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Equipment You Need to Start Streaming – Buyer’s Guide

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To get started on Twitch you don’t need to invest much in gear as a beginner. Many streamers are able to use a PC they already own and just add a microphone and a camera. While this is a good place to start, upgrading your stream setup is essential for improving your channel and attracting more Twitch viewers.

As you grow and receive your first Twitch payouts, set aside some funds to reinvest in your live streaming equipment as your channel grows.

But with so many options for video streaming equipment out there, it can be overwhelming to think about which ones you should get, let alone build a set that suits your style and budget.

That is why we have put together this buyer’s guide to help you build your dream gaming room.

We will go over the basic equipment you need for your gaming studio and list several products that we recommend for each. Read on.

Live Streaming Setup Basics

Whether you’re new to streaming, have some experience with it, or are a veteran, deciding what type of equipment to get for your gaming studio can be difficult. You may even have to put in an intense amount of research for things like getting a better video camera and internet connection. After all, your live stream’s audio and video quality play a big role in attracting your audience.

To start with, you need to have the basics of basics first: the device you use to play and stream games. For most people, this could be their PC or gaming console followed by a stable internet connection. The next thing you need is a microphone and video camera.

After a good mic and video camera, you should get good light to decrease the shadows of your face and surrounding areas. Following that, continue to upgrade your equipment and invest in products that have been created specifically to help streamers maximize their shows. 

Best Equipment for Streaming on Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming

Both novice and professional streamers use a combination of the items on the following lists. If you already have a PC setup you’re happy with, feel free to jump down to the section you need in the above jump-down menu.

As such, we’re not going to include consoles (e.g., Xbox, PS5) on the list because it’s kind of a given already and a matter of preference. Some people choose to play on PC, others use gaming consoles, while more recently, mobile streaming is also on the rise. Although this list doesn’t put mobile live-streaming equipment into consideration, a lot of the items below might still be applicable to them.

So, essentially, this list is all the other live streaming equipment you need besides the device you play on and a stable internet connection.

Gaming PCs for Streamers

Your gaming PC is the heart of your live streaming equipment, so naturally, it’s the first priority when assembling one. When getting a gaming PC, there are several things you need to consider to get the most out of it while hopefully staying within your budget. Finding the right PC for you can get overwhelming, but don’t worry. It’s actually easier than it sounds.

You can build your own custom streaming PC to ensure that you get exactly what you need to broadcast at your best quality.

On the other hand, you can also go shopping for pre-built gaming PCs. Here are a few ones that you might want to take a look at:

omen gaming desktop PC

OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop PC

Features

  • Intel i7-10700F
  • Dual monitor support (1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 DVD-D)
  • 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD and 1 TB Hard Drive

Omen desktops have proven to be popular time and again, especially with gamers. Made by HP, you can be quite sure about the quality of the Omen 25L Gaming Desktop PC, given that this brand is frequently featured in customer reviews. It’s upgradeable, so if you’re a newbie on streaming but looking for a pre-built gaming PC to use for a longer time, OMEN 25L is a solid choice.

Cyberpower

CYBERRPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC

Features

  • Intel Core i5-11600KF
  • VR Ready
  • 12GB, 16GB DDR4, 500GB PCI-E NVMe SSD, 1TB HDD

The CYBERRPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC is also another great option, especially for beginner streamers. It’s a powerful starter PC that allows you to play video games in higher resolutions, and it’s VR-ready, too! If you’re venturing into virtual reality games, then this is perfect for you.

When you first start, using a single PC streaming setup is just fine. While you won’t be able to stream at a higher quality, people will be attracted to you as long as you are entertaining.

As you grow, set aside funds for a second PC. When you are ready for your dual PC setup, use one of your PCs for gaming and the other to process your streaming. This will allow you to broadcast at a higher FPS and quality. When you make the leap to two systems, you will also need a capture card so that your stream stays smooth.

Monitors for Streamers

Monitors are the most obvious piece of streaming equipment for your PC. How many monitors do you need for streaming? Many streamers use three (or more) monitors. This is to help them keep track of multiple things about their stream at once. One is generally designated for gameplay, another for chat, and the last for music, bots, and anything else relating to managing the stream. 

