there is a little bit of menu diving. When first opened, you’re presented with mostly a bunch of boxes and clicking on any of those will open a specific set of options. Once I got the hang of it, I found that there’s a lot of fine-tuning available from a ten-band EQ to a number of presets including ones for specific games – I was able to try the ones for Cyberpunk 2077 and Rocket League.

There’s also a scout mode that makes sound elements like footsteps pop out as well as the ability to use the SXFI feature, which personalizes the audio to you by using head tracking. This does mean you also have to download an app for your phone to set it up. And, that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what’s available via the Creative app.

Creative Katana SE: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $299.99 / £299.99 / AU$509.95
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Calling a soundbar like the Creative Katana SE, which retails for $299.99 / £299.99 / AU$509.95, mid-range might seem a bit odd since something like the Creative Stage Air V2 costs $49.99. But, that 20 watt soundbar has just a couple types of connectivity and doesn’t compare in a lot of ways. After all, the Creative Katana SE offers 180 watts peak power as well as a lot more bass thanks to the passive radiators as well as more immersive sound thanks to the upward-firing speakers that provide some spatial audio.

Instead, a better comparison is a soundbar like the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro, which goes for a bit more at $399.99 / £399.99 (about AU$600). As impressive as that soundbar is, it costs more and doesn’t include a physical spatial audio component like the Creative Katana SE.

That said, if you don’t care about all the extras, you can spend much less on an audio solution that will provide plenty of volume and bass such as the Drop BMR1 computer speakers. While they’re obviously not a soundbar, they’re petite enough for most gaming setups with plenty of volume and low-end, though you are skipping out on all the spatial audio and app-related features among other things.

•  Price: 4 / 5

Creative Katana SE: Specs

Should you buy the Creative Katana SE?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Creative Katana SE: Also consider

How I tested the Creative Katana SE

• Used regularly for a week
• Tested with all sorts of games
• Tested all included features

I used the Creative Katana SE regularly for a week. I used it with a number of games including Cyberpunk 2077, Control, Far Cry 6, and Rocket League. I also used it to watch some streaming video and listen to music.

I looked at other aspects beyond performance, of course. I played with its customizable features including the different modes, spatial audio, and RGB lighting.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed November 2023

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB): Two-minute review

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB) is a great sounding headset. However, it brings up a familiar question when looking at gaming headsets – and that’s figuring out what’s important.

After all, some of the best gaming headsets offer all sorts of bells and whistles to take gaming audio to the next level, but don’t quite hit the mark when you’re just leaning back and listening to music. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset is undoubtedly one of the best wired gaming headsets out there right now, but it flips the script. You won’t find much in the way of features – there’s not even an app. Yet the sound quality alone makes up for that.

For me, that sound quality is more important than being able to EQ or use directional / spatial / insert-gimmick audio to process or change what you’re listening to. Since this is a headset version of the well-loved Audio-Technica ATH-M50x known for its outsized performance to price, it’s no surprise that the company went in this direction.

Before digging too deep into the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset, it’s important to point out that there are two iterations: the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB reviewed here and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-XLR. 

The only differences between the two are connectivity. The USB version has an attached cable that terminates into USB-A (it also comes with an adapter for USB-C ports), while the XLR version uses that type of connection that requires an audio interface to connect to your computer. Plus, it needs phantom power for the mic.

The boom mic here has a convenient flip-to-mute function, but is most noteworthy for using a capsule from a condenser mic as opposed to the dynamic ones most use.

The differences between these two types are beyond the scope of this review, but the quick version is that condenser mics usually sound better with a fuller frequency range while dynamic mics are better at just picking up the sound in front of them.

As far as the aesthetics of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset goes, it still keeps that belongs-in-the-studio all-black look. Though the company is marketing this headset to streamers and gamers, especially since the original version has been recommended as a headphones alternative to gaming headsets on every other forum, there’s no gamer-focused design choices other than the inclusion of that mic.

That said, Audio-Technica does include two different types of earpads, specifically fabric and leatherette, so you can adjust the comfort a bit. They do offer slightly different experiences as I find the leatherette to be a little hotter to wear. Whichever one you install, you probably won’t want to go back and forth too much as they’re a pain to install.

When it comes to ergonomics, there’s plenty on hand as the earcups can tilt and swivel 180 degrees. And, of course, the headband has plenty of extension on hand for different sized heads.

At the end of the day, the comfort on these headphones are decent but not amazing. Though the clamping force is not excessive, it is a little tight. The way the weight is distributed here ended up with most of the headset’s 330 grams bearing on my skull. That means that after long sessions, I did feel a little pressure where the headband sat.

Luckily, the sound quality makes up for any other issues. Not only did I use it for games such as Starfield, Far Cry 6, and Battlefield 2042, but I actually used them to do some mixing. That’s because the sound quality here is not only detailed with plenty of resolution but fairly evenly balanced. There’s a little more bass than the most neutral headphones out there, but it’s not overly pronounced. The mid-range is similarly full without being overbearing. And, the high-end retains all the clarity one could ask for, again without being overly bright.

There’s also plenty of headroom so audio never gets compressed due to the headphones. However, the soundstage is not a standout feature. Make no mistake, it’s good – just not especially wide. That said, the imaging (placement of sound elements within the soundstage) is very precise so I always know where something is, whether it’s a guitar or gunshots.

As far as the mic goes, it has a little bit of a double-edge sword. As it uses the same capsule as Audio-Technica’s 20 series microphones like the AT2020USB-XP, it has the benefits of a condenser mic as well as the drawbacks meaning that the speaker’s voice is clear and uncompressed sounding, which is almost never the case with most boom mics, but any environmental noise will also get picked up.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB): Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $229.00 / £199.99 / AU$469.00
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Gaming headsets come in all sorts of price ranges from ultra-budget to fairly pricey. While they don’t reach the level of audiophile headphones, asking for up to $400 for a gaming headset is enough to turn most people away.

Luckily, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet, while a bit spendy, is still within reach of most people. There are two versions that have been available since the beginning of 2023. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB is the more expensive of the two, going for $229 / £199.99 / AU$469.

The slightly cheaper Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-XLR, with a going price of $199.99 / £169.99 / AU$399, trades in a digital USB connection for XLR. If you’re a streamer using an interface to connect multiple sources, the XLR is probably the better way to go. Outside of the connectivity and the fact that the USB one needs a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter), the two headsets are completely identical.

Though wired headsets go for cheaper than wireless as many of the pricier options from SteelSeries, Razer, Audeze and the like tend to reach above $300 / £300, models like this from Audio-Technica are a slightly different breed than most wired ones. And, that’s because the wired connectivity is not a cost-cutting decision, but one to provide the best possible listening experience.

That means that the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet will sound better than most wired gaming headsets. The models that will give this headset a run for its money are also mostly focused on the audio experience such as the Beyerdynamic Tygr 300 R, which is an excellent sounding headset that might have an even better soundstage than the Audio-Technica due to its open-back design. 

It’s also a bit cheaper at $199 (about £150, AU$280), though you need to factor in the fact that it doesn’t come with a mic so you’ll have to invest in a USB or clip-on mic. And, since it uses an analog 3.5mm connection instead of a USB one, it might not have quite the fidelity of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet. For instance, the mic picked up the fan from my bathroom almost ten feet away.

•  Price: 4.5 / 5

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB): Specs

Should you buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB)?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB): Also consider

How I tested the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB)

• Used regularly for a couple weeks
• Tested with all sorts of games and music
• Tested the mic

I used the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB) regularly for a couple weeks. I used it with a number of games including Starfield, Cyberpunk 2077, Control, and Rocket League. I also used it to watch some streaming video and listen to music.

I looked at other aspects beyond performance, of course, such as comfort and ease-of-use. I also tried both earpads that were included.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed November 2023

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT: Two-minute review

Press paws on your Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT purr-chase for now. I get why that may seem hard; this pair of gaming headset is adorable and completely irresistible. And it also has its share of appealing features outside of its feline design, many of which make it a great option for gaming while on the go.

However, it may not be for you if you’re more discerning about audio quality.

Don’t get me wrong here; I can get a bit snobby when it comes to audio quality myself, and despite its performance shortcomings, which I will get to later in this review, I also don’t mind this gaming headset. I probably wouldn’t call it one of the best PC gaming headsets I’ve tested, but it has its merits – the big one of which is convenience. And, I am an absolute sucker for all things pink and all things cat.

So I wouldn’t knock it just yet just because you’re used to great-sounding audio devices. Instead, read this review first before hitting buy.

Design-wise, of course, the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT is winning. Who among us doesn’t love cats, after all? (If you hate cats, you’re a monster, and I don’t want to be friends!) And that pink-and-gray colorway (or as Razer calls it, Quartz) is just the thing if you want to veer away from that black aesthetic that seems to dominate the gaming world. Adding to its appeal are customizable RGB lighting zones on the cat ears and the earcups.

This wireless gaming headset isn’t all looks either. The headset itself feels solid and made of quality materials, with a textured finish on the headband, yokes, and parts of the earcups that ensure minimal scratches as well as plush cushioning for the earpads and the underside of the headband for comfort.

Being a lower mid-range gaming headset, there are noticeable signs of corners being cut here. While the earcups themselves can be tilted up and down, the yokes don’t have any articulation, slightly affecting comfort. And the leatherette used is neither the softest nor the most breathable. The latter doesn’t bother me much, but the former can feel like an inconvenience in some instances – like when I need to free one ear by moving the earcup off to the side.

While great for gaming on your desktop PC, the Kraken Kitty V2 BT is really designed more for gaming and media consumption on the go – whether that’s on your laptop (you don’t have to use any of your precious ports), your portable gaming console like the Nintendo Switch, or your smartphone. It only has Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and a built-in, not boom, mic, is fairly lightweight especially considering it’s got two kitty ears attached to it, and comes with uncomplicated physical controls.

When I say uncomplicated, I mean it’s only got a multi-function button that acts as the power, Bluetooth pairing, media, and call buttons, and the volume dial. You just have to remember the presses and holds for every function. Luckily, it’s all very intuitive – single press for play/pause and accept/end call; double press to skip a track; triple press for the previous track; etc – that you’ll have it all memorized after a couple of uses.

I only wish Razer also added a way to customize the RGB lighting on-the-fly. It only allows you to do so by connecting it to your smartphone and to the Razer Audio mobile app, and personalizing it from there. The mobile app, by the way, also gives you access to a 10-band EQ, five different sound presets, and toggling Gaming Mode for low latency audio.

Really, the only reasons why you’d think it’s not for on-the-go use are the fact that it’s not foldable and the absence of a travel pouch. These omissions are a tad purr-plexing given that Razer has positioned this as more of a headset to be used everywhere than an actual gaming headset to be used at home.

Don’t expect high-quality audio on the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT. That isn’t to say that it sounds bad, because it doesn’t. And it’s got a bright sound profile that I think a lot of people would appreciate.

At the same time, the high end is not very crisp and the mids are not very prominent, resulting in audio that is not very rich and at times piercing to the ears. That’s whether I’m playing Hogwarts Legacy on my PC, playing Cooking Madness on my phone, or listening to my favorite tunes. The low end is also underwhelming, even when you switch to Razer’s Enhanced Bass sound profile.

The issue that bothers me most of all, however, is the clipping. When there are spikes in volume in the audio, even when the headset volume itself is not all the way up, I hear a popping sound. There’s definitely digital distortion happening that might be possibly related to the headset not having a lot of headroom.

The integrated beamforming mics are less-than purr-fect either. They have no issues with plosives or sibilance, and you will come through loud and audible. However, you’ll also sound a little distorted and not crisp. Plus, there’s no background noise rejection – friends could hear me typing, snapping my fingers, or playing music when I’m chatting with them.

At least, the battery life is decent. It’s not the longest I’ve seen, but you are getting up to 40 hours of playtime, especially if you turn off that bright RGB lighting.

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $99.99 / £99.99 (about AU$190)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

I wouldn’t call the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT a pricey gaming headset. One of the best wireless gaming headsets out there, especially in terms of design, it sits nicely in the mid-range market at $99.99 / £99.99 (about AU$190). However, I also expected it to have better audio performance at that price. 

If you want a more elevated listening experience, I’d go for the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) if you can spend a little more. It’s got lots of volume, an immersive sound, an amazing mic, and even better battery life. For only a bit more than the Kraken Kitty V2 BT, the Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless RGB will deliver a more elevated sound.

• Value: 3.5 / 5

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT: Specs

Should you buy the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT: Also consider

How I tested the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT

• I tested the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT for a week
• I used it with my PC, my iPhone, and my laptop
• I used it for gaming and for listening to music

Testing the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT for a full week, I used it as my main gaming headset when playing different titles on my desktop PC and on my smartphone. I also used it to listen to music on my laptop and again, on my phone, as well as make phone calls with friends. I also made sure to test its features, including its multi-function button and its battery life.

