A high-performance gaming setup doesn't have to cost a fortune. By making the right choices for each peripheral, you can have a setup that rivals configurations costing €1000. The key: invest in the right places.

When on a budget, here's the order of investment:

1. Quality Mouse Pad — $39 max, huge performance impact
2. Decent Mouse — a good sensor makes all the difference
3. 144Hz Monitor — the most noticeable leap in FPS gaming
4. Keyboard — important but less of a priority than the mouse+pad

This is the peripheral with the best impact-to-price ratio. For €39, you get access to professional surfaces:

• ZX1 Black or ZX1 White — Speed Hybrid, Poron Soft base, stitched edges under the surface. Pro quality at a low price.
• Vortex — our best pad, also at €39. Ultra Speed TW, Poron MID, 50x50 cm.
• WIRO LIKEFAC — €36 for a 50x50 cm collector's pad.