Peripherals - Page 2

Razer has just announced its new premium Atlas Pro glass gaming mouse mat, the world's thinnest, with the glass layer measuring just 1.1 mm. With the rubber base, the low-profile design is 1.9mm, making it a mouse pad that sits flush and close to any surface it's placed on. Razer notes that "crossing the sub-2 mm threshold for the first time" leads to a more comfortable and seamless experience.

Razer has been creating tempered glass mouse mats for over a decade, with surfaces designed and optimized for a smooth, low-friction glide for competitive gamers seeking fast, consistent movement. To deliver that in the thinnest profile to date for a glass mouse mat, the new Razer Atlas Pro features a new micro-etched texture, created in collaboration with its mouse sensor partners.

Of course, on paper, the idea of a glass mouse mat might sound fragile, but the Razer Atlas Pro is both ultra-thin and durable, with a 9H Mohs hardness rating. That's one number below diamond, and when you add dirt and scratch resistance, it's impressive stuff.

We got our first look at MSI's new VERSA 300 Wireless 8K Gaming Mouse at CES in January and were impressed by the specs, features, and performance. Essentially, MSI has crafted a wireless gaming mouse for competitive gamers, and a premium option for PC gamers who regularly jump into competitive or co-operative shooters like Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch, Apex Legends, Battlefield 6, and ARC Raiders should take note of.

The big headline features of the MSI VERSA 300 Wireless 8K, spec-wise, are its PixArt PAW3395 optical sensor that supports true 8K or 8,000 Hz polling, sensitivity of up to 26,000 DPI, its lightweight 66-gram weight, and a competitive-friendly symmetrical shape that supports the most popular grip styles. This also includes diamond-patterned side grips for added comfort.

Although not part of the physical design, one important and notable feature of this new VERSA 300 is that customization is supported by the company's new web-based MSI Portal X, so there's no need to fire up or install MSI Center to change settings. This is great news, as the shift to web-based customization for peripherals has been a positive step for hardware in the past year or so.

If you're keen on keyboards, there's a website you need to check out which is a museum of mechanical keyboards, complete with samples of the sound they make.

Tom's Hardware reports that the so-called 'Listening Museum' - the work of The Data Drop (from the staff at sheets.works) - boasts an array of 36 different classic mechanical keyboards stretching back over the last four decades of the history of these peripherals.

Head to the site and you can select the type of keyboard you want to use from the bank of various options, which include the IBM Model M (from way back in 1985), up to more contemporary offerings such as various Cherry MX switches.

It's one of the most anticipated game releases of the year, and with Xbox Game Studios' Forza Horizon 6 on track for release in a matter of weeks, May 19, Xbox is celebrating the launch of the open-world racer's journey to Japan with some limited-edition gear. Sporting vibrant, colorful designs adorned with bright blues, pinks, and yellows, the line-up includes a wireless controller, wireless gaming headset, and a new charging dock created in collaboration with 8BitDo.

At this point, the official Xbox controller doesn't really need an introduction, as it's the go-to pad for PC and Xbox gamers alike. The Xbox Wireless Controller - Forza Horizon 6 Limited Edition features rubberized grips on the underside for improved, well, grip. Elsewhere, it's the same controller with the official Xbox layout, wireless and Bluetooth functionality, and two AA batteries delivering its power. Priced at $89.99, pre-orders are now open via the official Xbox store.

And with that, what you're getting here for the most part is the funky design that includes a translucent top case, triggers, "bold pink thumbsticks," and the Horizon Festival logo on the back. Likewise, the Xbox Wireless Headset - Forza Horizon 6 Limited Edition is Microsoft's official wireless Xbox headset, given a visual makeover with a big "Horizon" graphic stretching across the headband.

Turtle Beach has unveiled its latest premium wireless gaming audio solution, the Stealth Pro II headset. A successor to the original Stealth Pro, the Stealth Pro II supports hi-res 24-bit, 96kHz audio via low-latency wireless that is Japan Audio Society-certified. Although that might sound a little strange for a gaming headset, the Japan Audio Society has been around since the 1950s, and is an organization committed to the pursuit of "High-Fidelity Sound." So, yeah, this certification is a great sign that the Stealth Pro II's hi-res audio will sound fantastic.

And on the sound front, Turtle Beach's latest premium offering delivers audio via large, custom-tuned 60mm Eclipse dual drivers with dedicated woofers and tweeters for more immersive listening. The drivers are also tuned for Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio for those wanting that surround-sound experience. The Stealth Pro II is also versatile with wireless support for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Bluetooth devices. And the CrossPlay 2.0 system allows for seamless connection and switching between four devices.

The Stealth Pro II is also a closed-back headset that can be taken on the go thanks to integrated Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and two swappable 40-hour battery packs. In addition to the detachable 9mm floating microphone that Turtle Beach claims delivers broadcast-quality voice with AI-powered noise reduction, the headset includes beamforming microphones.

