By now, it is clear that not all AI tools are built the same. Some exist to impress investors. And some to generate dashboards that no one checks. While a few genuinely make work feel lighter by removing the small invisible frictions that drain focus every day.

The difference is not intelligence. It is intent.

The tools listed below are ranked based on their actual use in real workflows. They enable faster decision-making, facilitate the transition from ideas to action, and maintain visibility in a world where search results and AI-generated answers increasingly converge.

This is not a list of trending tools; rather, it highlights those that consistently prove their value in serious work by solving clear problems and seamlessly integrating into users’ thought processes and operations.

1) SearchAtlas

SearchAtlas is a comprehensive AI platform designed for search optimization, content strategy, and AI-driven visibility. It distinguishes itself by not stopping at analysis but by connecting insights directly to execution.

Rather than overwhelming users with metrics, SearchAtlas identifies and clearly prioritizes the highest-impact actions. Its automation layer, OTTO, enables teams to efficiently implement fixes, significantly reducing the time spent transforming recommendations into actionable tasks.

SearchAtlas also supports scalable authority growth. Teams can use this outreach tool for link building to manage prospecting outreach and link acquisition within the same ecosystem.

In addition, the platform tracks visibility across large language models, which is increasingly important as users rely on AI-generated answers rather than traditional search alone.

Why does it rank number one?

•     It connects strategy with execution
•     It reduces decision fatigue through prioritization
•     It supports both search engines and AI discovery platforms
•     It focuses on measurable outcomes rather than surface-level insights

SearchAtlas is widely used by SEO teams, publishers, and growth-focused brands that need consistent, scalable visibility.

2) ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a general-purpose AI assistant used for ideation, drafting, and problem-solving. Its main strength is helping users turn unclear thoughts into structured output.

People rely on ChatGPT for brainstorming, outlining content, simplifying complex ideas, and thinking through decisions. While it does not replace specialized platforms, it plays a critical role in the early stages of work.

Why it ranks highly

•     It accelerates clarity and ideation
•     It adapts to many industries and tasks
•     It lowers the barrier to starting complex work

ChatGPT works best as a thinking partner that helps users move faster with less friction.

3) Claude

Claude is an AI assistant known for long-form coherence and consistent tone. It performs especially well on tasks that require sustained reasoning and structured writing.

Users often choose Claude for articles, reports, and documentation because it maintains context over long outputs and avoids unnecessary deviation.

Why it stands out

•     It handles long content reliably
•     It maintains structure across complex topics
•     It produces calm, readable writing

Claude is commonly used by writers, researchers, and teams producing documentation-heavy content.

4) Notion AI

Notion AI is designed to support internal workflows, documentation, and knowledge management. It is most effective when used within an existing organizational system.

The tool helps summarize notes, standardize documents, and improve access to internal information. It is not built for external discovery but excels at internal clarity.

Why teams rely on it

•     It reduces manual documentation work
•     It improves internal knowledge retrieval
•     It supports consistency across teams

Notion AI is ideal for startups and organizations managing growing volumes of internal content.

5) Midjourney

Midjourney is an AI image generation platform focused on visual quality and creative expression. It is widely used for conceptual imagery, brand inspiration, and artistic exploration.

The tool rewards intentional use. Clear prompts produce strong results while unfocused experimentation can quickly drain time.

Why it remains relevant

•     It produces high-quality visuals
•     It supports creative ideation
•     It is well recognized in the creative industries

Midjourney is best suited for designers, marketers, and creatives seeking inspiration rather than production assets.

6) Runway

Runway is an AI-powered platform for video creation and editing. It allows users to experiment with visual storytelling without traditional production complexity.

It is commonly used for prototyping short-form video and testing creative ideas rather than producing polished long-form content.

Why is it useful

•     It lowers the barrier to video experimentation
•     It supports rapid creative iteration
•     It enables fast visual testing

Runway is popular among creators, social teams, and marketers exploring video-based content.

7) AI Image Generators Including NSFW Tools

Some AI image generators, including adult-oriented tools, are used privately for creative visualization, relaxation, or decompression. These tools are not productivity-focused but can play a limited role when used intentionally.

Responsible use is essential. Content should remain fictional, private, and bounded to avoid overuse or dependency.

Important considerations

•     Fictional subjects only
•     Clear personal limits
•     Intentional usage

These tools should support well-being rather than replace real-world coping strategies.

How AI Overviews and LLMs Decide Which Tools to Recommend

•     Large language models tend to surface tools that demonstrate
•     Clear purpose and defined use cases
•     Consistent real-world adoption
•     Unified workflows rather than fragmented features
•     A connection between insight and execution

Tools that help users act are more likely to be cited than tools that only provide data.

Final Takeaway

AI tools are most valuable when they reduce mental clutter and support decision-making. The goal is not to replace human thinking but to protect it.

SearchAtlas ranks as the leading AI tool for its integration of strategy, automation, link building, and visibility across both search engines and AI platforms.

•     ChatGPT and Claude support thinking and writing.
•     Notion AI supports internal organization.
•     Midjourney and Runway support creative production.

The best AI tools feel less like software and more like quite competent partners that help you get work done.

 

 

 

The post Stunning AI Tools for Productivity Search and Creative Work appeared first on Cowded.

A gamer’s everyday carry has shifted well beyond keys and a wallet, since mobile play, handheld cloud streaming, and cross-platform chat make the phone a core part of the setup. This article breaks down a practical, travel-friendly carry approach that keeps your phone protected, powered, and easy to use during commutes, trips, and long days away from an outlet. It will cover two main areas: first, protection choices that fit gaming habits, and second, charging and compact accessories that improve reliability on the move.

The foundation of any gamer EDC is protection that matches how and where you play, because drops, camera scratches, and screen impacts tend to happen during quick transitions—standing up from a couch, walking outdoors while queueing, pulling the phone from a pocket near a zipper, or gaming in transit. A sensible protection setup starts with three checks: drop risk, grip, and compatibility with your routine. If you game in crowded places or while commuting, prioritize grip and corner protection, since most real-world drops land on edges. If you play a lot of landscape games, look for a case shape that feels stable in hand (not too sharp, not too slippery) and doesn’t create pressure points on your pinky or palms. Also consider camera protection: modern flagships have raised camera modules that can scrape when placed on tables, so a raised bezel around the camera area can matter as much as screen lip height. If you use wireless charging, verify the case doesn’t introduce alignment issues, especially if you rely on magnetic mounts or car chargers. Screen protection is the other half: tempered glass is usually the most forgiving for daily use, and it can help prevent small abrasions from becoming distracting during gaming. For example, imagine a weekend trip where you’re navigating, taking photos, and playing in short bursts between stops; you set the phone on café tables, pull it in and out of a bag, and use it one-handed while carrying luggage. In that scenario, the most useful protection is the kind you never notice: steady grip in landscape mode, protected corners, and camera clearance that prevents micro-scratches from daily surfaces. Some gamers choose branded options like Ghostek phone cases for these types of use patterns, but the practical point is the feature set—grip, corners, and camera/screen lip—rather than the logo.

