Peripherals

PC Peripherals are external devices connected to a computer to enhance its functionality. This analysis covers common peripherals like keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, network cards, webcams, and more. We’ll discuss the benefits of onboard vs. dedicated peripherals, compare popular brands, and determine the most suitable options for tasks like browsing, photo/video editing, and gaming.

1. Keyboards

Overview:

  • Types:
  • Membrane Keyboards: Use pressure pads with printed circuits. They are quiet and affordable.
  • Mechanical Keyboards: Use individual mechanical switches for each key, providing tactile feedback and durability.
  • Wireless Keyboards: Use Bluetooth or RF technology to connect without cables.

Benefits:

  • Onboard: Standard with most PC setups, providing basic functionality.
  • Dedicated: Higher build quality, customizable keys, and advanced features like backlighting and macro programming.

Popular Brands:

  • Logitech: Known for reliable, durable keyboards with options ranging from basic models to advanced gaming keyboards.
  • Corsair: Popular for gaming keyboards with mechanical switches, RGB lighting, and customizable options.
  • Microsoft: Offers ergonomic keyboards designed for comfort and productivity.

Suitability:

  • Browsing: Basic membrane or wireless keyboards from Logitech or Microsoft.
  • Photo/Video Editing: Mechanical keyboards with programmable keys for shortcuts, like the Corsair K95.
  • Gaming: Mechanical keyboards with fast response times and tactile feedback, such as the Razer BlackWidow or Corsair K70.

2. Mice

Overview:

  • Types:
  • Optical Mice: Use LED light to detect movement.
  • Laser Mice: Offer higher precision with laser tracking.
  • Wireless Mice: Operate via Bluetooth or RF technology.
  • Gaming Mice: Designed for responsiveness, with customizable buttons and DPI settings.

Benefits:

  • Onboard: Standard mice provide basic functionality, but may lack precision and advanced features.
  • Dedicated: Higher DPI settings, ergonomic design, customizable buttons, and faster response times.

Popular Brands:

  • Logitech: Offers a wide range of mice, from basic models to advanced gaming and ergonomic options.
  • Razer: Specializes in gaming mice with high precision, customizable features, and ergonomic designs.
  • Microsoft: Known for ergonomic designs suitable for productivity and general use.

Suitability:

  • Browsing: Wireless or optical mice with a focus on comfort, such as Logitech MX Master.
  • Photo/Video Editing: Laser or ergonomic mice with precision and customizable buttons, like the Logitech MX Anywhere.
  • Gaming: High-DPI gaming mice with customizable buttons and fast response times, such as the Razer DeathAdder or Logitech G502.

3. Printers

Overview:

  • Types:
  • Inkjet Printers: Versatile and good for both text and high-quality photo prints. Suitable for home use.
  • Laser Printers: Faster and more efficient for high-volume text printing, typically used in offices.
  • All-in-One Printers: Combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing in one device.

Benefits:

  • Onboard: Most modern PCs support basic printing functionalities without additional software, but drivers may be needed for full functionality.
  • Dedicated: Higher print quality, faster speeds, and multifunction capabilities.

Popular Brands:

  • HP: Offers a wide range of reliable inkjet and laser printers, suitable for both home and office use.
  • Canon: Known for high-quality photo printing, particularly with their Pixma series.
  • Epson: Offers both home and professional-grade printers with a focus on high-quality and efficient printing.

Suitability:

  • Browsing: Basic inkjet printers for occasional document printing, like the HP DeskJet series.
  • Photo/Video Editing: High-quality inkjet printers with photo printing capabilities, such as the Canon Pixma Pro.
  • Gaming: Not typically relevant, but all-in-one printers like the Epson EcoTank can handle any occasional printing needs.

4. Scanners and All-in-Ones

Overview:

  • Types:
  • Flatbed Scanners: Provide high-resolution scans for photos and documents.
  • Sheet-fed Scanners: Efficient for scanning large volumes of documents.
  • All-in-One Devices: Combine scanning, printing, copying, and sometimes faxing in one unit.

Benefits:

  • Onboard: Basic scanning capabilities may be available with all-in-one printers, but standalone scanners offer better resolution and functionality.
  • Dedicated: Higher scan quality, faster speeds, and better software options for managing scanned documents.

