Gamers often find it difficult to justify the expense incurred by their hobbies. After all, do you really need to spend hundreds of dollars on the ultimate driving simulator cockpit rig, or the keyboard with the most programmable keys, or the mouse with the greatest degree of sensitivity?
Well, with Black Friday computer deals coming up, gamers will have easier time justifying an upgrade to the pinnacle of gaming accessory technology for themselves.
One of the ultimate fantasies for any racing sim fan is to have a complete cockpit rig set up. So, when you’re out hunting for deals this season, keep an eye out for a Playseat Evolution.
What is the Playseat Evolution? Engadget described it as “a ridiculous contraption” that is basically the ultimate racing simulator cockpit. The basic Playseat Evolution Black comes with a fully adjustable seat wrapped in vinyl ‘leather’, complete with side bolsters so you stay in place when you take those sharp turns and mounts for steering wheels and pedal sets (you can also buy one that comes bundled with the Logitech G27 wheel set).
You can also buy special edition Playseats that come with luxurious Alcantara leather, or are modeled after World Rally Championship cockpits or Formula 1 cockpits. The basic Playseat Evolution Black model retails for $399 normally, so be sure to look out for a bargain when surfing for Black Friday deals. Engadget had this to say about the Playseat Evolution: “It’s almost like having a piece of an arcade in my home, except it folds up when I’m done using it”. You can be sure it’s one accessory that’s going to elevate the experience of Gran Turismo or Need for Speed to a new level.
One of the most important computer accessories for the hardcore gamer, whether you’re involved in massively multiplayer online role playing games or first-person shooters, is the keyboard. Gaming keyboards are highly specialized pieces of equipment that do way more than just type. They are a critical interface tool for the serious gamer.
One of the biggest features of a good gaming keyboard is programmable keys. These keys let you bundle and execute complex functions in a game so you can execute a chain of actions with just one keystroke. Definitely useful if you’re a gamer looking for the ultimate edge. The thing is, programmable keyboards aren’t particularly cheap. So do yourself a favor and pick one up on sale, especially if you’re out looking for Black Friday computer deals.
One of the top programmable keyboard is the slightly intimidatingly named Razer DeathStalker Ultimate. It features a ‘Switchblade user interface’ which is an LCD panel that works as a second screen displaying essential in-game information or application widgets. It features 10 programmable keys, allowing a gamer to create a large number of potential combinations. The keys are equipped with anti-ghosting capabilities, which means you won’t have to worry about unintended repeated actions when you’re stabbing keys in the heat of a game. The Razer DeathStalker Ultimate retails for $249.99.
Besides the keyboard, the other critical tool in a serious gamer’s arsenal is a proper gaming mouse. This is especially important for first-person shooters where a milimeter can mean the difference between a headshot and being shot. Kotaku found the Gigabyte Aivia Krypton gaming mouse to sit atop the pile of contenders for the best peripheral in this category.
Gigabyte’s Aivia Krypton mouse features two types of chassis for ultimate customisation. You can choose between the speed chassis, which features an abrasion-free ceramic foundation for supreme quickness or the control chassis, which uses a Teflon foundation for excellent sensitivity. You can further adjust the Krypton’s weight within a range of 35 grams and select the centre of gravity that suits your palm best.
According to Kotaku, the Krypton is ideal for “short, quick games like shooters” although it may not be the most comfortable peripheral for slower strategy games. It retails for $70, so be sure to pick one up for a bargain when you are out shopping for presents this week.