The monitors don’t all have to be the same quality. If you have a limited budget, focus on the monitor that you will be gaming on or will use the most. The quality of others doesn’t matter much.  While you may notice the frame rate differences while you game, your viewers won’t notice it as much as when it goes live.

The FPS that they see will be between 30-60. Monitors are generally faster than TVs that are hooked to computers. An alternative to a second (or third) monitor would be to use a tablet hooked to your monitor to read the chat.

Try to get the highest refresh rate that you can (this is measured in Hertz). The higher the Hz, the smoother your game will look. 

Your monitors (at least your main one) should be centered and at eye level. Set up your monitor so that your eyes are aligned within the top third of the screen. This will reduce the strain on your neck.

Here are some recommendations:

samsung lc24f390

SAMSUNG LC24F390FHNXZA 24-inch Curved LED Gaming Monitor

Features

  • 21.6″ x 12.8″ x 3.4″
  • 60 Hz Refresh Rate
  • PC and Mac compatible

This curved LED gaming monitor from Samsung doesn’t only look great, but it also works well with gaming PC. Not only that, it’s relatively cheaper than a lot of gaming monitors in the market today as it only costs more than a hundred bucks on Amazon. Although it was first released back in 2016, a lot of people still buy and use it.

asus rog swift 360hz

ASUS ROG Swift 360Hz PG259QNR 24.5” HDR Gaming Monitor

Features

  • 1920 x 1080 px resolution
  • 360Hz refresh rate
  • Height adjustment

The ASUS ROG Gaming Monitor has an impressive refresh rate of 360Hz, which will make your gameplay a lot smoother and faster. It also has a cooling system, so you won’t have to worry about streaming for hours on end.

Gaming Keyboards

We recommend using a mechanical keyboard, especially if you are gaming. Membrane keyboards operate with one large switch under the keyboard, whereas mechanical keyboards have a switch for each key. This allows the keyboard to capture and reroute keystrokes if rapid succession while maintaining accuracy. They are also typically more durable. Logitech and Corsair are two very reputable keyboard brands. 

There are many styles of keyboards that you can choose from. If you are using your keyboard for multiple purposes and love having the number pad, choose that. Otherwise, it might be taking up more space on your desk than necessary. Many gamers prefer smaller keyboards so that they can be quickly moved or to create more space for mouse movement. This also allows them to play in more comfortable positions.

On the other hand, if you have a keyboard with macro keys, you can set them up to manage stream transitions during your broadcasts. You should also consider how loud you want it to be. While loud “clicks” may be nice for gaming, if they are picked up over your mic, they could be too distracting for your viewers. Many mechanical keyboards give you options for this at purchase. 

Wired keyboards and mice generally have better latency over wireless ones. This will give you a leg up if you are gaming competitively.

logitech g pro

Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Features

  • 14.96″ x 1.97″ x 6.3″
  • Ergonomic
  • Portable

The Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is designed for gamers and e-sports professionals. With detachable Micro USB cords, it’s portable enough to be brought in competitions or out-of-town travels.

logitech g413 backlit

Logitech G413 Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Features

  • 1.4″ x 17.5 “x 5.1”
  • Red lighting through the keycaps
  • The Romer-G mechanical switch enhances responsiveness and performance

The Logitech G413 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has the traditional number pad and full function keys, excellent for those who prefer having all the keys complete on their keyboard. The design and lighting also make it easy to game even late at night.

corsair k70

Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Features

  • 17.24″ x 6.53″ x 1.53″
  • USB pass-through port
  • Lighting control

The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is reliable, lightweight, and has tons of features. It has highly customizable lighting control settings, so you can configure the colors of your keyboard in a way you find convenient and aesthetically pleasing.

Gaming Mouse for Streamers

Gaming mice are generally more durable and have better sensors than standard mice. This can help improve your accuracy. Learn to check and adjust your DPI on your mouse.

Some settings work better for certain games than others. Play with them until you find what works best for you. Some mice even allow you to switch between different DPI setups with the push of a button. This will save you time if you are a variety streamer that switches between games in a single session.