Popular Brands:

  • Epson: Offers high-quality flatbed scanners and all-in-one devices, popular for both home and office use.
  • Canon: Known for reliable all-in-one printers with good scanning capabilities.
  • Brother: Offers versatile all-in-one devices with a focus on productivity and efficiency.

Suitability:

  • Browsing: Basic all-in-one printers with scanning functionality, like the HP OfficeJet series.
  • Photo/Video Editing: High-resolution flatbed scanners for detailed image scans, such as the Epson Perfection series.
  • Gaming: Scanners are generally not necessary, but an all-in-one printer can handle any scanning or copying needs.

5. Network Cards

Overview:

  • Types:
  • Wired Ethernet Cards: Provide a stable wired connection to a network.
  • Wireless Network Cards (Wi-Fi): Allow wireless connectivity, using standards like 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).
  • Bluetooth Cards: Enable Bluetooth connectivity for peripherals like mice, keyboards, and headphones.

Benefits:

  • Onboard: Many motherboards come with integrated network interfaces (Ethernet and sometimes Wi-Fi), suitable for most users.
  • Dedicated: Offer better range, faster speeds, and additional features like multiple antennas for improved performance.

Popular Brands:

  • Intel: Known for high-quality wired and wireless network cards with strong performance and reliability.
  • TP-Link: Offers affordable and reliable Wi-Fi cards with various features.
  • ASUS: Provides high-end network cards with advanced features like Wi-Fi 6 support and multiple antennas.

Suitability:

  • Browsing: Onboard Ethernet or basic Wi-Fi cards from Intel or TP-Link.
  • Photo/Video Editing: Fast, stable connections with low latency, particularly important for cloud storage or transferring large files, like those offered by ASUS or Intel Wi-Fi 6 cards.
  • Gaming: Dedicated high-performance Wi-Fi cards with low latency and high throughput, such as the ASUS PCE-AC88 or TP-Link Archer T9E.

6. Webcams

Overview:

  • Types:
  • Basic Webcams: Standard resolution (720p) suitable for general video calls.
  • HD Webcams: Offer higher resolution (1080p or higher) for clearer video quality.
  • 4K Webcams: Provide ultra-high-definition video for professional streaming or video production.

Benefits:

  • Onboard: Many laptops come with integrated webcams, suitable for basic video conferencing.
  • Dedicated: Higher resolution, better low-light performance, and additional features like autofocus, adjustable field of view, and better microphones.

Popular Brands:

  • Logitech: Offers a wide range of webcams from basic models to advanced 4K options.
  • Razer: Focuses on streaming webcams with features like high frame rates and background removal.
  • Microsoft: Known for reliable webcams with good video quality and ease of use.

Suitability:

  • Browsing: Basic HD webcams like the Logitech C270.
  • Photo/Video Editing: High-resolution webcams for clear, professional-quality video, such as the Logitech Brio 4K.
  • Gaming: Webcams with high frame rates and good low-light performance, like the Razer Kiyo.

7. Other Obscure Peripherals

7.1. External Hard Drives:

  • Overview: Provide additional storage for backups, large files, or portable data transfer.
  • Popular Brands: Western Digital, Seagate, Samsung.
  • Suitability: Useful for all users needing extra storage or backups.

7.2. Graphics Tablets:

  • Overview: Used for digital drawing, photo editing, and design work.
  • Popular Brands: Wacom, Huion, XP-Pen.
  • Suitability: Essential for photo/video editing and digital art.

7.3. VR Headsets:

  • Overview: Virtual reality devices for immersive gaming and simulation experiences.
  • Popular Brands: Oculus, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR.
  • Suitability: Primarily for gaming and simulation training.

7.4. External Sound Cards:

  • Overview: Provide high-quality audio output and input, especially for laptops or PCs with poor onboard audio.
  • Popular Brands: Creative, Focusrite, Behringer.
  • Suitability: Suitable for music editing, podcasting, and high-quality audio playback.

Conclusion

The choice of peripherals depends largely on the user’s needs. Basic keyboards, mice, and webcams are sufficient for general browsing and casual use, while dedicated peripherals with advanced features are better suited for photo/video editing and gaming. Brands like Logitech, Razer, and ASUS provide a range of high-quality peripherals that cater to different use cases, from everyday tasks to professional-grade work and gaming. Understanding the differences between onboard and dedicated options can help users make informed decisions when building or upgrading their PC setup.