Gaming – SmartnTechs https://smartntechs.com Essentials and Reviews about Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops and More Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:33:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 PS4 vs PS5 – Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: Gaming Console Comparison https://smartntechs.com/gaming/ps4-vs-ps5-xbox-series-x-vs-xbox-series-s/ https://smartntechs.com/gaming/ps4-vs-ps5-xbox-series-x-vs-xbox-series-s/#respond Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:12:21 +0000 https://smartntechs.com/?p=8926 PlayStation 4 vs PlayStation 5 The PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation 5 (PS5) are two remarkable gaming consoles that have shaped the gaming industry in their respective...

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PlayStation 4 vs PlayStation 5

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation 5 (PS5) are two remarkable gaming consoles that have shaped the gaming industry in their respective eras. With the PS5’s release, gamers were presented with a next-generation console promising a range of advancements over its predecessor, the PS4. We will delve into the key differences between these two consoles, analyzing their hardware, performance, features, gaming libraries, and overall impact on the gaming landscape.

PlayStation 4 vs PlayStation 5

Hardware and Performance

The hardware capabilities of the PS4 and PS5 mark a significant leap forward. The PS4 has an 8-core x86-64 AMD “Jaguar” CPU and a 1.84 teraflops AMD Radeon GPU. On the other hand, the PS5 boasts an 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU and a custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU capable of 10.28 teraflops. This substantial increase in power translates to faster load times, improved graphics, and more seamless gameplay on the PS5. Additionally, the PS5’s solid-state drive (SSD) significantly reduces load times compared to the PS4’s traditional hard disk drive (HDD), providing a more immersive gaming experience.

Graphics and Visual Fidelity

The PS5’s graphics capabilities elevate gaming to new heights. With support for ray tracing, high dynamic range (HDR), and up to 8K resolution, the PS5 offers stunningly lifelike graphics and enhanced visual details. In comparison, the PS4 delivers impressive visuals at 1080p or 4K resolution (Pro model), but lacks the advanced features of the PS5.

The difference between the two consoles becomes particularly noticeable when playing games optimized specifically for the PS5, as they take full advantage of its hardware capabilities, resulting in breathtaking visuals and immersive gameplay.

Storage and Load Times

Storage technology is an area where the PS5 surpasses the PS4. The PS4 relied on HDDs, which led to longer load times and limited storage capacity. In contrast, the PS5’s SSD not only reduces load times significantly, but it also enhances system responsiveness. Gamers can now jump into their favorite games more quickly and seamlessly on the PS5. Moreover, the PS5 offers an expandable storage option, allowing users to attach additional SSD storage to accommodate their growing game libraries, offering more convenience and flexibility compared to the PS4.

Backward Compatibility

Backward compatibility is a crucial factor for gamers during a console transition. Sony addressed this concern by ensuring that the majority of PS4 games are compatible with the PS5. This means that players can continue to enjoy their favorite PS4 titles on the new console, often with improved performance and graphics. However, it is worth noting that not all games are backward compatible, and users should consult the compatibility list provided by Sony for a seamless transition.

User Interface and Features

The PS5 introduces a revamped user interface (UI) with a modern and intuitive design. The UI focuses on providing a seamless user experience, allowing players to access games, friends, and media quickly. Additionally, the PS5’s DualSense controller brings innovative features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, enhancing immersion and offering a more tactile gaming experience. In contrast, the PS4’s UI is simpler and lacks these advanced features, making the PS5 a significant leap forward in terms of user interaction.

Gaming Experience and Exclusive Titles

The gaming experience on the PS5 showcases the next generation of gaming. Exclusive titles such as “Demon’s Souls,” “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart,” and “Returnal” demonstrate the PS5’s graphical prowess and take full advantage of its hardware capabilities, providing an immersive and visually stunning experience. However, the PS4 still boasts an impressive library of games, including highly acclaimed titles like “The Last of Us Part II” and “Ghost of Tsushima.” These games have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, making the PS4 a valuable gaming platform even in the era of the PS5.

The transition from the PS4 to the PS5 represents a significant milestone in gaming technology. With enhanced hardware, graphics, faster load times, and innovative features, the PS5 offers an unparalleled gaming experience. However, the PS4 still holds its ground with a strong library of games and a more affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. Ultimately, the decision between the two consoles depends on individual preferences, budget, and the desire for the latest gaming innovations. Regardless of the choice, both the PS4 and PS5 have contributed to the evolution of gaming and have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are two highly anticipated consoles from Microsoft, representing the next generation of gaming. While both consoles share the same Xbox ecosystem and offer unique features, they cater to different audiences due to their divergent approaches to hardware, performance, and affordability. In this review, we will delve into the key differences between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, analyzing their hardware capabilities, gaming experiences, backward compatibility, and overall value in the gaming landscape.

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S

Hardware and Performance

The Xbox Series X is a powerhouse, featuring cutting-edge hardware designed to deliver the best gaming experience possible. It boasts a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, an RDNA 2 GPU capable of 12 teraflops, and 16 GB of GDDR6 RAM. With these specifications, the Xbox Series X can handle games at up to 4K resolution with ray tracing, high frame rates, and enhanced visual effects. Additionally, the console’s high-speed SSD significantly reduces load times and offers quick access to games and applications.

In contrast, the Xbox Series S focuses on affordability while still providing a solid gaming experience. It features a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, an RDNA 2 GPU capable of 4 teraflops, and 10 GB of GDDR6 RAM. The Series S targets gaming at 1440p resolution, providing smooth gameplay and fast loading times. Although it doesn’t offer native 4K gaming like the Series X, it does support upscaling for improved visuals on 4K displays.

Graphics and Visual Fidelity

The Xbox Series X stands out in terms of graphics and visual fidelity. It supports native 4K resolution, HDR, and ray tracing, allowing for breathtaking visuals with realistic lighting and reflections. Games optimized for the Series X take full advantage of its hardware capabilities, delivering stunning graphics and immersive experiences.

On the other hand, the Xbox Series S is designed to deliver solid performance at a lower price point. While it may not support native 4K resolution, it still offers excellent visuals at 1440p resolution. Games designed for the Series X are also compatible with the Series S, benefiting from improved frame rates and faster loading times, making it a great choice for gamers who prioritize affordability without compromising on gameplay quality.

Storage and Load Times

Both the Xbox Series X and Series S feature custom NVMe SSDs, which provide significant improvements in loading times compared to previous console generations. The Xbox Series X comes with a 1 TB SSD, providing ample storage space for games, while the Series S offers a smaller 512 GB SSD. However, the Series S has a more limited available storage capacity due to its smaller size. Both consoles support expandable storage options through Seagate’s proprietary expansion cards, ensuring gamers can continue to expand their game libraries.

Backward Compatibility

Microsoft has made backward compatibility a priority, allowing gamers to enjoy their existing Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even some original Xbox games on both the Series X and Series S. With the addition of Auto HDR and improved frame rates, older titles can benefit from enhanced visuals and smoother performance on both consoles. This commitment to backward compatibility ensures that players can seamlessly transition from previous generations while still enjoying their favorite games.

Gaming Experience and Game Library

Both the Xbox Series X and Series S offer an extensive game library, including a mix of exclusive titles, third-party games, and access to Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription-based service. Game Pass provides a vast catalog of games, including first-party titles that are available on launch day. This subscription service gives players the opportunity to explore a wide range of games without the need to purchase them individually.

However, the Xbox Series X stands out with its capabilities to deliver a more immersive gaming experience. With its superior hardware and support for native 4K resolution, it provides the most visually impressive and technologically advanced gameplay. The Series X’s performance allows for higher frame rates and improved graphics, creating a more immersive gaming experience compared to the Series S.

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S offer distinct experiences tailored to different types of gamers. The Series X provides unparalleled power, native 4K gaming, and a range of advanced features for those seeking the highest level of performance. On the other hand, the Series S offers an affordable option without compromising on gaming quality, delivering solid visuals and smooth gameplay at a lower price point. Ultimately, the choice between the Xbox Series X and Series S depends on individual preferences, budget constraints, and desired gaming experiences.

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Best Tablets for Gaming: Worth Buying https://smartntechs.com/tablets/best-tablets-for-gaming/ Tue, 23 May 2023 15:34:22 +0000 https://smartntechs.com/?p=8650 Gaming tablets offer a full mobile gaming experience, large screen, light weight, to play games online or downloaded from the app store. To choose the best gaming...

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Gaming tablets offer a full mobile gaming experience, large screen, light weight, to play games online or downloaded from the app store. To choose the best gaming tablet for your needs, you should first consider the processor and RAM, then check the operating system, available storage space, screen size, weight, refresh rate, resolution, battery, and more.

For example, a good tablet for gaming should have an Octa Core processor up to 3.1 GHz and 6 or 8 GB of RAM, at least 64 GB of storage, a 2K or 4K resolution display, a 90 or 120 Hz refresh rate. So, through extensive research and testing, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 tablets that’ll meet the needs of every type of buyers.

1 ASUS ROG Flow Z13

The best gaming tablet overall

Asus ROG Flow Z13

Pros:

  • Perfect design.
  • Great gaming performance.
  • Lightweight, mobile, and flexible

Cons:

  • Lack of an HDMI port
  • Autonomy a bit short

The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 offers incredible power in a slim, lightweight design, with a choice of top-tier Intel or AMD processors and a discrete RTX 3050 Ti graphics card. His large 13.4-inch mini-LED display provides an immersive gaming experience on a tablet. You can choose between Full HD and 4K, both at 120 Hz refresh rates.

In terms of gaming performance, the 3050 Ti GPU of this tablet is naturally not Nvidia’s highest-rated config. But for the format that the ROG Flow Z13 offers, it is simply unmatched. As an example, Cyberpunk 2077 in native definition and High setting runs at 30 FPS smoothly, and 60 FPS if you use DLSS in Performance mode. Shadow of the Tomb Raider can also be played in its high graphics settings and offer 56 FPS in native definition or 86 FPS with DLSS Performance enabled. I also got 37 fps in Forza Horizon 5 on ultra settings, and 40 fps in Metro Exodus. So, decent and mind-blowing. The battery life on the other hand is not good, with less than 90 minutes of AAA gameplay on a single charge. It’s much better in general use, but at about five hours.

2 Apple iPad 10 (2022)

Most affordable iPad for Gaming

Apple iPad 10 (2022)

Pros:

  • Stunning Design as usual.
  • Great photo module.
  • Good autonomy.
  • good performance.

Cons:

  • additional accessory.
  • Slow charging.

This 10th generation iPad has seen its design evolve to approach that of the iPad Air 2022. Its 10.9-inch screen offers less imposing borders and the famous Home button has disappeared from the front. The fingerprint sensor has moved to the edge, on the power button.

In terms of general performance, the iPad 10 is equipped with the Apple A14 Bionic chip, which equipped the iPhone 12 series. It is 20% more powerful than the previous version equipped with the A13 Bionic chip. The photo module has also been reworked. At the back, the wide-angle sensor goes from 8 to 12 megapixels. You can use it to shoot in HDR at 30 frames per second and in 4K at up to 60 frames per second. Compatible with the Magic Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil, the tablet supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. There is also a 5G version.

3 Apple iPad Pro M2 (2022)

Best overall gaming tablet from Apple

Apple iPad Pro M2 (2022)

Pros:

  • Powerful M2 Chip.
  • Fantastic screen.
  • WiFi 6E really faster.
  • Nice Mini-Led screen.
  • Satisfactory autonomy.
  • Compatibility with existing accessories.