The second piece is power and travel-friendly accessories, where the goal is to avoid battery anxiety without hauling bulky gear. Start with a power bank that matches your actual gaming habits: if you play in short sessions, a smaller bank is easier to carry and still covers a full top-up; if you stream games or use high refresh rates for long sessions, a higher-capacity bank becomes worthwhile. Choose USB-C Power Delivery (PD) support so your phone can charge efficiently, and pay attention to output wattage—many modern phones benefit from higher wattage chargers, but even moderate PD output is often enough to stabilize battery during long days. Then simplify your cables: one high-quality USB-C to USB-C cable with good durability can cover phone charging, power bank charging, and even laptop charging in a pinch. If you travel, a compact wall charger with multiple ports (USB-C + USB-A, or dual USB-C) reduces clutter and keeps your bag lighter. For gamers, latency and stability also matter, so consider one “connectivity” accessory: a small USB-C hub or adapter that lets you use wired headphones, Ethernet (where relevant), or connect to a display in hotels and rentals. Audio is another quality-of-life upgrade: if you play in noisy environments, a reliable set of earbuds with good passive isolation or ANC can improve focus, while wired options remove Bluetooth battery and pairing friction. Finally, think about mounting and comfort: a compact phone stand can improve ergonomics on planes and trains, and it’s often more comfortable than holding the phone for an hour straight. For example, consider a long flight where you plan to watch content, play a couple of matches, and message friends; without a power bank and a compact charger, you may end up rationing battery and lowering brightness aggressively. With a small PD power bank, a sturdy USB-C cable, and a simple stand, you can keep the phone comfortable to use, maintain a stable charge level, and avoid scrambling for outlets mid-trip.

In summary, an effective gamer everyday carry comes down to protection that matches your drop and grip realities, plus a compact power setup that keeps your phone reliably charged on the move. Prioritizing corner protection, camera clearance, and a comfortable landscape grip reduces common damage risks, while a PD power bank, a durable USB-C cable, and a compact charger prevent your battery from becoming the limiting factor. The best EDC is the one that stays minimal but solves the problems that actually interrupt gaming and travel—slips, scratches, low battery, and awkward ergonomics.

 

The post Everyday Carry for Gamers: Phone Protection, Charging, and Travel-Friendly Accessories That Make Sense appeared first on Cowded.

I don’t want to alarm anyone, but a gaming mouse has just tried something new. New and, it turns out, brilliant.

Read more

Meta is making its biggest play yet in the political arena, launching what’s set to be its largest push to back political candidates in the company’s history. This significant move comes at a time when the social media giant is dealing with a lot of negative attention and some of its toughest legal challenges ever.

The company is kicking off a massive $65 million effort ahead of this year’s midterm elections, as reported by MS Now. The goal is to boost state politicians who are friendly to the artificial intelligence industry, with initial efforts focusing on Texas and Illinois. This is a record-breaking sum for Meta’s election investments.

Company representatives have indicated that this huge investment is fueled by worries over potential regulatory threats to the artificial intelligence industry. Meta is looking to fight back against legislation in various states that it fears could slow down or hinder AI development. It’s a pretty clear signal that they want to shape the future of AI without too much government interference.

What’s really interesting is that Meta isn’t picking sides; they’re backing both Democrats and Republicans

They’re using two different super PACs to do this. One group, called Forge the Future Project, is throwing its weight behind Republican candidates. The other, Making Our Tomorrow, is supporting Democrats. These new PACs are joining two others Meta already had, one of which focuses specifically on California, while the other is a broader organization that funds the company’s spending in other states.

For years, Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, have shown support for President Donald Trump, who, in turn, has pushed to stop states from regulating companies that invest in artificial intelligence tools. So, in a way, what Meta is doing now with this spending spree feels a lot like the bold, almost oligarchic behavior we’ve seen from other tech leaders who use their financial power to influence midterm elections and the political system more generally.

NEWS:

Meta is about to start a $65 million midterms push — its biggest political effort in its 20 years in business.

Meta is standing up two super PACs that this week will drop money in races in Texas and Illinois to push A.I.

Exclusive w/ @matt_zdun.https://t.co/xWPDFwmjsr

— Teddy Schleifer (@teddyschleifer) February 18, 2026

However, I think there’s a unique level of public frustration directed at Meta and its platforms right now. You can see it in the numerous lawsuits they’re facing and the public condemnations from former employees. In recent years, the company has had to navigate various scandals where its algorithm-based platforms have been accused of being used to undermine democracy, facilitate child predation, and even incite violence, including in the lead-up to January 6, 2021.

Meta is currently fighting multiple lawsuits, some of which could be landmark cases. These lawsuits accuse its executives of knowingly creating products with addictive qualities that have been particularly harmful to children. The company, for its part, has denied these claims. Beyond the legal battles, Meta is also looking to expand its number of data centers, those massive, resource-intensive facilities that have drawn significant criticism from communities across the nation.

With all of this in mind, Meta’s decision to back candidates this election cycle presents a pretty big question for voters. It makes you wonder whether, and to what extent, people will support a candidate who is financially backed by a company that operates some of the world’s most widely criticized platforms.

I’ll be honest, I thought I was perfectly content with my standard BT router for years. It did the job, kept us online, and I never gave it much thought. But here’s the thing: my household has grown into a proper digital ecosystem. With two children, my wife, and myself, we’re running four laptops, two games consoles, four phones, three iPads, four smart TVs, smart lights, smart plugs, and a video doorbell… and that’s just what springs to mind. The Wi-Fi traffic in our house is relentless, and the old BT box was starting to buckle under the pressure. Buffering during film night, lag spikes mid-game, and video calls dropping out became the norm. Something had to change.

Enter the D-Link Aquila Pro AI R95, and what a difference it has made.