I’ve been testing, reviewing, and using gaming headsets for years as a freelance tech journalist and now as one of the Computing editors at TechRadar. My years of experience along with my discerning audio tastes make me more than qualified to test and vet these devices for you.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2023

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed: Two-minute review

Though its name can be a mouthful, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed makes everything else easy-breezy for users. Logitech G took one of the best gaming mice ever and improved on it in many ways, from its weight and charging port to its sensor, while keeping the bits that already made it a crowd-favorite.

Being one of the most lightweight gaming mice isn’t its only accolade – although shedding 3g off its predecessor’s weight is nonetheless impressive. It’s a speedy and long-lasting one too, and focusing more on its performance and longevity also allows it a no-frills look that makes it easy to fit in any setup, whether or not you’re into flashy RGB.

As its name implies, this is a wireless gaming mouse that uses Logitech’s Lightspeed wireless technology for connectivity. That means that you won’t have to put up with cables snagging when gaming.

If the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed looks to you very similar to the original though, that’s because Logitech G has largely kept the same simple minimalist design. That’s alright, in my opinion. It may be the era of maximalism, but that’s not necessary here. It’s also kept the same USB receiver garage at the bottom to keep that USB receiver safe, with the same round magnetic door that conveniently snaps in place, as well as the same five buttons, the same smooth-to-touch matte shell, and the same supportive form that makes it ideal for both claw and palm grippers. 

That smooth finish may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as some gamers need a bit of texture for proper grippage – if only Logitech G had replicated the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed’s grippy finish. However, stuck-on grips are included in the box that aren’t too shabby as alternatives. And all five buttons are within easy reach, even for someone like me who’s got small hands, so you can rest assured that you’re gaming comfortably.

Just like the original, there’s no Powercore module (the wireless charging puck) included, even though you can still swap out the magnetic garage door for it for wireless charging. If you already have Logitech’s Powerplay wireless charging system, then you’re all set. If not, you’ll have to spend more for that convenience, which isn’t great considering this mouse is already expensive.

There are some design improvements thrown in, however. The most welcome of them is the USB-C charging port that replaced that antiquated and frankly annoying microUSB port. And again, its weight dropped from 63g of the original to merely 60g. Finally, apart from the black and white color options, there’s also a pink one for those trying to stray from neutral shades. 

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed delivers a faster and more precise performance over its predecessor. That’s all thanks to its 2,000Hz polling rate and a new HERO 2 sensor that offers up to 32,000 DPI (a jump from 1,000Hz polling rate and up to 25,600 DPI).

Admittedly, those numbers, which you can set and adjust via the Logitech G Hub, are more than what most regular gamers need, but they do mean that this gaming mouse can more than keep up during fast-paced games and battles when you’re being overwhelmed by enemies, making it future-proofed. While I’m far from a competitive gamer, it’s proven more than capable when I’m playing CS:GO and Doom Eternal.

I do have a couple of minor quibbles, however. Sadly, zero-additive PTFE mouse feet, while delivering impeccable maneuverability on some surfaces, don’t glide easily on others. I found that although they’re great on gaming mouse pads and mats, they feel fiddly on bare desks. On top of that, the lower arch of the mouse isn’t as supportive for palm grippers; wrist fatigue is real after a couple of hours.

However, the mouse makes up for it in longevity. With up to 95 hours of battery life on a single charge, you’re getting almost two weeks of gaming every day for eight hours per day. That tracks as I didn’t have to recharge once during my two-week testing period.

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $159 / £149 / AU$299
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

All those improvements will cost you. The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed is slightly more expensive than its predecessor at $159 / £149 / AU$299. That’s around the same price as the Razer Deathadder V3 Pro, which has a base polling rate of 1,000Hz (upgradable to 4,000Hz with the Razer Hyperpolling wireless dongle), up to 30,000 DPI, and up to 90 hours battery life.

That price tag is admittedly a little steep for a gaming mouse, but if you’re looking for a fast-performing wireless mouse that lasts a while, it’s a great investment. However, if you can’t afford it, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless offers 1,000Hz polling rate, up to 26,000 DPI, and an impressive 100-hour battery life for just $89.99 / £94.99 / AU$149.

• Value: 4 / 5

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed: Specs

Should you buy the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed: Also consider

How I tested the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed

• Tested the mouse for a couple of weeks
• Used it for playing PC games as well as for work

I spent two weeks testing the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed, dedicating a few hours each night for gaming so I could put this gaming mouse through its paces. In the daytime, I used it as my main mouse for work.

To test it, I played a few games with it, from a couple of fast-paced titles to more leisurely-paced games, getting a feel for its buttons, ergonomics, and performance. I made sure to utilize the G Hub software to customize settings and gave it a full charge before I began testing so I could accurately assess its battery life.

I’ve been testing and reviewing PC gaming peripherals for about 10 years now. Not only do I have plenty of experience with them, but I know what makes the best ones tick and can intuitively tell you which ones are not worth your time and money.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2023

Corsair M75 AIR: Two-minute review

The Corsair M75 AIR is another entry in the premium gaming mouse market, with the main draw being its super light weight – think only 60g, which is absolutely unreal. And yes, you feel that near airiness as you use it. I compared that to the 86g of the Alienware AW720M, and the difference was literally night and day. The only other gaming mouse I can recall having a similar weight is the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro at only 64g.

It boasts an incredibly high DPI of 26,000, which should be more than enough to satiate even the most thirsty gaming mouse enthusiasts. It also features an excellent polling rate of 2000Hz / 0.5 msec, 650 IPS tracking, and up to 50G acceleration. 

While testing out this mouse on first-person shooters like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Cyberpunk 2077, the delay between right and left click switches were completely unnoticeable, as well as between other buttons I mapped out. Between the responsive switches and feather weight, this mouse is tailor-made to eat competitive first-person shooters for breakfast. 

The only downside to its physical build is its 100% PTFE skates, which unfortunately don’t work on metal surfaces. Most desks are made of wood and it performs exceptionally well on those surfaces, so the metal issue shouldn’t impact most gamers, but it’s still an odd issue.

There are two connectivity options: 2.4Hz wireless and Bluetooth. The former requires both dongle use and software installation, as it’s meant for hardcore gaming, and the latter is for everyday productivity and casual use. It would have been nice for the wireless mode to not require an installation like other gaming mice on the market don’t, which hurts its chances at claiming the best wireless gaming mouse crown.

Though the weight takes some getting used to, it’s a well-built and practical mouse that can take some falls without damage. Its shape is suitable for most grip types, though the claw grip feels the most natural to use for me due to its egg shape. I’m not a huge fan of the feel of its paint job, however, as it’s rather coarse, but it does allow for better gripping even when your hands are sweating.

Though it only comes in black, there are no RGB lights which, depending on who you ask, is either a supreme relief or a terrible omission. I fall into the former camp, as unlike a keyboard or the chassis of a laptop, you can’t even see the RGB lighting while gaming so it ends up only eating away at your battery power.

There aren’t any shortcut buttons on the bottom of the mouse to change the DPI from its default of 1200, meaning all customization options are done through Corsair’s software. You can create unique profiles with different settings for your mouse, which is handy to switch between depending on your current mouse needs.

Battery life is great going by Corsair’s own claims, with up to 45 hours for wireless connection and up to 100 hours with Bluetooth. While actually measuring that is too daunting, I’ve found that I’m still using the mouse on the same charge through Bluetooth for a week now.

One major gripe I have with the M75 AIR is that it could have easily been an ambidextrous mouse had Corsair just put two more buttons on the right side of it, similar to the way Dell designed the Alienware AW720M. This not only would have given the mouse more buttons to program but would have allowed left-handed gamers the opportunity to use said mouse. Such a simple fix would have elevated this mouse to not only one of the best gaming mice but one of the best mice in general.

Corsair M75 AIR: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $149.99 / £139.99 / AU$249
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Corsair M75 AIR gaming mouse is available in the US, UK, and Australia, with a suggested retail price of $149.99 / £139.99 / AU$249, making it quite the premium option. 

It's pricier than the Alienware AW720M, which has an MSRP of $129.99 / £124.99 / AU$151.80, but comes in a bit cheaper than the super-premium Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro (MSRP $149 / £149 / AU$279), though it lacks many of the bells and whistles that typically justify this kind of price. 

It's an excellent quality mouse, however, that doesn’t change the fact that you can still purchase a similar gaming mouse like the MSI Clutch GM51 for cheaper, or even the Cougar Airblader Tournament if you don’t mind a super-budget mouse.

Corsair M75 AIR: Specs

Should you buy the Corsair M75 AIR?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Corsair M75 AIR: Also consider

How I tested the Corsair M75 AIR

• I used the Corsair M75 AIR for about two weeks
• I tested it out using first-person shooters as well as for work
• I used the Corsair software to test out various settings

I used the Corsair M75 AIR in my home office for extended periods of time. I tested out various settings like DPI and customizing button layouts, as well as how well the mouse's ergonomics felt using it in both claw and palm grips and how it held up in right-handed use.

To further test out its gaming capabilities, I tested it with first-person shooters like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Cyberpunk 2077 in order to see how quickly and efficiently I can move or shoot. Third-person shooters and action games were also played to test how flexible this mouse was.

I've reviewed a number of mice, both gaming and productivity, in my career. This allows me to know what to look for on an individual basis as well as compare the performance of this mouse to other ones I reviewed in the past.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2023

The Xbox Wireless Controller is one of the most universally liked and widely compatible gamepads out there, which makes it a great option whether you're playing on a console, PC, mobile, or other Bluetooth-compatible device. So, if you need a new one – or you're like me and fancy a different splash of colour in your gaming setup – then you can pick one up for a discounted price at multiple retailers right now.

For example, the Xbox Wireless Controller is at Amazon for £39.99 (was £54.99). Deals are available in most colours, including Black, White, Red, Blue, Green, Electric Volt (aka Yellow), and Pink. 

This price cut brings the gamepad down to just £5 more than the record-low price we saw last November. If you've got the patience to wait another month or so, you might be able to get a slightly better saving as part of this year's Black Friday deals, but I'm willing to buy one now for the sake of a fiver.

Today's best Xbox controller deal

Don't want to buy from Amazon? The same offer is available at a number of other retailers right now including Currys, Smyths Toys, Argos and the Microsoft Store.

You may also find some different colours at those retailers, too, so do browse around to find the controller that fits your style. Personally, I'm a sucker for the Shock Blue, but do wish the slick new Astral Purple Xbox Controller was a part of this promotion. I'd be snapping that one up immediately if it was part of the deal, too.

Corsair Virtuoso Pro: Two-minute review

If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense to use a pair of open-back headphones when gaming as that tends to give the audio a bit more room to breathe, which should lend itself well to delivering that immersive soundstage and accurate sound imaging you want during gameplay. So, it’s kind of strange that not many gaming headset manufacturers are keen to jump on that bandwagon.

Luckily, Corsair is making up for lost time with its bold new Corsair Virtuoso Pro, an open-back addition (its very first) to its already excellent gaming headset line, many of which are among the best gaming headsets on the market.

Corsair isn’t, of course, a pioneer in the open-back gaming headsets scene – Epos, Audio-Technica, and even Philips all got there first. Still, this new arrival is a big deal, as none of the big gaming peripheral manufacturers have been intrepid enough to explore it. 

And what an impressive first entry it is, effortlessly rising to the ranks of the best wired gaming headsets out there and so much so it might convince Corsair’s rivals to make their own. It has me convinced.

Coming in black and white colorways, the Corsair Virtuoso Pro doesn’t stray very far from Corsair’s signature look. It has all the telltale signs – the elegant curves, the brand logo on the ear cups and yokes, and the luxurious but solid finish. It’s just as beautiful, in fact, as all of Corsair’s recent gaming headset releases, especially in white.

Understandably, as it is its very first attempt at an open-back gaming headset, there are design choices that could have been better. The headband foam is on the thinner side and not very plush, and the earpad fabric isn’t the softest. Plus, the headset itself, while fairly lightweight, isn’t the lightest out there at 338g, although that isn’t surprising as wired open-back gaming headsets do tend to be on the heavier side.

The one thing I don’t like about the design is the fact that the mic, which is detachable, is attached to the dual 3.5mm audio cable that also attaches to the right earcup for audio. It’s really not a lot different from a regular 3.5mm cable, but it just feels a lot more cumbersome in practice. Now that I think about it, it’s really the mic that’s the Virtuoso Pro’s weakest point, but more on that later.

Despite those minor shortcomings, there’s plenty to love about the gaming headset’s design. The earpads are plush, big, and made of breathable fabric, enveloping your ears while still keeping things airy – though that is also the nature of open-back headphones. The ear cup yokes offer a lot of swivel, allowing the ear cups to conform to just about any head shape. And, the overall build is as premium as Corsair’s other high-end offerings. So, expect a cool and comfortable gaming session when you’ve got these on.

The Virtuoso Pro is also extremely customizable. The speaker tags on the ear cups are replaceable and interchangeable – I’m assuming here that Corsair will roll out a line of accessories at some point. As are the earpads and the headband cushion, though the headband cushion takes a little bit of finagling to pry off.