Cons:

  • The price
  • Slow charge
  • Average autonomy

The Apple iPad Pro M2 is the best Apple tablet for gaming and online games. With its 12.9-inch XDR Liquid Retina display featuring True Tone technology that offers excellent color rendering with high contrast and no eye strain, and a maximum brightness level of 1600 nits, the iPad Pro is backed by the M2 chip that offers high-quality performance. According to the American giant, this processor is 18% more powerful than the previous one, and the tests of the IPad Pro M2 confirm this claim.

The high-end version offers a gigantic storage capacity of 2TB and a 12GB RAM, so you’ll never run out of computing power and storage space. Moreover, the ProMotion technology with an adaptive refresh rate of 120 Hz allows the tablet to adapt to all situations, despite the fact that games are limited to 30FPS. The iPad Pro is equipped with a 40.88 watt-hour lithium-polymer battery that provides up to 10 hours of WiFi browsing or video playback, combining portability and power in a versatile, professional tablet that’s great for gaming and any occasion.

4 Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Best Android gaming tablet

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Pros:

  • Ultra-thin design.
  • Powerful performance.
  • Really impressive screen.
  • S-Pen in the box.
  • Speaker quality.

Cons:

  • Battery life too short.
  • No charger in the box

Without a doubt, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is one of the most powerful gaming tablets of the moment. It is equipped with a monstrous Qualcomm SM8450 processor, a Qualcomm Adreno 730 graphics chip, 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage space. Running on Android 12, it manages to conform to the needs of professionals as well as gamers who want to run power hungry Android games.

The smoothness of the display in all circumstances is the major asset of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. This gaming tablet benefits from its large 14.6-inch screen. This screen rivals those of laptops in terms of size, but also in terms of resolution. But despite the high-resolution level, power hungry games such as PUBG Mobile can be run in full glory at up to 40 FPS at the highest settings. And if you reduce the detail level a little, you’ll achieve a good 60 FPS.

5 Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The best cheap Android gaming tablet

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

Pros:

  • A neat design.
  • A correct autonomy.
  • Satisfactory performance.
  • A decent audio.

Cons:

  • Poorly calibrated screen.
  • Too long a charge.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 may not be the most powerful tablet available, but it has more than enough power for serious gaming. While the Unisoc Tiger T618 may have difficulties running more intensive games, it should be fine for the vast majority of tablet games. Its 10.5-inch TFT display is bright and clear, and the device itself is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions. The 32GB of storage on the base model isn’t ideal for games, so upgrading to the 64GB model is recommended; because base model can potentially be expanded with a microSD card, though.

Priced at less than $300, this is a must have, especially considering how frequently it goes on sale. However, the Apple iPad 10 is the better option over the Galaxy Tab A8 if your budget allows for it. However, the Tab A8 is difficult to surpass at this price.

6 Apple iPad Air (2022)

The best mid-range gaming tablet

Apple iPad Air (2022)

Pros:

  • A Gorgeous 10.9-inch screen.
  • A very Stunning design.
  • Impressive M1 processor.
  • Optional Wi-Fi 6 and 5G.

Cons:

  • High price.

The Apple iPad Air 2022 is the iOS solution that delivers smooth, high frame rate gaming and saves money over the iPad Pro without sacrificing performance.

Its new M1 processor, while not disrupting usage, delivers a tremendous amount of power for the masses and will keep the device relevant in a few years, even after several iPadOS updates. Other minor improvements, such as the new 12-megapixel FaceTime camera, also make the user experience ever more comfortable. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display supports user-friendly True Tone technology and has a 4K resolution with a wide color gamut that ensures natural and faithful color rendering.

In my opinion, the iPad Air is perfect as a tablet for playing Asphalt 9, and other games with complex graphics. Indeed, even most demanding mobile games such as Genshin Impact, the iPad Air is able to maintain a smooth gameplay even after extended play time, with the graphics fully cranked and at 60FPS. This tablet is also equipped with four stereo speakers that reproduce powerful and crisp sound, ideal for immersing yourself in games. You can choose between a 64GB or 256GB internal memory version, while the RAM is 8GB. In addition to the WiFi Only version, you can also opt for the WiFi + Cellular model to play online wherever you are. The battery offers up to 9 hours of multimedia playback, and up to about 5 hours of gaming.

7 Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

Best gaming tablet for kids

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

Pros:

  • One-year free access to Amazon Kids+.
  • Kid-friendly design.
  • Colorful kickstand case.
  • Voice and video calls.

Cons:

  • limited choice of games.

Amazon has upgraded its product selection for children and now also provides the possibility of purchasing the Pro version. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is a great tablet that has been developed for children aged between 6 and 12 and comes with a full one year access to Amazon Kids +, and a colourful kickstand case. It has the same 10.1-inch screen and technological infrastructure as the non-pro model, but unfortunately, it does not have the ability to access the Google Play Store. As a result, the selection of games that can be played on it is quite restricted. Despite this, there are still a great deal of options available in the Amazon App Store.

If you are looking to purchase a big-screen kids’ device that can be used for both work and play, this is an excellent option to consider because it works very well not only for video games but also for books, videos, and applications. Your kids can even make video and voice calls by using the Wi-Fi to the contacts you pre-approved. Even more, they can install apps such as Sword Master, Ninja Runner, Minecraft and zoom on their devices.

8 Lenovo tab P12 pro

Great alternative to the iPad Pro M2

Lenovo tab P12 Pro

Pros:

  • Very Excellent finishes.
  • A very good Amoled panel.
  • Performance in the top of the basket.
  • Interesting Precision Pen.

Cons:

  • Camera.

Samsung’s dominance in the Android device industry is undeniable. Lenovo, on the other hand, is proving to be a formidable challenger for the Korean brand. The Tab P12 Pro demonstrates this! This huge tablet competes with luxury models because to its gorgeous aesthetics and high-quality AMOLED screen. It sports a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 12.6-inch screen, just like the Xiaomi Tab 5. It has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

It has a Snapdragon 870 processor and 8 GB of RAM for a total of 256 GB of internal memory. This combination delivers the tablet record-breaking performance, outperforming even the Galaxy Tab S7+! As a result, it is incredibly responsive when multitasking and playing mobile games. When it comes to gaming performance, we tested this tablet on games like Call of Duty Mobile and Asphalt 9. They both operated nicely at the highest settings without causing the Tab P12 Pro to overheat. You’ll also appreciate the battery life, which is great, averaging roughly 17 hours of continuous use.

9 Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Best Windows gaming tablet

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Pros:

  • Great design.
  • Heat and noise under control.
  • The good performances.
  • Well calibrated screen.
  • Excellent autonomy.
  • Very nice keyboard.

Cons:

  • Additional accessories.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the best Windows gaming tablet, capable of supporting the most advanced PC and tablet games with specifications that ensure performance similar to a high-end laptop. With the Surface Pro 9, Microsoft gives you the choice between the 12th generation of Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and Microsoft’s own ARM chip, the Microsoft SQ3, which is less powerful than the Intel Core i, but has better battery life.

Whether you choose the Intel or ARM version, the screen is the same and it does not change compared to the Surface Pro 8. Indeed, the display remains a 13-inch pannel (2880 x 1920 px) with a dynamic refresh rate of 120 Hz. When it comes to the RAM and the storage capacity, you get up to 32 GB for the Intel versions and 16 GB for the SQ3 version, and, up to 1TeraByte depending on the configuration chosen.

In terms of gaming performance, the surface pro 9 struggles to play new AAA games on anything above low settings. During my tests, Overwatch 2 ran at a smooth 60 FPS on low settings, but fell apart the moment I tried to use higher settings. Our tests also confirmed however that Some games run fairly well. Doom was playable at 45 fps at Ultra settings, but ran smoothly between at 60fps when I dropped it down to high settings.

10 Apple iPad Mini 6

Best small gaming tablet

Apple iPad Mini 6

Pros:

  • Ideal for note taking, drawing and gaming.
  • Design and compact.
  • Good LCD panel.
  • Very high performance.
  • Promised autonomy which is kept.
  • Compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2.

Cons:

  • Charge a little slow.
  • Price a little hig.

Games are totally cool on tiny screens, and a small gaming tablet can fit into anyone’s life. The new iPad Mini is just right for that spot. The Apple iPad Mini 6 is a huge improvement from the last one, and the 2021 version has a cool new bezel-less design that makes it look more modern. Hey, guess what? They got rid of the Home button on this tablet and put a TouchID sensor on the sleep button instead. Furthermore, they moved the volume buttons to the top so they could add a magnetic charging pad on the side for the Apple Pencil. Cool, right?

Guys, the iPad Mini 6 is not only gorgeous, but it’s also got an A15 Bionic processor, so it can do everything the bigger iPads can do. Moreover, speed is key in games, and this new chip makes the iPad Mini just as fast as the top tablets out there. Yeah, the coolest thing about the iPad Mini is how small it is. The 8.3-inch screen is cool, but kinda tiny. This screen is a bit taller and not as wide as the one before. It’s 2266 x 1488 px. So, If you’re not into small screens, this tablet ain’t for you.

Finally, when it comes the gaming ability of device, we are happy to inform you that mainstream mobile titles such as Honor of King and Original God support 90Hz or 120Hz high refresh rate mode.

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Top 10 Gaming Headsets: Wired and Wireless https://smartntechs.com/accessories/top-gaming-headsets-wired-wireless/ Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:03:24 +0000 https://smartntechs.com/?p=7414 A great gaming headset is an essential companion for any gamer. Indeed, it gives you the power to fully immerse yourself in the game and to capture...

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A great gaming headset is an essential companion for any gamer. Indeed, it gives you the power to fully immerse yourself in the game and to capture the smallest sound details, which is crucial in competition and casual gaming.

But, with so many gaming headsets available on the market, it can be a pain, to find the one that will be perfect for your needs. Well, in this article, we break down the top 10 gaming headset on the market this year based on price, performance, and the situations they’ll be used in.

1 Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless

The best high-end gaming headset for streamers, gamers and audio enthusiasts.

Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless

Pros

  • Wide and balanced sound reproduction
  • Very beautiful restitution of the basses.
  • Very good quality voice capture, very low sensitivity to surrounding noise.
  • Good feelings of comfort.
  • Robust and careful manufacture.
  • Many possibilities of connection with the docking station.
  • Easy to use, complete controls and application.

Cons

  • No possibility to use it in wired mode
  • Non-detachable microphone

The Astro A50 gen 4 wireless headset offers outstanding sound quality, a comfortable and durable design, and an Impressive high-precision microphone. The headset’s audio clarity is excellent across all frequencies, with noticeable and distinct bass, smooth and clear mediums, and powerful highs. It features a high-quality plastics and fabrics design that are both strong and lightweight and Its microphone also captures your voice clearly and transmits it without interruption.

Indeed, Thanks to its 5.0 Gigahertz wireless technology, you won’t have to worry about lag issues during intense competitions. The headset also features Dolby 7.1 surround sound technology, with speakers designed for special positioning to deliver a more realistic gaming or movie-watching experience. You also get variety of EQ presets to choose from via its companion software. Unlike other headsets, Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound works quite well with a variety of games, including many first-person shooters for a more accurate and immersive experience.

Moreover, it comes with useful accessories like a base that features optical, auxiliary and USB connections. This magnetic charging station keeps the level of the battery high when you are not using the headset, and its 15-hour battery autonomy means you won’t have to recharge it often. Additionally, it can serve as a streaming headset for your PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.