Fans of the original Star Wars trilogy will want to take note of this new limited edition Custom Keycap and Mousepad collection from Team Liquid and Alienware. The large mousepads, in particular, are noteworthy for featuring stunning concept art by Ralph McQuarrie, who helped create the lived-in look and feel of the original Star Wars movies.

Priced at $40.00 on Team Liquid's official store, the four designs include the epic closing space battle from Return of the Jedi, Luke's arrival on the planet Dagobah, C-3PO being carried by Ewoks on the forest moon of Endor, and a shot of the water planet Kamino from Attack of the Clones. For fans of the original trilogy, the first three designs listed above look stunning as mousepads.

As for the keycaps, they're compatible with Alienware Pro Series Keyboards, including the impressive Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard we reviewed last year. Still, they're compatible with multiple keyboards because they have 108 keys. Here you've also got four main designs, with two depicting Ralph McQuarrie concept art and two offering colorways with Star Wars branding.

Announced late last year alongside the new Steam Frame headset and the Steam Machine gaming PC, Valve also unveiled the next-gen and highly anticipated Steam Controller. All three devices were set to debut in Q1 2026; however, the memory and storage crisis led Valve to delay the launch of its new hardware lineup to sometime in 2026.

It's a shame because the Steam Machine is viewed as a potential disruptor in the gaming space, potentially kickstarting a new type of compact all-in-one SteamOS-powered gaming PC, similar to how Valve's Steam Deck changed the gaming handheld landscape. However, according to a new post from Valve insider and data miner Brad Lynch on X, Valve could be prepping to launch the Steam Controller sooner rather than later.

The post indicated that Valve received a "large quantity" of "Wireless PC Controllers" in the US last week, which one would presume to be the new Steam Controller. So now the question becomes: will Valve sit on a stockpile of Steam Controllers as it waits to launch the Steam Machine and Steam Frame sometime later this year (which is not a guarantee given current component costs), or release the Steam Controller early?

If you've bought a new keyboard specifically for PC gaming in the past year or so, you've probably noticed the arrival of Hall-effect or magnetic keyboards. For those who might need a refresher, magnetic switches, as opposed to mechanical switches, use a magnetic field to precisely actuate keystrokes rather than physical hardware.

The benefit for PC gaming and other tasks is the ability to adjust the actuation point for each key and assign multiple functions to a single keystroke. Plus, magnetic keyboards support SOCD and Rapid Trigger modes, which are becoming increasingly popular among competitive gamers. The only real downside to magnetic switches, for some, is that they do feel and sound different from mechanical switches.

And with that, GATERON has launched its new Magnetic Jade Attraction HE switches, which sport a "game-changing magnetic design" and are said to be "perfect for long coding sessions, fast typing, and competitive gaming." Based on the description and design, GATERON is positioning these as linear magnetic switches without any downsides.

If you've bought an Xbox Wireless controller or created your own via the Xbox Design Lab system in recent months and had the controller arrive without two AA batteries, that was an error on Microsoft's part. According to a new post on the official Xbox Support account's social media, a "limited number" of controllers have mistakenly been shipped (since December 2025) without batteries.

Naturally, if you were affected, you might have thought that Microsoft was saving a few dollars by no longer packing a pair of AA batteries with its controllers, but that's not the case. In addition to acknowledging that "all controllers moving forward will include batteries," Microsoft is apologizing by offering those affected a nice little bonus. Based on the responses to the post, it seems like quite a few gamers are affected by this mix-up.

The company is offering those affected by the mix-up an Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB‑C Cable pack worth $24.99 USD. This is a notable upgrade over the standard disposable AA batteries that Microsoft packs with its controllers, as it offers play-and-charge functionality and eliminates the need to replace your controller's batteries.

Keyboard enthusiasts have long moved beyond just typing, spending hours swapping switches for the perfect sound, tuning dampeners, and adding custom keycaps to match their setup. And when it comes to such customization, Keychron is one of the most recognizable names in the space, consistently impressing with offerings like the Q1 HE 8K and K4 HE.

Now the company is opening up that customization even more. In an unusual move, Keychron has published editable source files for the cases, plates, and keycaps across its popular mechanical keyboard lineup, free for anyone to access. The company's CEO noted in a Discord announcement that "We think that making production hardware files available is a meaningful contribution to the broader hardware and keyboard community."

It's worth noting that this is not fully open source. Keychron describes the release as 'source available.' This means the files are shared for people to view and use, but the license only permits personal and educational projects, not commercial use. In other words, users can't sell keyboards built from these files, but can use them to customize and produce accessories for personal use.