Macro mice (those with extra buttons) can be used to set up scene transitions or special controls in games. They can also get in the way or be pressed accidentally. This feature is definitely up to the streamer. While they are almost always sold out, Final Mouse creates very high-end popular mice. You can also get great mice from Logitech, Corsair, and Razer.

Below, we’ve listed some mouse recommendations.

logitech 502

Logitech G502 HERO High-Performance Wired Gaming Mouse

Features

  • Programmable LED lighting
  • 11 customizable buttons
  • 25,600 DPI

The Logitech G502 HERO is a feature-rich, highly customizable wired gaming mouse with 25000 DPI. It has adjustable weights, lighting control, and a whopping 11 customizable buttons, which makes it a great choice for every gamer and streamer.

corsair harpoon

Corsair Harpoon PRO – RGB Gaming Mouse

Features

  • Only weighs 85 grams
  • 12000 DPI
  • 6 programmable buttons

The Corsair Harpoon PRO is a lightweight and ergonomic gaming mouse with a 12,000 DPI optical sensor. The rubber grips on its sides make it easy to hold and use. It’s also a plug-and-play mouse, which means it’s ready to use straight out of the box. Besides, it’s more affordable than other gaming mice, making it a great choice for streamers who are just starting out or those with a limited budget.

Razer viper mini

Razer Viper Mini Ultralight Gaming Mouse

Features

  • 8500 DPI
  • 6 programmable buttons
  • Customizable Chroma RGB Underglow Lighting

The most affordable and the lightest among the three, the Razer Viper Mini Ultralight Gaming Mouse is recommended for those who game on the go. Even though it’s not wireless, the mouse cable is light and won’t interfere with your gaming. And, it’s color-customizable, too.

Mousepad

When shopping for a mousepad, there are several features you should consider. As a streamer, you need a comfortable pad that you can use for hours at a time. A large mouse pad will provide more space to adjust your position without having to move everything on your desk. Additionally, if you are a gamer, you need to have a smooth texture that allows you to engage quickly and accurately.

Here are three great mouse pads for streamers:

corsair mm300

Corsair MM300 Gaming Mousepad

Features

  • Surrounded stitched edges
  • Anti-skid rubber base
  • Optimized for both laser and optical gaming mice

The Corsair MM300 is a high-endurance premium cloth mousepad designed with gamers in mind. It is a full-desktop mousepad that is 3mm thick and has a non-slip rubber base and stitched edges. Their extended pad is 36.6 x 11.8 inches (93 x 30 centimeters) and has more than enough room for your keyboard and mouse.

steelseries Qck Gaming

SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface

Features

  • Micro woven cloth
  • Non-slip rubber base
  • Large enough to fit both mouse and keyboard

Featuring a non-slip base, the SteelSeries QcK is a large, high-quality mousepad that is heat-sealed. It is 6mm thick and comfortable to use. This mouse pad provides a smooth and even finish that allows you to use your mouse for precision-based tasks.

razer goliathus gaming mousepad

Razer Goliathus Gaming Mousepad

Features

  • Soft surface, optimized for any sensitivity settings and sensors
  • Customizable Chroma RGB
  • Non-Slip Rubber Base

The Razer Goliathus has a rubber base and is optimized for all mouse sensitivity settings. It has tracking technology which allows you to have perfect precision. The weave is lightweight, durable, smooth, and comfortable to use. It comes in several sizes and has a calibration feature.

Stream Deck

Live streaming is more than just recording yourself on a video camera while playing a game. To create an entertaining live stream, you need to do various tasks during the process. Launching media, switching scenes, performing audio adjustments, and quickly displaying pre-setup gifs or videos, are just some of the things you need to take care of.

It’s difficult to do multiple tasks at once while trying to enjoy streaming and talking to your audience simultaneously.

A stream deck is a device that allows you to easily set up keyboard shortcuts. With this, you can easily switch tasks and scenes without typing full keyboard commands. You can use your own customizations or some other streamers set up for yourself. Think of it as the control center of your live streaming studio where anything can be done in one click or so.

While people can argue that it’s not absolutely necessary especially for beginners, getting a stream deck will certainly make your life easier. It will also take your production to the next level and make your streams more awesome.

