The starter trio · Updated October 31, 2026
If you are starting a PC gaming setup, these three pieces matter most. One pick for each, chosen from published reviews, with a cheaper all-in-one option if you want to spend the least.
| Pick | Product | Type | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best budget mouse | Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Mouse | Wireless mouse | See price |
| Best compact keyboard | RK ROYAL KLUDGE R65 Mechanical Keyboard | Compact 60%, wired | See price |
| Best budget headset | HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Gaming Headset | Wired headset | See price |
| Cheapest keyboard and mouse | Redragon S101 Keyboard and Mouse Combo | Keyboard and mouse set | See price |
RTINGS names it the best budget gaming mouse for most people. The egg-shaped shell fits nearly all hand sizes, and it connects wirelessly through Logitech's Lightspeed dongle.
Good: Comfortable for most hands; wireless; easy first pick.
Watch for: Not the lightest mouse around.
Tom's Hardware's best budget 60% board. It has lubed linear switches, hot-swap sockets, per-key RGB and, unusually for this size, arrow keys. This listing is the wired version.
Good: Hot-swap; arrow keys; looks premium for the price.
Watch for: Lighting is changed with key combos, not software.
Sold for roughly $50 and praised by RTINGS for its design and mic at the price. It has 50 mm drivers, memory-foam ear cushions, rotating earcups, on-headset volume and a swivel-to-mute mic.
Good: Comfortable; good mic for the price; easy controls.
Watch for: No wireless; basic materials; little tuning.
An RGB keyboard and mouse in one box for a first gaming setup. It sits on our Gear page as a top-rated pick, and it is the cheapest way to get both.
Good: Cheapest way to start; one box.
Watch for: Basic parts you will outgrow.
Sources: RTINGS best budget gaming mouse · Tom's Hardware best budget mechanical keyboards · RTINGS best gaming headsets under $50 · BGR best budget and premium gaming headsets
No. A mechanical board feels better to type on and lasts longer, but a basic keyboard works. If you want the cheapest start, the keyboard and mouse combo covers both.
Wired is cheaper and has no battery to charge. Modern wireless mice like the G305 are fast enough for nearly everyone.
