In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the best and most popular esports equipment on the market.
Esports has come a long way from being considered a niche hobby to becoming a huge industry, with multi-million-dollar tournaments and sponsorship deals. So buying the right gear can be the difference between being a casual gamer and a professional.
Monitors
The first thing you need to consider when buying an esports monitor is the refresh rate. This is the number of times the screen refreshes per second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the gameplay.
One of the most popular refresh rates is 144Hz, which is more than enough for most gamers. Other considerations include the resolution and screen size, with 24-inch monitors being the sweet spot for most enthusiasts. Some of the best monitors on the market include the ASUS VG248QE and the BenQ Zowie XL2411P. You can purchase them from retailers like Amazon and Overclockers.
Some other popular monitors to consider:
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9: This monitor is a top contender if you’re looking for immersion in your games. It’s designed to provide an incredible gaming experience with advanced features and technology.
Alienware 34 QD-OLED: Alienware is a well-known brand in the gaming industry, and this monitor lives up to their reputation. With its OLED display, it provides stunning visuals that can enhance your gaming experience.
LG Ultragear 27GN950-B: This monitor from LG boasts a fast refresh rate and great resolution, making it ideal for competitive gaming.
Gaming Computers
Esports titles don’t require the most powerful computer hardware, but having a reliable machine that can handle multitasking and high frame rates is crucial. You should aim for a processor like the Intel Core i5 or i7 and a graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 10 series.
The PC itself doesn’t need to be flashy, but you should ensure that it has enough cooling to keep the components working efficiently. Some reputable gaming PC manufacturers include Alienware and ASUS. You can customise your computer build on their official websites or buy pre-built systems from Amazon and Curry’s PC World.
Popular gaming computers:
Alienware Aurora R15: This computer tops many lists for its superior performance and design. It’s built with high-end components to provide smooth gameplay even in the most demanding esports titles.
Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: Loved by gamers for its balance between price and performance, this PC is equipped with powerful hardware capable of running most games at high settings.
MSI Infinite RS 13th: This gaming PC is notable for its cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to experience games at their best.
Headsets
Sound is an integral part of esports, with players needing to hear the in-game audio cues and coordinate with their teammates. A good headset should have clear and accurate sound, comfortable ear cups, and a durable build.
Two of the most popular headsets in the esports scene are the HyperX Cloud II and the Sennheiser Game Zero. Both of them have won multiple awards for their sound quality and design. You can find them on retail sites such as Box and Argos.
Other popular headsets:
Audeze Maxwell Wireless: These wireless headphones have received glowing reviews for their sturdy build and feature-packed design. They’re designed for Xbox and offer a superior gaming experience.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: This headset is known for its exceptional sound quality and comfort, making it a favourite among gamers. It’s wireless, allowing you the freedom to move while you game.
Razer BlackShark V2: This headset offers a mix of excellent sound quality, comfortable design, and a competitive price. It’s an excellent choice for serious gamers.
Mouse and Keyboards
The mouse and keyboard are the most important elements for any esports athlete, as they are the primary tools for controlling the game. The mouse should have a high DPI (dots per inch) for precision aiming, while the keyboard should have a gaming-specific design with programmable keys and customisable lighting.
Popular gaming mice include the Logitech G Pro and the Razer DeathAdder Elite, while some of the best gaming keyboards include the Corsair K95 and the SteelSeries Apex Pro. You can purchase them from retailers like Ebuyer and SCAN.
Some popular gaming mice and keyboards:
Razer Viper V2 Pro: This mouse is considered one of the best in the gaming world. It’s designed with precision and responsiveness in mind, making it perfect for high-stakes esports games. You’ll find yourself immersed in the game like never before with this mouse at your fingertips.
Logitech G502X: This wired budget gaming mouse is not only affordable but also a top performer. Its precision and reliability make it a favourite among many gamers.
Logitech G915: This wireless keyboard is a favourite among gamers for its sleek design, tactile keys, and customisable RGB lighting. It’s designed to give you an edge in every game you play.
Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro: Compact and highly responsive, this keyboard is praised for its innovative design and exceptional performance. It’s a great fit for those who prefer a smaller keyboard without compromising key functionality.
Don’t forget! You may also want to consider the importance of having a good gaming mousepad. They need to be larger than a standard pad, in order to support the need for fluid mouse movement with high DPI. There’s nothing more frustrating than losing your motion because you run out of mouse pad space! Appropriate mouse pads can be found here.
Step up your game with the right esports gear
Buying esports gear can seem daunting, but with the right guidance you can make informed decisions and step up your game.
The key things to consider are the refresh rate and resolution of your monitor, the processor and graphics card of your computer, the sound quality of your headset, and the precision and comfort of your mouse and keyboard. By investing in the best equipment, you’re setting yourself up for success and ensuring that your passion for esports is fully realised.
The esports industry is growing every day, offering exciting opportunities for people who want to turn their passion into a career. Access Creative College offers a comprehensive esports management course that can equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic field.
Whether you want to become a professional gamer, event organiser, or marketer, esports is a field with endless possibilities for success. So go ahead and start your journey today!