With Apple celebrating its 50th anniversary, retro-focused hardware maker 8BitDo is releasing a limited-edition version of its Retro 68 keyboard, inspired by the iconic Apple II personal computer. First released in 1977, the Apple II helped kickstart the PC revolution with an affordable and versatile device that quickly became one of the most popular computers of the 1980s.

The new 8BitDo Retro 68 Keyboard - AP50th Limited Edition sports a full metal body with a solid aluminum shell, aluminum keycaps, and aluminum buttons. It's also fully modular with multiple dampening layers, a hot-swappable PCB, Kailh BOX Ice Cream Pro Max switches, and gasket mounting. The 68-key keyboard also includes 8BitDo's large Wireless Dual Super Buttons that were introduced with the NES-inspired version, mimicking retro controller buttons from the 1980s - albeit, significantly larger.

As for the look, it's definitely retro and very Apple II in its design, with beige and brown tones and keys that look like they've been lifted from the early days of home computing. However, as a modern keyboard, you've got wired, low-latency wireless, and Bluetooth support with an added volume dial and buttons for secondary functionality.

When it comes to keyboards, Razer is best known for its high-performance gaming offerings in the Huntsman and BlackWidow ranges. Today, the company has announced a new productivity-first wireless keyboard, and one designed for ergonomics. At a glance, the standout feature of the new Razer Pro Type Ergo is its split ergonomic layout, which supports natural hand positions for a more comfortable, strain-free typing experience.

A 10-degree base slope, support for multiple angles and tilts, and a built-in plush wrist rest further enhance the comfort and ergonomics. Razer notes that the Pro Type Ergo has been designed for a "productivity market that has barely moved," offering all-day professionals and PC users a comfortable and feature-packed premium keyboard option.

The Razer Pro Type Ergo features ultra-low-profile, finger-shaped keycaps, with a split design that includes two 'B' keys, dual spacebar keys, and a centered backspace key for easy access. It also sports multiple dedicated macro keys, two Razer Command Dials, and shortcut keys for switching between multiple devices.

ASUS has launched the new ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless keyboard for gamers and enthusiasts looking for an affordable entry point into the fully customizable gaming keyboard space. The ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless is a mechanical keyboard built for simple customization, performance, and acoustics, and is priced at $139.99 USD (available at Newegg).

The 96 percent form factor and layout make it a more compact version of a full-sized board, with ASUS noting that with its full-function row and layout, it's only one centimeter wider than a standard TKL board. And when it comes to customization, the ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless offers more than your now-standard replaceable keycaps and hot-swappable switches: the full keyboard can be disassembled.

And with that, the screw on the top cover can be removed for easy access to each layer, from sound dampening to the plate and the south-facing PCB. The ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless arrives as a full keyboard, with two mechanical switch flavors, ROG NX Snow V2 (linear) and ROG NX Storm V2 (clicky). And with its silicone gasket-mount design and dampening foam, ASUS notes that the linear switches are tuned to deliver a satisfying "thocky" sound.

Razer is expanding its esports lineup with the launch of the new Razer Viper V4 Pro ($159.99 USD) wireless gaming mouse and Razer Gigantus V2 Pro ($49.99 USD) mouse mat. The Razer Viper V4 Pro is the latest evolution of the brand's premier competitive gaming mouse, and the direct result of several years of collaborating with esports professionals like Lee "Faker" Sang-Hyeok and Nikola "NiKo" Kovac, where "milliseconds decide rounds and series."

So then, what's new and what's been updated from the Razer Viper V3 Pro? Well, it sees the arrival of the Razer HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2, which delivers true 8,000 Hz (8K) polling. This new wireless interface debuted with the award-winning Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, with Razer noting that it delivers ultra-low latency of 0.204ms for clicks and 0.36ms for motion, making it 2.5 times faster.

In addition, the Razer Viper V4 Pro is built for efficiency, delivering up to 180 hours of wireless performance in the default 1,000 Hz polling-rate mode. It also sports the new and impressive Razer Focus Pro 50K Optical Sensor Gen-3 with a sensitivity rating of 50,000 DPI, 930 IPS tracking, and 90G acceleration. As far as specs for competitive mice go, it's right up there.

Corsair is expanding its keyboard lineup with the new low-profile VANGUARD AIR 99 WIRELESS Optical-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Low-profile keyboards, which feature smaller keycaps and switches with a shorter travel distance, have been a popular option for several years, including in the gaming space.

With its 99% form factor, the VANGUARD AIR 99 WIRELESS is essentially a full-sized keyboard that includes a NumPad, a dedicated vertical row of programmable keys on the left side, a control knob, and an LCD screen. Powering the mechanical keyboard is Corsair's pre-lubed OPX low-profile switches, which are rated for up to 80 million keystrokes and feature a 1.5mm actuation point with a total travel distance of 2.5mm.