As you may have concluded already, this is a wired 3.5mm gaming headset, which means that you will be tethered to your laptop or PC. But, you do get a nice set of cables in the box, a 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm audio cable with the mic boom, a 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm audio cable, and one y-adapter cable, which is necessary if you're connecting to your gaming PC.

If you’re not familiar with open-back headphones and gaming headsets, there are a few things to keep in mind. Open backs are generally more spacious and wider in soundstage as the sound is going everywhere, instead of being stuck inside the ear cups. They also tend to have brighter highs that deliver lots of details and clarity. And, for better or worse, that sound tends to bleed out, which means your office neighbors might hear heavy gunfire or whatever beats you’re listening to if you don’t keep that volume down.

And, that’s basically what you’ll get with the Corsair Virtuoso Pro. This headset delivers a lot of space, its soundstage even wider than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. I AB’ed the two during testing, and my beloved Arctis Nova Pro now feels very confined next to it. And its sound imaging is just as impressive. When playing Hogwarts Legacy, it was apparent that all the sound elements had clarity to them, and I could hear precisely where they were in the soundstage, resulting in a very immersive experience.

It helps that it has 50mm graphene drivers – similar to those in the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed – that also contributes to its very detailed audio quality. Speaking of detailed audio, the highs are incredible here, bright without being painful or fatiguing except in a handful of situations, and with lots of detail and clarity. The synths and highs in Taylor Swift’s Bejeweled were bright and sparkly, and the ukelele in Florence and the Machine’s Dog Days Are Over was bright and clear.

There’s plenty of bass as well. It’s not in your face like other gaming headsets, but it has good low-end response, especially considering that it’s an open-back headset. Both Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s All the Stars and Kavisky’s Nightcall had good bass and even decent rumble.

It’s not all perfect, performance-wise, however. The mids are a little pulled back, and since the high end is pushed forward, you’re getting harsher guitars, which means that the sound can be unpleasant with rock songs. Listening to The Strokes’ Reptilia hurt my ears and gave me a mild headache.

Then there’s the mic. Your voice will come through loud, clear, and audible here, which means that your teammates (or coworkers, if you choose to use this as your work headset as well) won’t have trouble understanding you. However, your voice will come through a little compressed and harsh-sounding. There will be some sibilance as well. To its credit, it is a very directional mic so that folks you’re chatting with won’t be able to hear any background noise – yes, that includes you tapping or button-mashing away at your keyboard.

Those flaws are minor at best, however. Overall, you’ll find the Corsair Virtuoso Pro a pretty impressive gaming headset – perhaps one of the best in the market right now. Not too shabby at all for a first entry in the open-back gaming headset game.

Corsair Virtuoso Pro: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $199.99 / £169.99 / AU$239 
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Corsair Virtuoso Pro is not a cheap purchase. At $199.99 / £169.99 / AU$239, it sits in the premium market, especially considering that it’s wired. In fact, you’ll find that it’s a bit more expensive than offerings from Epos and Audio-Technica. However, I can guarantee that it’s worth the splurge over the competition - if you have the money to spend.

That’s especially because it is cheaper than both the wired SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and the graphene-driver-fitted Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed, which sit at the top of the gaming headset pile in terms of performance and value.

If you are ready to explore the world of open-back gaming headsets, however, and you just don’t have that money to spare, I would look at some of Philips’ offerings. They are a lot cheaper, and they’re better-reviewed than what AT has on offer.

• Value: 4 / 5

Corsair Virtuoso Pro: Specs

Should you buy the Corsair Virtuoso Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Corsair Virtuoso Pro: Also consider

How I tested the Corsair Virtuoso Pro

• Spent a week testing it
• Used it for gaming, streaming, and music listening
• Tested it with a variety of games, songs, and movies

I tested the Corsair Virtuoso Pro for a week, using it as my main headset for gaming, media consumption, and work video calls. I made sure to test its open-back quirks, AB'ing it with my favorite closed-back gaming headset, and put its features through their paces, making note of its build quality and comfort in the process.

I’ve been testing, reviewing, and using gaming headsets for years as a freelance tech journalist and now as one of the Computing editors at TechRadar. My years of experience along with my discerning audio tastes make me more than qualified to test and vet these devices for you.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2023

Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed: Two-minute review

Imagine the Razer DeathAdder V3 in wireless form. That’s basically what Razer’s new gaming mouse offering, the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed, is. 

There are some differences, of course. It’s got an ever so slightly thinner body and a more pronounced hump for better palm support. It’s heavier. It tops at 4,000Hz polling rate (as opposed to 8,000Hz) and weirdly has a 60M-click rating as opposed to the DeathAdder V3’s 90M. And, as its name implies, it’s a wireless gaming mouse that utilizes Razer’s HyperSpeed Wireless connectivity so you can do away with the cable. 

In fact, you’ve got no choice really as there’s no need for cables here, seeing as it’s AA battery-powered. That’s the biggest reason why this one sits at the same price point as the DeathAdder V3, despite being wireless (that typically gives manufacturers an excuse to jack up the price of a product).

At $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$129.95, the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed is easily one of the most affordable brand-name gaming mice I’ve tested, especially in the wireless realm. But don’t take that to mean that you’re sacrificing a lot here. 

Yes, there’s the lack of rechargeability, which no doubt a lot of wireless peripherals fans will miss, but it’s a small sacrifice in exchange for all the premium features that you are getting.

It comes, for example, with Razer’s Focus Pro 30K Optical, a maximum speed of 750 IPS, and 8 programmable controls like the aforementioned wired mouse. It also inherited the DeathAdder V3 much-lauded smooth-touch finish – Razer’s own creation that allows the mouse to offer that luxurious, smooth-to-the-touch feeling while brilliantly delivering better grippage than all other gaming mice I’ve tested (and I’ve tested a lot).

It’s so similar to the DeathAdder line that I’ve started to wonder if Razer made a mistake when they were naming it. While it belongs in the brand’s Viper line, it actually looks nothing like the Razer Viper V2 Pro, its intended premium counterpart and one of the best gaming mice on the market. 

Veering away from the Viper’s gaming-esque aesthetic, the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed sports the more elegant design and cleaner look for the DeathAdder line. Looking more like the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, its left and right buttons are nicely grooved toward the front for better ergonomics and grip, as well as, in my opinion, easier pressing. And again, it comes with the DeathAdder V3’s smooth-touch finish, which is quite a departure from the Viper V2 Pro’s textured one.

It’s got its own design improvements and changes as well. Its palm rest has a nice, rear-rested hump that supports both palm and claw grip styles as well as allows your palm to contour nicely and enjoy that necessary support, no matter how big your hand is or how long you’ve been playing. 

According to Razer, the company opted for flatter sides (as opposed to curved) to also help it fit different hand sizes and grip styles, but I just found the sides to be a little less supportive, especially where my pinkie usually rests. 

I prefer ultra-lightweight mice for gaming and productivity so while I understand that Razer had to go with AA batteries to keep the price down, I didn’t really enjoy gaming on this one as much. Especially so soon after testing the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed (review to follow). A single AA battery to keep it powered bumps its weight from 59g to 82g and makes it noticeably rear-heavy and unbalanced.

Then again, this is a matter of personal preference. Not all gamers want or enjoy using a lightweight gaming mouse, and there are definitely others out there that are a lot heftier.

While we’re on that subject, inside the battery compartment is a USB garage in which you can keep your wireless receiver safe. Thank goodness – I already lost the original dongle for my Viper V2 Pro, and I have no idea where to properly store its replacement when I’m not using the mouse. As I write this, it’s sitting on my desk vulnerable to my insolent cats’ restless paws.

Like the Viper V2 Pro and the DeathAdder V3, it has six physical buttons, which are all strategically positioned so they’re within easy reach, no matter the size of your hand. However, for added versatility and an easier gaming experience if you’re not too lazy to customize and reprogram, it has a total of 8 programmable controls (the scroll wheel adds front and back scroll to the list).

If you have limited USB ports, you’ll be glad to know that it’s one of Razer’s several peripherals that’s compatible with the HyperSpeed Wireless multi-device support. That means that you can connect it and a supported Razer keyboard to your PC with just a single dongle. If you’re a competitive player and need that considerable bump in polling rate, it also supports up to 4,000Hz with Razer’s HyperPolling Wireless Dongle. That one will cost you extra, but Razer currently has it bundled with the mouse for a little less.

If I’m being honest, though, its native 1,000Hz polling rate is more than enough for most people. On its own, the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed is already a fast performer, seeing me through my CS:Go sessions as well as those Hogwarts Legacy trials without missing a beat. 

It helps that it also boasts that 30K optical sensor that apparently not only gives it a 99.8% accuracy and better power efficiency but also allows it a wider surface compatibility. I’ve tested it on a couple of different desk mats, a slightly textured office desk, a marble countertop, and other surfaces, and while its pads aren’t the best for the harder ones, that tracking stayed on point.

As I had received my unit days before launch, I really didn’t get a chance to properly drain that one AA battery, but Razer promises up to 280 hours of battery life. While that longevity is nice, the downside is that you’d have to stock up on AA batteries, which I’m not really a fan of as there are other things to consider like proper disposal. And again, having that one battery in there makes the mouse heavier and more unbalanced.

Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$129.95 
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Unlike the Razer Viper V2 Pro, which will set you back a whopping $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$259.95, the price of entry for the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed is much closer to the ground. In fact, at $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$129.95, it’s the exact same price as the wired Razer DeathAdder V3, touting the same marquee features but with that cable-free flair so you don’t have to stay tethered to your desk.

However, if you prefer something more lightweight and more premium, the $149 / £149 / AU$279 Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro is certainly worth considering, if you don’t mind the fact that it doesn’t have that smooth-touch finish.

• Value: 4.5 / 5

Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed: Specs

Should you buy the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed: Also consider

How I tested the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed

• Tested the mouse for a couple of days due to time constraint
• Used it for playing PC games and for work
• Put its marquee features through their paces during testing

Usually, we spend at least a week testing a peripheral, including a wireless gaming mouse like the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed. Unfortunately, because I received it at the last minute, I only had two days to properly test its functionality and features, which means that I didn’t really have enough time to drain its battery and see for myself if it does indeed last up to 280 hours at 1,000Hz polling rate.

That said, I was able to spend enough time with the mouse to test the rest, from its marquee features like the smooth-touch finish and more pronounced ergonomics to its actual performance, utilizing it as my main work and gaming laptop for two days.

I’ve been testing and reviewing PC gaming peripherals for about 10 years now. Not only do I have plenty of experience with them, but I know what makes the best ones tick and can intuitively tell you which ones are not worth your time and money.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2023

After plenty of leaks and buzz surrounding the Lenovo Legion Go, the portable gaming device has finally been officially revealed at IFA 2023 in Berlin. For those not in the know, the Legion Go is a PC gaming handheld system similar to both the Steam Deck and especially to the more recent Asus ROG Ally. 

I was able to get my hands on it and take it for a test drive, thoroughly checking out its many features while seeing how well it handles some of the best PC games. Similar to the ROG Ally, this system is breaking through into a new market with features that set it apart from its competition even as it slots into the market of powerful PC portable.

And though both the Legion Go and ROG Ally owe its existence in this growing market to the Steam Deck, the former two are far closer to each other in terms of specs and unique design choices, as well as the use of Windows OS.

It'll definitely be interesting to see how the Legion Go shapes up as we get closer to its launch later in 2023.

Lenovo Legion Go: Price and availability

So far we know that the Lenovo Legion Go I personally tested will be coming to the US on October 2023 for a pretty steep price point of $699 (around £555 / AU$1,090). And though the details are still unknown, Lenovo confirmed with me that there will be additional models coming at a later date, with one being a less expensive version equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z1 rather than the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme that the current model has.

However, we don't have any confirmation on whether it'll launch in other regions like the UK or Australia, or what pricing could look like for said regions. Considering that its competition launched in those regions, we should be seeing the Legion Go in other countries as well.

Lenovo Legion Go: Design

Unlike the Asus ROG Ally's distinctive and stylish white, honeycomb chassis, the Lenovo Legion Go is clearly built for practicality. It's all black, larger and bulkier, and quite a bit heavier at nearly 1.5 pounds. It's packing some serious specs and the handheld is built to handle it, as well as the ventilation.

Its practicability doesn't stop there, with design choices meant to address general console controller issues. The biggest example is the hall effect joysticks which, according to Lenovo, ensures no joystick drift and minimal dead zones. Considering how commonplace those issues are with literally any other console controller or handheld, this improvement sounds like music to my ears.

My favorite part of the Legion Go is its built-in kick stand on the back. It's ideal for long gaming sessions in which holding up a larger portable will not be feasible. I had the Legion Go propped up on the table while playing and by the end I was lamenting that the Steam Deck and ROG Ally didn't have this same feature to make long gaming sessions that much easier.

There's also an incredible mode called FPS mode, in which you can detach the controllers from the side of the system and use the included platform to prop up one of them. This creates a sort of joystick/mouse hybrid that makes FPS and strategy games much easier to play, as you can now simulate the point-and-click ease of a regular mouse. 

