Gaming has a reputation for being an expensive hobby. Between securing the latest graphics cards, buying next-gen consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, and keeping up with AAA game releases, the costs pile up quickly. However, one area where you no longer need to empty your wallet is peripherals.
In 2024, the gap between “budget” and “premium” gaming gear has narrowed significantly. Manufacturers are finding ways to trickle down high-end technology—like high-precision sensors, mechanical switches, and immersive audio drivers—into affordable packages.
Whether you are a competitive shooter looking to improve your aim, an RPG lover wanting better immersion, or a streamer on a budget, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Here is our comprehensive guide to the best budget gaming gadgets under $100 that deliver premium performance without the premium price tag.
Why High Performance No Longer Requires High Prices
A decade ago, buying a “budget” mouse meant dealing with spin-outs and cheap plastic. Today, the market has shifted. Due to intense competition among brands like Logitech, Razer, HyperX, and emerging names like 8BitDo, the sub-$100 category is the sweet spot for value.
For under $100, you can now expect:
- Mechanical Keyboards: Not just “membrane” keys, but genuine mechanical switches.
- Wireless Technology: Low-latency 2.4GHz connections that rival wired speeds.
- High-Fidelity Audio: Spatial audio support and noise-canceling microphones.
Here are the top picks for every category of your setup.
The Best Budget Gaming Mice: Precision on a Dime
Your mouse is your primary weapon. In 2024, you do not need to spend $150 to get a lightweight, accurate pointer.
1. Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED
Price: ~$40 – $50 The Logitech G305 remains the undisputed king of budget wireless mice. It utilizes Logitech’s HERO sensor (the same one found in their pro-grade mice), offering 12,000 DPI and pixel-perfect tracking. The “Lightspeed” wireless technology ensures there is virtually no input lag. It runs on a single AA battery, which lasts for months, making it a low-maintenance powerhouse.
2. Razer DeathAdder Essential
Price: ~$30. If you prefer a wired connection and have larger hands, the Razer DeathAdder Essential is iconic for a reason. It features the classic ergonomic shape that has sold over 10 million units worldwide. While it lacks the RGB bells and whistles of the V3 Pro, it provides a robust 6,400 DPI optical sensor and durable mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks.
Honorable Mention: The SteelSeries Rival 3 (Wireless or Wired) is another fantastic contender, often dipping below $30, featuring brilliant RGB lighting and a durable build.
Top Mechanical Keyboards Under $100: Clicky and Responsive
Stop using the mushy membrane keyboard that came with your PC. A mechanical keyboard offers tactile feedback that improves reaction times and typing speed.
1. Keychron C3 Pro
Price: ~$35 – $45 Keychron has taken the enthusiast world by storm, and the C3 Pro is their entry-level marvel. It is a QMK/VIA compatible keyboard, meaning you can fully program every key and create macros—a feature usually reserved for $200 boards. It features a gasket mount design for a softer typing feel, Red (linear) or Brown (tactile) switches, and high-quality double-shot keycaps.
2. Royal Kludge RK61
Price: ~$50 For those with limited desk space, the Royal Kludge RK61 is a 60% compact keyboard that leaves plenty of room for mouse movement. It is surprisingly feature-rich for the price, offering Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired connectivity. It also features hot-swappable switches, allowing you to change the mechanical switches later without soldering.
Immersive Audio: Best Gaming Headsets Under $100
Sound is half the battle. Hearing footsteps in Call of Duty or the atmospheric score of Elden Ring requires a headset with a wide soundstage.
1. HyperX Cloud Alpha
Price: ~$70 – $90 The HyperX Cloud Alpha is legendary for its durability and comfort. It features a durable aluminum frame and memory foam ear cushions that allow for hours of pain-free gaming. The standout feature is the Dual Chamber Drivers, which separate the bass from the mids and highs, resulting in cleaner, less distorted sound. It is wired, ensuring compatibility with PC, PS5, Xbox, and Switch.
2. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
Price: ~$60 SteelSeries recently revamped their lineup with the Nova series. The Arctis Nova 1 brings the sleek design and “ComfortMAX” system of the high-end Nova Pro to a budget price point. It weighs only 236g and features the ClearCast Gen 2 noise-canceling microphone, which is excellent for Discord chats and team comms.
Console and PC Controllers: Comfort Meets Control
Whether you are a console gamer or a PC gamer who prefers a gamepad for racing titles, third-party controllers are currently offering better value than official first-party pads.
1. 8BitDo Ultimate C (2.4g Wireless)
Price: ~$30 – $40 8BitDo has built a reputation for retro aesthetics with modern performance. The Ultimate C eliminates the drift-prone joysticks of older controllers. It feels premium in the hand, offers a textured grip, and connects instantly via a USB dongle. It offers a simple, no-nonsense experience that outperforms controllers three times its price.
2. PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller (Xbox/PC)
Price: ~$30 – $40 If you don’t mind a cable, the PowerA Enhanced series for Xbox and PC is fantastic. The “killer app” here is the two map-able Advanced Gaming Buttons on the back of the controller. Usually, back paddles are exclusive to “Elite” controllers costing $150+, but PowerA gives you this competitive advantage for under $40.
Essential Add-Ons: Storage and Surface
Sometimes the best gadget isn’t a controller or a mouse—it’s the utility item that makes your life easier.
1. Samsung T7 Portable SSD (500GB)
Price: ~$70 – $90 Modern games are massive. With titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Warzone taking up over 100GB each, storage is precious. The Samsung T7 is a sleek, pocket-sized external SSD that offers read/write speeds up to 1,050 MB/s. It is fast enough to run games directly off the drive for PC, or store PS5/Xbox Series X games for quick transfer.
2. Large Extended Mouse Pads (Desk Mats)
Price: ~$15 – $25 Don’t restrict your movement to a tiny postage-stamp mousepad. Brands like Ktrio or Glorious offer “XXL” extended mouse mats that go under both your keyboard and mouse. This provides a unified, non-slip surface and protects your desk, giving your setup a clean, professional look for very little money.
How to Choose the Right Budget Gadgets
When shopping for affordable tech in 2024, keep these three tips in mind to avoid “e-waste” products:
- Prioritize Specs over RGB: Fancy lighting costs money to manufacture. In the budget tier, a mouse with no lights but a better sensor is always a better buy than a glowing mouse with a cheap sensor.
- Check for “Hall Effect” Sensors: In controllers, look for “Hall Effect” joysticks (like those in GameSir or 8BitDo products). They use magnets instead of physical contact, meaning they will never develop “stick drift.”
- Read Long-Term Reviews: Budget gear can sometimes feel great on day one but fall apart on day 60. Check user reviews on iTechMag and other trusted sources that focus on durability over time.
Conclusion
Building a high-performance gaming setup in 2024 does not require a second mortgage. By carefully selecting peripherals like the Logitech G305, Keychron C3 Pro, or HyperX Cloud Alpha, you can attain pro-level performance for a fraction of the cost.
The smart gamer knows that skill comes from practice, not just the price tag on the box. With these gadgets under $100, you are removing the hardware limitations, leaving nothing standing between you and the victory screen.
