How to Buy PC Peripherals: Keyboard, Mouse, Webcam, All-in-One Printer
What counts as peripherals
Peripherals include keyboards, mice, webcams, speakers and headsets for a PC, as well as printers, all-in-ones and scanners. They are all different, so start with what you are buying for: office, home, gaming, streaming or printing. That decides which parameters to look at.
Keyboards and mice
For a keyboard, the switch type (membrane, mechanical), the layout (with or without a numeric pad) and the connection decide. Mechanical ones last longer and feel nicer to type on, but are louder. For a mouse, the sensor (DPI), weight and ergonomics for your hand matter. For games, add the polling rate and wired or wireless: wireless 2.4 GHz usually has lower lag than Bluetooth.
Webcams, printers and all-in-ones
For a webcam, look at resolution, autofocus and the microphone. Compare printers and all-in-ones by technology (laser is cheaper to run at high volumes, inkjet or ink tank is better for colour and photos) and by monthly print volume. Find out the cost of supplies: it often matters more than the price of the device. For more on cartridges, see cartridges and printing supplies.
What to put in your request
- what exactly: keyboard, mouse, webcam, printer, all-in-one, scanner, speakers, headset;
- model: for example Canon i-SENSYS MF3010;
- new or used;
- specifications: laser or inkjet, colour, double-sided printing, switch type, DPI;
- connection: USB, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LAN;
- what for: office, home, games, streaming, monthly print volume;
- quantity: for example 5 sets for an office;
- warranty, delivery, budget.
Example: “I need a laser all-in-one for an office, 1,000 pages a month, with Wi-Fi and double-sided printing, new with a warranty. Courier delivery to Kowloon, budget up to HK$1,300.”
How to compare offers
For printers, ask which cartridge is included: the starter one often has a low yield. Check whether cables and drivers are included and whether your operating system is supported. For keyboards and mice, check what is in the box and the warranty. If you are buying several identical devices for an office, ask for a batch price.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
Create a request on BlaBlaPrice, it is checked, and sellers of computer equipment reply in the chat with price, availability and delivery. They compete, so terms often improve, and the best-value offer is shown first, with reviews next to it. Your phone number is hidden, and it is free for buyers. More in the “How it works” section.
If you are looking only for printing equipment, open printers, all-in-ones and scanners.