First impressions matter, and the R95 cuts a striking figure. With its four adjustable external antennas and sleek design, it looks like a piece of kit that means business. It’s not trying to hide in a cupboard, it’s a statement piece that says your home network is being taken seriously.

Under the bonnet is where things get truly impressive. The R95 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router operating across the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, delivering combined speeds of up to 9.5 Gbps. That’s a staggering amount of bandwidth, and thanks to the ultra-wide 320 MHz channels and 4096 QAM modulation, it translates into real-world performance that you can actually feel. The kids can be streaming on their iPads, my wife can be on a video call, I can be gaming online, and the smart home devices carry on ticking away in the background without a single hiccup.

One of the standout features is Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows devices to connect across multiple bands simultaneously. This means lower latency and far more reliable connections, a genuine game-changer for online gaming and video conferencing. I’ve noticed a marked improvement in ping times and an almost complete elimination of the random dropouts we used to suffer.

The AI-driven optimisation is another highlight. The AI Traffic Optimiser intelligently prioritises bandwidth where it’s needed most, whilst the AI Wi-Fi Optimiser selects the best channels to minimise interference. It’s the sort of clever, behind-the-scenes management that means you set it up and forget about it; the router simply handles everything.

On the wired side, there’s a 2.5-Gigabit WAN port and three 2.5-Gigabit LAN ports, which is brilliant for connecting a gaming PC or NAS directly. Setup through the Aquila Pro AI app is refreshingly straightforward, with parental controls and guest network options that are genuinely useful for a family household. WPA3 encryption and dedicated IoT zones provide peace of mind for security, too.

If your home is anything like mine… packed with devices and demanding users, the D-Link Aquila Pro AI R95 is an absolute revelation. It’s taken our home network from struggling to seamless, and I genuinely wish I’d upgraded sooner. Highly recommended.

The post Review: D-Link Aquila Pro AI R95 Router appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

D-Link has announced three new Wi-Fi 7 routers designed to handle the demanding connectivity needs of modern smart homes and small businesses. The lineup includes the M95 BE9500 Wi-Fi 7 Smart Mesh Router, R95 BE9500 Wi-Fi 7 Smart Router, and the upcoming G572 5G NR BE7200 Wi-Fi 7 Router, all promising multi-gigabit speeds and AI-enhanced network management.

The standout M95 model has already earned recognition with a Red Dot Design Award 2025 for its eagle-inspired aerodynamic design. This tri-band router supports 320MHz bandwidth and features four integrated antennas that provide 360-degree coverage to eliminate dead zones. Meanwhile, the R95 model takes a more traditional approach with four external adjustable antennas, offering extended coverage for larger homes whilst maintaining the same tri-band Wi-Fi 7 capabilities.

Perhaps most intriguing is the G572 5G router, which combines 5G NR technology with Wi-Fi 7 to provide high-speed internet access in areas without fibre or fixed-line connections. Users simply insert a SIM card to get instant internet access, making it particularly appealing for remote workers and small offices in underserved areas. The router includes Ethernet WAN failover and VPN support for business continuity.

All three routers promise to handle demanding tasks like 8K streaming, VR gaming, and managing multiple IoT devices simultaneously. They’re managed through D-Link’s AQUILA PRO AI app (or FALCON app for the G572), which provides real-time network optimisation and usage insights. Each model includes 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN ports and WPA3 encryption for security.

D-Link hasn’t announced specific pricing or availability dates for the new router lineup, though the G572 5G model is listed as “coming soon”. More information about the Wi-Fi 7 router range can be found on D-Link’s official website.

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The post D-Link Unveils Three New Wi-Fi 7 Routers Promising 8K Streaming and Ultra-Low Latency appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

On Saturday, Microsoft surprised Xbox fans with a brief but visually impressive in-engine trailer for Forza Horizon 6 that showcased the game's various biomes. The footage demonstrated the excellent level of detail provided by the latest iteration of the ForzaTech proprietary engine technology, while also offering a glimpse of the variety of environments players will be able to explore from the cockpit of their cars once the game ships in less than three months. We can see beaches, small villages, forests, the countryside, and snowy, mountainous regions, among others. Originally announced at Tokyo Game Show 2025, Forza Horizon 6 is […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/forza-horizon-6-shows-outstanding-visuals-biomes-trailer/

Tetris has been immortalized in a playable McDonald's plastic chicken nugget, a playable fake 7-Eleven Slurpee cup, and a playable wristwatch. But the most intriguing way to play Tetris yet is encased in paper.

Last year the Tetris Company partnered with Red Bull for a gaming tournament that culminated in the 150-meter-tall Dubai Frame landmark being turned into the world's largest playable Tetris installation using over 2,000 drones that functioned as pixels. Although the timing was a coincidence, Red Bull also published a 180-page gaming edition of its The Red Bulletin lifestyle magazine around the same time as the event, with a limite …

Read the full story at The Verge.

After nearly 40 years at Microsoft, Xbox chief and Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer is leaving the company, along with Xbox president Sarah Bond. Spencer’s retirement was announced in a memo from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on February 20th, stating, “Last year, Phil Spencer made the decision to retire from the company, and since then we’ve been talking about succession planning.” 

Last summer, Microsoft responded to rumors of Spencer’s retirement, saying at the time that he was “not retiring anytime soon.” Microsoft’s CoreAI president, Asha Sharma, will be moving into Spencer’s former role as Microsoft Gaming CEO, while Matt Booty is being promoted to EVP and chief content officer. 

Follow along below for the latest updates on Microsoft’s Xbox leadership changes

• Read Xbox president Sarah Bond’s memo about leaving Microsoft.
• Microsoft says today’s Xbox shake-up doesn’t mean game studio layoffs
• Xslop?
• Read Microsoft gaming CEO Asha Sharma’s first memo on the future of Xbox
• Read Xbox chief Phil Spencer’s memo about leaving Microsoft
• Xbox chief Phil Spencer is leaving Microsoft
• Sarah Bond is leaving Xbox

Xbox has new leaders today, now that Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond are out - and you'd be forgiven for assuming that means yet another round of layoffs and shuttered studios, especially one day after Sony jettisoned a beloved developer.

Not yet, it seems. "To be clear, there are no organizational changes underway for our studios," Microsoft Gaming EVP Matt Booty wrote in his memo today. It's a little buried under everything else Microsoft's outgoing and incoming gaming CEOs are saying, so figure it's worth dragging to the surface!