With accurate infrared-light actuation and 8,000 Hz or 8K polling delivered via Corsair's AXON and SLIPSTREAM v2 technology over wireless, the VANGUARD AIR 99 WIRELESS is built for gaming performance. There's also support for competitive gaming features like FlashTap SOCD. However, it's also an all-rounder with dedicated Windows and Mac modes, Bluetooth support, and six customizable keys that integrate with Elgato's Virtual Stream Deck application to enhance creativity and productivity.

Turtle Beach has announced a pair of new Nintendo-themed peripherals for the Nintendo Switch 2, just in time to celebrate Mario Day. The Mario & Luigi Rematch Wireless RGB Gaming Controller and Mario Star Airlite Fit Wired Gaming Headset have been designed and built specifically for Nintendo's latest console, and they go a lot further than simply slapping images and art from the iconic Super Mario franchise on the hardware.

Mario & Luigi Rematch Wireless RGB Gaming Controller not only lets Switch owners access GameChat features intuitively with the C Button placement, but it also has integrated motion controls to match the functionality you get with Nintendo's first-party offerings.

However, with TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) technology on the analog sticks, Turtle Beach is delivering pro-grade anti-drift hardware that will go the distance. And with that, the wireless connectivity is good for up to 30 feet. One cool feature of the controller is the RGB mode, which includes four dynamic lighting presets that showcase hidden glow-in-the-dark style Super Mario items and power-ups.

Pixelpaw Labs is a new startup, and its first gaming peripheral, simply called 'Phase', is a PC gaming mouse that can split in two to become a game controller. A literal mouse of two halves, the magnetic split design turns the PC gaming input device into a JoyCon-style controller with access to traditional dual analog sticks, as well as face and shoulder buttons familiar to all gamers.

Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms, with Bluetooth and low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, it's certainly a versatile peripheral - and one that will also let you seamlessly switch between three devices. Pixelpaw Labs plans to launch the Phase via a Kickstarter campaign but is already accepting pre-orders on its own site ahead of crowdfunding.

With an introductory price of $115 USD for the Phase, there's also a planned Phasegrip add-on that will connect the controller half of the mouse's design to a smartphone, similar to devices like the Backbone or Razer Kishi. With its unique two-in-one design, here's a quick breakdown of the Phase's specs and features.

The new Logitech G PRO X: Victory Edition puts the limited in limited, as only 25 are being produced, and it won't be available at retail. Created to celebrate its partnership with McLaren Racing and the team's impressive 2025 season, which saw Lando Norris secure his first Drivers' Championship, the PRO X: Victory Edition is also the company's first carbon-fiber gaming mouse.

Carbon fiber is a high-performance material renowned for its versatility, durability, and strength. Almost twice as strong as steel and significantly lighter, it's commonly found in the aerospace and automotive space. It's also the primary material in modern Formula 1 cars, so its inclusion here makes sense.

As for the physical design, in addition to some sleek-looking carbon fiber camo and the iconic orange color of McLaren Racing, PRO X: Victory Edition is essentially a custom version of the award-winning PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2. And as it's made from carbon fiber, it's also 3 grams lighter than the SUPERLIGHT 2.

Razer has announced a new $499.99 USD flagship PC gaming keyboard, calling it its most "ambitious keyboard to date." The Razer Huntsman Signature Edition, launching with a limited drop of 1,337 numbered units, sports a CNC‑milled 6063-aluminum chassis treated with a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish and polish you'd find on luxury watches and jewelry.

The keyboard itself appears to be a custom version of the impressive Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL 8K that we recently reviewed, with the same Razer Analog Optical Switches Gen-2, true 8,000 Hz polling, and gamer-friendly features like Rapid Trigger. Except here, each Razer Huntsman Signature Edition keyboard is hand-polished and goes through a "rigorous unit-level inspection."

It certainly looks impressive, with its all-black finish and polished edges. The "mirror-polished metallic" snake keycap is also a nice touch, adding a dose of style and luxury to the design.

Nikola 'NiKo' Kovac is widely considered one of the greatest Counter-Strike players of all time, with a professional career that spans well over a decade, covering every major release from Counter-Strike 1.6 to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Counter-Strike 2. Still playing today, NiKo recently earned his 10th HLTV MVP title during the recent BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 finals in Europe.

One of NiKo's most impressive performances saw him rack up a staggering 52 kills in a single CS Major map. This week, Razer has announced that it has collaborated with the Counter-Strike legend to create a custom Razer NiKo Collection of pro-grade PC gaming gear.

The collection includes a custom Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro NiKo Edition gaming mouse, a Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL NiKo Edition rapid trigger gaming keyboard (which we recently reviewed in its default look here), a Razer BlackShark V3 Pro NiKo Edition headset, and a Razer Gigantus V2 Pro NiKo Edition mouse pad.