2 Razer BlackShark V2

The best wired gaming headset.

Razer BlackShark V2

Pros

  • Good overall sound performance (especially after equalization).
  • Particularly comfortable.
  • Generous battery life of about 24 hours.

Cons

  • Average audio performance for music and movies

It may not offer wireless connectivity, but the Razer BlackShark V2 is unique because it supports THX technology. THX Spatial Audio provides surround sound, so you can accurately locate the direction and origin of enemy fire, footsteps, voices, and more. You’ll have a much more immersive gaming experience than what most entry-level headsets can’t offer. This is made possible by the all-new 50mm Titanium TriForce drivers. They are equipped with diaphragms for better sound separation and clarity of voices, just to name these few.

The BlackShark also features a detachable microphone and a lightweight design. It’s a HyperClear cardioid with USB sound card to improve your voice and features ambient noise pickup and reduction, among other things.

The jack plug makes it compatible with PS4, Xbox One and other consoles, but you won’t get the advanced audio tuning capabilities.

And, as is the case with most Razer headsets, it’s very comfortable to wear during long gaming sessions. Moreover, its full-ear closed capsule provides unparalleled comfort, complemented by soft-touch memory foam and a leatherette finish. It will keep your ears cool during the most intense gaming sessions, and many gamers will appreciate that.

3 HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

Pros

  • Excellent sound performance.
  • Exceptional autonomy.
  • Excellent comfort.
  • The microphone is very good.

Cons

  • No storage case provided.
  • No wired connection.

Behind its aggressive look, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headset hides two large 50mm drivers that deliver a clear and powerful sound. The bass is deep without compromising the entire spectrum by preserving the mediums and highs in order to deliver a perfect signal over the entire frequency range from 15 Hz to 21 kilohertz. For an increased comfort even after several hours of intense gaming, the earpieces are padded and adapt to the shape of your ears. As for the microphone, it is removable if you want to use the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless in addition to an external microphone, in streaming for example.

Because it is Totally wireless, the connection to the PC is made via a dongle that you plug into a USB port. Once connected, it is a powerful wireless link that is established for a perfect sound without distortion. As for autonomy, it’s perfect: you get up to 300 hours of battery life with a full recharge time of only 4.5 hours! It means You won’t run out of power in the middle of a game! Lightweight, reliable and comfortable, with the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, you’ve definitely found the ultimate gaming audio companion!

4 SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless

Pros

  • Pleasant sound when corrected in the equalizer.
  • Comfortable and airy headphones.
  • Beautifully finished and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Bluetooth that expands compatibility.
  • A surprising but usable mini-jack port.
  • Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz simultaneous

Cons

  • No carrying cases
  • Non-removable battery

The SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless Gaming Headset was designed with console gaming in mind, and you can tell it by the design and the overall aesthetic of this gaming headset.

It features a sleek design in combination with the green color of the Xbox lines, this wireless gaming headset will certainly turn the head of many, whether at an eSports event or during a gaming session with your friends. In addition to the high-end design of the 9X wireless gamer headset, you’ll get a rich, balanced audio experience whether you use them for gaming or just for listening to music on your Xbox. The bass are deep, but not too loud, which is perfect for both game music and action.

The SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless Gamer Headset also offers the unique dual-band wireless connectivity you see in all of the company’s high-end bluetooth headsets. This means you get superior lossless audio, and you won’t hear audio from your games when it’s too late to respond.

The audio frequency response ranges from 20 to 22,000 Hertz, while the microphone frequency response goes down to 10,000 Hertz. The battery is also a plus for these wireless headphones, with an estimated life time of over 20 hours.

5 Corsair HS80 RGB

The best gaming headset for spatial audio.

 

Corsair HS80 RGB

Pros

  • Very powerful microphone.
  • Good feeling of comfort.
  • Easy to handle.
  • Very comfortable earpieces and structure.
  • High quality audio, precise, homogeneous.
  • Dobly Atmos

Cons

  • Limited autonomy.
  • Weak wireless connectivity.

Like the previous headsets, the sound of Corsair HS80 RGB has the ability to reach over 40000 hertz which is an excellent score. This allows the player to hear all the details of an explosion, people walking by or even whispers.

As for the ear cushions, they are very thick and are not placed on the ear but around it. No part of the ear touches the cushion. Moreover, it is made of fabric and thus allows the ear to breathe. Thus, the player will no longer have the sensation of intense heat, which is very helpful during long gaming sessions.

The audio output is Dolby Atmos which gives a feeling of spatial audio all around you to Guarantee effect for games that don’t require much bass!

The headset is wireless and is equipped with a long-lasting battery that can last up to 20 hours. The headset’s detection range is up to 18 meters, allowing you to go to the bathroom or do the dishes while continuing to chat with your squad in the lobby! The headset’s microphone is of course foldable towards the user’s mouth making it a perfect fit for anybody.

6 Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless

Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless

Pros

  • A headset that sounds right out of the box.
  • The finish, although plastic, is impeccable.
  • The dual wireless connection and ergonomics of the buttons is good.
  • Full software support for Windows, iOS and Android and included cover that really protects.

Cons

  • Expensive.

The Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless headset features the Razer TriForce 50 mm speakers that deliver a crystal-clear and natural sound, so you’ll be able to perfectly capture the atmosphere of your favorite game to Immerse yourself into in-game actions and lead your teammates to victory! Thanks to its circum-aural design and memory foam, you’ll enjoy passive noise reduction, absolute comfort, and no distraction by the noise around you during your gaming sessions! Indeed, it is equipped with an active noise cancellation with 10 levels to define precisely the level of isolation you want.

Moreover, you can connect the Razer Barracuda Pro to your PC, consoles and smartphones via the USB-C connection, and it comes with a USB-A adapter. Once connected, you fully enjoy the surround sound 7.1 on your PC or other platforms like a PlayStation, Smartphone, Nintendo Switch for a total immersion in the action! And you can also use Bluetooth connection!

The Razer Barracuda Pro also feature two integrated beamforming microphones for crystal-clear voice capture even with ambient noise! This will allow you to communicate clearly because it will only pick up your voice while reducing background noise to a minimum! The controls (volume and mute) are directly accessible via the left earpiece. Moreover, this gaming headset will also give you the ultimate gaming comfort, with a battery that can last over 40 hours.

7 Logitech G Pro X Wireless Lightspeed

The best gaming headset for most people.

Logitech G Pro X Wireless Lightspeed

Pros

  • Audio and surround sound experience
  • Complete and advanced customization with G Hub
  • Great design, build quality and finish
  • Plenty of analog connections in addition to USB: usable on PC, mobile, game console…

Cons

  • Comfortable, but heavy during long sessions

The Logitech G Pro X Wireless Lightspeed headset features a wrap-around design that surrounds the ear to provide passive isolation from outside noise and enhanced comfort compared to conventional headsets. They contain two 50mm Pro-G drivers that delivers rich and clear sound to your ears. The integration of DTS HEADPHONE X 2.0 technology results in surround sound virtualization for even more immersion and accuracy in the sound delivered by the Pro-G drivers! With this headset, you can easily Pinpoint an opponent’s location at a distance without getting confused, from now on, nothing and nobody can hide from you!!

The G Pro X microphone is the result of a collaboration between Blue Microphones and Logitech to create an accurate, high-performance gaming headset microphone! Thanks to its cardioid pattern, this microphone is ideal for gaming and streaming. And thanks to its Logitech G hub companion software, you have the freedom to adjust your voice settings as you see fit- noise reduction, compression, and more.

Finally, The G Pro X headset is stamped Lightspeed, which means it deliver a stable and reliable connection while maintaining the signal quality. Simply plug the receiver into a USB port to use your headset with a battery life of 20 hours and a range of up to 15 meters!

8 Roccat Elo 7.1 Air

The Best budget Wireless Gamer Headset

Roccat Elo 7.1 Air

Pros

  • Double headband for a “one size fits all” headset
  • Solid construction and flawless assembly
  • Foldable earpieces, Ergonomics and comfort
  • Stable connectivity / Battery life
  • Feature-rich software
  • Warm bass

Cons

  • Sometimes uncomfortable with glasses
  • Wireless operation required

The Roccat Elo 7.1 Air features a beautiful a self-adjusting metallic headband with rotating cushion hinges for comfort and flexibility at all times! Its 50mm diameter neodymium drivers deliver 7.1 spatial sound, speakers offer excellent sound quality, it is perfect for pinpointing your opponents in space or for immersing yourself in your gaming and movies sessions!

Thanks to its unique TruSpeak removable microphone, your voice will be crystal clear, making this a great headset for team games where chatting is essential. Moreover, the A mic control wheel allows you to control the strength of your own voice, which you can hear, so you don’t have to shout because of the headset’s sound isolation.

Even more, this headset is very comfortable, and the dual-foam ear cups (also known as the ProSpecs Glasses Relief System) are convenient when you wear eye glasses. This is somewhat compensated by the USB-C charging compatibility and a long 24-hour battery life. In addition to PC support, you can use the Elo 7.1 Air with the PlayStation 4/5 and the Nintendo Switch when the system is in docking mode.

It true that it doesn’t have Bluetooth, but if you combine its sound quality with its 2.4 gigahertz connection via the USB-A transmitter whose rage is up to 10 meters, its light weight design of 345 grams that features memory foam ear cushions, a battery that can last up to 24 hours without failing, you have a headset that will never leave your side and won’t cause you any pain!

9 Razer Kraken X

Razer Kraken X

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear.
  • Good thickness of cushions.
  • Jack connectivity, but complete.
  • A decent sound quality with a total immersion.

Cons

  • Position of the mute and volume buttons.

The Razer Kraken X features a high-quality sound, indeed, thanks to its 7.1 surround sound (PC only) the sound rendered is clear, precise and crispy, you will be completely immersed in the game.

In the car, on the track, or in the battlefields, you’ll hear other players coming from miles away and anticipate their strategies and thus increase your overall performance. It is not because the sound is ultra-qualitative that the price is high, on the contrary, and as usual, Razer has chosen to offer it at an affordable price that remains well below the market.

Designed for gamers, by gamers, the Kraken X adapts to any gaming or sound platform, indeed, whether you are on PC, Mac, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch or even on mobile thanks to its 3.5-millimeter jack, the Kraken X adapts to you and your style. Available in many colors, and padded at the earphones, you will be in the most optimum comfort, however, we note a lack of ventilation due to the strong padding, which can cause overheating in the ears. To compensate for this heat, Razer has used bauxite aluminum, making the Kraken X light, flexible and durable.

10 Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT

Pros

  • A very elegant and comfortable headset.
  • Bluetooth connectivity and RF .
  • The mini-jack for use on all current consoles.
  • Great detachable and efficient microphone.
  • Dolby Atmos and iCUE

Cons

  • Autonomy perhaps a little weak.

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT headset faithfully reproduces the sound of your game, all wirelessly with minimal latency, a range of 18 meters and a battery life of up to 15 hours! Its dual RF 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth connectivity and Dolby Atmos compatibility make it a powerful and versatile headset. Enjoy rich, faithful sound, flawless comfort and a breathtaking design!

With its large 50mm diameter neodymium drivers, the Virtuoso XT stands out as a gaming headset with an emphasis on audio fidelity. Its frequency response is a testament to this, with a range of 20 to 40,000 Hz! You can hear your environment perfectly without having a distorted audio spectrum. Its 7.1 virtualization is also a great asset too.