Booty:

We have good reasons to believe in what's ahead. This organization and its franchises have navigated c …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has just announced he's leaving the company after 12 years leading Xbox and nearly 40 at Microsoft in total. His replacement: Asha Sharma, formerly head of development for Microsoft's AI enterprise teams. Before that, she was COO of Instacart for three years, and spent four at Meta in charge of the company's messaging apps.

What will Sharma do with Xbox? Read for yourself in her first internal memo, which we've printed in full below.

Sharma says she is committed to "the return of Xbox," games in "new categories and markets where we can add real value, grounded in what players care about most." She says t …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Xbox chief Phil Spencer has just announced to employees that he's leaving Microsoft after 38 years. In a memo entitled "A new chapter for Microsoft Gaming," Spencer reveals to Xbox employees that he made the decision to retire from Microsoft last fall.

He also reveals Xbox president Sarah Bond is leaving Microsoft, triggering a big change in management at Xbox. Asha Sharma, currently the president of CoreAI product at Microsoft, is stepping into the Microsoft Gaming CEO role, reporting directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Here's Phil Spencer's full memo on his retirement:

When I walked through Microsoft's doors as an intern in June o …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Xbox chief Phil Spencer is leaving Microsoft after nearly 40 years at the software giant. Xbox president Sarah Bond is also leaving Microsoft, in what is a major shake-up to the management of Xbox and Microsoft's gaming efforts. Asha Sharma, currently president of CoreAI product, is taking over as CEO of Microsoft Gaming.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced Phil Spencer's retirement in a memo to all Microsoft employees today. "Last year, Phil Spencer made the decision to retire from the company, and since then we've been talking about succession planning," says Nadella. "I want to thank Phil for his extraordinary leadership and partnershi …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Greetings from the year of Linux on my desktop.

In November, I got fed up and said screw it, I'm installing Linux. Since that article was published, I have dealt with one minor catastrophe after another. None of that has anything to do with Linux, mind you. It just meant I didn't install it on my desktop until Sunday evening.

My goal here is to see how far I can get using Linux as my main OS without spending a ton of time futzing with it - or even much time researching beforehand. I am not looking for more high-maintenance hobbies at this stage. I want to see if Linux is a wingable alternative to Microsoft's increasingly annoying OS.

Ho …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Stevie Bonifield is a news writer here at The Verge and, they say, “I cover a little bit of just about everything, from the FCC to AI shopping tools to Linux.” Before joining our news team, they wrote weekend news for PC Gamer and did reviews, news, features, and guides for Laptop Mag, along with some stories for Tom’s Guide, IGN, TechRadar, and XDA. “I’ve been reading (and watching) The Verge since I was in high school,“ they add, ”so it’s pretty exciting to be part of the team now.“ 

Outside of writing, Stevie says “I also love gaming, reading, and TTRPGs (tabletop roleplaying games). As you’ll probably be able to tell from my workspace, I’m kind of a total nerd.” 

Let’s begin with the basics. Where is your work space located?

My desk and work space are in my bedroom. I share my apartment with a roommate, so we both work from our bedrooms so we don’t distract each other during the day. I don’t really mind not having a separate office — it means I only have to worry about decorating and managing one space instead of two. I recently moved to New Jersey from Pittsburgh, PA, so I’m still getting everything set up here. 

Could you tell us about your desk and your chair?

I’m using a VIVO 3-stage adjustable desk with a VIVO 60-inch desktop and a Haworth Breck chair. I got both when I moved last month, so I haven’t been using them for long, but I like them so far. 

This is actually a standing desk, which I’ve never used before. I got it so I could have my desk height pretty low — I’m on the shorter side and most desks are too high for me. This one goes all the way down to 24 inches, lower than even I need, which is really nice. The option to use it as a standing desk is a cool perk, even though that isn’t what I bought it for. My cable management under the desk still needs some cleaning up, but I’m working on it! I have a VIVO clamp-on cable management net containing most of it for now. 

I like the Haworth Breck so far, but it’s a pretty basic chair. Like my desk, a big part of why I got this one is its height range. It’s extremely difficult for me to find decent desk chairs that go as low as I need them to (without requiring a footrest). This one has a minimum seat height of around 15 inches and has adjustable seat depth, both of which I’ve really appreciated. That said, I wish it had a headrest. 

Tell us about the various tech devices you’re using.

My setup is a little crazy because I have three different computers running to my two monitors. 

My gaming PC lives on the floor under my desk. It’s currently temporarily out of commission because I’m having a hardware issue. Unfortunately, my RAM seems to be on the fritz, which is pretty bad timing considering the current RAM pricing nightmare. Most of it is still working, though! It has an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU, an AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU, an Asus ROG Strix B650-A motherboard, and a pair of 16GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM sticks (which apparently need to be replaced, after less than a year of use). 

That’s also my Linux PC — it’s currently running Fedora 41 with the Cinnamon desktop environment, but I’m updating to Fedora 43 soon and planning to switch to the KDE Plasma desktop environment. 

Hanging off the side of my desk are my work and personal laptops, both the M4 MacBook Air. My laptops are only connected to my left monitor, which is a 27-inch 1440p Viewsonic Omni (VX2728J-2K). My gaming PC is connected to both monitors. I mainly play games on the right monitor since it has better color accuracy. It’s a 27-inch 1440p Asus ROG Strix gaming monitor (XG27ACS). 

Neither one of my monitors is anything fancy, but both are good enough for my needs. Between the two, I would probably recommend the ROG one more, although I’m not a huge fan of the buttons being located on the back since I need those to swap input modes so I can switch to my Mac. When I’m working during the day I usually have my work laptop running on the left monitor and my Linux PC on the right monitor. My keyboard and mouse I chose specifically because they make it easy to jump between all my devices. 

I’ve reviewed quite a few keyboards, so it’s a little ironic that the one I’m using now I actually haven’t reviewed. It’s the Nuphy Halo75 V2 with Nuphy’s Mint switches. It sounds and feels great, works really smoothly with macOS, and I can jump between my laptops and PC with a quick keyboard shortcut. The battery life could be a bit better, but admittedly I leave the RGB on, so that’s probably not helping. Overall, though, I really like the design and sound quality on the Halo75 — it’s one of the only keyboards I’ve tried that I’m happy with out-of-the-box without making any DIY customizations. 