Lenovo Legion Go: Performance

It has some pretty impressive specs with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with AMD RNDA Graphics, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, and a micro-SD slot supporting up to 2TB of extra storage. I played both HiFi Rush and PowerWash Simulator to test out the system and see how well it all holds up.

Much like the Asus ROG Ally, the Lenovo Legion Go uses a Zen 4-powered AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU, which had been first developed by the chip maker specifically for the ROG Ally in order to better optimize for a mobile device. And thanks to that initiative, other PC handhelds can benefit from the tech. The GPU is an AMD RNDA Graphics, also featuring AMD’s graphical RDNA3 technology which is a holdover from the ROG Ally.

Ventilation was also impressive - while I played I didn't notice any excessive heating during my gaming session, not even from the top where the largest vent is located. This was a huge issue with the ROG Ally, with it feeling much hotter within a few minutes of gameplay, so it's great to see the larger size of the Legion Go being put to use. It's most likely due to the Coldfront thermal technology featuring a liquid crystal polymer 79-blade fan, keeping the system comfortably cool.

The display is quite good: 8.8-inch QHD+ 16:10 display, up to 500nits brightness, featuring a 97% DCI-P3 color gamut, and up to 144Hz refresh rate. Compared to the ROG Ally, the display is also rather premium and should theoretically run smoothly. However, like the ROG Ally pre-launch, the Legion Go had issues with framerate and latency, with visible stuttering that, while not interfering with gameplay, was still glaringly noticeable. 

It would be a shame if the latter was hamstrung by its own powerful specs and unable to reach its full potential, much like the former did when the framerate was only improved by lowering resolution which trivialized the point of the 1080p display.

The single haptic touchpad on the bottom right is great for navigating the Windows 11 screen, which is the same OS that the ROG Ally runs. But that single addition of the pad makes it much easier to move the cursor around. There was one issue I came across with the haptic touchpad on my test handheld, and that was a bizarre buzzing noise it made when in use. It was only my unit that had the problem, the other ones worked perfectly fine. Hopefully, this is a hiccup that's hammered out of every version of the device upon launch.

The touch screen itself makes it a cinch to open up the main menu directly and switch between installed games. There are also options to have other storefronts like Xbox Games Pass, Steam, EA App, and Epic Games Store’s libraries.

Much like the ROG Ally, you can turn the Legion Go into a mini desktop replacement by connecting a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse thanks to that same Windows 11 OS. Unlike the ROG Ally, the Legion doesn't use Armoury Crate CE, and considering how clunky it could be at times, I don't miss the software in the slightest.

Lenovo Legion Go: Early verdict

Coming from my hands-on experience, the Lenovo Legion Go is a PC gaming portable with tons of potential. It has some great quality-of-life changes and truly innovative modes that fit nearly every playstyle or game genre. It has great specs, an impressive display, and a truly excellent ventilation system. In these areas I believe it to be superior to the ROG Ally and Steam Deck.

However, there were hiccups as well, ranging from minor ones that can easily be fixed before launch, while others could cause performance issues that directly impact how the player needs to configure the system to avoid. 

But if these issues clear up once the Legion Go releases, we could be looking at a true ROG Ally and Steam Deck killer. It has the potential and clearly Lenovo put a lot of love and attention into making this far from a throwaway hunk of plastic. And though this version is priced quite high, the release of cheaper models should help smooth things over with more budget-minded gamers.

Razer BlackWidow V4 75%: Two-minute review

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% does what a lot of the best gaming keyboards do not by providing a little something for everyone. Anyone interested in getting into keyboard modding will have a blast messing with it, while gamers will love the tactile feel, versatility, and performance. Even if you’ll spend most of your time just typing up pages and pages of text, it offers a typing experience that’s up there with any of the best mechanical keyboards.

In short, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is a little beast of a keyboard that might be a bit pricey, but for a good reason. Every element is well-thought to the point that the company even built in what is usually one of the first mods keyboard enthusiasts install (more on that later). Along with all that versatility and performance, the feel of every element from the keycaps to the magnetic wrist rest is on point. 

As you’ll see, there’s a lot to love and not a lot to hate with this keyboard. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of the included switches, you can just replace them.

Before digging in deeper on how customizable this keyboard truly is, it’s worth taking a look at how well-designed this 75% keyboard is. The aluminum case, doubleshot ABS keycaps, and magnetic leatherette wrist rest all have a luxurious feel that you don’t find on more budget keyboards. 

Razer spent just as much time making sure the internals are as thought out. Instead of the usual aluminum top plate, Razer used a FR4 plastic one that’s gasket-mounted, along with the lubricated stabilizers, to improve the keyboard’s acoustics. Along the same line, the bottom PCB is covered in flame-retardant tape, a very thoughtful addition as most people’s first mods include taping up a keyboard’s PCB to absorb higher-frequency sounds. And, if that wasn’t enough, this all sits on two layers of sound-dampening foam.

Considering that all these design decisions are made with modders in mind, it’s crucial that users have the ability to heavily personalize the keyboard. Thankfully, Razer has seen to that. Using the included 2-in-1 puller, removing keycaps and switches is a cinch, though the switches do require a little careful elbow grease. And, since the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is capable of accepting both three- and five-pin switches, you can put in whatever you like. Lastly, on the modding front, you can access and replace internals after just removing six screws situated underneath.

However, let’s not forget this is a gaming keyboard as well and, as all things Razer, still looks it. And, that’s not a bad thing at all. RGB lighting shines bright here as the light emanates not only through the translucent characters on the keycaps, but from underneath as they float slightly above the case. RGB zones also line the size and back of the keyboard for a truly illuminating offering.

Criticizing the performance of the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% can be a bit tough insofar that if you’re not a fan of the switches, you can just change them. With a polling rate of 8,000Hz through a USB connection, it can go as fast as you. 

That said, it does come fitted with Razer’s third generation orange tactile switches, which are not my favorite. While their actuation force of 50g is not bad at all (the other Razer switches are 45g), its actuation point of 2.0mm is not that impressive compared to what I’ve seen elsewhere in the gaming keyboard world including other offerings from Razer. Of course, Razer’s yellow switches offer a more (competitive) gamer-friendly 1.2mm actuation point. However, that’s really a point of preference that’s easily switched out. After all, I usually prefer the feel of linear switches to tactile ones.

Still, typing on here is a dream even though these aren’t my preferred switches. The keycaps have a nice, textured feel with a concave shape that allows for comfortable and accurate pressing. And, all those internal accommodations really make a difference as keypresses are smooth and quiet while still providing the satisfying click of a mechanical keyboard.

Even though the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% didn’t come with my favorite type of switches, I had no problem gaming with them, easily making my way through games like Control, Far Cry 6, and Rocket League without so much as a missed press. In Rocket League specifically, I had to remap a few keys for mouse presses (my mouse had died mid-review) and was able to get quick results using just the keyboard in the game.

Speaking of, the Razer Synapse and Chroma Studio apps are pretty comprehensive and user-friendly. All the keys are fully-programmable (except the media keys) with a whole host of functions available from macros to launching programs and more. Razer’s Hypershift is available as well so you can create secondary functions for just about every key. And, of course, with Chroma, you can individualize all the keycap and RGB zones to your liking as well as set the RGB to more interactive settings such as ambient awareness and audio meter.

Razer BlackWidow V4 75%: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? Starting at $189.99 / £189.99 / AU$349.95 
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

There’s no way around it: this premium entry from Razer has a price tag to match. The cost of entry for the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is $189.99 / £189.99 / AU$349.95, and that’s if you get it in black. It will also be available in white later this fall for a little more, specifically $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$369.95.

Getting a hot-swappable keyboard is not cheap, but there are alternatives that won’t set you back quite as much. Plenty of smaller, boutique brands offer attractive options such as the KiiBOOM Phantom 81 with its price of $159 / £128 / AU$233.18 are excellent to type on and allow for hot-swapping, though that particular model doesn’t come with a wrist rest or quite the same speedy gaming performance.

A more interesting comparison is the Cooler Master CK720. This keyboard, also from an established gaming brand, goes for a much cheaper $115.99 / £93.07 / AU$172.67 and is quite the little keeb in both looks and performance. However, it can be tricky to replace the top plate.

That said, this new entry into Razer’s BlackWidow product line justified its price with a lot of the little things added in such as the preemptive tape mod and gasket stabilizers. Plus, with its absurdly high polling rate, you can easily turn this into a keyboard for competitive gaming when using the right switches. Plus, you can use both 3-pin and 5-pin switches allowing you to install a wide range of options. If you want one of the other gen-3 proprietary switches from Razer to replace the orange ones it comes stock with, you’ll have to pay just $24.99 (about £20 / AU$39).

Be sure to check out all the latest Razer promo codes for ways to save on this keyboard and more peripherals from the popular gaming manufacturer.

• Price: 4 / 5 

Razer BlackWidow V4 75%: Specs

Should you buy the Razer BlackWidow V4 75%?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Razer BlackWidow V4 75%: Also consider

How I tested the Razer BlackWidow V4 75%

• Used regularly for three days
• Tested with all sorts of games
• Tested all included features

I used the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Gaming Keyboard Gaming Headset regularly for three days. I used it with a number of games including Gotham Knights, Control, Far Cry 6, and Rocket League as well as did quite a bit of writing on it.

I looked at other aspects beyond performance, of course. I played with its programmable features, whether it’s remapping or adjusting RGB, and also looked at how easy it was to remove and replace parts of the keyboard.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and mice, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2023

Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL: Two-minute review

The Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL is another casualty of the mini tax, with Razer slapping an unbelievably massive price tag on it despite its compact form. To be fair, it isn’t the first low-profile TKL that feels like it’s committing highway robbery (Logitech G915 Lightspeed TKL sat at the same price point when it came out three years ago.) But you’d think by now that manufacturers could afford to make small tech without charging a premium.

I’ve said it before, however, and I’ll say it again: I’d pay that premium for a top-quality keyboard, and the Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL is undoubtedly that. It follows in the footsteps of the original Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro, one of the best gaming keyboards we’ve ever had the pleasure of reviewing, which means it’s got the same low profile, the same short actuation, and the same impeccable wireless connection.

More importantly, it also lives up to the lofty standard that the original has set in terms of performance, but it’s also better due to it being much more compact (80mm smaller, to be exact) with the exclusion of the numpad. It certainly deserves a place in our best wireless keyboards and best keyboards list.

Bear in mind that the Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL is a tenkeyless keyboard, which means that while it’s space-saving, you still won’t miss out on those dedicated arrow keys that are vital for productivity. 

Naturally, it’s lighter as well, knocking 32.5g off the full version, making it travel-friendly. 

Yes, I know, there are mini keyboards that are just as thin and even more compact, and one of them would be a much better choice if you need something to just toss in your backpack, but if you’re looking to play games during your travels or your working holiday, it’s the one to grab.

You’re also getting that low-profile floating keycap design that allows the gorgeous and highly-customizable RGB lighting to shine through, as well as some extra keys like the media button and multi-function roller. Pressing FN + End gives you some secondary key functions as well.

Instead of PBT keycaps, Razer opted for the cheaper and less durable ABS keycaps, but they should still last you for years, and I personally like that smoother finish. 

Just be prepared to commit to cleaning them regularly as they are more susceptible to oil buildup, especially if you’ve got particularly oily fingers. To make it more robust, the manufacturer did reinforce the keyboard with an aluminum top plate and its keycaps some Hyperguard coating to minimize fade and scratches.

There are several connectivity options available for versatility. Naturally, it has Razer’s 2.4Ghz HyperSpeed Wireless via the included wireless dongle, but it’s also got three Bluetooth 5.0 connections so you can connect four different sources at once and easily switch from one to the other. And you won’t have to worry about losing that dongle when traveling, as there is a garage underneath. 

If you prefer to stay tethered for the most reliable connection, however, you can connect it to your laptop or PC with the included USB-C cable. That means that you can also use it while charging.

You’ll need the Razer Synapse app for key remapping and to set your Hypershift (secondary) functions to any key as well as turn on "Game Mode,” which essentially disables certain keys or combination of keys, such as the Windows key or Alt + Tab, to prevent accidental presses when you’re playing a game. To finetune your RGB lighting and effects, however, you’ll need to also install Razer Chroma.

Apart from that, the Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL requires no tweaking. It’s an absolute pleasure to use, despite the fact that its keys do feel slightly mushy. The keycaps are soft to the touch, and the optical switches are lightning fast, boasting an actuation of 1.2mm and requiring only 45g of force. That allows it to be very responsive, even with minimal pressure, which I also found helps keep finger and wrist fatigue at bay.

Testing this with Battlefield 2042 and Cyberpunk 2077, it allowed me to move quickly, call up special weapons practically at will, and do fast consecutive presses without missing a beat. It proved to be fast and dead accurate. In fact, there’s this one move in Kena: Bridge of Spirits that I couldn’t quite pull off on other gaming keyboards – when you have to block an enemy at the precise moment to stun them – that I managed to finally do on this one because of its speed. 

It was very satisfying, to say the least.

Lastly, there's the battery life, which Razer rates as 50 hours per charge. While I didn't religiously track my usage, it did last me a week of about 6-8 hours of use per day before needing to recharge. That's not too shabby, considering I had the RGB lighting turned up.

Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$349
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

As I mentioned earlier in this review, the Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL costs just as much as the Logitech G915 Lightspeed TKL did when it came out three years ago. So, in a way and factoring in inflation, it's actually better value. However, it's still a pretty expensive piece of kit that not many would be willing to pay for a PC gaming accessory.

At $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$349, it's more than just a pricey proposition. It's actually a luxurious purchase, especially considering that there are more affordable options out there. Still, if you want fast performance and short, light actuation in a portable, thin and light chassis, it might just be worth the splurge.

If you simply can't afford to purchase it due to a tight budget, the aforementioned Logitech option is cheaper these days. Or you can get a wired option like the Corsair K70 RGB TKL that's more than $100 / £100 less.

• Value: 4 / 5

Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL: Specs

Should you buy the Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL: Also consider

How I tested the Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL

• Spent a couple of weeks testing the keyboard
• Used it for gaming and for work
• Tested it with games like Battlefield 2042, Cyberpunk 2077 and Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Testing the Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL for about two weeks, I didn't just use it for gaming. Although I did use it to play games like Battlefield 2042, Cyberpunk 2077 and Kena: Bridge of Spirits in order to test its responsiveness and speed, I also spent a lot of time typing all my articles and doing admin work on it to really get a feel of its comfort and see how long its battery life will last.

I've been testing gaming keyboards and other PC gaming peripherals for about 10 years. As a keyboard enthusiast, I also own a collection of mechanical keyboards that I've amassed over the years.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2023

Razer Cobra Pro: Two-minute review

The Razer Cobra Pro mouse is my new daily driver.  No one is more surprised about the fact it could be a contender for best gaming mouse, I promise. Still, It’s a well deserved win for the Cobra Pro, which combines all of the high-end gaming tech of Razer’s other mice and wrapping it in a cleanly designed shell that, improbably, weighs just 77g.

It’s a mouse that does most things pretty well, but that sizzle is what Razer does best. Taking a simple chassis and putting lots of the best gadgetry into it isn’t a groundbreaking concept, but there’s an art to getting something that feels this polished, and it’s why the Cobra Pro could be a contender for this year’s best mouse.

Of course when you’re looking at the Cobra Pro’s design, the first thing you’ll notice is the underglow, which makes it look like something out of a Fast and Furious movie than a mouse. There are 11 different zones for Chroma support, and most of them provide the soft customisable glow that kicks out from under the mouse. Usually RGB lighting comes with a little bit of cringe, but it only took a tiny bit of tweaking in Razer’s Synapse software to get a soft purple glow that looks great. The Razer logo and a light beneath the scroll wheel also pump out bright colour, and it’s the only real bit of flair the mouse has. 

Otherwise, the mouse does a lot of things right, but it’s quiet about it: it’s a simple symmetrical design with a subdued look. The skates feel high quality, and I like the rubberised grip on the sides, but it doesn’t seem to be replaceable and is definitely the thing that will wear out first. If you’ve seen one of Razer’s Viper Mini, that’s basically what the Cobra Pro looks like. 

The weight, 77g, is less than the company’s Basilisk V3 Pro all-round mouse, which weighs in at 112g, but the weight distribution did feel a little unusual. I play a lot of first-person shooters, and while digging into Battlebit Remastered and Escape From Tarkov over the last few days it felt easy to adjust to the change from the Deathadder. However, the weight feels a little closer to the rear of the mouse. With huge hands this isn’t really a problem, but it could feel a little sluggish for those with smaller hands. 

There’s the usual suite of buttons: your left and right click, a scroll wheel, and two buttons on the side. DPI buttons below the scroll wheel let you adjust sensitivity on the fly. These buttons are a real highlight, using Gen-3 Razer Optical Switches that make them feel light and precise whether you’re messing with a spreadsheet or clicking on heads. 

A close second is the 30K optical setting, which is overkill for me (I usually run a mouse at 3200 DPI) but does make movement feel silky smooth. If you have the Mouse Dock Pro — which you can buy bundled in or separately — you can also get magnetic wireless charging and 4K Hyperpolling through the Cobra Pro’s 2.4ghz wireless. 

It’s one of the first mice I’ve seen in a while to offer the choice of Bluetooth, 2.4 Wireless (1K or 4K polling), or wired. I’ve opted largely for the 2.4 Wireless with 1K polling and haven’t noticed any latency or reliability issues. With the bundled-in cable, you’ll probably want a mouse bungee as the cable is quite stiff and I felt some pull. There’s also the option to save five different memory profiles, which I played with a bit but didn’t see much of a use for. 

As I’ve touched on above, the mouse is reliable and crisp. The buttons feel solid in use, and even sliding it around a desk it’s kept up with everything I’ve asked it to do, so far. 

You have a few different options for how you use the mouse. I felt some latency using it with Bluetooth, which was fine for productivity but isn’t really okay for high-pressure shootouts. The mouse with a cable is probably totally usable with the aforementioned bungee, but honestly I think I’ll just stick to wireless. 

The battery life is claimed to be 100 hours. I’ve been using the mouse constantly for around a week and have only had to charge it once, but I’ve also turned on a lot of low-battery settings to ensure I don’t get caught short mid-game. 

I’m using the mouse with a tempered glass mat, but even using it on a normal wooden desk it’s not missing a beat.

Razer Cobra Pro: Price & availability

• How much does it cost?  $130 / £129.99 / AU$234.95 
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Let’s be honest, the price on the Cobra Pro is going to be the sticking point for many. It looks like you’re paying just for the shiny RGBs, but the price is probably worth it, mostly, for the optical switches and the beefy sensor. 

It’s about the same price as the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro and honestly I’d feel happy recommending either to just about everyone. Right now though, you can also get the Logitech G502 X Plus for about the same price, with the G502 X offering similar specs but an 106g weight if you prefer something a little weightier.   

• Value: 4 / 5

Razer Cobra Pro: Specs

Should you buy the Razer Cobra Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Razer Cobra Pro: Also consider

How I tested the Razer Cobra Pro

• Tested it for a full week
• Used it for both work and gaming
• Tested it with several different PC games and work-related apps

I used the mouse solidly for a week for both work and gaming. This was around 100 hours of usage using it anywhere you might expect to use your mouse. 

I spent some time in Kovacs Aim Trainer using the mouse to compare it to my previous scores but also played shooters Battlebit Remastered, DayZ and Escape From Tarkov to test it out. I rounded this out with clicking through several spreadsheets and this website’s own CMS for a more mellow approach, but played some Victoria 3 too to round out the gameathon. 

I’ve been reviewing games for 13 years, and playing games mostly on PC for 15. I’m “a little extra” when it comes to mice, because it’s important to get any advantage you can get when you’re playing a shooter but also in your 30s. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed July 2023

Choosing between two gaming headsets as good as the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) and the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed comes down to figuring out what’s most important to you. Whether that’s fit, sound signature, or features, there’s almost always a winner, even when the differences are slight. 

Considering these two measure up pretty well in many areas, picking one is not that straightforward as they’re both among the best gaming headsets available right now. In fact, they’re good enough to handle more than gaming audio and can cover the same territory, i.e. listening to music, that the best headphones do.

Since these are both a bit pricey, most people won’t be able to get both. So, to help you figure out which one is the best wireless gaming headset for you, we’ll compare the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) and the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed in a variety of aspects to see if one is objectively better and where one might work better for your needs. 

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) vs Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed: Price 

Both the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) and the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed are pretty new, having been released in April and June of 2023, respectively. And, as relatively new models, they’re among the latest and greatest, at least in our opinion, gaming headsets available right now. 

While both models hit that mid to upper-mid-range price point, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is the cheaper of the two, coming in at $199.99 (about £199.99, AU$300). While the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed’s price tag of $249 / €269 (about AU$375) is not significantly higher, a $50 difference is enough for some people to choose the Razer over the Logitech.

That said, they both offer a decent value for their price. After all, you can spend $300+ on models like the Audeze Maxwell or the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless that, as excellent as they are, come with some pretty hefty price tags. 

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) vs Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed: Features

When it comes to features, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) and the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed seem to itch different scratches. They’re both feature-rich with plenty of app support, but the highlighted features of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) are laser-focused on supporting competitive gamers while those of the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed try to create a more immersive experience.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), for instance, might support spatial audio (THX Spatial Audio, specifically), but that’s not really a priority with this headset. Instead, it comes with a number of FPS game-specific EQ profiles tuned with the help of pro gamers, along with more general EQ profiles, that can be accessed on-the-fly through a physical button on the headset itself. 

Additionally, Razer thoughtfully included an amazingly clear boom mic, which has a startlingly high 32kHz sampling rate and is good enough that you most likely won’t ever feel compelled to invest in the best USB mic. Plus, you can do plenty of processing through the Razer Synapse app to isolate or adjust your voice including a 10-band EQ.

The Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed, on the other hand, is less Esports-focused. Its mic is not nearly as crisp sounding, though it does a fine job of minimizing ambient noise. And, there’s a ridiculous amount of adjustments available in the G Hub app, though a good chunk of the mic-related features are fun effects that are more whimsical than useful.

Instead, where the Logitech headset mostly shines is its malleable application of its DTS spatial audio. Not only can you set games to load a specific audio profile when launched, but some of them, such as Cyberpunk 2077, have their own tuned environmental profile aka spatial audio. Additionally, there’s a Super Stereo mode that does a fantastic job of adding in some of that immersion that spatial audio offers while still keeping a stereo image, a feature that works surprisingly well on music. 

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) vs Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed: Performance

Both headsets compared here sound really good with wide soundstages and the kind of accurate imaging you need when gaming. However, they sound different enough that most will prefer one over the other, which is probably due to the fact that the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) sports 50mm titanium drivers while the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed 50mm has graphene ones.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is the brighter of the two with a detailed high-end that you want when playing FPS games. Its mid-range is nice and full so, even though it’s brighter, it’s not thin-sounding. The low-end is probably the weak spot as it’s a bit anemic on default settings. While you can EQ in more bass, a more balanced bottom end would have been appreciated.

The Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed, on the hand, is a more relaxed-sounding headset. Interestingly, even though it’s on the warmer side, it still manages to retain all the detail in the high end. The mid-range is rich without coming across as muddy – always a concern with warmer sounding headphones. The low-end hits much harder than the Razer headset, but manages to sound big without overpowering the rest of the frequency range. If there’s one issue with the Logitech’s sound quality, it’s when enabling surround sound. It emphasizes the mid-range so much that it becomes overpowering, requiring some EQ adjustments when using spatial audio.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) vs Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed: Design

Whichever feature set or sound signature you prefer, you’ll end up with a comfortable headset. Both options are decently but not impressively light with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) weighing in at 320g while the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed sits at 345g. Additionally, they come with just the right amount of clamping force to stay in place securely without the possibility of giving you a pressure-related headache.

In the looks department, both headsets strive for an elegant gamer design that is simple, attractive and will probably age better than many gaming headsets. The Razer keeps the classic look that Blackshark models have sported for a longtime, somewhat resembling the headphones pilots use. The Logitech also stays true to its Pro line of headsets, which feature rounded ear cups with a circular glossy shield that contrasts nicely with the matte finish of the rest of the headset. They’re both available in just black and white colorways (Razer does have a “Six Siege Special Edition” available at the time of writing).

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) vs Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed: Battery life 

If there’s one area where there’s a clear and undisputed winner, it’s battery life. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) offers an astounding 70 hours of use on a single charge. That’s a vast improvement over the 2020 version of this headset that only offered 24. On top of that, if you somehow manage to fully drain the battery before charging it, a 15-minute fast charge will offer an additional six hours of use.

On the other hand, the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed offers a generally very good 50 hours of use on a single charge, which unfortunately looks underwhelming next to the Razer headset. Additionally, it doesn’t seem to offer any quick or fast charging capability. Of course, what the Logitech headset is capable of is more than enough for most gamers, especially if you don’t plan on using it outside of your gaming rig and can plug it in every now and then.

 Which gaming headset is right for you? 

Choosing between the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) and the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed comes down to whether you play more competitive games or more immersive titles. While you can use either headset for just about any type of gaming, the Razer headset comes with more features as well as a sound signature more suited to competitive games. The Logitech, with its emphasis on spatial audio, is a more all-around type gaming headset that lends itself more to open-world exploring.

Still, these are both very capable headsets and either will probably meet most gamers’ demands. But, your own gaming preferences will probably determine which one is right for you. 

Razer has launched a new collection of gaming accessories based on the popular title PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, as part of a new partnership with Korean gaming conglomerate KRAFTON Inc.

There isn’t anything new in the lineup. The company is simply taking some of its older products and giving them a fresh coat of black and yellow paint inspired by the in-game desert map Miramar. But Razer isn’t skimping players out as the brand has selected some of its best peripherals to make up the trio. 

