The gaming peripheral recommendations thread

Of course “analytical and transparent” is exactly what the HD800s are designed to be.

They are primarily studio reference headphones, and just like reference monitors (what everyone else calls speakers) they’re not really supposed to sound “good”. They are supposed to sound flat and detailed, so when you’re mixing music you can hear any little flaws that could be masked or amplified by equipment that colors the sound more. That means if you make music on good quality reference headphones or monitors, you shouldn’t get any nasty surprises when playing back on other equipment.

I believe Focal Clears are intended for the same purpose, but don’t think the Utopias are. Although I’ve never been in the market for headphones in this price range, so not entirely sure.

Some audiophiles like the clarity and detail in this kind of thing for general playback, and even between supposed flat headphones/monitors there’s a huge variety and personal preference is important. However, when judging them, it’s good to know why they are the like this.

Definitely with you on Focal as a brand though. I have CMS65 monitors (now discontinued) for both music and gaming. Super clear, and never seem harsh or fatiguing. Can’t see myself changing or upgrading, well ever really.

Not sure I’d recommend them as a gaming peripheral exactly. They take up a pretty big chunk of desk space.

As for other stuff, I’m pretty boring.

Computer is pretty much a featureless black slab.

Logitech MX anywhere mouse 2 is also fairly standard, but I use it for my laptop as well and the tracking is ridiculously good. I’ve used it perfectly normally on a fabric sofa and even my own leg (had so much stuff around me, it was the only surface left).

Never really felt any need for a gaming keyboard or mouse. Nice to see some more subtle designs around now though. No way I’d buy something that looks likes it belongs in a Transformers film. But that’s just me.