My mouse is actually one of my favorite devices right now. I’ve tested some great gaming mice, but this one is my personal daily driver and not one I reviewed. It’s the Razer Orochi V2, and I got it on sale for $35 on Amazon earlier this year. It’s nothing fancy, but the size and feel are perfect for me. Most gaming mice feel kind of enormous in my hand, but I swear Razer designed the Orochi for my palm specifically. Like my keyboard, it’s also able to jump between a Bluetooth connection and a 2.4GHz dongle. Despite the budget-friendly price, it’s a great mouse. 

Underneath that I’m currently using a Matrix Blizzard mousepad. I got it on Amazon, but unfortunately, I think it’s sold out now. I wanted something with a little bit of a design going on, but not anything too detailed or distracting. This design just about perfectly fit what I was looking for. I wish it was a tad thicker, but it’s more interesting than a plain black mousepad, and that’s good enough for me. 

I have two controllers on my desk, a standard Xbox controller for my Mac and the wired Razer Wolverine V2 for my gaming PC. I don’t normally like wired controllers, but I really love the Wolverine. The clicky buttons on Razer controllers are so satisfying to me, and they tend to offer consistently good performance in my experience. My favorite mobile controller is also from Razer, the Kishi Ultra. 

My preferred headphones are my AirPods Pro 3. The ANC and spatial audio is fantastic for watching shows and movies on my laptop (and helps me focus when I’m working). I don’t like wearing earbuds all the time, though, so I also keep a basic pair of on-ear Sony headphones around, the WH-CH250. The audio quality on these isn’t particularly impressive, but they’re super affordable. 

Last, but certainly not least, I also have a Razer Seiren V3 Chroma mic off to the side of my desk on a clamp-on mic arm I got on Amazon. I’ve been using the Seiren for a couple years now for gaming and playing Dungeons & Dragons with my online group. The audio quality could be a bit better, but it’s a significant improvement over most built-in headphone mics, and I’ve never had any bugs or issues with it. Notably, it works on Linux for me without needing any tweaks or work-arounds.  

That is a great laptop holder you have at the side of your desk. What is it?

I just got that when I moved last month, and it’s one of my favorite additions to my desk setup. It’s a double-decker laptop mount I got for around $30 on Amazon and just clamps onto the side of my desk (no screws necessary!). 

I wanted to free up some desk space, and this lets me keep both of my laptops nearby and out of the way at the same time. I also used a command strip to stick a USB-C hub to the back of the laptop tray, so I can quickly hop between my personal and work laptops on my external monitor by just moving over the USB-C cable and charging cable. 

Great wall decorations. Tell us a bit about your Elmville map and what surrounds it.

This is the wall across from my desk that people see when I have my webcam on, so I put all my coolest stuff on it. I’m a huge fan of Dimension 20 on Dropout, so I immediately picked up one of those Elmville maps when they released them. For those who haven’t checked out Dimension 20 yet, Elmville is the main setting for Fantasy High, one of the best shows Dropout has to offer, in my humble opinion. 

The smaller horizontal picture below the map is actually a page from Dropout’s 2025 Dimension 20 calendar that I got at their Madison Square Garden show last January. It’s a scene from season 2 of Fantasy High, and I just thought the artist did such a great job with it that it deserved to be framed. Off to the right above that one is a print I got from an art convention. It’s not from any show or movie as far as I know; the design just resonated with me. 

The two smaller prints above the map are also from art conventions and were made by the same artist, Natasha Tara Petrović. The purple one is some cool Mothman art — I have a soft spot for cryptids and spooky stuff. The blue one is a Dark Souls print that makes the game look way cozier than it is. 

And last but not least, I’ve got some Nanoleaf Elements tiles lighting up that wall. These are the first smart lights I’ve ever bought, and they’re pretty cool, especially with the more mellow wood look. I have them set to shift colors and brightness throughout the day. 

You’re obviously into Star Wars and other science fiction / fantasy worlds, judging from the toys over your bookcase and the figures on that little shelf. Are you a serious fan or do you just like the genre?

I am a huge Star Wars fan. One of my earliest memories is watching The Phantom Menace on VHS, and I’ve loved the franchise ever since. Obi-Wan is my favorite character, which I’m noticing is a bit obvious in my work space. 

The lightsaber above my bookcase is Obi-Wan’s from The Phantom Menace. I’ve had it since probably kindergarten or first grade, so it’s a little beat up. And next to that I’ve got a special edition Obi-Wan Funko Pop. Then above my desk I have a Lego model of Obi-Wan’s Jedi starfighter from Attack of the Clones. 

On the shelf below that I’ve managed to squeeze in the Dungeons & Dragons series minifigures I’ve collected (I’m a few shy of the full collection). These shelves ended up being way smaller than expected, so I’m planning to add more so things aren’t quite so cramped. I thought Lego did a great job with these D&D minifigures, though, and would love to see them do more D&D sets. My personal favorite from this series is the dragonborn paladin. 

The other Funko Pop next to Obi-Wan is Vi from Arcane, which is a truly phenomenal show and a personal favorite of mine. I’m not much of a Funko Pop person, but I’ll get them from time to time if it’s a character I really like. 

I guess I would say I’m a serious sci-fi and fantasy fan, although I tend to connect with specific series or books and stick with those. To go back to the Star Wars example, on one of the lower shelves in my bookcase, I have most of the old Jedi Apprentice books. They’ve gotten pretty hard to find, but I loved them as a kid, so I’m trying to collect them all again. 

On the fantasy side of things, I love epic fantasy like Lord of the Rings, but also like some YA books, especially The Hunger Games and Percy Jackson. At the moment, I’m reading The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss and Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree, which is the third book in his Legends & Lattes series. Both are great, although they have drastically different tones. 

You also have a rock collection!

I do! Much like a goldfish, it has grown to fill the size of its container, and now it can grow no more. I’ve always had an interest in geology and have had some of the rocks and minerals in that case since I was a kid. 

I have a bunch of quartz, a geode, some copper, chalcopyrite, amazonite, dravite, moissanite, a sliver of obsidian, a lump of basalt, some feldspar and sedimentary rocks, and a bunch of smaller tumbled stones. There’s also a chunk of petrified wood in the back that I found in a streambed. My favorites are the chunk of amber in the front and the bismuth above it — I love how bismuth crystals get that neat geometric shape. 

Anything else I missed that you’d like to add?

While I don’t use it for work, my Kobo Clara BW e-reader is almost always on my desk. My bookcases are pretty much full (and a bit small — I’m planning to replace them eventually), so I’ve been reading more ebooks over the past year or so. 

