What Gaming Accessories Are Worth Upgrading First?

which gaming accessories should you upgrade first for best results

Introduction: Building Your Gaming Setup Strategically

Upgrading your gaming setup can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many accessories on the market—mechanical keyboards, ultra-responsive mice, curved monitors, and high-fidelity headsets—it’s easy to lose focus and spend money where it won’t make the biggest impact. The question many gamers ask is: which gaming accessories should you upgrade first for best results?

The key is prioritisation. Some upgrades deliver immediate and measurable performance boosts, while others simply enhance comfort or aesthetics. This guide will help you invest wisely by ranking accessories based on the value they bring to your overall gaming experience—whether that means better reaction time, more immersive visuals, or long-term comfort during marathon sessions.

Let’s break down the upgrades that matter most, starting from the essentials and working our way up to the luxury improvements.

The Foundation – Input and Output Devices

When you press a key, move a mouse, or glance at your display, milliseconds matter. That’s why your input and output devices—keyboard, mouse, and monitor—should be the first accessories you consider upgrading. They directly influence how you play and perceive your games.

1. The Monitor – Your Window to Every World

A monitor is arguably the single most transformative upgrade you can make. It defines how clearly you see the game, how fast you can react, and how immersive the experience feels.

Why It’s Worth Upgrading First

  • Refresh rate and response time: Moving from a 60Hz monitor to a 144Hz or 240Hz display drastically reduces motion blur and input lag. This improvement alone can make gameplay feel smoother and more responsive, especially in competitive titles like Valorant, Call of Duty, or CS2.

  • Resolution and panel type: A higher-resolution display (1440p or 4K) offers better detail, while IPS panels provide superior color accuracy and viewing angles compared to TN panels.

  • Adaptive sync technology: Monitors with G-Sync or FreeSync eliminate screen tearing, maintaining fluid gameplay even when frame rates dip.

Tip for Gradual Upgraders

If you’re upgrading over time, prioritize refresh rate over resolution. A 1080p 144Hz monitor often provides better in-game results than a 4K 60Hz one for most players.

2. The Mouse – Precision at Your Fingertips

Your mouse acts as the extension of your hand in nearly every game genre—from fast-paced shooters to strategic MOBAs.

Why It’s a Smart Early Upgrade

  • Sensor accuracy: Modern optical sensors track more precisely and consistently across surfaces.

  • Low latency: Wired and high-end wireless models now perform almost identically, reducing input delay.

  • Ergonomics: A comfortable, well-shaped mouse reduces strain and fatigue during long sessions.

  • Custom DPI settings: Let you fine-tune sensitivity for specific games and playstyles.

Best Upgrade Strategy

Start with a reliable mid-range gaming mouse with a top-tier sensor (like the PixArt 3395) before diving into ultra-premium models. Pair it with a quality mouse pad to maximize tracking consistency.

3. The Keyboard – Feel Every Command

While flashy RGB keyboards look cool, what truly matters is responsiveness, comfort, and durability.

Why It’s Worth Upgrading Early

  • Mechanical switches: Offer faster actuation and longer lifespan than membrane switches.

  • Tactile feedback: Helps prevent accidental keypresses and provides satisfying precision.

  • N-key rollover and anti-ghosting: Essential for competitive play—ensures every keystroke registers, even during rapid inputs.

Upgrade Tip

If you type a lot or play multiple genres, go for a mechanical keyboard with switch types that match your preferences (linear for smooth keystrokes, tactile for feedback, clicky for audible response).

Immersion and Audio – Enhancing the Experience

Once your core performance gear is optimized, it’s time to focus on immersion—how sound and comfort influence your engagement with the game world.

4. The Headset – Hear What Others Can’t

Sound is tactical as much as it is atmospheric. A great gaming headset can mean the difference between reacting to footsteps before your opponent or being caught off guard.

Why It’s a Worthy Mid-Tier Upgrade

  • Spatial awareness: Surround sound or virtual 7.1 channels help you pinpoint in-game sounds.

  • Communication clarity: High-quality mics ensure team coordination in multiplayer games.

  • Comfort: Lightweight frames and breathable ear cushions make hours of gaming effortless.

Pro Tip

Prioritize audio quality and comfort over RGB lighting or “virtual” sound gimmicks. A headset with solid stereo drivers often outperforms flashy 7.1 headsets in real-world gaming.

5. The Controller or Joystick – For Console and Sim Enthusiasts

If you mainly play on PC, a controller might seem secondary—but for genres like racing, platformers, or flight simulators, it’s invaluable.

Why It’s a Smart Secondary Upgrade

  • Precision triggers and sticks: Improve analog control for racing and action titles.

  • Customization: Some modern controllers let you adjust stick tension or remap buttons.

  • Comfort and durability: A sturdy build prevents drift and wear over time.