Thanks to its dual connectivity, you can choose your connection method with care! The radio frequency available via receiver connected in your pc’s usb port, while the Bluetooth brings an incredible versability of compatible devices!

Made of aluminum, we find a combination of robustness, design and lightness! The memory foam earpieces complete the copy with a quality passive isolation and an omnipresent comfort. Like any good Corsair device, these headphones are compatible with iCue software that offers customization options for audio (equalizer)!

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Top 10 Gaming Keyboards: Wired and Wireless https://smartntechs.com/accessories/top-gaming-keyboards-wired-wireless/ Thu, 10 Nov 2022 16:48:00 +0000 https://smartntechs.com/?p=7332 Elegant, durable and long-lasting, gaming keyboards are popular these days, and not just with enthusiast gamers. Indeed, their virtues and excellent reputation have won the hearts of...

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Elegant, durable and long-lasting, gaming keyboards are popular these days, and not just with enthusiast gamers. Indeed, their virtues and excellent reputation have won the hearts of every type of consumers. Thanks to its increased reactivity, the precision of the keys, its connectivity and the anti-ghosting effect, a gaming keyboard can take your gaming performance to the next level, or, slaughter your gaming skills.

Unfortunately, the excellent reputation of gaming keyboards has the disadvantage of attracting low-end products that are trying to take advantage of the “fashion effect”. It is therefore very hard to find the one that will be perfect for you.

Well, in this article, we break down the top 10 gaming keyboards on the market this year, based on price, performance, and the situations they’ll be used in.

1 Corsair K70 RGB TKL

The best TKL, multi-color, silent and gaming keyboard with backlight

Corsair K70 RGB TKL

Pros

  • Comfort worthy of a full keyboard.
  • Complete and intuitive software.
  • Detachable braided cable and Soft iCUE.
  • Convenient cover for intensive games.

Cons

  • One level of tilt.

If you want a silent gamer keyboard to move without noise like a sniper, we recommend that you take a look at this beautiful keyboard for gamers from CORSAIR. Indeed, with 105 keys and a silent touch, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL combines precision and quality.

Indeed, each key is designed to retain as much noise as possible, for a game in total immersion without disturbance. But the quality doesn’t stop with the key noise absorbers. The chassis is also of remarkable quality, it is made of brushed and anodized aluminum.

The whole thing is therefore lighter and more robust than conventional mechanical keyboards, and will last an eternity. It is therefore the ideal gamer keyboard to accompany any gamer during his many hours of gaming!

In addition to its many qualities, the design and backlighting are also well done. Indeed, there is a multicolored RGB backlight for each key, offering dynamic and intense effects that you can customizable at will. Moreover, this keyboard for gamers is equipped with a quick volume control and an additional USB port that you can use to connect a mouse, a headset, and more USB devices.

Finally, a soft and well-designed wrist rest can be put in place or removed, depending on what’s most comfortable for you.

2 Logitech G915 Lightspeed

The best low-profile gaming keyboard

Logitech G915 Lightspeed

Pros

  • Remarkable finish in every respect.
  • Efficient GL switches, three versions available and very low noise.
  • Efficient lighting.
  • Wired, Lightspeed and Bluetooth wireless operation and outstanding battery life.
  • Comprehensive and easy-to-use software

Cons

  • No wrist rest.

Logitech G915 Lightspeed is one of the best budgets friendly wireless mechanical keyboards, which inspires luxury and robustness thanks to its fantastic design and awesome features. It features an elegant aluminum finish plate, its flat mechanical keys are a delight for the fingers, whether for playing or writing, its ergonomics are simply perfect.

switches are available for this keyboard: GL Clicky, GL Tactile and GL Linear. We love these switches and we think they are a fantastic feature that will delight many gamers. Indeed, once you start using this sexy gaming keyboard, you can’t help but be satisfied with its efficiency and comfort.

The wireless side of the keyboard is also a great advantage, as it can be connected with Lightspeed technology via a USB dongle or Bluetooth, and It is also possible to use the keyboard via a micro-USB cable. The battery also follows very well. it can easily last up to 30 hours when the backlight is on and up to 135 days when the backlight is off.

Additionally, the keyword’s RGB is very appreciable, and you can fully customize the colors via the Logitech G Hub companion software. With the companion software, will be able to configure several modes on your keyboard depending on the game or program you choose.

Moreover, due to its thin design, it is not necessary for the players to resort to the wrist rest. Also note that it has the additional keys as well as all the usual multimedia keys. You will also appreciate the fact that this Logitech’s keyboard offers a fast Bluetooth connectivity that you can use to pair several devices simultaneously. To do this, it has dedicated keys to quickly switch between all devices without much difficulty.

3 Razer Huntsman V2 Analog

The best gaming keyboard overall

Razer Huntsman V2 Analog

Pros

  • Elegance, level of finish and Double injection PBT keys.
  • Double switch activation and USB pass-through port.
  • Comfortable wrist rests and perfect typing distance.
  • Comprehensive Synapse companion software.

Cons

  • A little high price.

Razer Huntsman V2 Analog Keyboard is equipped with an analog optical trigger switch for increased responsiveness in all situations and extensive customization options. With its aluminum finish, palm rest, dedicated media keys, and adjustable Chroma backlighting, it will be your best ally in tracking down your opponents!

With this model, the Razer brand has focused on the essentials. Thus, it was able to offer a device without any superficial decoration with some very appreciated additions such as: a layer of soundproofing. It is often found on custom keyboards and greatly reduces noise pollution. The Huntsman V2 keyboard has been designed with a simplistic and rather discreet chassis.

There is also a comfortable wrist rest despite the fact that it is not magnetic. As for the PBT keys, they are accompanied by the brand’s high-performance optical switches that are usually available in various variants to suit more players. Apart from this performance, the Huntsman V2 keyboard comes with RGB lighting.

However, the brand Razer has removed the banding that was found on the V1. You can buy the TKL version for 170 dollars. So, If you are looking for an efficient wired keyboard, with a better design, and all you need for your gaming needs, this is the model for you.

4 Corsair K100 RGB

The best multipurpose high-end gaming keyboard

Corsair K100 RGB

Pros

  • Elegant keyboard with always vivid RGB effect and intense colors.
  • Impeccable build quality and responsive switches.
  • Nice brushed aluminum chassis with sturdy PBT plastic keys
  • Responsive AXON technology and convenient USB pass-through port.
  • Complete and easy to use companion software.

Cons

  • Significant noise pollution (resonance)

Corsair K100 RGB model is undoubtedly the most complete keyboard available. Indeed, no compromise was made by the brand for its design. It is therefore equipped with all the components available: PBT keys, ultra-complete RGB lighting, macro keys, USB passthrough and a customizable thumbwheel.

The K-100 RGB keyboard is equipped with an OPX optical switch. In practice, we are talking about linear switches that are quite responsive. With the help of their activation point located at 1 millimeter, several hours of use is required before you can get used to them and avoid unintentional hits.

As it is always the case with Corsair, you’ll have to get used to the very large braided USB cable that comes with this model once you get it.

You should also know that this keyboard features two USB A ports and the keyboard has an additional USB port. This port can be used to connect your mouse gaming and other USB devices. Keep in mind that the Corsair K100 RGB keyboard is quite expensive because it is quite complete.

Speaking of configuration, everything is done via the Corsair iCUE companion software, which is very complete and modern. In addition to its excellent design, it also features a magnetic wrist rest made with foam for added comfort.

5 Razer Blackwidow V3

The best wireless gaming keyboard

Razer Blackwidows V3

Pros

  • Comfortable palm rest and a Very complete Synapse software.
  • Backlighting of very good quality, and easily adjustable.
  • Multimedia keys pleasant to use.

Cons

  • Noisy and slightly high price.

Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro switches are extremely responsive and have been optimized to improve your gaming performance. And with a lifespan of over 80 million keystrokes, 50g pressure, and 1.9-millimeter activation, it will take more than a few hardcore gaming sessions to get through this fantastic keyboard!

We like the fact that The BlackWidow V3 Pro also comes with a rollover that accepts a simultaneous pressure on 10 keys that pro gamers will love. When it comes to connectivity, the Keyboard’s HyperSpeed wireless technology will give you flawless responsiveness and accuracy with an ultra-fast radio frequency to provide the lowest latency possible.

You will also appreciate the fact that this keyboard does not neglect your comfort! Indeed, thanks to its premium aluminum finish and memory gel magnetic wrist rest, you’ll be able to play or work for hours without any pain! I am sure You’ll love the 4 customizable media keys in the upper right corner of the keyboard. Use them to Pause, skip to the next song, increase the brightness or the volume, in short, the choice is yours!

Last but not least, you love its compatibility with the Razer Chroma companion software to get up to 16.8 million colors and multiple custom effects! You can use it to create a full custom gaming setup!

6 Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate

The best RGB gaming keyboard

Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate

Pros

  • Well-designed multimedia keys.
  • Interchangeable switches and a comfortable wrist rest.
  • Lots of features including a fun AniMe Matrix Display.

Cons

  • Lack of stability of the keys.

When it comes to gaming keyboards, you can’t miss the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate: it’s brighter than the Statue of Liberty at Christmas, and the RGB is fully customizable.

With its many features, the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is designed to bring you responsiveness and speed, so you’re always one step ahead of your opponents! The “Animate” part comes from a brand-new addition on to the keyboard, a dot matrix display in the corner that you can customize with text, images, and animations of your choice. It’s not exactly an aesthetically pleasing thing, but it’s easier to customize than the original ROG Strix Flare’s acrylic display. Other upgrades include a thinner, more modern-looking chassis, a wrist rest with a cushion, and interchangeable mechanical switches.

The ROG Strix Flare II Animate also has foam, which avoids some of the sounds of mechanical keyboards when a key is pressed all the way down. Other useful features are present, such as media controls, USB 2.0 pass-through, on-the-fly macro recording, and long list of features to deliver a very complete keyboard. You will love them. Moreover, you can customize the RGB sync settings via the ROG Armoury Crate companion software, although this is an area that still needs a bit of work; it’s not very easy to navigate.

7 HyperX Alloy Elite 2 RGB

The best gaming keyboard for most people

HyperX Alloy Elite 2 RGB

Pros

  • Metal frame, robust construction.
  • High quality linear contactors.
  • USB pass-through port and Practical multimedia keys.
  • Excellent RGB lighting and a complete and intuitive companion software.

Cons

  • Important noise pollution

HyperX Alloy Elite 2 RGB mechanical keyboard features the HyperX Red switch for linear feedback for comfort and responsiveness in everyday use. Designed for FPS with its metal chassis and useful accessories, with this keyword, you will have the power to take your gaming performance to the next level!

With the Alloy Elite II keyboard, HyperX introduces its own in-house developed mechanical switches: sexy HyperX Red! With a total travel of 3.8 millimeters, an actuation point of 1.8 millimeters and a force requirement of 45grams, they guarantee a linear feedback for a smooth and precise typing sensation. When you use it, the typing is precise, and the noise is softer than the Corsair K100 above. A USB port is also present, which can be used to charge your smartphone or plug in your mouse, among other things.

The Alloy Elite II also features an RGB backlighting system with 16.8 million colors, 6 different modes and 4 intensity levels. Finally, its metal chassis offers an unparalleled robustness as well as a design that is more than pleasing to the eye and the keyboard is managed via the HyperX companion app.

