£500 for a complete peripheral setup is a tight but achievable budget. These picks prioritise performance-per-pound — no padding, no compromises on the things that actually matter in game.
Why These Picks?
Every item here was chosen on performance-per-pound rather than brand recognition. The LG 24GS65F beats more expensive monitors at 180Hz because the IPS panel quality outperforms TN alternatives at the same price. The G305 is the only wireless mouse at ~£35 with flagship-level wireless technology — everything else at that price has perceptible latency. The BlackShark V2 at £36 genuinely competes with headsets at £80-100 because it is perpetually discounted from a £60 RRP.
When to spend more: if you can stretch to £70-100 per category, the step-up is real. See our £1000 setup guide for the enthusiast-level picks.
| Category | Our Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 🖥️ Monitor | LG UltraGear 24GS65F | £119.99 |
| 🎧 Headset | Razer BlackShark V2 | ~£36 |
| ⌨️ Keyboard | Redragon K552 RGB | ~£32 |
| 🖱️ Mouse | Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED | ~£32 |
| 🎯 Mousepad | Logitech G640 Large | ~£28 |
| 🪑 Chair | Corsair TC100 RELAXED | £187 |
| Peripherals only | ~£248 | |
| Full build (inc chair) | ~£436 | |
🖥️ Monitor Pick
At this budget, 1080p 180Hz is the correct choice — not 1440p.
LG UltraGear 24GS65F
180Hz IPS, 1ms, 24in 1080p. The fastest IPS panel at this price in the UK. G-Sync Compatible + FreeSync Premium. At £120 there is nothing meaningfully better.
Pros
- 180Hz — fastest at this price tier
- IPS — better colours than TN at same price
- G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium
Cons
- 1080p only — upgrade to 1440p later
🎧 Headset Pick
The Razer BlackShark V2 consistently punches above its price in audio quality.
Razer BlackShark V2
THX Spatial Audio, 50mm titanium drivers, detachable HyperClear mic. Competes with £80-100 headsets on audio quality. Best-value gaming headset in the UK right now.
Pros
- THX Spatial Audio for footstep clarity
- Detachable mic — doubles as headphones
- PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch compatible
Cons
- Wired only
⌨️ Keyboard Pick
Real mechanical switches at the absolute floor price.
Redragon K552 RGB
Real mechanical Outemu Red switches, metal plate construction, RGB. The 60% layout maximises mouse space. Community-proven at this price for years — no better mechanical keyboard under £35.
Pros
- Real mechanical switches — not membrane
- Metal plate — sounds and feels premium
- 60% layout — more room for mouse
Cons
- No F-keys (Fn layer workaround)
🖱️ Mouse Pick
The only wireless mouse at this price point that matches wired latency.
Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED
Wireless with LIGHTSPEED 2.4GHz — zero perceptible latency vs wired. HERO sensor is flawless with zero acceleration. 250-hour battery from one AA.
Pros
- LIGHTSPEED wireless = wired latency
- HERO sensor — flawless, no acceleration
- 250-hour battery — charge monthly
Cons
- AA battery = 99g (heavier than ultralight)
🪑 Chair Pick
Do not sit on a £20 chair — your back will notice within a month.
Corsair TC100 Relaxed
Wide relaxed seat with a leatherette and mesh hybrid back. Corsair brand reliability without the premium pricing. The most comfortable budget gaming chair in the UK right now.
Pros
- Wide relaxed seat — roomier than rivals
- Leatherette & mesh hybrid back
- Corsair brand reliability
Cons
- Lumbar pillow rather than built-in support
Last verified: 2026-02-19