How We Test

Our Lab

We run a dedicated test bench with controlled lighting, acoustic baseline under 30 dB, and ambient temperature held between 20–23°C. All power measurements go through a calibrated inline meter. All latency measurements use a 1000 Hz polling reference rig.

Gaming Mice

• Sensor tracking tested across glass, cloth, hard plastic, and Aqua Control surfaces
• Click latency measured with high-speed camera at 1000 fps
• Weight and shape profiled against a reference grip database
• Battery life benchmarked at 1000 Hz and 4000 Hz polling where supported
• Minimum 14 days of daily-driver use across FPS, MOBA, and productivity workloads

Keyboards

• Switch actuation force measured with digital force gauge
• Latency tested via NKRO reference board at 8000 Hz polling
• Acoustic signature recorded in foam-lined box at 30 cm distance
• Stabilizer and case resonance tested after 48 hours of break-in typing

Monitors

• Color accuracy calibrated with X-Rite i1Display Pro
• Response time measured with OSRTT (Open Source Response Time Tool)
• Input lag measured using LDAT-compatible workflow
• HDR peak brightness and sustained brightness tested across 10% and 100% windows

GPUs & CPUs

• Standardized bench: fresh Windows install, latest vendor drivers, identical BIOS revision
• 15-game benchmark suite including Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur's Gate 3, Counter-Strike 2, Starfield
• 1080p, 1440p, and 4K tested at both competitive and maxed presets
• Power draw and thermals logged at 1 Hz across 30-minute sustained load

Editorial Independence

Review units are either purchased with editorial budget or sent as loaners. We do not accept payment for coverage, we do not share drafts with manufacturers, and every affiliate link is disclosed on the article where it appears. If we liked a product because we bought it with our own money, we say so. If a loaner went back unused, we say that too.

Read our full affiliate disclosure or get in touch if you want to ask about methodology for a specific category.