8 SteelSeries Apex Pro Wireless

The best TKL Optical Keyboard

SteelSeries Apex Pro Wireless TKL

This sleek gaming keyboard features the first-ever per-key actuation function, which means you can adjust the sensitivity of each key separately to suit your particular needs.

SteelSeries Apex Pro Wireless comes with alternative RGB settings for the keys, which means you can adjust the color of each key separately. With the built-in display and the use of a generally empty space around other gaming keyboards we see, the Apex Pro TKL has managed to remove the first row of keys and move the functions elsewhere. the keyboard is therefore more compact than its competitors. It weighs only 2.1 pounds, which is considerably lighter than other gamer keyboards in this list.

It also has a handy USB port on the back, cleverly placed behind the space between the Escape key and the number 1 key, so you won’t have to move the keyboard to find it. At the bottom, it also has a specially sculpted space to store your cable and shrink it to the length you want.

You’ll also find the magnetic wrist rest, which is a nice improvement over the old plastic wrist rests. All of these unique features certainly contribute to making your gaming experience the best it can be. Moreover, SteelSeries Apex Pro Wireless also feature a small OLED screen that you can connect to your PC.

9 Asus ROG Strix Scope TKL

The mechanical keyboard with real-time macro keys ideal for FPS

Asus ROG Strix Scope TKL

Among the best and most innovative gaming keyboards is the Asus ROG Strix Scope TKL. It is equipped with Cherry MX RGB switches, ideal for FPS games because they allow fast actions, backed by N-Key technology that ensures no ghosting effect.

With its Asus’ Armoury II companion software, each individual key can be programmed with a macro for complex commands execution with a single click. and Key macros can also be programmed in real time.

Additionally, the keyboard has built-in memory that can save 5 personal profiles, in addition to the pre-installed default profile, so you can take your configurations with you and use them easily on other gaming PCs.

Moreover, thanks to its Aura Sync feature, you can choose from 10 different lighting effects and 16 million colors to match the keyboard to your gaming environment. The keys are individually backlit for an even higher level of customization.

This model doesn’t have a numeric keypad, so it can fit on even the smallest of desktops. It’s perfect for FPS games where you may need a lot of room to maneuver the mouse.

10 Roccat Vulcan 122

Roccat Vulcan 122

With its ultra-thin profile and original touches, the Roccat Vulcan 122 is in my opinion the winner in terms of design. It is also available in black, but the white color gives it a singular look, ideal for gamers who want to have a distinguished style.

It is equipped with Roccat Titan touch switches, the “brown” type, which offer a fast and accurate typing. This type of touch siwtch may not be as appropriate for gaming as linear switches, but it puts this product on the quiet side of mechanical keyboards.

The Vulcan 122 is a great keyboard and probably one of my favorites. One weak point is that it doesn’t have an extra USB port, like other keyboards of the same price. It’s also worth mentioning that some users have had problems with degradation a few months after purchasing it. Specifically, the paint on the keys visibly chipped off, an unacceptable problem for a high-end gamer keyboard. In my opinion, it seems to be a manufacturing issue and there is no reason for you to have the same problem. Just make sure you buy it from a site like Amazon, with a service department that guarantees a refund just in case.

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Top 10 Gaming Mouse: Wired and Wireless https://smartntechs.com/accessories/top-gaming-mouse-wired-wireless/ Thu, 27 Oct 2022 15:28:56 +0000 https://smartntechs.com/?p=7283 Finding the best gaming mouse for your needs can be a pain, there are so many options on the market right now, which makes it hard to...

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Finding the best gaming mouse for your needs can be a pain, there are so many options on the market right now, which makes it hard to tell which one will be perfect for you.

Well, in this article, we break down the top 10 gaming mouse on the market this year based on price, performance, and the situations they’ll be used in.

So, if you are looking for a wired or wireless mouse, with high precision optical sensor, programmable buttons, RGB backlight, and more terrific features for casual or competition gaming, we’ll have the perfect option for you. so, if you’re interested in finding out which gaming mouse will be best for you, stay tuned till the end so you don’t miss anything.

1 Razer Basilisk V3

The best gaming mouse overall

Razer Basilisk V3

Pros

  • Excellent optical sensor.
  • Comfortable grip.
  • High quality finish.
  • New convenient thumbwheel.
  • Extended RGB customization.
  • Very flexible cable that is easy to forget.

Cons

  • Optional Qi wireless charging dock is expensive

The Razer Basilisk V3 offers a Focus+ optical sensor with up to 26,000 dpi and 99.6% resolution accuracy. Thanks to its intelligent functions and features, you will have the power to always outperform your opponents and run towards victory.

Designed for gamer, its cable is more flexible and generates minimal drag for smoother and faster movements without any discomfort. And its 100% PTFE feet will allow you to use it on any surface with optimal glide.

We all know that During a gaming session, every second counts, which is why this mouse has high-performance optical switches.

Its activation is done at the speed of light, with a response time of only 0.2 milliseconds. With this mouse, you can easily change the way you play with a click of a button thanks to Razer Hypershift technology. This technology gives you the power to program its 11 buttons by activating a secondary profile with the click of a single button.

With the Razer Basilisk V3 gaming, you can adjust your mouse down to the smallest detail. Indeed, this mouse features a button that will allow you to change the scroll resistance of the wheel. You can therefore obtain a smooth or tactile resistance according to your wishes.

Finally, the backlighting of the Basilisk V3 mouse is equipped with the Razer Chroma system and 16.8 million colors! You will also have the power to synchronize your different Razer devices with the Razer Synapse software, and adapt your gaming setup to your tastes.

2 Logitech G Pro X Superlight

The best wireless & lightweight gaming mouse on the market.

Logitech G Pro X Superlight

Pros

  • Extremely appreciable record lightness.
  • Fast and accurate optical sensor.
  • Wireless link is perfect.
  • Good autonomy.
  • Compatibility with Powerplay wireless charging.

Cons

  • No dpi adjustment on the mouse

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight is not only an excellent mouse for gaming, but also for office use! Despite its non-honeycomb design, you’ll be surprised by how its lightweight despite the fact that it’s a wireless mouse.

The build quality is excellent, the plastic is light but sturdy, and although it’s not ergonomically shaped, the grip will fit most hands. However, small hands will have trouble reaching the button on the front side with their fingertips.

Its PTFE feet offer a particularly smooth ride, and the non-slip rubber grips that come with the mouse will keep the mouse in your hand. From the name of this model, you can already tell that this is one of the lightest mouse on the market. Indeed, it weighs only 63 grams which is combined with an impressive optical sensor, as well as responsive buttons that allow it to still rank high among the reference brands in terms of performance.

The mouse has 5 programmable buttons with Omron’s renowned responsive switches and a nice notched scroll wheel. With the G-Shift mode, you’ll be able to assign a second layer of controls to get 9 programmable buttons, which is a big plus for MMO players.

In terms of performance, its Hero sensor is flawless and can handle 40G acceleration without any problem. Its accuracy is also impeccable, although you may experience stalling on shiny surfaces like glass. But, as with most mouse, using a mouse pad is always preferable for optimal glide and accuracy.

Finally, this gaming mouse has an ultra-fast wireless connection with no latency, and its battery will last up to 70 hours without failing.

3 Corsair Ironclaw RGB

The best budget friendly gaming mouse.

Corsair Ironclaw RGB

Pros

  • Ergonomics designed for large hands
  • Lightweight despite its imposing size
  • Ultra-precise sensor
  • Light and handy despite its size

Cons

  • The knob could have been better notched.
  • Braided cord too rigid.

The Corsair Ironclaw RGB wired mouse is dedicated to performance, as demonstrated by its 18,000-dpi resolution optical sensor, packed into a mouse that weighs only 105 grams! It also features 7 programmable buttons and a customizable backlight to triumph on the battlefield!

This gaming mouse, designed for big hands, its sexy and its curved design will fit the shape of the gamers palm and it is quite pleasant to handle.

It is mainly intended for MOBA or FPS enthusiasts, who will appreciate its high resistance Omron switches, capable of withstanding up to 50 million clicks, as well as the responsiveness of the mouse with up to 18,000 DPI offered by the high precision optical sensor that equips it.

It has 7 macro buttons that allow you to remap the keys, which can be decisive in some games, and a dynamic RGB backlight system in two zones that you can set.

With a solid cable provided, a light weight of 108 grams and a built-in profile storage system, this is a cheap wired mouse that lacks a bit of resistance due to plastic finishes but will do its job for the average gamer, who plays in moderation.

4 Razer Naga Trinity

Razer Naga Trinity

Pros

  • Three interchangeable slices quickly.
  • Comfortable grip.
  • Excellent optical sensor.
  • Well-notched thumbwheel with side clicks.
  • Good manufacturing quality.

Cons

  • There is no adjustment possible regarding the weight of the mouse
  • It is slightly more expensive

The Razer Naga Trinity gaming mouse is the Holy Grail for MOBA and MMO players who also play other more conventional games. Thanks to this mouse, there’ s no need to change your gaming mouse depending on the number of macros needed, it has everything you need!

This gamer mouse from Razer offers precision and performance above all others. It features a sleek, elegant design with the brand’s logo visible, a scroll wheel and most importantly 3 interchangeable button plates.

You can choose between a 12-button side configuration, 7-button circle configuration, or a 2-button side configuration to suit your gaming style and titles. With its more comprehensive layout, it’s especially suited for MMO enthusiasts or MOBA players.

You can create macros with its 19 programmable buttons, and customize the colors with up to 16 million possible combinations to add style to your gaming room.

This Naga Trinity mouse from Razer is a wired model, for right-handed users, with a 16,000 DPI optical sensor for a very appreciable speed of movement on the screen. Its keys are mechanical and its ergonomic shape guarantees a long-lasting game comfort.

Lightweight at just 118 grams, it will be perfect for the vast majority of PC gamers. So, if you are looking for the best mouse for competitive or casual gaming, you won’t be disappointed with this gorgeous model from Razer!

5 ASUS ROG Spatha

ASUS ROG Spatha

Pros

  • Precision and reactivity.
  • Comfortable grip.
  • 6 easily buttons.
  • Wired or wireless operation.
  • Original design.
  • Convenient magnetic charging base.

Cons

  • Rather heavy

The Asus ROG Spatha is a very versatile and ultra-precise gaming mouse, and with its 12 programmable buttons will definitely blow the mind of most gamers!

It is massive gaming mouse packed with all kinds of features, extra buttons, RGB effects that even sync with your other ROG branded products such as motherboards, graphics cards, and even the Asus keyboards.

The Spatha is more than just a gaming mouse, from the point of view of construction, it is actually a marvel, it features a magnesium alloy body. The finish is neat, the grip pleasant and comfortable, in short, there is nothing to complain about the quality of manufacture of the Asus Spatha mouse.

Moreover, this mouse is quite heavy compared to the competition, and it is perfect for hardcore gamers. That said, if you’re wondering about the technical details, you should know that the ROG Spatha gamer mouse comes with an impressive number of programmable buttons, and that’s not all, you also get a loading badge that looks sleek as hell.

ASUS ROG Spatha is also wireless, and there’s a catch, you can go wireless without any input lag, and you can use it with the wire as well. You also get RGB lights, and just about every other feature you’d expect from a flagship mouse.

The mouse comes with 12 programmable buttons that can be programmed to your needs using the Asus Armoury companion software, you also get up to 8,200 DPI, amazing ergonomics and comfort for long gaming sessions, the main buttons use Omron switches that are rated for their very high click cycle, and even if they wear out, you can always replace them.