You have the Razer Huntsman V2 keyboard whose tenkeyless version made it onto TechRadar’s list of the best gaming keyboards. Like the smaller model, the Huntsman V2 PUBG Edition comes with the company’s proprietary Optical Switches, utilizing infrared light to register key presses instead of metal-to-metal contact. These switches offer users a “true 8,000 HZ polling rate” to deliver a lightning-fast 0.2ms response time. That level of response could mean the difference between losing or earning the coveted Winner Winner Chicken Dinner victory screen.

Comfort and precision

Next are the Razer Barracuda X, a pair of headphones that we really like for its great sound quality as well as its long battery life. Razer claims it can last 20 hours on a single charge, although in our review, we were able to stretch the battery out “a few extra hours”. It may not be as high quality as something like the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, one of the best gaming headsets right now. But at the very least, the Barracuda X supports spatial audio for extra immersion. These headphones can connect wirelessly to other gaming platforms so you can hop over to your PS5 seamlessly. 

You can pre-order the PUBG Editions of both the Huntsman V2 and Barracuda on Razer’s website for just a little more than their base models. The keyboard will run you $229.99/€289.99 while the headphones cost $129.99/169.99. Shipping date is set for July 17 unless you pay an extra $10 to get them sent out on July 13.

What you can buy right now is the third device in the collection: the Viper V2 Pro PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Edition. It’s a wireless gaming mouse known for its comfortable, lightweight design. The Razer Viper V2 Pro is a great pick for shooting games. PUBG matches can last a while after all, so you might as well be comfortable. Other notable features include optical switches like those on the Huntsman V2 for fast response times plus a battery life of up to 80 hours. You purchase the PUBG version of the Viper V2 Pro also on Razer's website for $169.99.

While we have you, be sure to check TechRadar’s list of the best budget gaming PCs for 2023 if you’re looking to get a new rig to play PUBG on without breaking the bank.

After over six months of waiting, pre-orders are officially open for Samsung’s new flagship gaming monitor: the Odyssey OLED G95SC.

For $2,200, you get a massive 49-inch, 1800R curved display with a resolution of 5,120 x 1440 pixels (or Dual Quad High Definition) and an aspect ratio of 32:9. Powering everything is the company’s own Neo Quantum Processor Pro SOC (system-on-a-chip) ensuring top level performance from a lightning fast response of 0.03ms to a refresh rate of 240 Hz. All this results in velvety smooth gameplay with little to no lag whatsoever. 

To top it all off, the Odyssey OLED G95 comes with multiple image-enhancing features from AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to DisplayHDR True Black 400 so players can enjoy vivid colors and deep black. 

Suffice it to say, this monitor is packing some serious power. 

Hands-on experience

There's been a lot of hype surrounding the Odyssey OLED G95SC. Given our latest experience with the monitor, that hype could be well warranted.

Recently, TechRadar Computing Staff Writer Alisa James got her hands on the Odyssey OLED G95SC and sufficed it to say, she was impressed. She enjoyed how well the games ran thanks to the high refresh rate and “speedy 0.03ms response time.” All the high-tech hardware was able to create an experience “that felt more immersive than” she had felt "from any game in years.” The on-device speakers pumped out a "crystal clear sound". And of course, the curved monitor played a significant role in that immersion by giving an ultra-wide view of the in-game environment.

Because people are so used to flat screens, the curvature may worry some who worry about neck strain. However, according to Alisa, she “never felt eye or neck strain” during her time with the Odyssey OLED G95SC, although it did take some getting used to. On-screen proportions are different from a standard monitor. 

Availability

Pre-orders are currently open on Samsung's website, but only to those living in the United States. The shipping and launch date is set for June 26. $2,200 may be a tough pill to swallow so the company is offering some payment plans to make the purchase more manageable. If you indeed pre-order, Samsung will give you a $250 gift card to go with it. It’s unknown if and when the monitor will release to countries like the UK or Australia. If it does in the future, we expect to see a price tag of about £1,999 and AU$3,265

Up to this point, we’ve been specifically mentioning the G95SC. That’s because the company will be launching a second model later in 2023. The Odyssey OLED G93SC, as it’s known, will still have the signature 49-inch, 1800R display alongside most of the other features. It’ll, however, lack the Neo Quantum Processor Pro chipset as well as some software tools like the Gaming Hub. 

We reached out to Samsung for more information on the launch date of the G93 model (the announcement mentions sometime in Q3 2023) plus when people can expect an international rollout of the G95 model. This story will be updated at a later time.

For other more affordable options, make sure to check out our best ultrawide monitors guide.

Update 6-14-2023: We recently discovered the Odyssey OLED G95SC is also available for pre-order in the UK for £1,999. However, instead of a $250 gift card, Samsung will give users a free portable 2TB T7 SSD.

Apple gaming is as robust as it's ever been but is still lacking, with many Windows-based blockbusters and recent titles still not available on macOS. But thanks to new software, that could change for the better.

During WWDC 2023, Apple revealed plans for Windows PC game emulation with its new Game Porting Toolkit, which would allow anyone with the knowledge to use a DX11/DX12 Wine-like translation layer to bring Windows games to Mac systems, according to VideoCardZ. The company responsible for this software is called CodeWeavers, and its CrossOver app is one that allows Windows apps to be emulated on macOS through the Game Porting Toolkit in the first place.

It’s important to note that right now the software isn’t perfect, as even Wine translation still has plenty of bugs to fix or optimizations to make to keep it running smoothly, so it’s not reasonable to expect a flawless port right out of the box using the Game Porting Toolkit. Despite this, it seems that modders have already gotten titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Diablo IV to run on both the M1 and M2 Mac systems using the new software toolset. 

Gamers have reported Cyberpunk 2077 running at below 15 fps on the M1 system with Ultra settings, and at about 40 fps with Ultra settings on M2 Max. Diablo IV and other titles like Hogwarts Legacy or GTA Vice City run quite well on M2 Max chips.

Diablo IV on M2 Max using macOS Sonoma and game porting toolkit from r/macgaming

Mac gaming continues to evolve

Apple announced other Mac gaming news during WWDC 2023 as well, with surprise guest Hideo Kojima revealing that he would not only be bringing Death Stranding Director’s Cut to Mac systems but his studio’s future titles as well. As you can imagine, this is huge news considering the level of prestige and recognition that he carries in the gaming industry.

As I previously discussed in depth, Kojima’s partnership with Apple could be what the tech giant needs to jumpstart Mac gaming again, getting more titles to play natively on macOS. And on the heels of this reveal is one in which Apple is making it possible for gamers to play any of the best PC games currently available only on Windows.

Though it doesn’t run perfectly and the framerate can sometimes wildly differ between games, the fact that titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Diablo IV can run at all is incredible. Hopefully, this could inspire Apple to continue to establish partnerships with various studios, bringing even more recent titles to macOS. 

Having a robust lineup of games is key to garnering more interest in Mac gaming, which would help Apple increase its market share in the PC market.

Famed game developer and director Hideo Kojima made an appearance during Apple’s annual WWDC 2023 conference. And, more than that, he announced that Death Stranding Director’s Cut will be making its way to Apple Mac “later this year.” He also stated that any other future Kojima Productions' titles will be coming to the platform.

While this is exciting news in its own right, the possible implications of this reveal are even more so. I’ve written about the future of Mac gaming and, though it’s still something I believe in, it certainly needs a push. And Kojima's revelation could be just what Apple needs to get the ball rolling again.

The current state of Mac gaming

Right now, there’s a decent library of titles available to Mac devices including Crusader Kings 3, Stardew Valley, Hades, No Man’s Sky, Minecraft, EVE Online, and Disco Elysium. Not to mention the two games that Apple can’t seem to stop bragging about: Resident Evil Village. And we can see why, as its incredible performance showcases what Mac is truly capable of.

But here’s the problem: all those games I mentioned are older titles. And for any platform to stay relevant to gamers, your library must continue to evolve and grow. And sadly, we haven’t seen growth or evolution from Apple, which doesn’t bode well for its future.

The good news is that during Kojima’s speech at WWDC, he stated that he's been "a die-hard Apple fan since I bought my first Mac back in 1994” and that “we are entering a new era for gaming on the Mac.” It’s great news that he’s so optimistic about Mac gaming, because that energy and passion is exactly what Apple needs to jumpstart this initiative again.

How Kojima could change all that

Hideo Kojima is currently one of the most well-known developers and general gaming figures out there, with millions of fans across the globe who immediately recognize him and his most famous franchise, Metal Gear Solid. And once he went independent and created his own studio, Kojima Productions, those same fans supported its first title Death Stranding, which received critical acclaim.

If there’s a single person who could change the general perception of Mac gaming, it’s someone as distinguished as Kojima. His opinion is a trusted one and the statements he shared during the keynote are incredibly strong ones. 

He’s not one to mince his opinion or give false statements for clout either. His official Twitter account for his movie and game opinions alone shows that. If he’s truly passionate about a product or media, he openly conveys his enthusiasm, and if not, he’s as dry as a burnt piece of toast. So you know he means what he says about Apple gaming.

The future of Mac gaming

There’s plenty of potential in Mac gaming, from the actual performance of games that run on the platform and No Man’s Sky finally debuting on Mac just before WWDC, to highly revered figures like Hideo Kojima giving it his personal blessing as he pushes his own titles on it. 

Though performance alone isn’t enough. Apple’s bizarre track record of often failing to regularly display its incredible performance with new titles (Resident Evil is not enough Apple!) is proof. We also have yet to see if Apple will take advantage of the new gamers flocking to No Man’s Sky. 

But Kojima is most likely the most powerful force in promoting Mac gaming. And once enough eyes are on Mac gaming, Apple needs to take this publicity and capitalize on it. No more cycles of investment and then radio silence until the concept fades from public perception. 

Apple, don’t waste this opportunity that Kojima has given you!

Taipei weather is no joke, y’all. A few days in the city for Computex 2023, and I feel like I’ve already lost half my body weight, not from walking around all day every day but from all the sweat pouring out of every single pore on my body. It was a struggle, and you can imagine how tempting it was for me to plant myself at every spot where there’s a nice cool draft or where AC is blasting.

So when I decided to stop by the Cougar booth to check out what it’s got in its lineup this year, it seemed like great timing when I was offered a seat in the new Cougar NxSys Aero, a throne that, whaddya know, comes with a built-in fan to keep its occupant nice and breezy during intense moments… you know, like Computex.

The Cougar NxSys Aero, to all intents and purposes, is a gaming chair and not just designed for the humid Taipei weather. Whereas brands like Cooler Master are really committing to gaming chairs that do everything but fly – well, at least not yet anyway – especially with the new Motion1 haptic gaming chair that seems to be the talk of the town right now joining previous releases like Orb X and Synk X, Cougar is keeping to the basics.

And while it’s not a blow-you-away kind of product that attracts crowds at a convention, it’s certainly something that a lot of gamers do need.

Not a new concept

The idea of adding cooling or even heating to a chair is not exactly new. Cooler Master is also doing something similar, so is Mavix, and so is this random gaming chair on Amazon that blows air up your butt, which is very strange. 

But Cougar claims to be doing something different with the NxSys Aero in that it not only comes with an integrated 200mm fan, set inside the backrest to direct the air towards its occupant’s back, but the middle of that backrest is also made of elastomeric mesh with a ventilated back cover, so you’re not just getting that gentle breeze where you need it most, but you can also enjoy breathable hammock-like support.

Another aspect that sets it apart is the fan’s ARGB, which means that you can switch the lighting up to suit your mood or match your current aesthetic. I’m not quite sure, though, if Cougar is planning to roll out app support to make the lighting fully customizable. Currently, it only has an RGB lighting button on one side of the backrest that allows you to cycle through the seven different effects available. But a lot could happen between now and its release later this year.

As to when that is, Cougar hasn’t been specific.

Soft gentle cooling

I know that the idea of having a fan constantly blowing directly on your back from that close sounds a little alarming, but this isn’t like standing in front of a running fan with your back towards it. The truth is, I too was hesitant at first, but it really didn’t feel like there’s a fan in there. 

In fact, I hardly felt a breeze at all. I was getting more of a gentle and gradual cooling sensation, as if there was a cooling pad in there instead of a fan. And, I’m pretty sure Cougar designed it that way so it’s not a shock to your system, and you won’t feel the need to constantly fidget with the controls because you’re getting too much air on your back.

Even more impressive is that I was told by Cougar representatives that it can run up to 50 hours on a fully-charged 20,000mAh portable battery, which you stow in the battery compartment in the back. This is a brilliant design choice as it not only offers longevity, but you also don’t have to worry about tripping on a cable because you have to keep it plugged in or constantly charge it because the battery won’t last long – the Elemax console on my Mavix M9 won’t even last half a day! The only catch is that you have to buy that power bank separately as it’s not included in the package.

More affordable than you think

Luckily, the Cougar NxSys Aero won’t cost you a lot. Of course, I cannot tell you for certain that it is a worthwhile investment. During my short time with it at Computex, it was comfortable and effective. But only after I put it through its paces can I really know whether or not it delivers as promised.

Still, true to Cougar fashion, this chair is only $399, putting it in the same price range as some of the best gaming chairs on the market. So, even if you rarely turn that fan on, you’re really still getting your money’s worth.