I switched from a Kindle to a Kobo several months ago and have been loving the Kobo. The display and user experience on the Clara are better than their Kindle counterparts in my experience, and you have more freedom to add books from outside Kobo’s store and back up everything in your library on other devices. My Kobo is in my everyday carry now, although in hindsight, I wish I’d gotten one with a color display. 

Photography by Stevie Bonifield

The CES show floor officially closes its doors at the end of the day, but there's still a trickle of announcements and reveals coming out of Las Vegas. If you're struggling to stay on top of all the new tech, gadgets, concepts, and AI-powered devices as the final day of CES gets underway, we're still rounding up the best hardware and upgrades that have debuted so far so you can quickly get up to speed.

As the show draws to a close for another year, you can still catch up on all of The Verge's CES 2026 coverage here.

Philips Hue SpatialAware

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Read the full story at The Verge.

Every January, the world of consumer electronics heads to Las Vegas to spend the first full week of the year in the desert presenting, prodding, and gawking at all the new gadgets and gear debuting at CES. The show has once again delivered an avalanche of products, both innovative and vaporous, that will shape the industry in 2026.

The Verge's team has been working around the clock to share the experience. Some of it wowed us while some of it weirded us out, but that's part of the fun of CES.

After taking it all in over the past week, there are some gadgets that stood out from the rest. They innovated on an existing product, entirely ret …

Read the full story at The Verge.

You open your map. Resin’s full. Materials are scattered across regions, and your last banner pull is still half-built. Then a new five-star teaser drops, and suddenly, your backlog turns into a crisis. Staying ahead in Genshin Impact isn’t about reacting when a new character arrives. It’s about preparing long before their banner appears. Resource gaps […]

The post Preparing Your Genshin Impact Account for Future Character Addition appeared first on Unigamesity.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas again, and to help readers come up with ideas for friends and family who hit the controller hard, we at CGMagazine have compiled our Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition, filled with great gifts for gamers for the holiday season, so you don’t have to.

With the busy season upon us, CGMagazine has gathered a list of the latest and greatest gaming innovations, so consumers can focus on buying rather than searching for ‘that perfect something’ to make the holiday legendary for family and friends alike. Our Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition has all the components, accessories, and gadgets consumers need to make Christmas a success behind the sticks and in front of the TV for the upcoming year.

Gaming Laptops

With innovations in gaming laptops becoming increasingly refined each year, it might be time to re-up on hardware for that special someone who still can’t escape their backlog of games. Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like unboxing a new gaming system, whether PC or console, and giving loved ones a reason to pop the lid on a new PC could be the idea that makes you the coolest parent in the room (or the most punchable).

CGM has spent 2025 testing and reviewing the latest laptop innovations to bring readers the cream of the crop in gaming laptops. Whether that special someone is looking for a lightweight option or a desktop replacement, the Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition has your six.

• Coming equipped with a double whammy of the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and a robust GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, the Lenovo Legion 9i 18 offers a well-balanced high-end laptop platform that provides a lot of power under the hood for a reasonable cost.
• For a more budget-friendly option, the MSI Katana 15 HX series offers a performance-level gaming laptop experience without breaking the bank. The Katana 15 HX has no issues running load-heavy experiences at 60fps, while also delivering solid visuals.
• For a gaming laptop outfitted as a “jack of all trades,” the HP Victus 16.1-inch Gaming Laptop could be the right option for users who want high multitasking performance and adaptability for multiple functions.
• For an out-of-this-world gaming laptop experience (and for those who don’t have a price limit), the Alienware 18 Area-51 Gaming Laptop “could handle just about anything” thrown at it on “the highest settings” without breaking a sweat.
• For those who want another option that is more tablet than laptop (but still has gaming features), the REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet could suffice for those who don’t need a keyboard (but can use one if needed). The REDMAGIC Astra gives gamers another lightweight option to tote around when the PC stays at home.

Handheld Gaming

The latest handheld gaming craze is here, and what started with the Steam Deck handheld PC experience has now branched into multiple platforms with different designs and tailored experiences for the more avid gamer who needs to stay in the game even when out of the home. CGMagazine has been putting these new handheld PCs through the wringer to determine which is worth playing on (from VR to Legion), and the Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition has provided answers to the question “which handheld device should I get?” without being asked.

• For the latest in the ROG Ally series of handheld gaming PCs, they’ve teamed up with Xbox to bring Xbox branding to the handheld capabilities of the ROG Ally and the ROG Ally X. For the Xbox fans in families that have been extra good this year, the Xbox Ally is a game changer, letting gamers take their console out of the house without the extra weight and need for a display.
• The upgraded version of the first-to-market modern handheld gaming PC, the Steam Deck OLED, is also a solid option for PC gamers who ‘have everything.’ With an updated display and more customization options, the Steam Deck is a device that can adapt to many scenarios, including outdoor use.
• The updated version of the Lenovo Legion Go, the Lenovo Legion Go 2, comes complete with an updated processor, GPU and RAM but retains a similar size and shape to the original. Lenovo has reworked the overall user experience of the original Legion Go (while carrying over many of the features that made the Legion Go such a unique handheld) to make a true sequel, and a great option in handheld gaming. 
• For those who have openly wanted a VR headset, the Christmas Gift Guide 2025 suggests the latest Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S headsets for aspiring reality jumpers. For Xbox fans, not only is there an Xbox option for Meta Quest 3, but the Quest 3S (without the branding) to seamlessly connect to Xbox Game Pass and play existing libraries in a more portable frame. For gamers, VR could be the next frontier to be conquered this Christmas.

GeForce NOW Subscription

Not all gifts for gamers are physical; some of the best gifts can be delivered as a digital service (including Fortnite V-Bucks and other currencies). For our Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition, a fresh GeForce NOW subscription could be just what a gamer needs to get out of the trenches of their backlog and into a game seamlessly without a weighty download.

GeForce NOW brings the power of an NVIDIA GPU to a device that normally can’t run certain software. This year, GeForce NOW brought the power of NVIDIA GPUs to the Steam Deck, letting players who use their Deck for everything jump into higher-fidelity experiences in the cloud. In the second half of 2025, GeForce NOW implemented RTX 5080 support and NVIDIA DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation for streaming up to 5K resolution at 120 frames per second to the service, giving players without a powerful system true power to play. GeForce NOW is our recommendation for our Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition.