6 Logitech G203 Lightsync

The best budget gaming mouse on the market.

Logitech G203 Lightsync

Pros

  • Compact and comfortable mouse;
  • Good value for money;
  • Sensor without frills that provides the essentials;
  • Sleek design, pleasant lighting;
  • Integrated memory for storing profiles.

Cons

  • Scroll wheel without side buttons.
  • Slippery coating.

The Logitech G203 LightSync wired gaming mouse boasts a precise optical sensor of up to 8,000 dpi and 6 fully programmable buttons. Light and handy, it will become an extension of your arm instantly! Equipped with LightSync technology, you can customize the mouse’s backlighting as you see fit.

It is true, that You can find a lot of decent unbranded gaming mice on Amazon for less than $20, but it’s worth spending a little more for the Logitech G203 Prodigy. With this mouse, you get Logitech’s fantastic and reliable build quality, good driver software, and proven mouse design.

Since its popular G100, Logitech has released several mouses with an almost identical, small and almost ambidextrous body, and it remains a very comfortable mouse, ideal for the active grip of FPS or MOBA players. And the G203 is pretty damn cheap.

The G203 doesn’t use Logitech’s high-end sensor, but tests have shown that the Logitech’s Mercury sensor in this mouse is so good that you probably won’t notice the difference. It supports up to 8,000 DPI and has no problems with jitter or acceleration. Unless you need extremely high DPI settings, the G203 is a killer mouse at an affordable price. And if you decide you really like the shape and can spend a little more, consider an upgrade to the Logitech G Pro, which includes the high-end sensor.

7 Roccat Kone Pro

Roccat Kone Pro

Pros

  • High quality manufacturing and finishing
  • A very good grip
  • Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz for the Air model
  • The mouse is very light
  • The software is very complete
  • The storage of the dongle under the mouse

Cons

  • Price a little high

If you’re a gamer and you’ve never used or came across a Roccat Kone pro mouse, well, we are sorry for you. Indeed, this brand is one of the references in the market and many gamers appreciate it.

The Roccat Kone Pro mouse has an exceptional precision thanks to its in-house optical sensor, up to 19,000 DPI, 2-year warranty, as well as 5 programmable buttons, so that your actions are always within reach. Additionally, the two main buttons are made of optical technology for a reactivity as good as ever, and a resistance to 100 million clicks!

Maneuverability is also a positive point of this Roccat mouse with a particularly flexible cable, the PhantomFlex, and a light weight design! Indeed, with only 66 grams on the scale, the result is an extremely handy mouse! The perfect glide is also ensured by large PTFE pads for minimal friction. In addition to that, you can also enjoy the compatibility with the old Roccat Swarm model which offers you a multiplicity of customization possibilities.

Finally, to illuminate your gaming setup, you can count on the AIMO backlight that can be synchronized with the rest of your Roccat gaming devices.

8 Logitech G305 LightSpeed

The best cheap wireless gaming mouse.

Logitech G305 LightSpeed

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight for a wireless mouse.
  • Serious construction and robust appearance.
  • Comfortable grip, well placed buttons.
  • Energy-efficient and high-performance optical sensor.
  • Extremely Responsive buttons.

Cons

  • No RGB

If you’re looking for a cheap wireless gaming mouse, the Logitech G305 LightSpeed offers excellent value for money.

With a sturdy and smooth chassis, the build quality of the Logitech mouse is more than decent, the plastic is solid and no parts move. Its grip is comfortable and although its side buttons are on the left, it has an ambidextrous profile that works well for both left- and right-handed users.

On the other hand, it’s a small mouse and large hands may find its grip uncomfortable. As for its glide, the feet are a bit rough, so it’s best to use a gamer mat.

The mouse is equipped with 6 programmable buttons with the possibility of defining a second layer thanks to the G-Shift function. Its notched wheel is pleasant, but modify the scrolling speed.

In terms of performance, its Hero sensor is once again impeccable and its 12,000 DPI is more than enough for all your games, especially since the mouse supports accelerations up to 40G, which is very decent.

Finally, the click latency is excellent for a mouse of this price. The only unfortunate thing is that it is not rechargeable, but this is also what explains its low price. However, Logitech guarantees up to 250 hours of use on a single battery.

9 SteelSeries Rival 3

SteelSeries Rival 3

Pros

  • The controlled price for such a level of performance
  • A light model that glides easily on all surfaces
  • An agile and comfortable grip
  • The software support is exemplary
  • 5 precision and lighting memories
  • Less than 80 grams only

Cons

  • A little heavy
  • Too small for some

SteelSeries Rival 3 is one of the cheapest wireless gaming mouse on the market and is considered a great value for gaming enthusiasts without a big budget. It’s perfectly engineered and has a nice symmetrical shape that’s very solid.

As a result, it will fit any grip since it weighs only 77 grams. Its lightness makes it easy to hold. Sold at a reasonable price, you should not expect to get mind-blowing performance. So you’ll have to settle for the entry-level optical sensor.

Another complaint is that this mouse suffers from a much higher than average stall distance, but this will probably be ideal for most gaming enthusiasts.

This model doesn’t cut corners and gets straight to the point. It’s sure to please RGB fans, and you’ll certainly be able to customize it with the SteelSeries Engine driver, which is identical to all of the brand’s other peripherals.

As far as the grey areas are concerned, we deplore the fact that the non-braided cable and small sizes do not suit all users.

With reasonable performance and features and a solid and neat design, this mouse is offered on the market at a good price to allow you to be totally immersed in your gaming games.

10 Corsair Sabre RGB Pro

Corsair Sabre RGB Pro

Pros

  • Suitable for all morphologies and hand holds
  • Complete and intuitive software
  • Convincing quality

Cons

  • Designed for right-handed users only

If you are looking for a gamer mouse that combines comfort, performance and value for money with a lot of features, the Corsair Sabre RGB Pro is the perfect choice for you. With a style that’s the complete opposite of what’s on the market today, Corsair offers a mouse that’s very well designed and delivers impresibe raw performance.

It has an ergonomic shape and is aimed at palm grip enthusiasts and FPS gamers. This mouse has a high-performance optical sensor and several options that are made available to you by the Corsair iCue driver.

As far as weight is concerned, we are in the presence of 69 grams gaming mouse. Apart from that, its price positioning is quite interesting and the only grey area that we can highlight is the quality of the cable which could have been much more flexible.

However, this does not devalue the value of the mouse that much since it is a well-designed mouse at a good price and with incredible performance.

So, if you are gamers who want performance and only performance, the Corsair Sabre RGB Pro will be your perfect gaming partner because it has a precise optical sensor, a great grip, and a light weight design.

The post Top 10 Gaming Mouse: Wired and Wireless appeared first on SmartnTechs.

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Top 12 Monitors for Gaming, Editing, and Work: Our Recommendations https://smartntechs.com/technology/top-monitors-gaming-editing-work/ Wed, 07 Sep 2022 16:07:05 +0000 https://smartntechs.com/?p=7205 Finding the best monitor for you can be a pain, there are so many options on the market right now, so it is hard to tell which...

The post Top 12 Monitors for Gaming, Editing, and Work: Our Recommendations appeared first on SmartnTechs.

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Finding the best monitor for you can be a pain, there are so many options on the market right now, so it is hard to tell which one will be best for your needs.

We break down the top 12 monitors on the market this year based on price, performance, and the situations they’ll be used in.

So, if you are you’re looking for a flat or curved monitor, with a high refresh rate, a stunning resolution and an excellent response time for gaming, video editing, 3D modelling and more, we’ll have the perfect option for you. Now, let’s get insights.

1 Samsung Odyssey G7 LC32G75T

Our pick for the best Monitor Overall for gaming, video editing and 3d modeling.

Samsung Odyssey G7 LC32G75T

Pros

  • Quad HD 240 Hz VA panel.
  • Curvature that immerses the player
  • Image well calibrated by default.
  • Neat ergonomics.
  • FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility.

Cons

  • High power consumption.
  • Requires a very powerful graphics card to operate properly.

Samsung Odyssey G7 LC32G75T is the best 240Hz gaming monitor we’ve tested so far. With a 1000R curvature, 27- and 32-inch screen, and a resolution of 2K, it’s ideal as a gaming monitor and for those looking for an exceptional experience.

The larger variant offers more space for better immersion, but keep in mind that both models are 1440p resolution, so images are less sharp on the larger one due to lower pixel density.

The 240 hertz refresh rate ensures smooth and crisp scenes, while the 1 millisecond response time and 2 milliseconds input lags make every movement and action in the game instant and realistic, without lag or ghost effect.

In terms of screen quality, its QLED technology and HDR600 deliver vivid colors, excellent contrast, and crisp detail, even in the darkest scenes. Since this is a VA panel, it’s a great solution for those who want to play competitively. Thanks to the Adaptive Sync feature, the Samsung display is compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync.

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is also an excellent curved monitor for work, thanks to its eye protection with Flickerless and Eye Saver Mode systems. It provides adequate blue light protection so that your eyes don’t get tired, even after many hours in front of the screen.

2 Alienware 34 AW3423DW

Our pick for the best 34-inch Oled gaming monitor for the PC.

Alienware 34 AW3423DW

Pros

  • The infinite contrasts of the Oled;
  • Excellent calibration by default;
  • The best HDR on PC;
  • Very low latency;
  • Simple installation;
  • 3 years anti burn-in warranty.

Cons

  • No HDMI 2.1.

What this OLED panel can offer in either of its HDR modes, HDR 400 True Black or HDR Peak 1000, is simply outstanding. The image it produces is crisp and vibrant. In terms of gaming, this beast is capable of delivering 175 Hertz refresh rate and its response time is incredibly fast at 0.1 Millisecond.

Even games that are typically disappointing in terms of graphics like Call of Duty Warzone look great, thanks to the quantum dot enhanced saturation and fast response.

In addition to its OLED technology, the Alienware 34 AW3423DW also features Samsung’s new QD-LED technology, which combines the ideal RGB sub-pixel structure with the Quantum Dot technology to produce both excellent color saturation and an even brighter panel.

Alienware 34 AW3423DW - Back view

On top of that, Alienware boasts both an impressive 99.3 percent coverage of the demanding DCI-P3 color space, and a brightness of 1,000 nits. However, there is no HDMI 2.1 on this panel. So, it’s probably not the best solution for console gaming. It’s ideal for PC Gamer, and if you’re going to connect your PC to a high-end gaming monitor, we highly recommend the Alienware 34.

3 HP OMEN X Emperium 65

Our pick for the top monitor for the Living Room

HP OMEN X Emperium 65

Pros

  • Gorgeous, smooth gameplay;
  • Simple and sleek design;
  • Excellent SDR and HDR image contrast;
  • Built-in sound bar – excellent audio quality;
  • 144Hz G-SYNC with HDR10.

Cons

  • Not a good value for money.

Many monitors deserve to be at the top of the mountain, but by a small margin, it is the HP OMEN X Emperium 65 that takes the number 1 spot. The 65 in its name, it did not steal it, since it corresponds to the size of its screen, being 65 inches. Without a doubt, we can say that its purpose is clearly to replace your traditional TV.

Its MVA display offers a very good color rendering, not to mention HDR, with its luminance of up to 750 cd per sq meter. One of the big strengths of this monitor is all the NVIDIA technologies that the screen embeds, such as a high-quality G-Sync, but above all, the NVIDIA Shield TV 4K that is directly included in the device. The only flaws that can be found in such a high-end are a slightly high response time of 14 Millisecond, which is not so good for gaming.