Upgrade Tip

For flight sims or racing setups, investing in a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) or steering wheel set transforms immersion levels beyond what standard controllers can achieve.

Comfort and Ergonomics – The Long-Term Game

Once your visual and auditory experience is set, you’ll want to protect your most important hardware—your body. Prolonged gaming can lead to fatigue, wrist pain, or back strain if ergonomics are ignored.

6. The Chair – Comfort Is a Performance Factor

A proper chair is not just about posture—it’s about endurance.

Why It’s an Essential Mid-Stage Upgrade

  • Spinal support: Adjustable lumbar support reduces fatigue during long sessions.

  • Seat adjustability: Height, recline, and armrest control allow a personalized fit.

  • Material quality: Breathable fabrics prevent overheating, especially in warmer climates.

Tip

Ergonomic office chairs often outperform “gaming” chairs at the same price point. Choose substance over flashy design.

7. The Desk and Mounting Setup

An optimized desk setup makes your space more efficient and enjoyable.

Why It’s Worth It Later

  • Cable management: Keeps your workspace clean and distraction-free.

  • Monitor mounts: Free up space while improving posture and line of sight.

  • Desk height: Adjustable desks can prevent strain and promote healthy movement habits.

Upgrade Tip

Don’t neglect lighting. A simple bias light or LED strip behind your monitor can reduce eye strain and enhance visual clarity.

Accessories That Add Refinement

After tackling performance and comfort, smaller upgrades can elevate your gaming experience from good to exceptional.

8. The Mouse Pad – Control and Precision Matter

A high-quality mouse pad complements your upgraded mouse perfectly.

Why It’s Worth Adding

  • Consistent glide: Smooth surface for accurate tracking.

  • Size options: Larger pads let you move freely without lifting the mouse mid-action.

  • Durability: Stitched edges prevent fraying over time.

A solid mouse pad is inexpensive but impactful—don’t overlook it.

9. Webcam and Microphone – For Streamers and Social Gamers

If you stream, record, or play co-op titles with friends, communication and presentation are everything.

Why They’re Late-Stage but Valuable Upgrades

  • Dedicated microphones: Provide clearer, richer voice capture than headset mics.

  • High-quality webcams: Improve audience engagement and professional appearance.

These accessories won’t boost frame rates, but they enhance how others experience your content.

10. Ambient Lighting and Accessories

For some gamers, aesthetics enhance motivation. Custom lighting, monitor backlights, or themed peripherals can turn your setup into a personalized sanctuary.

When It’s Worth Upgrading

Only after your core performance and comfort gear are solid. Lighting doesn’t affect gameplay but creates atmosphere and enjoyment.

The Smart Upgrade Sequence

Upgrading a gaming setup should be strategic, not impulsive. Here’s a simple priority ladder for best results:

  1. Monitor – Improves performance and experience immediately.

  2. Mouse – Boosts precision and reaction time.

  3. Keyboard – Enhances comfort and responsiveness.

  4. Headset – Upgrades immersion and communication.

  5. Chair – Prevents fatigue and pain during long sessions.

  6. Controller or Joystick – Expands gameplay possibilities.

  7. Desk setup – Improves ergonomics and organization.

  8. Microphone and Webcam – Essential for content creators.

  9. Lighting and décor – Adds finishing touches for ambience.

Following this sequence ensures every upgrade meaningfully improves your setup, rather than just adding more gear.

Balancing Budget and Performance

Consider Your Genre and Priorities

Your ideal upgrade path depends on what games you play:

  • Competitive FPS: Prioritize monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

  • Story-driven or cinematic games: Focus on display quality and headset immersion.

  • Simulation or racing: Invest early in controllers and seating ergonomics.

Gradual Investment Pays Off

Don’t rush to build the ultimate setup overnight. Gradual, thoughtful upgrades prevent buyer’s remorse and allow you to evaluate each improvement’s impact before moving on.

Set aside a budget per quarter or year for incremental improvements. This also ensures compatibility as new technologies emerge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Upgrading for looks before performance: RGB lighting won’t make you a better player.

  2. Ignoring ergonomics: Back and wrist pain will cost you more than any headset.

  3. Mixing incompatible gear: Ensure your GPU supports your monitor’s refresh rate and resolution.

  4. Neglecting maintenance: Clean your peripherals and update drivers regularly to preserve performance.

Final Thoughts – Building for the Long Game

Your gaming setup is an evolving investment. Knowing which gaming accessories you should upgrade first for best results allows you to make smarter, more impactful decisions. Start with what directly affects performance—monitor, mouse, and keyboard—then enhance immersion with audio and comfort upgrades.

Over time, these strategic improvements lead to a setup that feels both powerful and personal. The goal isn’t to chase perfection—it’s to create a space that supports your playstyle, comfort, and enjoyment for years to come.

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