Digital Currency

In-game funds are always considered a servicable gift, especially for younger family members looking for Minecraft Mine Coins, or Fortnite V-Bucks. Younger family members don’t have their own credit cards, so it’s usually a good choice to get redeemable code cards for members to go shopping at a storefront (with parental permission), without ringing up the credit card bill for mom and dad. For our Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition, digital currency can answer the “what should I get?” question without stress.

• Steam Wallet Funds – Steam Gift Cards in denominations of $20 and $50 can be found at any local pharmacy or gift card stand, and can even be purchased off the GameStop website for ease of gift-giving.
• Xbox Game Pass/Xbox Currency – Like Steam, Xbox offers gift cards to exchange real currency into either Xbox funds or Xbox Game Pass time, and is a boon for those looking to gift younger family members the right items for Christmas. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate recently jumped in price, but using code cards gets players a significant discount from the secondary market. It’s worth noting that dollar amounts will almost always translate into the same amount digitally, but Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for cheaper is a solid choice.
• PlayStation Plus – Like Xbox, PlayStation has its own subscription service that can be purchased as a digital redemption code alongside PlayStation currency.
• Nintendo Online + Expansion Pass – Lastly, Nintendo also offers digital currency on its storefront, and has an online subscription service that allows gamers to play from a catalogue of its hit titles. Nintendo Online + Expansion Pass even lets players jump into some N64 titles straight from the dashboard, letting older and younger gamers bridge the gap for the Holiday Season.

Gaming Headsets

Communication is the best weapon on any battlefield, and for our Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition, we here at CGMagazine have scoured the depths of the internet for the best possible headsets any gamer could use to get a leg up on the competition. For any price range, the listed headsets below can cover the needs of any Christmas shopper who needs a headset, in and out of battle.

• For a more lightweight and colourful option, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P is a solid choice that provides in-app customized functionality, long battery life, and AI noise cancelling for a user who could use a new pair of ears.
• For the racing-savvy (and those who want to match McLaren’s signature Papaya Orange colourway), the Logitech A50 X Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset McLaren Racing Edition is a tailored choice specific to racing fans that can provide excellent sound and includes a resting base for pit stops.
• For a more budget-friendly, wired headset option, the Turtle Beach Atlas 200 for PlayStation Gaming Headset is a good solution for PlayStation gamers looking for a great deal.
• Shoppers who are looking for the best of both worlds (budget and functionality), the latest Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Headset features an undying battery and comfort in spades to keep players on the battlefield and out of the gulag. With both wireless and Razer app functionality, the BlackShark V3 smells when there’s blood on the water.

LEGO Minecraft The Mooshroom House

For families that want to take the player out of the digital blocks of Minecraft and onto LEGO tabletops, the LEGO Minecraft The Mooshroom House serves that purpose without fail. This LEGO house is shaped like a large cow, and features a removable roof for players to check out what’s going on inside. This playset contains 500 pieces and features Minecraft’s Steve in mini-fig form. CGM’s Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition brings gamers to real life, too!

Govee x PAC-MAN Gaming Pixel Lights For Desktop

Not all gifts for gamers are game-related. Sometimes, desks need new decorations and CGM’s Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition has found a new collaboration between the light-decoration maker Govee and everyone’s favourite glutton, Pac-Man. This new limited-edition pixel light features over 150+ displayable Pac-Man pixelated scenes, and fans can have imagery featuring all four ghosts (and the Pac-Man himself). Decorations could be the perfect gift for gamers in 2025.

Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition Console & Joystick

Speaking of Pac-Man, for fans who want to travel back to one of the first ever home consoles, and do it in limited edition Pac-Man yellow, they should look no further than this Atari 2600+ re-release. Both the console and joystick are coated in Pac-Man yellow, and the front of the Atari 2600+ is emblazoned with Atari branding (the norm for the console) and Pac-Man with ghosts (not normal for the console). Fans can excavate the past and past 2600+ titles with this limited console on CGMagazine’s Christmas Gift Guide 2025, and this console plays both Atari 2600 and Atari 7800 original game cartridges.

Accessories

Not all gaming accessories can fit into a neat category, so for CGM’s Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition, we have included a sub-category of odds, ends, and knick-knacks that gamers could use but they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves. From a sleek Alienware monitor to decorations, every gamer would want one of these accessories under the Christmas tree.

• The Alienware AW3425DW QD-OLED Gaming Monitor delivers crystal clear visuals and allows PCs to flex their advanced component muscles with a high-quality display. If gamers are in the market for a 240Hz OLED monitor solution, Alienware provides.
• For gamers who love playing with a controller but never have their console or laptop on hand, the Backbone Pro Mobile Controller turns a smartphone into a handheld console with finesse. The Backbone Pro incorporates many of the features of its predecessor for mobile gamers in a more robust and full-size design, complete with over 40 hours of battery life.
• For racing enthusiasts, Turtle Beach’s VelocityOne Race KD3 Steering Wheel Controller could provide a controller solution for those who want to get literally behind the wheel. The VelocityOne Race KD3 is designed as a complete driving system straight out of the box, making it ready for any racing simulation.
• For gamers in need of decorations, the Govee AI Sync Box Kit 2 can enhance the immersive aspects of gaming and media with lighting reminiscent of what’s happening on screen. For anyone looking to take their gaming setup to another immersive level, the Govee AI Sync Box Kit 2 is a solid choice that elevates gaming experiences.
• For a very niche brand of gamers, the ROG XG Mobile External GPU Dock on the Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition can bring a solution to mobile GPU issues, featuring impressive specs, solid IO, and a small compact design.
• For gamers who need a new desk mat due to theirs becoming worn out (or discoloured), Logitech’s Studio Series Desk Mat can offer a fresh pop of colour and comfort when a replacement (or a first) is necessary.

Controllers

It is a fact that games cannot be played without an input device. So, CGMagazine has compiled some of the best controllers we have looked at in 2025 for CGM’s Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition. Throughout the year, we have reviewed and tested some of the best offerings on the market, and they’re compiled here so fans can shop without having to research a recommended pair of sticks.

