COGconnected Guide to Awesome Gifts
What’s better than getting shiny new gear for the holidays? Nothing. Nothing’s better. Here at COGconnected, we’ve spent the past 12 months reviewing headphones, keyboards, mice, controllers, and computers so you don’t have to. You’re welcome! So, you can trust us, all the gear on this list is holiday gift-worthy, whether you’re giving it to someone else, or treating yourself to a little holiday cheer. Go ahead, you’re worth it. If you’re trying to nudge someone into stuffing your stocking with joy, just leave this page perpetually open so others can see it. Works every time.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max Headset
There are wireless headsets, and then there are Turtle Beach headsets. If you’re looking for an Xbox-focused pair of cans, you can’t go wrong with these. Of course, they can be paired with most consoles, PC,s or any device with a USB port. We’re impressed with the beefy, 50mm driver and 40-hour battery life. According to our expert-level audio reviewer, they deliver “amazing sound with clear highs and rich lows.” You need a headset. They keep the game sounds in your own, personal ears and give you the edge in multiplayer shooters. Get these.
Roccat Vulcan II Max Keyboard
While many devices have touch input, a quality keyboard remains an essential piece of desktop hardware. The keyboard market has exploded. What used to be a dully generic piece of everyday gear is now part functional device, part light show. There are mini-keyboards, mid-size keyboards, and full keyboards like the amazing Roccat Vulcan II. This mechanical keyboard features super responsive, clicky keys, a quality braided cable and. most important, a comfortable typing and gaming experience. It also features amazing, programmable RGB lights. The Roccat Vulcan II is on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for. As our review said, “this is hands down a sexy keyboard that should last for years.” Sexy keyboard? Yes, please.
Razer Basilisk V3 Pro Mouse
We reviewed many, many mice this past year, nearly all of them decent little rodents, if not necessarily mind-blowing, life-changing peripherals. One of the best is the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro wireless mouse. Of course, it has Chroma RGB lights, long battery life, and easy charging via USB or optional charging dock. It’s big, a little on the heavier side and super well-built. It’s perfect for demanding gamers with larger-than-average hands. But it’s also fast, responsive, and lag-free. Built to last a good, long time, the Basilisk V3 Pro makes a great gift for discerning gamers. Like you!
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Earbuds
While Apple AirPods might be a sexy standard, not everyone loves them. Some of us find them uncomfortable. But there are lots of excellent alternatives, including the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid. These bad boys sound great. Like the Apple earbuds, they have a USB-C connected charging case, great battery life, and, most important, they’re actually comfortable. Best of all, the 2022 model adds in a decent microphone, and EPOS slashed the price. Such a deal!
Razer Captain America Xbox Controller/ HexGaming Rival Pro PS5 Controller
Both the bundled Xbox and PS5 DualSense controllers are excellent. Different, but great, and no one’s complaining. Still, there’s always room for improvement, new features, cool graphics, or tweaks to ergonomics. If the gamer in your life is on the hunt for a new and shiny controller for their favorite console, we’ve got them covered. The Razer Captain America Xbox Controller — also compatible with Windows PCs and Macs — isn’t cheap, but the wireless controller features 12 hours of battery life and includes a charging dock. Of course, it looks great and feels even better. According to our reviewer, the HexGaming Rival Pro controller for PS5 is “crazy stylish” and the analog sticks are more comfortable than Sony’s DualSense. It’s wireless (of course) and builds in some extra programmable backside buttons.
When it comes to holiday gifts, you can’t go wrong with any of these ultra-awesome products. Happy, smiling faces are guaranteed!