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Two-minute review

Let’s get one thing out of the way – the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 is expensive. There’s really not much to complain about this monitor, unless you need a much higher refresh rate, a larger screen, or a more impressive HDR. This model makes for a great gaming monitor and is just as great for productivity. But, you have to pay quite a bit to get it.

Many, but not all, of the best 4K monitors are at least a couple hundred dollars/pounds cheaper. You don’t have to drop that kind of money to get one of the best gaming monitors. That said, getting a 32-inch 4K monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate right now is not a cheap proposition. For example, the Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144, which shares a lot of the same specs including decent but not great HDR as well as size, resolution, and refresh rate, almost hits that painful $1,000 / £1,000 mark.

So, if you can swallow the fact that you’ll be dropping quite a bit of hard-earned cash on a display like this, then you’re in for a visual treat. Just be aware that you’ll want to spend a little more for your audio, whether that’s investing in a headset or some external computer speakers, as the built-in speakers are mediocre at best.

Luckily, there’s much more happening with the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 gaming monitor than the fact that it comes with speakers. To start, it comes with a fairly compact base that doesn’t require a lot of desk space. And, though rudimentary, the stand has built-in cable management to keep a clean-looking desk.

More interestingly, the panel is pretty thin with similarly tiny “near edgeless” bezels. There’s also a decent amount of articulation available, particularly the ability to swivel 30 degrees in either direction, tilt down 5 and up 22 degrees, and adjust the height by a total of 5.3 inches.

For just a little bit of flair, the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 comes with some RGB lighting. Unlike what I’ve seen on other monitors, it’s more than decoration. Billed as “smart” RGB lighting, it will do things like pulse when a source is turned on or off and change color when switching inputs.

While that’s a nice feature and adds some nice ambiance during use, what I appreciate much more is the port selection. Next-gen console users will especially appreciate the two HDMI 2.1 ports that let you play your Playstation 5 in 4K at 120Hz as well as take advantage of HDR. Likewise, any Ultrabook user looking to also get some work done will love the fact that the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 comes with a USB-C port complete with up to 75W power delivery, more than enough to keep my 2020 MacBook Pro charged.

There are some features hardcore gamers may not care about but multi-source users like me will, specifically the inclusion of PiP / PBP and KVM via the included USB hub. PiP (Picture-in-Picture) and PBP (Picture-by-Picture) work as expected and are great if you need to see two sources at the same time.

However, the KVM is more important. You can plug a keyboard and mouse into the USB hub and use it with both your USB-C source and one other source. Unfortunately, since you have to connect the single USB upstream port to whichever other HDMI or DisplayPort source you want to use, you can only use KVM between two sources. And, one of them has to be connected via USB-C. So, if you plan on going between two sources, you’ll probably need a standalone KVM switch.

With or without the KVM, the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 is a pleasure to use. Its 31.5-inch IPS panel affords you plenty of screen real estate, particularly when running it at its native 4K resolution. Images are crisp, whether gaming, watching a movie, or just doing some work, thanks to its almost 140 PPI pixel density. In fact, it’s almost too much screen. Any bigger and I would need some curvature to see the whole thing.

Add in a speedy refresh rate of 144Hz and 0.2ms response time, and anything you’re doing is going to look very smooth. Not quite the level of those super-fast refresh rate monitors we’ve reviewed recently, but fast enough to where you won’t notice any ghosting or latency. Only the most competitive gamers might have an issue here. As I’ve noticed with high-refresh rate monitors like the Alienware AW2524H, beyond a certain point, you feel the difference more than you see it.

For me at least, this is more than fast enough. My gaming experience is just as immersive as displays with faster refresh rates, regardless of whether I’m running around the maintenance sector of Control or avoiding getting killed (again) by a tank in Battlefield 2042. 

Add to that the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30’s color coverage and accuracy as well as HDR and gaming sessions come alive with vibrancy. Specifically, this monitor covers 112% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3 with a 10-bit color depth. It also comes pre-calibrated from the factory with a delta E<2.

As far as HDR goes, you’re getting Vesa Certified HDR400. This is leagues better than the monitors that purport HDR support or HDR10 as you don’t get that washed-out look when turning HDR on. But, it’s the most entry-level option of the Vesa Certified options, meaning that you’ll get some better contrast, especially in dark areas of the screen. However, turning it on is not going to blow you away.

Lastly, a quick note about the speakers. I would rather they not be included and have the price be $50 / £50 lower as they’re incredibly thin sounding and not really worth including. Now, they’re nice to have if you’re setting up and don’t have speakers on hand. But, get yourself a pair of speakers or a decent headset as soon as you recover from the hole the Lenovo Legion y32P-30 has left in your wallet.

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $749.99 / £799.99 / about AU$1147.34
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK

First off, readers in Oceania will have to wait or go for something else as the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 isn’t available there. For those in the US and UK, while this display is available to you, you will have to drop a cool $749.99 / £799.99 / about AU$1147.34 to get it. That’s not cheap.

Of course, what you get, it’s not a surprising price tag. For instance, the Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144 will set you back an even higher $999 / about £900 / AU$1,450 for a similarly sized monitor with the same refresh rate, resolution, and ports with its only real advantage is a slightly better HDR.

If you can sacrifice either the higher refresh rate or resolution, you can save yourself a lot of money. For example, the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q might be a little long in the tooth these days, but it still comes with a sharp 4K resolution. You just have to live with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is still great for anyone not doing competitive gaming. And, it will cost you just $329 (about £250, AU$460) to get one.

Or, if you care more about the refresh rate, the AOC CU34G2X might be the way to go. For just $315 / around £280 / AU$500, you get a 144Hz refresh rate and a still sharp 1440p resolution.

• Price: 3.5 / 5

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Specs

Should you buy the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Also consider

How I tested the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30

• Tested over a week
• Tested with different and different kinds of games
• All included features were explored

To test the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 Gaming Monitor, I spent a week with it, playing all sorts of games from fast-paced titles like Battlefield 2042 to more graphically intense single-player titles like Control and Far Cry 6.

While testing, I spent plenty of time checking for ghosting, screen-tearing, and latency while also toggling HDR to see what effect it had. I also checked out the various features included to see how they worked, particularly the KVM feature. For this review, I used two computers. One had an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 while the other had an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060.

Having spent the last few years reviewing tech gear for gaming and otherwise, I’ve gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it’s worth the recommendation. And, I’ve spent even longer playing computer games so I have an understanding of what gamers look for to get the most out of their titles.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2023

HyperX Cloud III: Two-minute review

I am honestly loving this trend of gaming headset manufacturers competing against themselves rather than against each other. Brands like SteelSeries, Razer, Logitech, and now HyperX seem to be making it less about how they can beat the competition and more about how they can top their already impressive and well-beloved products.

SteelSeries literally overhauled its amazing Arctis line with the Arctis Nova, cementing its status as the best premium gaming headset brand. Razer made up for the great but flaw-riddled Razer BlackShark V2 Pro by fixing its issues and giving its ‘predecessor’ the same name, just to make it clear that our grievances didn’t go unnoticed. And Logitech took its best wireless gaming headset and made it even more superior by creating a whole new driver.

And now, we’ve got HyperX, tugging on our economizing heartstrings with an overhaul of the crowd-favorite HyperX Cloud II Wireless and even made it cheaper for good measure. With the release of the HyperX Cloud III, the Cloud is finally the best gaming headset it could be and really earning all that loyal fandom behind it.

If you don’t know already, the HyperX Cloud III’s predecessor had gathered quite a following due to its affordable price tag and good sound quality. So much so that if you look up what the best gaming headset is on Reddit, a number of people are likely to mention it alongside pricier options. 

My thing about that headset though is that I honestly didn’t get the hype. To me, it was a decent option at best, one that’s only good if you were on a tight budget. But then, you could also say that about a couple of offerings from Corsair and Turtle Beach. 

With the HyperX Cloud III, however, it’s clear that HyperX has upped its game since. It’s superior to its predecessor in every way with its better audio, more robust build quality, improved comfort, more connectivity options, a more modern look, and an elevated mic. 

I mention the mic last here specifically because it’s also the headset’s best feature. It’s one of the best mic on a gaming headset I’ve ever used, and the fact that it’s on a sub-$100/£100 one is even more astounding.

Editor’s Note: When I tested this headset, I did so alongside the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed and made an error, conflating the two headsets because I was comparing the mic quality on both. I’ve gone through the article and corrected accordingly.

First, let’s have a chat about the improved design. HyperX has updated the look so that the HyperX Cloud III keeps up with the trends. Not that I do not love the look of the last one – I did appreciate the stitched edges of the headband, but this design is sleeker, more elegant, and has beautiful curves, even on the yokes. It’s what the gaming headset would look like if it miraculously melded together with a pair of Sony headphones.

The headband boasts a slightly plushier foam and a softer-to-the-touch leatherette finish, and it’s extremely bendable as well, making it more pliable that adds to its comfort. Adding to that comfort are the thicker ear cups, which are also very plush. 

Thick memory foam in ear pads and headband certainly make for a very cushy experience. This is billed as “signature comfort” for good reason. The leatherette feels premium, even if it doesn’t feel like the most breathable material. If you tend to run hot, especially when gaming, you might want to give this a try first before committing.

HyperX says that the headset is more robust as well. And besides the 3.5mm and USB connectivity, you’re also getting USB-C, which makes it all the more versatile in terms of the platforms it’s compatible with. 

One of the best things about this gaming headset is that it’s incredibly lightweight, which really does add to your gaming experience. It might not be something you’ll notice in the beginning, but it’ll definitely help if you’re playing for hours at a time.

As with HyperX’s gaming peripherals, this has app support via the Ngenuity App, which is straightforward and easy to use, if not incredibly feature-rich. You can set volume, mic volume, mic monitoring, toggle surround sound, and use EQ, but that’s about it really. You do have access to multiple profiles and create more though. You can either choose a preset or create a new one yourself, and all of them are customizable via the 10-band EQ.

If you’re an EQ newbie, don’t worry about it. The HyperX Cloud III is a brighter-sounding headphone, but not painfully so. Besides, there’s a lot of people that prefer that. I personally do not mind it myself. It does have that “smile” frequency curve, which means it’s giving boosted lows and highs but less mids.

That means that the high end is crisp and detailed, and the low end has a lot of oomph – just what people look for in their gaming headset. In Kena: Bridge of Spirits, I could clearly hear all the twinkling sounds in the game, especially when I’m sending out a pulse while the low end gives the soundgrack gravitas.

Hip-hop music like Kedrick Lamar’s Humble also sounds pretty good on these headphones. However, the mids are somewhat recessed so rock music sounds anemic.

The soundstage is good but not anything special – about on par with most decent gaming headsets - but the sound imaging is more than adequate to clearly hear where everything is, including far-off enemies in games likes CS:GO. There is DTS:X Spatial Sound, but you can only turn it on and off without further adjustments. It makes everything a little wider and a little more immersive, but it is subtle compared to other surround sound tech.

Finally, let’s chat about that mic. The detachable microphone on this headset delivers improved clarity, and it sounds incredibly good – much better, in fact, than the mics on pricier headsets. It is clear and seems to reject background noise like keyboard presses though it does pick up voices from across the room. It’s somewhat susceptible to plosives but not too bad, and it does a great job minimizing sibilance.

HyperX Cloud III: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $99.99 (about £99.99, AU$150)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Another great thing that HyperX is doing for fans of its products is drop the price. Apparently, giving one of its most popular products a massive overhaul and making it better in every aspect isn't enough. It made it affordable as well, which I'm sure is much appreciated in this economy.

The HyperX Cloud III is just $99.99 (about £99.99, AU$150), making it $50 cheaper than its predecessor. If the other one couldn't count as a budget gaming headset before, this one certainly is.

• Value: 5 / 5

HyperX Cloud III: Specs

Should you buy the HyperX Cloud III?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

HyperX Cloud III: Also consider

How I tested the HyperX Cloud III

• Tested the headset for a week
• Used it for gaming, listening to music, and streaming shows
• Used it with games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

I used the HyperX Cloud III as my main headset for gaming, listening to music, and watching my favorite shows for about a week. I used it to play titles like CS: GO, Cyberpunk 2077 and Kena: Bridge of Spirits, paying close attention to not just its audio quality but its mic performance as well. 

As I always do, I also used to to jump on video calls with colleagues, listen to music, and streaming some of my favorite shows like Wednesday.

I’ve been testing, reviewing, and using gaming headsets for years as a freelance tech journalist and now as one of the Computing editors at TechRadar. My years of experience along with my discerning audio tastes make me more than qualified to test and vet these devices for you.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2023

In celebration of Diablo 4’s launch on June 6, 2023, Blizzard, SteelSeries, and KontrolFreek have collaborated together to release a set of gaming accessories themed after the RPG title.

The Diablo 4 collection includes an Arctis Nova 7 gaming headset, an Aerox 5 gaming mouse XXL mousepad, and SteelSeries keycaps. Each of the accessories is styled to resemble items and equipment from Diablo 4, which is to say extremely cursed and awesome, with a fire and brimstone scheme and veins covering them. According to SteelSeries, there’s even an EQ preset for the Sonar audio software, though what that preset is hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Since these are licensed versions of already premium accessories, they cost even more, which might limit the market to truly devoted Diablo 4 fans. Of course, this is a limited edition set, so there’s probably not too much stock to sell through in the first place.