Elgato is the current most popular stream deck brand, which isn’t surprising because they basically introduced this kind of device to the general public. Right now, there are a few Elgato stream deck models, all offering a different number of keys. Here are some of them:

elgato stream deck

Elgato Stream Deck Classic

Features

  • 15 LCD keys
  • 4.6″ x 0.8″ x 3.3″
  • 0.4 Pounds

Elgato Stream Deck Classic has 15 customizable buttons. A folder system is also available, so you can store as many actions as you need. You can also add custom icons that allow you to see what you are planning to do so you can tap the right thing every single time.

stream deck mini

Elgato Stream Deck Mini

Features

  • 6 LCD keys
  • 2.4″ x 2.3″ x 3.3″
  • 0.39 Pounds

The smaller Elgato Stream Deck Mini has six customizable buttons. Like the other Elgato Stream Deck models, a folder system is also available, so you can store as many actions as you need. Good for streamers on a budget or those who are more comfortable working with fewer buttons.

To learn more check out our review about other Elgato Stream Deck options.

Microphones

Your audio and video sources can make or break your channel. With high-quality audio, for example, people are more likely to pay attention to your live streams without getting distracted. You want to make sure that it is clear and that it is in sync with what your viewers are seeing. Better sound quality improves your live streams, so you can get more audiences hooked to your channel. But how do you improve sound quality?

This can be easily checked and fixed through your broadcasting software. And as your channel grows, set aside funds to upgrade this equipment to keep your stream sounding clear and crisp.

How to Pick a Good Mic for Your Stream

When you are first starting, you may need to use the microphone attached to your headset. While this works, you should look to upgrade when you can as audio is a very important aspect of your stream. When you can upgrade, look for a mic that will work best for you and your situation.

USB mics are generally cheaper and best suited for streaming. While some XLR mics have a very good sound, they are generally more expensive for a quality that isn’t needed for these purposes.

Regardless of which mic you choose, learn how it works. Look through the directions to determine where it picks up sound. One of the common user errors for mics is speaking into the wrong part. 

There are a few other considerations you need to think about when you pick your mic.

  • Where can you place it or mount it on your desk?
  • If you are in a noisy environment, how can mute the sounds around you while having the mic pick up your voice?

Look into microphones that meet your specific needs. You may also need a few other accessories, such as a mounting device to clip it to your desk or acoustic panels. There are many variations available. Take time to choose what’s best for you and your audience.

samsung q2u

Samson Q2U Recording & Podcasting Pack

Features

  • USB, XLR
  • Plug-and-play device
  • Zero-latency monitoring

One of the best budget microphones there is, Samson Q2U is highly recommended for those who are just starting to stream. For its price, the quality is excellent. It’s hard to find quality microphones in this price range, too. If you don’t have a big budget for your audio equipment yet, Samson Q2U is a good choice for a microphone.

Audio-Technica-AT2020 mic

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone

Features

  • XLR Connector
  • 37 dB Audio Sensitivity
  • Includes accessories

The Audio-Technica microphone features a cardioid pattern which greatly reduces the pickup of random ambient sounds. It has a wide dynamic range and a high SPL handling. Excellent for beginners and intermediate content creators.

elgato-wave-3 mic

Elgato Wave 3

Features

  • USB
  • 24-bit/96 kHz Analog-to-Digital converter
  • Plug-and-play device

The Elgato Wave 3 is a high-quality microphone and is quite popular among streamers. With a cardioid condenser capsule, you won’t have to worry about random sounds being picked up in your audio. Audio distortion is also greatly decreased, so that’s another thing to check on your pros list.

Gaming Headset

Use high-quality wireless headphones if you are physically active on your stream. They let you hear what is going on even when you get up from your desk.

Wireless headphones are also more visually appealing to your viewers. Charge them between streams to keep your audio great

Some competitive gamers prefer wired headphones because they have better latency. They will ensure that you hear sounds as they happen. Others still prefer the wireless so that they don’t have to fight the cord and they can easily get up between games without missing out on what their comrades are saying. 

Be willing to invest a little more for better quality. You want to be able to hear sounds, especially if they relate to stream alerts or other viewer interactions. Better headphones can often pick up sounds that others cannot. 

