Best PC gaming accessories for under $100

October 8, 11:05 AMPC Game ExaminerBryan Edge-Salois

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These PC gaming accessories each cost less than $100 -- and while they won't improve frame rates, they might improve frag rates in your favorite games. 

Ideazon Merc Stealth illuminated gaming keyboard

For about $70, the Merc Stealth illuminated gaming keybard pretty much has it all.

Ideazon Merc Stealth illuminated gaming keyboard

For starters, it features a complete set of extra keys that automatically program themselves into an optimal configuration for the game you're playing.

In addition, virtually every key on the keyboard can be re-programmed through Ideazon's Z-Engine software -- and you don't need an advanced math degree to make sense of the Z-Engine software -- it's pretty intuitive.

However, you may never even need to manually program this keyboard, because there are dozens (hundreds even) of pre-made game profiles that can be freely downloaded via the Z-Engine software.

The Merc Stealth also offers two conveniently located USB 2.0 ports (just above the F10 /F11 keys), and similarly convenient microphone and headphone connectors (just above the F4/F5 keys). It also goes a little extra distance beyond other illuminated keyboards: the Merc Stealth offers three different colors of individually lit keys (purple, blue, and red), with three levels of brightness for each color.

The Merc Stealth is generally designed for FPS games, but it's flexibile enough to be handy for pretty much any game you'd care to program it for. It does make a few minor concessions (such as an oddly placed and small PRT SCRN key, for example), but most of these foibles are pretty small, and you'll adjust to them quickly.

Microsoft Sidewinder Gaming Mouse

Microsoft Sidewinder Mouse

I won't say the Microsoft Sidewinder Gaming Mouse is the best gaming mouse, but it can definitely hang with the best. It retails for around $40-$50.

Two of the coolest features I've enjoyed with the Sidewinder are DPI switching and macro programming, both available on the fly -- in other words, you don't stop your gaming and load configuration software to use them.

I enjoyed these features for my own gaming, but found the DPI switching extra useful for those times when I let my kids use my computer. I like to play at 2000 DPI (the highest setting), but 800dpi is more appropriate to my kids -- at least until they start schooling me on Team Fortress 2 -- and I could quickly switch the DPI setting with the press of a button on the top of the mouse.

The two side thumb buttons can be quickly programmed to replace a key press (or presses) to serve whatever purpose you need. The scroll wheel is smooth, and the red LED adds a little 'bling' to the package.

The Sidewinder offers some additional, interesting features. Included with the mouse are different sets of 'feet' for the bottom of the mouse to adjust the scroll/slide feel. The Sidewinder also includes a small collection of weights you can insert into the mouse to adjust its weight. Unused weights and feet can be stored in a weighted brick that also serves as a cable organizer -- so the mouse cable doesn't ruin your groove.

Visit Ideazon's Home Page

Visit the Sidewinder Home Page