The full list of Diablo 4 accessories and pricing can be found below as reported by PCGamesN:

• Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset | Diablo IV Edition – $199.99
• Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse | Diablo IV Edition – $149.99
• QcK XXL Mousepad | Diablo IV Edition – $39.99
• SteelSeries Artisan Keycap | Diablo IV Edition – $69.99
• KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks | Diablo IV Edition – $19.99
• Collector’s Edition KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks | Diablo IV Edition – $29.99

Diablo 4 is a “special” game

Plenty of information about Diablo 4 has been revealed before its June 6 launch. The most hellish, which is fitting for the game, is one of the PC requirements if you want to play in 4K resolution. It necessitates that you have a massive 32GB of RAM in order to play at the highest possible resolution.

Another update involves the news that a special area in the open-world game, called Fields of Hatred, has player versus player (PvP). Even more shocking is that there’s also permadeath in that area, meaning that if you fight and lose, your character is permanently dead and can no longer be accessed or played.

Finally, it was revealed by the studio that it would be adding quarterly updates to its story content, along with a free and premium Battle Pass. Story content will be accompanied by new features and mechanics, though it won’t count as DLC or an expansion pass on its own.

No matter what, it seems that Diablo 4 will be a very special game that should resonate with fans, especially going by the popularity of the several beta tests that have already passed.

Razer Nommo V2 Pro: Two-minute review

It lowkey broke my heart when I had to return our on-loan review unit of the original Razer Nommo Pro. Those speakers were truly incredible, and while there have been amazing releases that followed, very few have surpassed them. They left such massive shoes to fill, in fact, that I was starting to think that Razer wasn’t going to follow up with a new model. 

Luckily, you can always count on Razer looking to outdo itself, and that’s exactly what it’s done with the Razer Nommo V2 Pro. I didn’t think it was possible, but this successor to Razer’s best PC speakers yet is even better than the OG – it’s better sounding, more powerful, and more immersive while taking up a bit less space on your desk. 

It’s even more formidable than the impressive Razer Leviathan V2 Pro, which packs a subwoofer already so powerful, my neighbors asked me one night to turn it down - when it was only at 15% volume. I don’t want to know what they think of me now that the Nommo V2 Pro has taken over.

Besides that room-shaking, downward-firing sub, you’re also getting two satellite speakers, just like the first model. But while that one championed cylindrical shapes, this new one has swapped out the old rounded subwoofer with a square one and trimmed the top cylinders that housed the tweeters off the satellites for good measure

I wouldn’t call the Nommo V2 Pro compact, but the whole system certainly takes up less space as a result of the design shift, which is nice. It also has fewer cables, especially since the control pod is no longer tethered, being fully wireless, which means less eyesore on your desk.

Speaking of the control pod, it’s fully customizable and supports other compatible Razer peripherals. If you’ve got a whole suite of Razer gaming peripherals on your gaming desk, you can use it to change settings like your mouse’s DPI, for instance, unifying control of your hardware setup under a single physical interface. Of course, it’s also reliable when performing its original intended function: controlling the Nommo V2 Pro. 

Though connecting the Nommo V2 Pro to your PC or laptop via USB is the way to go, there is Bluetooth connectivity too, so you can use it with your phone, tablet, or Nintendo Switch as well.

Another noteworthy upgrade here is the ambient RGB lighting. Instead of the thin strip that wrapped around each Nommo Pro satellite's stand, here you get a four-inch dome on the rear of the Nommo V2 Pro’s satellite's. This allows each speaker to bounce RGB lighting off the wall behind them, effectively bathing your gaming setup with ambient lighting. It’s a much more effective approach, especially since you can set the lighting to be reactive to sound or whatever’s happening on your screen.

This ambient display awareness mode would be cooler if it was more accurate or brighter. For some reason, although the RGB zones are vibrant enough, they tend to dim a little when set to this reactive effect. It’s also not the most accurate when it’s supposed to mimic what’s on your screen, which is why I prefer to just use the other lighting effects Razer has on hand in the Chroma and Synapse apps. You can also layer lighting effects, which is the ideal way to go for the most vibrant results.

Speaking of the Synapse app, it comes in very handy so do be sure to install it to maximize the Razer Nommo V2 Pro's features. There’s a 10-band EQ that lets you boost or cut each frequency to 12dB or choose from five presets (one being custom) if you are EQ-uninitiated.

It also has THX profiles on hand for some of the most popular games right now, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy. By pre-selecting the THX Environmental Mode for those games, you’re telling the Nommo V2 Pro to automatically switch to that profile every time you start one of the games. It works like clockwork too – sometimes, you can actually hear it switch from whatever current sound profile you’re using to the THX mode during game loading.

However, in stereo mode with no EQ tweaking, the Nommo V2 Pro already sounds incredible. The highs are crisp and detailed while the mids are present, full, and not too rich so that it lends itself well to gaming. Thanks to that powerful downward-firing sub, you’re getting plenty of punchy bass and deep rumble. 

Without the THX Spatial Audio, the soundstage is also already reasonably wide – though this is somewhat determined by your speaker placement – and the sound imaging is very good, allowing you to clearly hear where every audio element in a game is and if it's moving.

That said, switching to the THX Spatial Audio makes a massive difference. It’s well-implemented here, as it makes everything sound wider and more immersive without sounding like Razer just added some artificial reverb. 

There’s also plenty of volume on tap. And when I say plenty, I mean that if you set this to around 80%, you’re gonna want to sit a few feet away from your desk, lest you risk ear damage. I also highly suggest checking in with your roommates or neighbors if you’re planning on firing it up at night for a sesh – because trust me, you’re gonna want to.

Razer Nommo V2 Pro: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $449.99
• When is it available? Available June 2023
• Where can you get it? Confirmed in the US

Another thing the Razer Nommo V2 Pro has over its predecessor is a slightly more accessible price tag. I wouldn’t call it a budget buy, but it’s a tad more affordable than the original at $449.99 in the US. 

It’s also $150 cheaper than SteelSeries’ Arena 9, which will set you back a hefty $599 / €599 / AU$599 – although to be fair, that one is a 5.1 system, and if you compare the Nommo V2 Pro to its closest SteelSeries rival, the Arena 7, it’s actually pricier. It’s also more expensive than Razer’s PC soundbar system, the aforementioned Leviathan V2 Pro, which sits at  $399.99 / £399.99 (about AU$600).

Still, if you want high-quality audio, you almost always have to pay more, and the Razer Nommo V2 Pro certainly offers better audio quality than the Arena 7 and the Leviathan V2 Pro.

If you are ready to invest in the Razer Nommo V2 Pro – and I honestly think you should – it will be available in the US in June 2023. I’m sure it will also be available for UK and Australian customers around the same time, but I have yet to confirm that.

• Value: 4.5 / 5

Razer Nommo V2 Pro: Specs

Should you buy the Razer Nommo V2 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Razer Nommo V2 Pro: Also consider

How I tested the Razer Nommo V2 Pro

• Tested the Razer Nommo V2 Pro for several days
• Used it for gaming and streaming
• Tested the sound quality, volume, soundstage, and features

I used the Razer Nommo V2 Pro as my main PC speakers for a few days. Besides using it to play titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, and Rocket League, I also used it to watch movies and listen to tunes.

I’ve been testing, reviewing, and using audio devices for years as a freelance tech journalist and now as one of the Computing editors at TechRadar. My years of experience along with my discerning audio tastes make me more than qualified to test and vet these devices for you.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2023

Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED: Two-minute review

The Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED may be definitive proof that esports gamers had it right all along – that when it comes to gaming displays, it's not so much the size as it is the speed (and naturally, the picture quality) that wins the race.

This monitor might not look like much compared to the behemoths that we're being conditioned to want these days. In fact, coming from the 42-inch monitor I was testing prior, I didn't think this was going to satiate my viewing needs. Yet here I am, singing its praises. 

This isn't just a typical gaming display, however. Yes, it's fast, with its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms GtG response time. Yes, it's crisp and detailed, thanks to its sweet spot when it comes to pixel density (109 PPI, to be exact). And yes, it's got an excellent port selection and great color coverage - content creators will appreciate its 100% Adobe RGB and 98.5% DCI-P3 color gamut. But it's not exactly the first of its kind to offer such things.

What puts this display over the top, beating out many of the best gaming displays - and the best monitors in general, for that matter - on our list, are its glorious OLED panel, which makes those visuals all the richer and more vibrant, and its impressive HDR implementation that's among the best I've seen on a display. 

On a 27-inch monitor that's only 13.9lbs (6.3Kg), that's even more impressive, although Corsair still found other ways to make it a compelling choice. The green packaging the company used here is sure to please users who are concerned about their carbon footprint, while its two-pronged base will appeal to those lacking a lot of desktop real estate.

The panel itself is almost paper-thin, which is nice, but be warned, the stand and mount combination takes up quite a bit of space behind it. I quite like the design - it's a similar aesthetic to that Corsair uses on its other displays - but a thinner profile overall would have been nice too.

At least there's plenty of articulation on the mount, meaning that you can tilt the panel up to 7 degrees down and 15 degrees up, swivel left and right up to 30 degrees, pivot it 90 degrees for portrait mode, and adjust its height up to 100mm. If you're concerned about having the right ergonomics when gaming, this monitor should allow you the best position possible for you.

You also have all the ports you could possibly need. There's a USB-C port that will let you charge your laptop, two HDMI 2.1 ports for your current-gen consoles, and one DisplayPort. To give you more ports for your peripherals, Corsair even threw in a USB hub with four USB Type-A ports, and this hub works perfectly. To manage them all, there's also a spacious cable management slot built-in on the stand. It doesn't tuck them all away, out of sight, but it does bundle them all together so that your desk is not overrun by them.

Before I move on to performance, I do want to say that the anti-reflective coating on this panel is truly impressive. It's very effective at minimizing reflections so whether you're gaming or working, you're not distracted by them, ruining your experience. There's also a proximity sensor right underneath the OSD buttons, which is a nice touch and makes it so that you're not just randomly pressing on buttons, risking inadvertently changing a setting you didn't want changed.

The Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED may not give you that 4K resolution that everyone seems to want these days, but its 1440p resolution on a 27-inch display gives you a pixel density of 109PPI - the sweet spot for crisp picture quality, and just the ticket, especially when combined with its 240Hz refresh rate, for competitive gamers.

Cyberpunk 2077 and Rocket League both look stunning and just as immersive on this as they would on a larger panel, if not more due to the fast refresh rate. Both titles look sharp, smooth, and super clean on this, made better by its OLED tech that delivers even richer colors.

Of course, non-competitive games, shows, and movies look gorgeous on it too. Hogwarts Legacy, for instance, not only looks vibrant but feels very immersive as well since the 240Hz refresh rate meant that there was zero ghosting - even when I'm spinning the camera around quickly or I'm running around in-game.

They look even better with HDR on. The Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED has one of the best HDR implementations I've seen on a gaming display, with many of the ones I've tested paling (quite literally) in comparison. 

Toggle that HDR on, and you're getting a lot more dynamic range of color in games and shows like Wednesday without ending up with incredibly washed-out visuals. The colors do tend to look less saturated, but not to the extent that it ruins the whole experience. You're still getting that rich experience while gaining back some of the lost details in darker scenes. And, honestly, the difference is night and day.

Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED: Price & availability

• How much does it cost?  $999 / £1,049.99 / AU$1,749 
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Woof! That $999 / £1,049.99 / AU$1,749 price tag on the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED is a gut-puncher, especially if you see what this baby can do before you realize how much it’ll cost you. It’s an excellent display. It’s one of the best gaming monitors right now, and you’ll want to take it home. Unfortunately, that steep price tag means it’s not accessible to everyone.

Heck, even the AOC Agon Pro AG274QG is more affordable at $899 / £849. And if you are looking for something much cheaper, the older Samsung Odyssey G7 remains to be a compelling choice, and it’s often discounted at many online retailers. Both displays are 27 inches and have a 240Hz refresh rate like the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED. 

The Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED does have a few advantages over these two rivals, including the fact that it's an OLED panel, and therefore delivers deeper, richer colors.

• Value: 3 / 5

Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED: Specs

Should you buy the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED: Also consider

How I tested the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED

• Tested the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED for about a week
• Used it for gaming, work and entertainment
• Tested it with several games, streaming content, and my colorimeter

I used the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED as my PC gaming and work monitor for a few days, spending 8 to 10 hours a day on it. I also made sure to put its biggest features through their paces to make sure they work as they should.

Besides using it with games like Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, and Rocket League, I also used it to stream movies and shows. Of course, I also checked its color accuracy and coverage using my colorimeter.

I’ve been testing, reviewing, and using monitors for years as a freelance tech journalist and now as one of the Computing editors at TechRadar. My years of experience make me more than qualified to test and vet these devices for you.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2023