Make sure that they are comfortable and fit correctly. Streams last for hours and you don’t want to deal with hurting ears or an aching head. Headphones that are too large may also fall off your head and create distractions (though probably hilarious clips as well).

Steel Series has a great selection of wireless and wired headsets. They produce high-quality headsets that range from $70 to a couple of hundred bucks. As you would expect, high-end headsets that pro gamers use will inevitably cost more. There are cheaper options, though, that you might want to consider if you have a tight budget.

steelseries arctis 1

SteelSeries Arctis 1

Features

  • Wireless
  • On-ear controls
  • Compatible with PC, Xbox, PS4, and mobile devices

If you’re looking for a good quality entry-level headset, SteelSeries Arctis 1 should be on the top of your list. Arctis 1 has a clear, crisp sound and is compatible with many devices, including mobile. It also has a built-in button that allows you to easily mute and unmute the microphone.

steelseries arctis 7

SteelSeries Arctis 7+

Features

  • Wireless
  • Compatible with PC, PS5, PS4, Mac, Android and Switch
  • 30-hour battery life/15 minutes charging time

The SteelSeries Arctis 7+ is about double the price of the Arctis 1. Excellent for beginner and intermediate streamers, it has a surround sound system that allows you to hear the audio clearly. You won’t have to charge it every now and then because the headset has 30 hours of battery life and only takes 15 minutes to charge.

Sound Mixer

Mixers can help you manage several sources of audio. As a gamer, you can use them to manage your game audio, vocals, and the sounds of anyone you are communicating with. If you are a musician, you can adjust the sounds coming from your instruments, vocals, etc. Mixers give you full control over what your audience hears. 

On the other hand, if you are satisfied with the sound and want to keep fixed settings, an audio interface would be enough for you. These will help route all your audio and adjust with some intensity controls.

GoXLR is the leading mixer company for streamers and it currently has two models: the classic version and the mini.

Helicon GoXLR

TC-Helicon GO XLR

Features

  • 4-channel USB Mixer/Audio Interface
  • Studio quality vocal effects
  • 6.5″ x 11″ x 2.75″

The GoXLR is a piece of sound equipment that was designed with streamers in mind. Managing audio has a steep learning curve; when things go wrong, it can be tricky for novices to troubleshoot the problem. The GoXLR simplifies the process by combining several sound features in one intuitive device. These features include:

  • Sound Sampler – allows you to set up four different sound bites that you can use throughout your stream. They are easy to set up, adjust, and replace. 
  • 4-Channel Mixer – this feature allows you to adjust the volume of four different audio sources. You can quickly change the volume or mute specific sources. It has customizable motorized faders and personalizes the LCD strips
  • Voice Changer – use audio effects to easily alter the sound of your voice for the best quality.
  • Mute Button – briefly mutes yourself if you have to cough, sneeze, or say something you don’t want on stream.
goxlr mini

TC-Helicon GoXLR Mini

Features

  • Has the basic features of the classic GoXLR
  • Studio quality EQ
  • Convenient built-in buttons to quickly your live stream

The GoXLR Mini is the cheaper option for those who want a quality audio mixer for their live streams. Retaining all the core functions of GoXLR, the mini version enhances your videos’ sound and stream quality without the added hassle.

Webcams/Cameras

Just as important as audio, streamers should aim for a high-quality video to make their live streams look professional and engaging. There are quite a number of things you need to take care of to ensure that your live streams have good video quality. Things such as lighting, video signal, and camera angles are just some of the stuff you need to consider when setting up equipment.

If that’s a little bit too overwhelming, don’t worry. We’ve got that covered in this section.

How to Create High-Quality Video From a Webcam?

Video cameras and webcams are among the top priorities when it comes to setting up live streaming equipment. If you’re a beginner, one or two cameras would suffice. You can also use video cameras or phones that are available to you right at the moment, as long as they provide you with the good video quality.

As you grow, you may want to invest in high-quality video cameras where you can capture different angles of your streaming area. These scenes can be changed through your broadcasting software or set up with a Stream Deck. Play with different styles and multiple camera angles. Look into wide-angle options and mount them in different areas in your room. Don’t forget to try out angles from both the floor and the ceiling!