4 Dell S3221QS

Our pick for the best value for money 32-inch and 4k monitor.

Dell S3221QS

Pros

  • Decent default accuracy and range coverage;
  • Sleek and minimalist design;
  • Works with both FreeSync and G-Sync;
  • Plenty of connectivity options;
  • Powerful speakers;
  • Unparalleled color contrast;
  • Curved design.

Cons

  • Not ideal for advanced gaming.

The Dell S3221QS is a great monitor for watching movies and TV series, working, or playing casual video games. This monitor is slightly curved and wraps around the viewer’s eyes, in order to immerse them even more in the displayed scenes.

The 4K panel of this PC monitor is a VA panel with excellent contrast. The colors are very vivid and watching movies or games on this screen is a real feast for the eyes. Graphic designers who are looking for maximum color accuracy will notice, however, that the saturation here is a bit high.

Speaking of gaming, while this is not a monitor specifically designed for that purpose, it is FreeSync compatible for a smooth and enjoyable experience when playing PC games. Although it’s not a true HDR display, the Dell S3221QS does support this type of content, and by turning on the Gaming mode, you’ll still see improvements in image rendering.

The ergonomics of the Dell S3221QS are also more than good, with a solid base that supports both lifting and tilting of the display to better suit each user’s preferences. As far as connections go, there are three HDMI 2.0 ports on the back, a 1.2 DisplayPort, three USB ports, an audio jack and a pair of speakers.

5 Gigabyte G27Q

Gigabyte G27Q

Pros

  • Fast response time;
  • Many great features, including FreeSync and MBR up to 144Hz;
  • Height adjustable stand, and USB hub.

Cons

  • Design lacks swivel and pivot settings.

The Gigabyte G27Q is one of the best 27-inch gaming monitors in the mid-range. It is an excellent choice for gamers who want a device that offers a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

This 27-inch gaming monitor has a very low response time (only 1ms) and a high refresh rate of 144Hz, making it ideal for those who prefer fast-paced games and seek high performance whenever they want. HDR support (HDR-400) and FreeSync (which will benefit owners of AMD video cards) are also present.

The screen of the Gigabyte G27Q is IPS, the colors are extremely vivid, the viewing angles excellent. The resolution is 2560 x 1440 pixels (QHD), with a 16:9 format. In terms of ergonomics, the adjustment options are good, height up to 13 cm and -5° and 20° inclination. The connectivity options are also good. There is a DisplayPort 1.2, 2 one HDMI 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and 3.5 millimeters audio jack. In addition, this monitor features a pair of 2W speakers with standard performance.

6 Dell UltraSharp U2720Q

Our pick for the best 27-inch monitors for image quality.

Dell UltraSharp U2720Q

Pros

  • Great coverage of the color range;
  • Solid port selection;
  • tilt, rotate;
  • Native 4K UHD resolution;
  • VESA support.

Cons

  • Expensive.

Technical specifications of Dell UltraSharp U2720Q makes it particularly suitable for graphic designers, photo and video editors, those who deal with content creation at a professional level. The 27-inch IPS display features accurate, bright and realistic colors. we talking about 99% sRGB at factory settings. The 4K UHD resolution ensures an extremely high level of detail, which you can enjoy when watching movies and other high-definition content, or during a gaming session.

Dell UltraSharp U2720Q Various Orientations

With HDR support and 9 milliseconds low response, even the most demanding gamers will enjoy the immersive gaming experience this monitor offers. The screen also offers plenty of adjustment options: you can adjust the height, tilt, as well as rotate the screen up to 90 degrees, for those who need to work vertically.

There is also a VESA support for those who wish to use another type of support. Even more, Between the side and base of the screen there are 2 USB-C ports with Power Delivery functionality to power a laptop or other devices, 3 USB-A 3.0, an HDMI port, DisplayPort and a 3.5 millimeters audio jack.

7 Lenovo Thinkvision M14

Our pick for the best Portable Monitor

Lenovo Thinkvision M14

Pros

  • Strong points;
  • only weighs 570 grams
  • Practical and stable stand;
  • Very light and thin;
  • Quality of design.

Cons

  • No touchscreen;
  • No battery.

With a 14-inch screen and a maximum resolution of Full HD, the Lenovo Thinkvision M14 is the best portable external monitor in terms of value for money. Its biggest advantage is its portability, thanks to its plastic design, which makes it ultra-light and very thin and it only weighs 570 grams.

Given its response time of 6 milliseconds, this portable monitor is more suitable for professional use and video editing, rather than for gaming.

The other strength of this portable monitor is the built-in adjustable stand that serves as a tripod. With it, you can customize the monitor with an angle from -5 to 90 degrees and the stand is retractable, which makes it possible to use it in a vertical position.

Lenovo Thinkvision M14 Top

The only shortcoming is the limited display customization settings; However, it is this very fact that makes it very intuitive and beautiful in terms of design.

On the other hand, if we take a look at the sides of the monitor, we can find two Type C ports, which allow us to use it without the need for an external power supply, and a Kensington lock slot, which is ideal for security.

8 LG 49WL95C

Our pick for the best 49-inch Curved Monitor.

LG 49WL95C

Pros

  • UltraWide Dual QHD 5120 x 1400 display at 60 Hz;
  • 1800R curved screen;
  • 2 deep bass speakers of 10 watts;
  • HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C connection;
  • Ajustable stand (height / tilt / rotation).

Cons

  • Not a great contrast and blacks.

The LG 49WL95C monitor is a marvel of technology with a 1800R curved screen. Its size is exceptional and perfect as a monitor for work, gaming, video and graphics editing with a fully immersive feeling. If you use multiple software programs at the same time, or you are already forced to work on two monitors, this LG monitor will be a perfect solution to your lack of space and a great help to your productivity.

Thanks to its dual Quad-HD display with a billion colors, a resolution of 5120 by 1440, and a response time of 5 milliseconds, you will enjoy crisp and realistic photo and video.

Its ambient light sensor adjusts the brightness based on the intensity of the natural or artificial light in the environment. Audio is provided by 2 speakers of 10 watts each and deep bass for faithful reproduction.

If you need to work on documents and text files, the multitasking screen is also suitable for simple reading, thanks to the reader mode with reduced blue light in order not to strain your eyes and disturb your sleep.

It is largely compatible with most devices, including the Mac and Ipad Pro, thanks to its USB-C output. However, if you have a Mac with Thunderbolt 3, you won’t be able to enjoy the full resolution when the USB-C output is engaged.

9 ViewSonic Elite XG270QG

ViewSonic Elite XG270QG

Pros

  • Amazing IPS panel.
  • Awesome image quality and speed.
  • Perfect balance between detail and performance.

Cons

  • Fairly expensive;
  • No HDR support.

The ViewSonic Elite XG270QG is the best 144Hz monitor with G-Sync. It is a 27-inch 1440p and 2k monitor, which is suitable for professional gamers who want a smooth gaming experience.

It has IPS display with wide viewing angles, the refresh rate can be overclocked up to 165 Hz, the response time and input lag are exceptionally low and it supports VRR technology to match the screen images to the video card.

ViewSonic Elite XG270QG - Back view

The monitor is capable of displaying vivid colors with good saturation and accuracy, but for optimal use, we recommend calibrating the screen when you purchase it, as the colors are not exceptionally accurate when you receive it. On the back of the screen, there is an RGB lighting system that can be customized via the screen’s menu. The monitor has built-in speakers, 3 USB ports, a blue light filter to protect your eyes from fatigue, and a good level of ergonomic adjustments to adapt the viewing angle to your preferred position.

10 Asus TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A

Our pick of the best high-end gamer PC monitor

Asus TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A

Pros

  • Image well calibrated by default.
  • Compatibility with HDMI 2.1 (4K/120 Hz and VRR).
  • The IPS panel is responsive.
  • FreeSync and G-Sync compatible.
  • Ergonomics ( Height, tilt and rotation adjustable stand).
  • Ultra HD native definition which is interesting for consoles.

Cons

  • OSD and controls not very practical;
  • Power consumption.

There are quite few monitors on the market at the moment that offer 4K definition with HDMI 2.1 support, and all of them are priced relatively high. Asus TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A is an excellent compromise that will guarantee them a powerful, fluid and responsive display on every gaming platform!

Beyond these considerations, we should acknowledge that the TUF VG28 is a solid 4K UHD gaming monitor. Indeed, thanks to Asus’ technologies like ELMB Sync score well, the calibration is interesting and better than many other monitors we’ve seen so far, and also the pixel density with the slightly wider diagonal makes this TUF VG28 very enjoyable to use on a daily basis.

Finally, the support of HDMI 2.1 makes it ready for the years to come, but it is currently difficult to recommend such a display to console gamers. Why is that? The number of games that can be run in 4K at 120 fps on consoles is quite low, the lack of VRR on the PS5 at the moment, and perhaps the price as well, even if the comparison is delicate, when you know that it is possible to acquire an OLED TV with 4K at 120 Hz for a slightly higher price.

11 Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

Our pick for the best 49-inch and 4K UHD monitor for gaming.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

Pros

  • Many connectivity options including HDMI 2.1;
  • The bluffing mini-LED;
  • Two REAL screens in one;
  • Superb color and contrast;
  • FreeSync Premium Pro and G-SYNC compatible.

Cons

  • Huge dimensions.

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is an updated version of the company’s massive curved gaming monitor: The odyssey Neo G7. With a brightness of up to 2,000 nits, a refresh rate of 240 hertz and a response time of 1 millisecond, it’s simply excellent for gaming and video editing.

The screen has an extremely aggressive 1000R curve, which offers a much more immersive gaming experience, but it may take some time to get used to it. Its 5120 by 1440 resolution and 32 over 9 aspect ratio is equivalent to placing two 27-inch, 1440p monitors next to each other, giving you enough space for multitasking or playing atmospheric games. It supports FreeSync natively and is certified by NVIDIA as G-SYNC compliant, ensuring a nearly tear-free gaming experience from almost any source.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Back

The input lag is incredibly low and it has a fast response time of 1 millisecond, which translates into very clear motion, but there are noticeable reverse ghosting images behind fast moving objects.

Even more, Its VA panel has an excellent native contrast ratio, and the good local dimming functionality deepens the blacks further, better than most monitors we tested, and it is absolutely of the best gaming monitors on the market today.

12 Samsung Odyssey Ark

Samsung Odyssey Ark

Pros

  • Equipped with a Neural Quantum Processor;
  • image refresh rate of 165 hz;
  • equipped with a “cockpit” mode;
  • AMD FreeSync compatible;
  • striking visuals.

Cons

  • Expensive.

The Samsung Odyssey Ark was designed for gamers who are looking for the best on the market at the moment.

All the technologies embedded in this 55-inch screen are at the service of the image quality for an outstanding rendering. Equipped with a Neural Quantum Processor Ultra chip, an image refresh rate of 165 hz and a response time of only 1 millisecond, games like Counter-Strike or Valorant will be sublimated.

It also features the HDR 10+ technology which adapts automatically and in real time to games, to reveal a maximum amount of detail.

It is also equipped with a “cockpit” mode, which consists of switching the screen into portrait mode. Thanks to it, the screen becomes curved so as to fully encompass your peripheral vision to give you the impression of being in the game.

