I’m the king of configuration in companion apps like Razer Synapse. I also never miss an opportunity to set up onboard profiles in my gaming devices. But one thing I’ve learnt over the years is that no amount of configuration will substitute for swapping keyboards and mice out at times for better gaming performance – so I keep a bunch of different types handy.
Take my keyboard preferences, for example: For FPS games like Counter-Strike 2, I can’t go past my SteelSeries Apex Pro Tenkeyless, which is so compact it gives me a ton of space beside me for wild mouse maneuvers.
On the other hand, for games needing numpads and for writing reviews, I opt for my Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro since it rocks full keyboard sizing. Its linear switches are also ridiculously quick and comfortable to type on.
My devices now look like they’re floating above my desk.
My devices now look like they’re floating above my desk.
Dominic Bayley / IDG
My devices now look like they’re floating above my desk.
Dominic Bayley / IDG
Dominic Bayley / IDG
Likewise for gaming mice, I have preferred devices for different games: for FPS games I tend to gravitate towards the ultra-light mice, like the 60-gram Alienware Pro Wireless. But for RPGs like Gloria Victis or WoW, where I can do with a handful more commands for spells, crafting or such mischief, the Logitech G 502X and Razer Naga V2 Pro are my current mice of choice.
So, granted all that mixing and matching, how do I handle the logistics? Well up until now I haven’t! Storing my devices has involved simply stacking them near my rig in the hope I can find them again.
Swapping them out, then, has been an exercise in climbing over debris and unearthing them from beneath stacks of cords and boxes – but no more! This transparent acrylic storage rack for just $22 on Amazon is just what I’ve been looking for to save my battlestation and my sanity.
My four go-to mice tuck neatly into the shelf at the back.
My four go-to mice tuck neatly into the shelf at the back.
Dominic Bayley / IDG
My four go-to mice tuck neatly into the shelf at the back.
Dominic Bayley / IDG
Dominic Bayley / IDG
In the front I’ve stacked four keyboards from largest to smallest, with my DeathStalker at the bottom to my tiniest SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini on top. That allows me to easily swap out my keyboards based on their size and layout. Four of my most used mice are arranged on the back in a neat shelf too – FPS mice on the left and RPG mice on the right.
Apart from rocking a cool transparent look which makes my gear appear to be floating above my desk, the rack is also lightweight and portable, so I can easily pick it up and take it to a buddies’ house.
What I’m most chuffed by, though, is how bringing a little order to my devices has given me more time to game. It’s saved me a ton of time messing about, which means more happy hours playing.
If you’re a peripheral geek looking to expand your own arsenal, be sure to check out our roundups of the best gaming keyboards and mice to find your best bets. Just be sure to set aside $22 for this ultra-handy storage rack too. It’ll save your sanity.