Find a webcam designed to both record and stream as some are designed to do one or the other. Make sure that it takes in high-quality images of at least 1080p. Right now, 4k quality equipment is new and exciting and you may eventually want to upgrade to it, but your average viewer won’t be able to pick up on the difference.

Your webcam should capture video at a rate of at least 30-60 FPS. This will ensure good quality for your viewers. Logitech is a very popular webcam manufacturer.

logitech-c922 webcam

Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam

Features

  • HD 1080p Resolution
  • Brighter Images
  • 72° Field of View

Specially designed with streamers in mind, the Logitech C922x is an excellent quality webcam at a low to middle price range. You can broadcast your streams in full HD. You can choose between a 1080p at 30fps or 720p at 60fps.

razer kiyo

Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam

Features

  • Built-in Ring Light
  • HD 1080p Resolution
  • Foldable Design

Another great streaming webcam at an affordable price, the Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam works at 720p at 60 FPS or 1080p at 30 FPS. What sets this one apart from the others on the list is its built-in ring light feature, which is extremely practical if you don’t have proper lighting in your gaming studio.

logitech-c270 webcam

Logitech C270 HD Webcam

Features

  • HD 720p Resolution
  • Entry-Level Webcam
  • Clear Video Quality

The Logitech C270 HD Webcam is budget-friendly and small, still a solid choice for beginners. Not only is it affordable, but its plug-and-play feature makes it easy to set up and use.

Stream Lighting

There are many forms of lighting available that are small, portable, and can make a big difference. The Razer Kiyo webcam comes with a light ring as a feature. At a minimum, your face, head, and shoulders should be lit up and clear.

If you aren’t using a green screen, use lights to illuminate your stream area as well. Make things look interesting with RGB background lighting. There is no excuse for not giving your followers a better performance.

  • Softbox lighting creates a mellow directional glow. They diffuse the source light and come in a variety of shapes. These lights are very adaptable for any kind of photography or videography. They are used to minimize shadows without washing out a subject. It can also minimize the visual effects of hard lighting from fluorescent and other home lights. 
  • Umbrella lighting is very portable and affordable. While soft lights allow you to minimize the direction of your lighting, these lights fill out a broad area. You can control the direction of these lights if you use the shoot-through variety over the reflective umbrellas. They are good for brightening an area and removing shadows. 
  • Round lights can be easily placed behind your monitors to light up your face and torso. Many models allow you to attach your phones to them as well, which is great for streams when you aren’t at your PC. Choose one with brightness and filter levels for the best results over time.

There are at least 2 kinds of lighting you need to pay attention to when setting up your live streaming studio.

First, are the main ones that illuminate your studio and even out the brightness or darkness of your room.

Second, are the multicolor lighting used to make your background and surroundings look more awesome. These are also customizable and controllable by integrating a certain program or app.

emart-60-led lights

EMART LED Lighting Kit

Features

  • 1400 Lumens
  • 4 Colors
  • 2 Soft Light Set

Even though it’s intended for photography, EMART LED Lighting Kit can meet your lighting needs as a streamer. You can easily set it up on tabletops. It’s also portable, so if you want to transfer your gaming studio to another room in your house, you can quickly bring them wherever you go. It also comes with gel color filters, which means you won’t get stuck with a white color all the time, and you can switch it to red, blue, or yellow if you want.

elgato key light

Elgato Key Light

Features

  • 2800 Lumens, Fully Dimmable
  • Glare-Free Diffusion
  • App-Controlled

Elgato is a well-known brand that produces high-quality equipment in a wide range of categories, and Elgato Key Light – Professional may just be one of their best when it comes to lighting. With 2800 lumens, it’s certainly very bright but completely dimmable. Put it on your desk, and you are good to go.

Neewer LED video light

Neewer LED Video Light

Features

  • Lightweight
  • Adjustable color temperature (3200K–5600K)
  • Dual Power Options: AC power and 2 Sony NP-F batteries

The Neewer LED Video Light C is a desk mountable light with adjustable color temperature and brightness level. The lights can also be controlled using a remote control, so you won’t have to stand up every now and then if you have to change its setting.

