If you recently got a new computer, you may find yourself looking for some exciting computer accessories to make the most of your shiny new desktop or laptop. I’ve helped quite a few family members and friends shop for computer accessories, so I’ve done a lot of research and I’ve got a lot of recommendations for you. Here are my must-have computer accessories you should consider for your home office setup.
External hard drives keep your data safe while on the go
I’ve never experienced it myself, but a lot of my friends have had years of memories erased along with their data because of hard drive corruption. To avoid this tragedy everyone should own a reliable external hard drive that will last long term.
While PC users can install internal drives, external drives can work for any device or platform. They allow you to take your data with you on the go without worrying about cloud sign-in or slow internet speeds. (That being said, I’d always recommend having a safe virtual backup of your most important files via a safe and secure cloud storage program.)
The main thing to consider when choosing an external hard drive is whether you’d like a solid state drive (SSD) or a standard hard drive disk (HDD). Hard drives are slower and have shorter lifespans, but they are significantly cheaper for how much storage space you can get. SSD’s use a digital microchip to access data as opposed to their analogue competitors, making them both faster and a lot more reliable. If you do plan on getting a hard drive I would highly recommend the Seagate brand, as I’ve been using multiple drives for over 6 years with no problems thus far.
Audio accessories for productivity and media
You certainly don’t need to be an audiophile to appreciate good sound. Great listening devices can make a world of difference in boosting your productivity or for enjoying your gaming and media experience. That’s why I always recommend having a set of quality external speakers and a headset.
Speakers for every computer setup
Even if you have a laptop or desktop with built-in speakers, they will often pale in comparison to an entry-level pair of external speakers. For me, the main benefit of speakers over headsets is flexibility and general use. They prevent pauses in listening when you have to get up and move around.
If you’re in the market for a professional device that will provide excellent sound accuracy, my favourite is the Edifier Studio Monitor speakers. I use them myself for all kinds of music listening across multiple devices. They have an excellent audio range, from clear tones to low bass, and it can all be controlled with a compact remote. If you’re looking for a device ready made for gaming, I’d recommend something like the Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC speakers. They have a sleek design with RGB colour lights to provide ambient mood lighting that matches your display.
Headphones for uninterrupted and immersive listening
On days when you use your computer for work and hobbies, a good pair of headphones is essential. The most important thing to keep in mind is that they should have a comfortable fit.
When it comes to quality headphones, the first brand that comes to mind for both standard use and high performance gaming is HyperX. As someone who’s gone through handfuls of headsets over the years, the HyperX brand has stood the test of time and provided me with excellent quality audio at a budget price. If you’re looking for a headset with more functionality or subtle design there are plenty of equally durable and quality sounding Logitech headsets to choose from.
The only thing I regret about my headset is not going for the wireless option. Wireless headsets keep you free from cables and having a wireless headset would have saved me from a few unforgiving drops or cable pulls.
Computer peripherals you’ll use the most
When it comes to essential computer accessories the two that instantly come to mind are keyboards and mice. These devices are required to do anything on your machine, and it’s worth picking something you won’t need to replace for many years down the line.
Keyboards
When you think of a good keyboard, what probably comes to mind for most people is something that is comfortable and durable. If you want to customize your keyboard be sure to choose a device with programmable shortcut keys. They allow you to customize your keyboard as much as possible and this gives you the ultimate edge in efficiency when working or gaming.
The main difference between traditional and gaming keyboards boils down to membrane vs. mechanical.
- Mechanical keyboards (for gaming) provide more reactivity to your inputs, are harder to press down on, and offer more precise response.
- Membrane keyboards (for productivity) are quieter and more comfortable to use over long work sessions.
You can certainly use gaming keyboards for work and vice versa, but it’s good to weigh the pros and cons of each before choosing what device to stick with.
Mice
Thanks to technological advancements in computer mice, you don’t have to choose between performance or convenience. Even wireless gaming mice are just as efficient as a wired one and they cost relatively the same price.
After having tried a few brands myself I now use the same Logitech gaming mouse for all my work and gaming needs. A quality gaming mouse can not only offer an advantage while you play, they’re also perfect for regular work use.
For specific recommendations of gaming mice you won’t have to look much further than the Logitech G502 X series. They are available in three different options depending on your needs and there is a full review of the mice on the blog which will help you decide which is right for you.
Along with a good quality mouse you’re going to need a mousepad that won’t hold back your mouse performance. There are a lot of mousepads out there that’ll do the trick, but be sure to look for something with little resistance and stitched edges so it won’t wear out easily.
For users that want all the space they can get, I’d also recommend a full desk mouse pad. Not only does it provide a larger surface area to work with, it also acts as great comfort for your wrists.
Add-on accessories to make the most of your PC
If you’ve already picked your essential computer accessories, you may still be looking for ways to make the most of your new device. Thankfully, there are plenty of other computer accessories you can add to your new PC.
Webcams
While many people associate webcams with work, there is more than one way to use a personal computer camera. With webcams sharing moments with family members from across the globe is easy, especially when travel isn’t an option. They make sure your loved ones never miss a moment.
You can also use a webcam if you’d like to share your gaming experience with online friends. You can set up a live Twitch stream or chat with friends via Discord.
Desk lights
If you’re like me you often find yourself using your computer desk for working, gaming, eating, and relaxing. This brings up the problem of poor lighting, and that’s where desk lights come in. These lights feature a full range of motion so you can be creative in how you can set them up. There are even more portable lights that provide great lighting for content creation, such as the Logitech Litra lights.
After having a chance to see one of these lights in action, I think they are a huge upgrade from a traditional desk light. They offer different shades of light so you can set them to a warm hue or turn up the brightness for any project at any time of day. But desk lights in general are a fantastic addition to any workstation, especially when you need to see whatever you’re working on as clearly as possible.
Software
Now while hardware is an important part of the PC experience, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention software as a necessary step on the road to making the most of your device. From word processors and video editors to antivirus and graphics optimizers, there are all kinds of software you can use to protect and enhance your activity on the computer. If you want to take a look at some of the software you can choose, check out my article on essential software to install on your new PC or laptop.
Complete your home office setup with the right accessories
From external hard drives to keyboards to mice, the right computer accessories will allow you to make the most of your computer, and the list of products here will help you outfit your desk with the best.
You’ll notice I spent some time raving about the Logitech brand in this article, and it’s for a good reason. As it stands Logitech is one of the most reliable brands for computer accessories available, and they have a lot of devices to fit anyone’s budget. I’ve only used their mice and speakers myself, but I’ve heard nothing but positive reception from all their product lines and it’s a great place to start looking.
Shop computer accessories today at Best Buy.