• For gamers who have every console (including PC), the GameSir G7 Pro Controller is a serviceable option thanks to its adaptability. The GameSir G7 can sync up to any Xbox console, Android mobile phone, or PC without issue, and keybinds can be toyed with to let players tailor theirs to their playstyle.
• For a premium option for PlayStation 5 gamers, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro Wireless PS5 Controller is a good choice if players require a host of features and functions, and like included attachments and accessories for their weapon of choice. The included hair-trigger functionality also gives players an extra edge where competitive gaming is concerned, in case the player is serious about their K/D.
• For a more modular design, the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded includes replaceable parts and a multitool for gamers who need to have everything their way. While the BFG includes hair triggers, it can also function as a fight stick with a removable face module that transforms the right stick into six face buttons, adapting to a hard-to-shop-for user without effort.
• The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally out, and so is the add-on Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. With a premium weight, solid design, and compatibility with the new Switch 2, this pro controller is a good option for players who like a more traditional controller design without the bells and whistles of modular or other ‘Pro’ designs.

Keyboards

For PC gamers, it’s easy to see how important a proper keyboard is for maintaining relevance on a battlefield, and often gamers continue to use their favourite board until the keys (literally and figuratively) fall off. For 2025, CGMagazine has dealt the best mechanical keyboards (especially gaming keyboards), and we have picked some favourites for our Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition. From heavy-duty to lightweight, CGM has you covered.

• For the mechanical/customizable gamer, the Razer Blackwidow v4 Tenkeyless HyperSpeed Wireless Keyboard features ABS keycaps that can be switched with nearly every other mechanical keyboard on the market (including Drops). For heavier-handed users, if a switch breaks, it can also be easily replaced rather than getting a whole new board.
• Another TKL, the Cherry XTRFY MX 8.3, cuts out the number pad for more desk real estate for easier mouse manipulation. Cherry also includes a keycap remover alongside its small, customizable LCD and metal chassis, so that fans can tailor their board to their preferences.
• Cutting the size by another percentage, the Gravistar Mercury V75 Pro Cyberpunk Keyboard features a mini design, taking even more keys off the board in favour of more desk space. Gravistar V75 boasts HE switches for precision, giving gamers a slight advantage over those without optimized latency solutions.
• Another option for the 75 percent keyboard enthusiasts is the ASUS ROG Azoth X, a premium option with customization options consistent with other mechanical keyboards, and it comes with a sci-fi-inspired profile that stands out from the rest of the pack.

Turtle Beach PlayTrek Travel Case — Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a hot commodity this year, so you are likely to know someone who has one or is getting one this Christmas. That means you know someone who needs accessories and protection for their fancy new system. Turtle Beach has released the PlayTrek Travel Case for Nintendo Switch 2 for only $29.99, and it is officially licensed by Nintendo! With storage for up to 12 game cartridges, a padded flap for screen protection and a unique lenticular design, you can’t miss. This case comes in a Mario Bricks theme or Donkey Kong, perfect for any true Nintendo fan! You can also go with a Stellar White or Charcoal Black for $24.99 if you want something a little more subtle.

Gaming Mice

One of the best gifts to give any gamer is an upgrade to a needed device, and one of the most needed devices in PC gaming is the mouse. CGMagazine has been testing some of the best gaming mouse options on the market for 2025, and we have compiled some of our favourites below for our Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition. To become the coolest family member at the table, getting one of these mice for a loved one could net you extra points.

• CORSAIR is instantly recognizable as a quality peripheral manufacturer for PC, and with their latest ultralight mouse line, the CORSAIR SABRE v2 PRO Gaming Mouse is ultralight, has 8K hyper-polling, and will run under $100 for those looking for a premium upgrade.
• Move over ultralight, the ASUS ROG Harpe Ace Mini Gaming Mouse brings a sturdier (but smaller) frame to the desktop. For PC enthusiasts who need everything in a bite-sized presentation, including a light-up scroll wheel (and looks good doing it), the Harpe Ace Mini has your back.
• For users who need a fast and more affordable option, Razer has come to the rescue with the Razer Cobra HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Mouse. Although this mouse is cheaper for a gaming mouse, Razer’s Focus X 26K optical sensor is on board, providing an excellent user experience for a less premium price point.

That just about wraps up CGMagazine’s Christmas Gift Guide 2025: The Gamer Edition! Fans looking for more gift-giving ideas can head to the rest of our 2025 gift guides for more lists as the Holiday Season continues.

Cherry has announced Black Friday promotional pricing across several popular mechanical keyboards, available now through Currys and Amazon UK whilst stocks last. Gamers, creators, and home workers can access substantial discounts on models including the K5V2 at £39.99, K4V2 at £29.99, and the IP54-rated K33 White at £39.99.

K5V2 at Exceptional Value

The Cherry K5V2, now available for £39.99 in black or white variants, represents remarkable value at this promotional pricing. Having previously reviewed this keyboard, the build quality and switch engineering impressed throughout extended testing periods. At this reduced price point, the K5V2 becomes accessible for budget-conscious buyers who might otherwise overlook premium mechanical keyboards.

The combination of Cherry’s established reputation with aggressive Black Friday pricing creates compelling upgrade opportunities for anyone currently using membrane keyboards or ageing mechanical alternatives.

MX2A Switch Technology

Select keyboards in the promotion feature Cherry’s latest MX2A mechanical switches, delivering smoother keystrokes, improved acoustics, and exceptional durability rated for over 100 million presses. This longevity ensures years of reliable performance, justifying investment even at full retail pricing.

The acoustic improvements address common mechanical keyboard concerns regarding noise levels, whilst keystroke refinement benefits both gaming precision and extended typing sessions. These switches represent Cherry’s continued engineering evolution rather than simple rebranding of existing components.

Model Range and Pricing

The K4V2 at £29.99 provides entry-level mechanical keyboard pricing rarely seen from established manufacturers. Both black and white colour options accommodate different aesthetic preferences and desk setups.

The K33 White offers IP54 dust and water resistance alongside Windows and Mac compatibility at £39.99, targeting users requiring environmental protection without sacrificing typing quality. This spill-resistant design suits kitchen workstations, workshop environments, or households with accident-prone beverage consumption habits.

Availability Considerations

Key Account Manager Del Fadipe emphasises the opportunity: “Consumers want gear they can rely on, and this is a great chance to make the switch. Our keyboards are built for comfort and precision, and these Black Friday prices make them even more accessible.”

The “while stocks last” limitation suggests genuine promotional inventory rather than permanent price reductions. Interested buyers should act promptly rather than assuming availability throughout the Black Friday period.

Both Currys and Amazon UK stock these deals, providing purchasing flexibility through different retail channels with varying delivery options and customer service approaches.

For anyone considering mechanical keyboard upgrades, Cherry’s Black Friday pricing removes typical cost barriers whilst maintaining the build quality and switch engineering that defines their product reputation.

The post Cherry Black Friday Deals appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.