Background Lighting

Use lit colors as part of your backdrop in your room to subtly hint at your brand or give visual appeal to your users. They can be easily changed based on the game you are playing, the current content, or your general mood. It is also possible to allow your users to change the colors of your lights by integrating them with Lumia Stream.

The program works on Twitch, Facebook Gaming, YouTube, and with lights made by LIFX, Nanoleaf, TpLink, Yeelight, and Philips Hue.

Here are some popular products that streamers use for background streamer lighting:

lifx 1100

LIFX 1100-Lumen

Features

  • Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, and Google Assistant
  • Built-in WiFi, so no hub is required
  • Easy to install

The LIFX 1100-Lumen A19 LED Light Bulb is fully customizable with an app on your phone. You can change them to over 16 million colors and easily dim them while you are streaming. You can also automate them to change throughout your day.

nanoleaf

Nanoleaf Light Panels and Shapes

Features

  • Control the lights with the Nanoleaf App or voice commands
  • Unique shapes that allow you to creatively design your space
  • Easy to install

The Nanoleaf Light Panels and Shapes can be arranged in endless ways, allowing you to express your creativity in your background. You can choose from preset lighting options or select your own all from your phone. They are easy to install (and rearrange) with the included mounting tape. Their coolest feature, in our opinion, is that they can sync to your music.

philips hue smart light

Philips Hue Play White & Color Smart Light

Features

  • Voice-activated
  • Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant
  • Easy to install

The Philips Hue Play White & Color Smart Light can be controlled with either your phone or your voice. They give a great ambiance to your room and are customizable. The lights can be placed in either a vertical or horizontal position, allowing you to play with the overall effect in your room.

Green Screen

If you have a messy space or a room that isn’t well lit, you may want to use a green screen. These will allow you to blur out your background so that it blends in with the rest of your content. If you don’t have a designated place for streaming, get one that is easy to set up or move to preserve space. Remember to avoid wearing green when you stream. 

Here are some green screen options that are popular with streamers:

elgato green screen

Elgato Green Screen

Features

  • Premium Screen
  • Collapses for Storage
  • Full Coverage Chroma

The Elgato Green Screen is made from wrinkle-resistant material. It’s easy to set up, too, so you can use it for camera chroma keying even in a hurry. This green screen is made by a company that understands the streaming community and creates priority products.

kshioe background

Kshioe Background

Features

  • 3.5 x 8.5 Feet
  • Backdrop Stand
  • Multiple Screens

The Kshioe Green Screen set not only has a green screen you can use as a backdrop for your live stream, but it also has its own stands. Compatible for gaming studios with extra space at the back, it’s easy to set up and remove. It’s also lightweight and portable.

If you don’t want to use a green screen, make sure that things are neat and decorate the area behind you. Use items that relate to your stream or things that you are passionate about. This may lead to conversations with viewers. Having viewable space also allows you to display sponsored items in the future potentially.

Streaming Desks for Your Studio

Your studio should not only reflect your brand and personality as a streamer but should also feel like a comfortable and livable place to stay in. After all, you’re going to spend a large part of the day in your gaming room.

As such, no game room is complete without the basics: your desk and your chair.

What to Look for in a Streaming Desk

When looking for a streaming desk, it is important to think about everything you will need to put on it. Streamers tend to use a lot of equipment. Even if you start off small, as you grow, you will want to upgrade to a more professional setup.

Consider where it will be placed in your home and how much space you have. Deep desks allow you to have more freedom to push/pull things back and forth. L-shaped desks allow you to move around a little less when checking multiple monitors. You can also easily place cameras at different angles on these desks. 

In addition to table space, think about where you will place accessories and tools when you aren’t using them. Make sure that your area can be easily cleaned to stay organized. Planning ahead will help prevent future problems and headaches. Where will you place your headset when you aren’t using it? If you keep track of ideas in a notebook, where do you put them? You need to stay hydrated on stream, but you also need to protect your equipment. Where will you place your drink?

You can also create your own desk with cinder blocks, old doors, or other materials. This method allows you to create exactly what you want as far as space and height go.

