An Empirical Analysis of Ergonomic Gaming Peripherals Improving Gaming Performance

This study investigates the effectiveness of ergonomic gaming peripherals in enhancing player performance, specifically examining how hardware features related to vision, hearing, and touch influence gameplay. The research aims to determine whether the higher specifications of gaming-grade equipment provide tangible performance benefits or if such features are primarily marketing gimmicks. The scope of the analysis focuses on PC gaming hardware, including monitors, headsets, keyboards, and mice, tested through simulations involving both competitive and casual gamers.

The methodology utilizes a qualitative approach, employing direct observation, interviews, and performance simulations. The study involved 30 participants divided into two groups: competitive gamers with over 2,500 hours of experience and casual gamers with fewer than 500 hours. Participants performed tasks in three distinct game titles—Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, PUBG, and Tekken 7—using both standard and high-end gaming peripherals to measure differences in reaction time, accuracy, and input efficiency.

Key findings indicate that gaming peripherals can indeed improve performance, but these benefits are not universal. Competitive gamers derive the most significant advantages from high-refresh-rate monitors, spatial audio headsets, and mechanical keyboards, as their advanced motor skills allow them to fully utilize these hardware capabilities. Conversely, some features, such as excessively high DPI settings on mice, were found to be counterproductive for certain users. The study concludes that while ergonomic design and high-performance specifications offer genuine utility—often extending to non-gaming tasks like audio editing or high-speed typing—certain features like RGB lighting are largely aesthetic. The research highlights that the value of gaming peripherals is highly dependent on the user's skill level and the specific gaming environment.