10 overlooked PC upgrades that transform your desk setup

A crisp IR webcam with facial recognition

The best modern webcams have built-in infrared capabilities, allowing you to log in to your desktop computer using your face (instead of a password), just as you can on a modern laptop.

When I sit at my desk, I press the spacebar on my keyboard to wake up my PC, then the webcam instantly logs me in using my face using Windows Hello. No PIN or password entry. It may seem small, but it always seems like magic when I wake my PC from sleep mode.

But the infrared camera is only part of a webcam assembly. I use a Dell UltraSharp webcam, which combines facial recognition with a 4K sensor. This is one of our favorite Windows Hello webcams. Now I no longer look blurry and unprofessional in my meetings and recorded videos.

A high quality mechanical keyboard

Mechanical keyboards are one of the benefits of using a desktop computer. Even the rare gaming laptop with a built-in mechanical keyboard can’t replicate the tactile joy of typing on crisp keys with satisfying switches. Plus, mechanical keyboards are customizable: the keycaps, switches, RGB, and almost everything else.

Take a look at PCWorld’s list of the best mechanical keyboards for purchasing advice. You owe it to yourself to try one. If you want to save space on your desk and not use the number pad on full-size keyboards, don’t worry! Consider a TKL (“tenkeyless”) keyboard, which is more compact and omits the number pad.

A separate keyboard for macros

In 2005, PC enthusiasts loved the idea of ​​the “Optimus keyboard” which unfortunately turned out to be vaporware. The idea was flashy: a keyboard where each key was actually a small mini-screen, and the images on each key could change depending on the context.

Twenty years later, I recommend getting a Stream Deck if this sort of thing sounds interesting to you. With its customizable keys, you can seriously increase your productivity by configuring each key to trigger actions, launch applications, automate tasks and perform keyboard shortcuts.

I love the Stream Deck Neo, which is compact and feels right next to my TKL keyboard which lacks bonus macro keys. For me, the Stream Deck Neo is an essential accessory that speeds up my workflow.

A comfortable mouse that fits your hand

I can’t tell you what the “right mouse” is for you, but I can tell you that finding the right mouse will make all the difference. If you’re on the computer for hours every day, it’s essential that you use a mouse that’s truly comfortable to hold.

Are you already satisfied with your mouse? Perfect! Nothing to see here, move on to the next accessory. But if you are not satisfied with your mouse, it’s time to make that upgrade. You won’t regret it.

Check out PCWorld’s recommendations (best wireless gaming mice, best budget gaming mice, and best overall gaming mice) and try the mice in person at local stores if you can. Different mouse shapes will differ depending on your grip style, and many other factors come into play in comfort, including size, design, and button placement.

A cool fabric mouse pad

Not all mouse pads are equal. In fact, most mouse pads aren’t great. The average mouse pad is designed more for appearance than performance. Meanwhile, there are ultra-premium mousepads with built-in wireless charging that are luxurious but arguably overkill.

I recommend getting a mouse pad with a fabric surface. I’m a big fan of the SteelSeries QcK mousepads because they’re pretty inexpensive — as cheap as $11 for the medium-sized one I use. The fabric surface is pleasant to the touch and will help you move your mouse with precision and accuracy. Learn more about the differences between hard and soft mouse pads.

My first QcK mousepad lasted eight years before I replaced it with a new one. At this rate, I’m thinking of buying a third in eight years.

A stunningly beautiful 4K OLED monitor

It’s tempting to buy a new PC and plug it directly into your existing monitor, and you can certainly do that if you want. There is no rule that tells you to have buy a new monitor with a new PC. But if your monitor is outdated or underperforming, an upgrade could be massive.

Things like 4K resolution, HDR technology, vivid OLED colors, and high refresh rates are more than just marketing terms. These are real benefits you don’t want to miss, at least if you want a premium PC experience while streaming videos or playing games.

And the best? You can get an amazing PC monitor for much less than you think. Check out our list of the best monitors and maybe even see a few displays in person at a local store to see how they compare.

Desktop speakers worthy of your PC

Speakers aren’t like most other PC peripherals. You can have a fantastic experience with good PC speakers from decades ago. But the average pair of cheap speakers, and especially the speakers built into most PC monitors, don’t provide a great audio experience.

If you regularly use speakers with your PC, consider investing in a better setup. I own a pair of Audioengine A2 Plus desktop speakers purchased almost ten years ago, and they are still going strong. They’re convenient for any office: just two speakers with no subwoofer required, although you can add a subwoofer for more bass if you want.

Comfortable, high-quality headphones

How are your headphones? You don’t necessarily need modern headphones: if you have a pair that you love, then great! Stay with them. And if you don’t use headphones at all, that’s fine. Move on to the next item.

But if you’re settling for a lower-quality headset, you should upgrade. A set of high-quality cans will transform your audio experience, whether you’re listening to music or gaming. And unless you’re an audiophile, be sure to prioritize comfort over sound quality.

My Sennheiser headphones were on their last legs and I had already fixed them once with a soldering iron. It was time to do something new, so I bought the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X headphones and I love them! You don’t know what you’re missing until you get there.

Check out our list of the best gaming headsets, but if you don’t want a built-in microphone or wireless audio, you don’t want this. need a gaming-specific headset. However, headphones can be bulky, so I also recommend using an AnchorPro under-desk hook.

A microphone that sounds good

Microphones are often overlooked, but they shouldn’t be. Whether you’re video conferencing, recording videos, or just chatting while you game, a good microphone is a solid upgrade.

After mixed experiences with headset microphones, I bought a Logitech Blue Yeti a few years ago and haven’t regretted it. It’s big, but the sound quality is incredible for the price range. You’ll see professionals using them in YouTube videos, and for good reason.

If you prefer to add a microphone to a headset you already love, there’s always the classic ModMic. This is a microphone that you can connect to your existing favorite pair of headphones.

A game controller without a dongle

If you’re a PC gamer using an old Xbox controller, it might be time to replace it. A modern Xbox controller connects to your PC wirelessly via Bluetooth, and you can also use it as a wired controller by plugging it in with a USB-C cable. Older people rely on those nasty wireless receiver dongles, and who wants to deal with them anymore?

In the meantime, if you don’t have a PC game controller, it might be time to get one. The keyboard and mouse setups are good, but sometimes it’s nice to relax with a controller. Don’t know where to start? Check out our guide to buying a PC game controller you’ll love.