School is just around the corner for some and may have just started for others. But, just because you are back in school doesn’t mean you have to give up the gaming battle station you have become used to at home.
Adding akeyboardandgaming mouseto yourgaming laptopis a great place to start, but with a couple of extra pieces and some ingenuity, you may easily turn your dorm room into the gaming PC battle station you have always dreamed of having.
6 Ways To Turn Your Laptop Into A Dorm Room Gaming BattleStation
Get a USB-C Hub or dock
Because laptop I/O is so limited with modern gaming laptops, it is essential to pick up a USB-C hub or even a Thunderbolt dock if your computer supports it. This will not only allow you to plug in a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but with some options, it can become a one-cable setup that you can simply plug and unplug your laptop from when you are ready to game or if you are on the go.
CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub
The CalDigit Element Hub is perfect for users looking for an ultra-compact Thunderbolt dock. It is tiny but packs a big punch with four Thunderbolt 4 ports, and four USB-A ports, along with many benefits like dual 4K display support and laptop charging.
Dockcase Pro Explorer Edition: Smart USB-C Hub 6-in-1
The Dockcase Pro Explorer combines excellent performance and incredible looks all in one sleek package that is a tinkerer’s dream. With the screen on the front of the dock, there is a ton of information about every device you have plugged into it. For example, if there is a display plugged into the HDMI port, the display will show what the device is, what resolution it is running at, and how many lanes it is utilizing.
Razer USB C Dock
The Razer USB C dock offers a combination of USB-A and USB-C ports for connecting peripherals and external storage, an HDMI port supporting 4K resolution at 60Hz for connecting a second monitor, a Gigabit Ethernet port for a stable wired internet connection, and an SD and microSD card reader for transferring photos and videos. But the connectivity options aren’t why anyone would buy a Razer USB hub; it’s the sleek design and the Razer badge. The stylish aesthetic with Razer green accents on the ports integrates perfectly into any Razer-centric setup.
Use a portable monitor or a smaller desktop monitor
You can always use your laptop’s built-in display if you are okay with the size and refresh rate for gaming, but a portable monitor or a smaller desktop monitor is a quick way to improve the look of your gaming setup without having to get a brand new laptop for that high refresh rate.
Portable gaming monitors are going to be more expensive than similar performance-level desktop monitors, but in the long run, portable monitors are a lot more flexible, especially if you are moving around a lot. There is nothing worse than trying to move a large desktop monitor without a proper case to protect it from scratches or bumps.
ASUS ROG Strix 17.3" 1080P Portable Gaming Monitor
The Asus ROG Strix 17.3" portable monitor boasts an incredibly high refresh rate for gamers who love smooth gameplay and also comes with Adaptive sync support to eliminate tearing. The display is perfect for enthusiasts who play competitive games and travel frequently.
NexiGo 144Hz 17.3 Inch Portable Gaming Monitor
The NexiGo NG17FG boasts a breathtaking 100% sRGB color gamut, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and a crisp 1080p resolution, giving this portable monitor unparalleled color and detail. It runs at 144Hz, making gaming incredibly smooth, and it is super-thin to be ready to game anywhere.
ASUS ROG Strix 24.5" XG256Q Gaming Monitor
As a high-end, Fast IPD display that can do 180Hz at 1ms response times, the ASUS ROG Strix XG256Q is a relatively underrated, budget-friendly gaming monitor that often trades at a discount versus the competition.With both DisplayPort and HDMI connectors as well as G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility, it has an excellent value proposition to gamers thanks to its solid performance and low entry price.
Pick up a compact gaming keyboard
Unless you are blessed with a larger desk than normal in your dorm room, desk space is going to be a premium for all your gaming peripherals. That is where a compact keyboard comes in. Whether you go with a 60% or the slightly larger TKL form factor, both of these options will leave a lot more room for mouse movement and make the space feel a lot less cramped.
Now, because I/O on your laptop is probably going to be at a premium with all your gaming peripherals hooked up, it is good to see where you are at before deciding on a wired or wireless keyboard. A wireless keyboard, whether it is 2.4GHz or Bluetooth, is going to give your setup a much cleaner look, but the peace of mind that a wired keyboard is always ready to go makes that cable a bit easier to deal with.
Razer Huntsman Mini Gaming Keyboard
The Razer Huntsman Mini boasts Razer Linear Optical switch technology, which utilizes optical beam-based actuation for key presses at the speed of light. This results in a 15-30% shorter actuation distance of 1.0 mm compared to other linear switches.
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
The RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 is a small, 60% compact gaming keyboard that includes everything from RGB to mechanical switches. It’s one of the very few options out there for mechanical keyboards on a budget, but their house brand “RK” blue, brown, and red switches stand out when playing games. This is a hot-swappable keyboard, meaning users can swap out the key switches with ease.
Use a gaming mouse
While this might go unsaid for some gamers, it is still worth mentioning that do not use a trackpad, no matter how good it is, to game. Not only is your accuracy going to be a lot better with a gaming mouse, but your fingers and wrists are going to thank you in the long run.
While you can get a fancy gaming mouse like the Asus ROG Harpe if your budget allows for it, you can also save a few bucks and get Game Rant’s go-to budget gaming mouse choice, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed. This mouse is not going to blow you away with any of its specs, but with an outstanding wireless connection, you don’t have to worry about a cable messing up your aesthetic, and with a battery life that just keeps on going, you don’t have to constantly worry about charging this mouse either. For $40, this mouse can easily get you through four years of college and more if you take good care of it.
