With more and more 4K gaming TVs hitting the market, the draw of gaming from the living room couch has never been stronger. While that’s been great for console gamers, couch gaming isn’t the simplest proposition for PC gamers. As many PC gamers depend on their keyboard and gaming mouse to play at the peak of their ability, the idea of switching to a controller to play on a TV is a non-starter. And, trying to use a keyboard and mouse while seated on a couch is a nightmare, especially since there’s no good, hard surface to mouse on. Lapboards solve this.Lapboards effectively provide a desktop space for your mouse and keyboard (or even a laptop) while you’re seated on a couch. This means you can sit comfortably in front of the TV with your gaming PC hooked up while still having all the controls you’re used to from gaming at your desk. So, if you’re ready to take your PC gaming to the comfort of your living room, here are the lapboards that will help make it happen. Just keep in mind that you’ll probably want a wireless gaming mouse and wireless headset to round out a couch setup.TL;DR These are the Best Lapboards for Gaming:
1. Razer Turret for Xbox One
Best Wireless Lapboard
If youre looking for a one-stop solution to playing PC or Xbox One games on your couch while using your TV as a monitor, the Razer Turret for Xbox One (read our review) is the best choice. Incorporating a backlit Razer mechanical keyboard as well as a wireless mouse and a mousepad, the Turret has everything you need for couch gaming whether you’re playing on a PC or the Xbox One. It’s also one of the more diminutive options on this list that’s closest to just having a tenkeyless keyboard on your lap. When youre trying to play games comfortably, it pays to not have some hulking behemoth on your lap.The Turret even has a stow away mouse pad for easy storage and it’s also blissfully wireless. It even includes a USB passthrough for connecting the bundled wireless mousealternatively, you could plug in your favorite wired gaming mouse or wireless gaming mouse. Still, the keyboard stays charged for an impressive 40 hours of play time.
2. Corsair Lapdog
Best Wired Lapboard
The name Lapdog might conjure up images of a little terrier that cuddles in your lap, but this Corsair unit is probably more like a big Labrador with its hefty size and aluminum construction. As a standalone board this is exactly what you think it is; just the board and nothing else. Still, theres plenty to love about the Lapdog, thanks to its big 11 x 11 mouse surface, memory foam cushion for your thighs, and an awesome four-port USB 3.0 hub.Keep in mind that since this is made by Corsair you will need to slot in either of the excellent Corsair K70 or K65 series keyboards, but you can use any mouse you want. All of the cables for the keyboard and mouse also fit into a handy, secretive compartment underneath the boards surface to keep things nice and tidy.
3. Couchmaster Cycon
Money is No Object Lapboard
Perhaps you’re a titan of industry, a well-heeled person in the import/export business, or just someone with a luxurious leather couch and you need your lapboard to blend in. Whatever the reason, the Couchmaster Cycon is the one to get if you want something really nice. It’s made with a faux leather, has a ton of useful features, and hits a premium price point over $150.Its features include a built-in four-port USB hub, cable storage areas beneath the mouse and keyboard, and extra pockets for your remotes and controllers. There’s not a keyboard or mouse included, which makes its price seem steep, but that just makes it all the more alluring.
4. Couchmaster Cybot
Best Laptop Lapboard
If you want to game on your couch but plan on using a laptop instead of a TV, the Couchmaster Cybot can do the job. Rather than just giving you a space to set your keyboard, it has the space you need to hold up your laptop, and then it adds a mouse pad right next to it. This will set you up for gaming and working from home alike. The portion that holds the laptop even has venting to allow the airflow your laptop needs to stay cool. There’s also a slot designed to hold up a tablet if you need a second display to keep up with chats while gaming.What to Look for in a Lapboard
For the most part picking the right lapboard for you is easy and mostly a process of finding what’s comfortable. Given that most lapboards sit on your lap, you’re going to want to find something relatively lightweight or is able to support itself using legs or some other support system. if you have a lapboard sitting on top of your legs, you’re probably going to want something with a bit of cushion so that you don’t just have a flat board pressing on you.One other critera in comfort to consider is how wide of a lapboard do you want. You should buy one that’s wide enough to balance properly on your lap even if you’re legs are spread out wide. What’s more, your larger play space will also allow your hands to sit apart from each other at ergonomic distance. When gaming you always want to have your arms far apart and a wide lapboard will allow you to do this.
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
Home>>Fashion>>Not all PC gaming has to take place in an uncomfortable office chair. Kick back on the couch once in awhile with one of these lapboards.
Fashion