The Samsung Quantum Matrix technology on board provides a rarely seen precision control of the leds, offering striking visuals in both bright and dark scenes. This bundle of technology coupled with gaming add-ons like AMD FreeSync and Samsung’s Gaming Hub make this display a true masterpiece

The post Top 12 Monitors for Gaming, Editing, and Work: Our Recommendations appeared first on SmartnTechs.

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Ultimate Guide to Building Your Gaming PC https://smartntechs.com/gaming/pc-building-guide/ Thu, 03 Feb 2022 12:01:01 +0000 https://smartntechs.com/?p=6893 Believe it or not, you can build your own gaming PC that plays the latest games. For a beginner, building a gaming PC can seem like a...

The post Ultimate Guide to Building Your Gaming PC appeared first on SmartnTechs.

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Believe it or not, you can build your own gaming PC that plays the latest games.

For a beginner, building a gaming PC can seem like a daunting process. And the truth is, yes, it is hard work. The main questions you might have could include:

  • What parts do you need to build a PC?
  • What tools do I need?
  • What are the main benefits of building a PC?
  • What is the actual building process?

This Ultimate gaming PC build guide will answer most of the questions you might have.

Ultimate gaming PC

Why build your own gaming PC?

If you are a true gamer or simply a computer enthusiast, then I assure you that nothing compares to the satisfaction of completely building your own fully functional PC. There are many reasons why you might want to assemble your own PC, and here are a few of them:

Building your own PC allows you to improve its performance at a lower cost

By mounting your own PC, you get significantly more performance per Dollars spent than by buying a ready-made PC. You can assemble a PC equivalent to those already assembled in the shops for two-thirds of the price!

Customization

By building your own gaming PC, you can make it unique and tailored to your taste and performance expectations by selecting from an infinite number of component combinations.

Gamers know that customization is very important. By building your own PC, you can choose what you put in it and how you want it to look.

Satisfaction

Nothing will make you appreciate the machine on which you play games, stream, listen to music, and do just about everything else you do on it, more than building it yourself.

Building your own system will allow you to learn more about the hardware you’re using and understand each component better. And it’s definitely more satisfying than going to your local computer store and buying a pre-assembled PC with no flavor.

It’s FUN

Putting together your own gaming PC requires a bit of research to find the exact components you want, and for that, you’re going to have to look at or read hardware reviews and ask others for advice.

It might sound like a lot of work, but you’ll have fun talking to other people, learning things, being able to fully embrace your geeky side, and getting to know all the details of what makes up your ultimate gaming PC.

What do you need to build a gaming PC?

Choosing the right parts is essential before building a gaming PC. It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying the most expensive core components, such as the CPU or GPU – at the cost of neglecting components like the RAM or the PSU (“Power Supply Unit”).

To make the process easier, here’s a list of basic components and we will guide you to choose the right options for your needs.

The motherboard

 

Motherboard

As its name suggests, the motherboard is the nerve center not only of a good PC but also of any computer in general. It is a key part that must be chosen with great care, bearing in mind that it should allow you to upgrade your machine when it is no longer able to run the next games, when your graphics card is no longer powerful enough, for example.

The choice of motherboard is conditioned by:

  • Format (mini-ITX, micro-ATX, ATX, and e-ATX),
  • Socket, i.e., the brand of processor it will house (Intel or AMD),
  • Chipset as well as its slots,
  • Connectors and Expansion ports which are used respectively to connect the RAM memory bars, the hard disk(s)
  • And finally, the Graphics card as well as other secondary components such as the sound card or the network card.

As we mentioned earlier, it is crucial to take into account the evolutionary potential of your future motherboard in order to avoid having to start on a new configuration in 6 months.

The Processor

 

Processor

The processor is the brain of a computer. Its impact on performance in games is not as important as it used to be, but it remains an important choice to make, which will also influence other parts, like your cooling system and your motherboard.

While Intel has long dominated the market, in 2021, it is clear that AMD is the one with the most momentum with its Zen 3 architecture. Both brands offer good options; however, if you buy the best processors available or if you opt for a more affordable one, note that this is a part that doesn’t really degrade over time.

The Graphics Card

 

Graphics Card

The graphics card is the part that will have the biggest impact on the performance of your games. It dictates the resolution you can play at, the smoothness of your games, and the quality of the graphics. It’s also the hardest to get right these days. Here again, there are two main families: NVIDIA cards and AMD (RX 6000 series).

To choose the right graphics card, you need to consider your budget, the resolution of your screen, the quality of the graphics you expect, and the refresh rate you want to play at.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM

RAM is the element that allows the processor to store data temporarily so it can be accessed quickly. The higher the number of RAM you have, the faster the software will run. The current generation of processors must be equipped with DDR5 memory, a technology that came on the market a few years ago and whose price has nevertheless dropped considerably.

Some people claim that 8 GB is enough, but the whole point of building a PC is not to have to close Chrome every time you start a game. Go for at least 16 GB, ideally 32 GB or more.

Note: it is better to have 2 x 16 GB memory sticks than 4 x 8 GB sticks since you can more easily add memory later, and their resale value will be higher.

Going to Buy RAM? Learn more about How to choose the right RAM for your desktop or laptop PC

Storage disk (Hard drive)

Hard Disk

For storage, avoid hard drives, which will slow down your computer considerably. Instead, you have two choices: an SSD, or an NVMe array, a small memory chip that installs directly on the motherboard in an M2 port, without having to be connected to a SATA port and your power supply like an SSD.

An NVMe array is – by far – the preferred option for storage in recent years. It’s easier to plug in, cleaner to install (since you don’t have to deal with cables), and the fastest solution on the market. The only downside is that motherboards have few compatible ports (from 1 to 4 on average), so you won’t be able to constantly add more over time as was possible with SSDs. As for capacity, if you plan to play games, 1TB seems to be the minimum since some games can reach 150GB. A 500 GB drive is too quickly filled for modern games.

Power Supply box (Power supply unit)

The power supply is what provides the electrical current to the different parts of your computer.

Power Supply Unit

The main feature of a power pack is its power. Your needs can be estimated with various online calculators, but graphics card manufacturers also have minimum suggestions, which are usually higher. You will also need to choose its efficiency, identified with the help of the 80 Plus program.

In short, an 80 PLUS Titanium case will be more efficient than a Gold, which in turn will be more efficient than a Silver, then a Bronze. The more efficient the PSU, the less power you will lose, but the more you will pay for it.

The cooling system

Cooling System

Your processor will need cooling; Without cooling, it will overheat at the first opportunity. Note that while processors used to come with their own heat sinks and fans, this is no longer generally the case. You will therefore need to buy one.

Two main cooling systems exist for computers:

  • Air cooling.
  • Water cooling.

If a liquid cooling system used to be complex to install, this is no longer the case in recent years, thanks to all-in-one systems. These are not very expensive (at least, considering your overall budget), and they offer maximum cooling. This means that your processor will be able to run at its peak performance for a long time.

When buying one, make sure you get a model whose size is compatible with your case. This one must also be compatible with the format of your processor.

The Case

CPU Case

The case needs no introduction: it’s the room where your components will be housed. Obviously, choose a case with a design you like, especially if you plan to have your computer in view. Ideally, choose a model with easily accessible ports on the front and that is compatible with the components you want to use.

Also, make sure that its size is compatible with your motherboard’s form and that it’s big enough for your graphics card. Personally, I also like cases that make it easy to place cables under the motherboard, which means that both sides of the case are removable, which makes for a cleaner case with better ventilation.

The tools needed for PC building.

If you don’t have these tools on hand, don’t worry. There are many suppliers of electrical/electronic tools, and they can be purchased at a relatively low cost in supermarkets or home improvement stores.

  • Anti-static wrist strap: This will help disperse static electricity that may build up.
  • Screwdriver: This is the most commonly used tool in PC assembly and repair.
  • Cable ties: If necessary, to keep things in order, it is advisable to tie the cables inside the PC case.
  • Mini cutter: Useful for all sorts of things, the cutter is especially handy when you are using cable ties, which need to be cut off cleanly.
  • Flashlight, torch, or headlamp: It can get dark inside a PC case, especially once everything is set up.
  • Pencil and Notepad: It will be easier for you to take notes of important settings and options when assembling or disassembling your machine.

How to build a PC: Complete and detailed step by step guide

Here are some important things to know before you start:

  • Make sure you have a tidy flat space (desk or floor) to start with and get organized.
  • Keep all papers, cables, and screws from the same component together but don’t mix them up.
  • Don’t hesitate to look at the explanation manuals that are given with the components if you have any doubts.

Step 1: Mount the processor in the motherboard

To begin, you must mount the processor in the motherboard. To do this, uncheck and lift the small iron rod next to the processor and pass it to the other side to open the protection.

Then place the processor in the reserved slot and close the cover by folding back the iron rod to its original position.

Step 2: Place the fan tray

Once the processor is in place, you will have to place the CPU cooling system. The method of attachment can vary from one to another, there may be a bracket to aim at, or it is sometimes possible to clip it.

Step 3: Install the RAM on the motherboard.

Installing the RAM should not be a problem for you. If the installation of the memory sticks is not very complicated, we strongly recommend that you refer to your manual.

Step 4: Fix the motherboard in the case

The motherboard is almost ready, and we will finish filling it with the graphics card after the PC assembly.

  • Open the case and lay it down; it will be easier to work with.
  • Remove the original cover (protections) on the motherboard connectors if present.
  • Check the presence of the positioning (fixing) spacers on the motherboard slot.
  • Now, Insert it so that the external connectors fit properly.

Step 5: Place the graphics card

Now it’s time to finish mounting the components on the motherboard and insert the graphics card. Start by removing the plastic pieces that are on the graphics card.

To install the graphics card:

  • Locate the PCI slot closest to the processor where the graphics card will be installed.
  • Remove the covers (protections).
  • Insert your graphic card (do it until you hear a clip indicating that the lock is engaged).
  • Screw it down for a secure fit.

Step 6: Place the power supply

We can now continue assembling the PC and move on to placing the power supply, which we will connect next.

  • Take the PSU, and place it in its slot located generally at the bottom or top of the case.
  • The power supply is generally delivered with 4 cross-headed screws for its fixing at the back of the case.

Step 7: Connecting the different cables

The order in which the different connectors are attached does not really matter. For a clean result, you just have to be logical and avoid crossing the cables.

Step 8: Connecting the case fans and the front panel

We will take this opportunity to connect the external fans of the PC to the motherboard. Locate the cables that are connected to the case fans. The fan connectors are 3-pin connectors that you will connect to the “sys-fan” ports on the motherboard.

Let’s move on to the front panel connections. These are all the cables with small tips coming out of the front of the case. To connect them, refer to the diagram in the manual of your case; the connections may vary from one case to another.

Finally, we finish this PC assembly by connecting the hard disk(s) or SSD to the motherboard. To do this, you simply use the SATA power cords and the SATA data cables.

Step 9 (Final Step): Check that everything works.

Now we have finished installing everything on our PC (unless you have additional components like a wi-fi card.), and we are going to make sure that everything works. Don’t close the case yet.

Connect the external power cable to the mains and press the power switch. Normally, if you have everything connected properly, the PC should turn on, and all the fans should be running.

The great thing about a gamer setup is that it’s synonymous with “good components, well cooled.” It’s a perfect mix to look ahead and plan for a 5-to-10-year expense. If you start with a high-end graphics card today, you won’t see the limits of it for another 4-6 years – and even then, under extreme conditions, which will have made you change everything else in your setup anyway (an 8K display?).

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