Here are some gaming desks we recommend:

Arozzi Arena

Arozzi Arena Ultrawide Curved Computer Gaming/Office Desk

Features

  • 32″ x 63″ x 29″
  • Full Mousepad
  • Several Colors

The Arozzi Arena Ultrawide Curved Computer Gaming/Office Desk is designed for maximum mouse movement space with a full-desk mousepad that has a water-resistant surface. Combining great design and usability, it’s definitely one of the best streaming desks out there.

Apex Desk Elite

ApexDesk Elite

Features

  • 60″ x 60″ x 47.4″
  • 235 lbs Load Capacity
  • Cable Tray Included

Ergonomic and classy, the ApexDesk Elite is a favorite among streamers. It can hold up a lot of equipment, so if you have multiple monitors, PCs, and gears you use during a live stream, this desk won’t disappoint.

Gaming Chair

The most important aspect of your gaming chair is that it keeps you comfortable and in an ergonomic position for the duration of your stream. Save up and invest in a good gaming or executive chair that suits your body type and weight. If possible, purchase it in person so that you are able to test out several models. 

When sitting, your hips and knees should be even when your feet are flat on the floor. Without these ergonomic features, you could eventually develop back or neck pain. Try to get adjustable armrests that will be approximately the height of your desk and keyboard.

Here are some recommended gaming chairs you should check out:

autofull

AutoFull Gaming Chair

Features

  • Waist and lumbar pillows
  • Rocking function
  • Easy to assemble

The AutoFull Gaming Chair is made from high-quality and wear-resistant material. It’s designed to be durable and visually appealing without sacrificing comfort. Featuring an S-shaped design and lumbar pillow, it’s ergonomic and plush enough to be sat on for hours of streaming and gaming.

razer iskur

Razer Iskur Gaming Chair

Features

  • Highly adjustable armrests
  • Lumbar support system
  • Easy to assemble

The Razer Iskur Gaming Chair is a highly ergonomic chair with high-density foam cushions and lumbar support. Made from multi-layered synthetic leather, it is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday gaming.

In addition to your streaming equipment, you can also place additional stuff in your gaming room that you feel will enhance its aesthetics and functionality.

For example, you can put a shelf at the back filled with game discs and consoles to showcase them. Some streamers also put small appliances such as mini refrigerators in their gaming studio to decrease the instances of going to the kitchen and getting water or sports drink during streaming. Frequently pausing your stream might annoy the audience, so have everything you need ready in your gaming room if possible.

Additional Accessories

Elgato Stream Deck can be integrated with a wide range of tools, apps, and devices to make your live streaming more fluid. One of the best integrations you can use it with is Tobii Ghost.

tobii ghost

The Tobii Ghost is a product that allows your viewers to track your eye movement. They can customize their appearance on-screen or turn it off altogether. It can be used with any game on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Gaming. The device is easily placed on your monitor and can add some excitement to your stream. 

In addition to the benefits for your viewers, you can benefit by reviewing footage and learning how you should change your focus. Tobii’s website also features streamers who use their device, updating the people they show every few minutes. Some may find your stream in this way!

Invest in Quality Streaming Equipment

The best way to make your audience happy is to produce better content. Pay attention to your followers, and listen to their suggestions. This may mean upgrading certain pieces of your hardware or adding an extra camera for your pet.

Pet cams are a very popular feature on many channels. People love animals!

You can also invest in better graphics and alerts to play on stream. Consider having one or two displays that you can switch between depending on your content or your mood. Mixing up the look of your stream from time to time makes it more entertaining to watch.

Conclusion

Once you have set up your equipment, you are ready to start building your stream community. As you earn income from your channel, reinvest in it by giving your viewers perks or upgrading your equipment. Many streamers use this method to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

You don’t have to make a switch to better equipment right at the start, or worrying about not having the best yet might take the joy out of streaming. Work within your budget, but make sure to get the best equipment possible in that price range. This can be done by researching equipment and comparing your options. Then, level up your equipment as you grow.

About the Author

Chris

Chris is a digital marketer with a strong background in small business and influencer branding. He applies his knowledge of content and promotional strategies to design actionable advice for new and intermediate streamers. When he’s not busy crunching analytics, he can be found in the salt pits of League of Legends.

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