ASUS ROG Harpe Gaming Mouse
Asus ROG Harpe is a wireless gaming mouse that has been developed with the help of esports professionals to provide maximal control. This ultralight mouse comes at only 54 grams, which makes it immensely nimble and perfect for fast flicking and tracking. The ROG AimPoint optical sensor supports a maximum DPI of up to 36,000, making it one of the most accurate gaming mice on the market.
Glorious Model O 2 Wired Gaming Mouse
The Glorious Model O 2 is a wired gaming mouse that focuses on performance and a lightweight form factor for maximum speed and agility. Relying on the new BAMF 2.0 sensor, the Glorious Model O 2 has a top-tier IPS of 650 and a 50G acceleration rating. With Motion Sync technology, the mouse’s movements are reflected instantaneously on screens with a surgically precise sensor. Sporting 6 programmable buttons and an ergonomically friendly design, the Glorious Model O 2 is set to become a mainstay on gaming desks for years to come.
Logitech G305 Lightspeed
The Logitech G305 Lightspeed wireless gaming mouse is a bold budget offering perfect for personalizing a desk. It weighs just under 100g and uses a AA battery that is said to last 250 hours. It boasts 6 programmable buttons, including a DPI button on the top. The HERO sensor has a DPI of up to 12,000 and a max acceleration is 40g, like most of Logitech’s mice, and the report rate is the industry standard of 1ms.
Invest in a quality headset or headphones
No matter how good the rest of your setup is, a mediocre audio experience will detract from your overall gaming experience. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton of money on good audio, but something more than your Apple AirPods or the gaming headset you have been using forever will make the overall gaming experience a lot better.
Because you will most likely be sharing the dorm room with someone else, you will want to look for a closed-back pair of headphones, inner-ear monitors, or a gaming headset that features some sort of ANC. These will allow you to experience all the audio the game has to offer without getting distracted by any outside noise that can take you away from your gaming session. If a headset with ANC is outside your budget, a set of IEMs like the KZ ZSN Pro X does a great job with passive isolation only costs $25, and still provides excellent audio quality.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro allows more buyers to experience studio-quality wired headphones at an attainable price. Using a closed-back design, the DT 770 Pro gives listeners an immersive experience during music playback, video editing, or gaming. Unlike most gaming headphones, bass effects are prominent but not exaggerated, so sounds are heard exactly as intended. The DT 770 Pro also boasts an exceptionally durable metal-dominated construction and soft velour earpads that remain comfortable even after extended use.
Alienware AW920H Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Headset
The Alienware AW920H Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Headset allows listeners to experience the best gaming surround sound possible without compromises. Alienware fans don’t want gaming gear that looks ordinary, and the AW920H stands out in a crowd with a Lunar Light or Dark Side of the Moon color scheme. Adding to its striking appearance, AlienFX-compatible RGB lighting is enabled or disabled with a touch interface.Alienware knows that gamers feel the most immersed when isolated from background noises, and active noise-cancellation on the AW920H drowns out the worst distractions.
KZ ZSN Pro X
The KZ ZSN Pro X is an underrated budget IEM that will blow most audiophiles away. Using 10mm dynamic drivers, these earbuds have fantastic sound quality with robust lows, crystal clear mids, and sparkling highs. Plus, unlike many audiophile IEMs, these have inline controls and a mic.
Light It Up
No gaming battle station is really complete without a bit, or a lot, of RGB lighting. While keyboards, mice, and headsets offer RGB lighting most of the time, there is no better way to really tie the gamer aesthetic together than some LED lighting. Even if you are not a fan of RGB lighting, a couple of smart light bars like the ones from Philips Hue offer a great way to get different lighting temperatures in your room without having to have the dreaded overhead light on.
Now, you might have to be cautious of hanging lights on your dorm room walls. Even if the lights are renter-friendly, dorm rooms can be pretty strict about what is and what isn’t allowed to be done to the walls to hang things. But if you decide to go with some light bars, you should have no issues at all; plus, they are a bit easier to set up and move around as you please.
Govee Smart LED Light Bars
The Govee Light Bars are a pair of LED lights that can be used almost anywhere. Made of tough plastic and RGBICWW technology, these lights can display 16 million different colors. They also sync with music and are optionally voice-controlled through Alexa or Google. Completely customizable, these medium lights are a great fit anywhere, especially in gaming rooms.
Corsair iCUE LT100 Smart Lighting Tower
The Corsair iCUE LT100 Smart Lighting Tower is the ultimate lighting accessory for any gaming desk. 11 preset lighting profiles are available, but the full potential of the LT100 unlocks with Corsair’s iCUE software. These smart lighting towers integrate flawlessly with Corsair iCUE-supported PC peripherals and can react to the visual action in games. Each thin tower in the 2-light starter kit stands over 16 inches tall, with 46 dynamic LEDs on each light.
Philips Hue Play Smart LED Bar Light
The Philip Hue Play Smart LED Bar Lights add instant ambiance to any space. With versatile mounting options, these light bars can be placed around or behind monitors and TV screens to enhance gaming and movies. The lights will sync to content using the Hue Sync screen mirroring software or are ideal for pairing with the Play HDMI sync box for even more responsive lighting. Buyers can enjoy incredibly wide-ranging colors and dynamic effects through Hue software, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa voice commands. The Philip Hue Play Smart LED Bar Lights require a Hue Bridge for full functionality.
FAQ
Q: What percent of college students are gamers?
While it may seem like your gaming habits have to change at school, 70% of college students say they play video games in some way at least once a week, and 65% of college students reported being regular or occasional game players.
Q: Can you do gaming in college?
More and more schools offer gaming clubs or, in some cases, e-sports gaming teams. They are not at the same level as other college sports, but with rumors swirling about e-sports becoming an Olympic-level sport, this may change in the coming years.
