What kind of light is best for gaming?

The best lighting for gaming combines comfort, immersion, and visual appeal. Proper lighting not only enhances your gaming experience but also reduces eye strain during long sessions. Here are some lighting types that are ideal for gaming setups:

1. RGB LED Lights

RGB lights are a gamer’s go-to option for adding ambiance to their gaming space. They can be programmed to change colors and are highly customizable to match your gaming mood or theme. Many RGB lights also have features that allow them to sync with the game or content you're viewing, providing a more immersive experience.

Why it's great:

• Immersive Experience: Syncs with gameplay to create dynamic lighting that matches the action.
• Customizable: Choose from a wide variety of colors and brightness levels.
• Flexible Setup: Can be placed behind your monitor, around the gaming desk, or across the room.

Recommended Products:

• Govee RGBIC Smart LED Strip Lights
  Great for use behind your gaming setup or TV, with multi-color effects for dynamic lighting.

  • Price: ~$30-$50
  • Where to buy: Amazon

• Nanoleaf Shapes Light Panels
  These modular panels allow for unique configurations on your wall, adding a modern and creative touch to your gaming space.

  • Price: ~$200
  • Where to buy: Amazon

2. Smart Bulbs

Smart bulbs allow you to control the color, brightness, and sometimes even the lighting behavior. They are perfect for creating a customized atmosphere and can be controlled through apps or voice commands. You can set the lights to match your gaming environment and change them easily during long gaming sessions.

Why it's great:

• Highly Customizable: Adjust the color temperature, brightness, and modes to suit your gaming preferences.
• Voice Control: Can be synced with Alexa, Google Assistant, or other smart home devices for easy control.
• Energy Efficient: Typically more energy-efficient than standard bulbs.

Recommended Products:

• Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Bulbs
  Can change colors, perfect for gaming setups that need dynamic lighting.

  • Price: ~$50 each
  • Where to buy: Amazon, Philips Hue website

• LIFX Color Changing Smart Bulb
  Bright, colorful, and perfect for setting the right gaming atmosphere.

  • Price: ~$45 each
  • Where to buy: Amazon, LIFX website

3. Bias Lighting

Bias lighting refers to placing lights behind your monitor or TV to reduce eye strain and improve contrast. This type of lighting helps make your gaming experience more comfortable by softening the contrast between a bright screen and a dark room. It's particularly useful if you're gaming for long hours.

Why it's great:

• Reduces Eye Strain: Soft, indirect lighting reduces the brightness difference between the screen and the room.
• Improves Contrast: Makes dark scenes more visible and enhances colors.
• Non-distracting: Subtle enough to enhance the experience without being overpowering.

Recommended Products:

• Govee Immersion TV Backlights
  Syncs with your screen for a more immersive experience by adjusting colors based on what's happening on your monitor.

  • Price: ~$70
  • Where to buy: Amazon

• Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip
  Provides dynamic bias lighting that works with both movies and games.

  • Price: ~$200
  • Where to buy: Amazon, Philips Hue website

4. Task Lighting

Task lighting is important for your gaming desk or work area, especially if you need extra focus during competitive gaming sessions. A well-placed desk lamp with adjustable brightness helps to reduce eye fatigue while allowing you to focus on your controls and other peripherals.

Why it's great:

• Reduces Eye Fatigue: Focused light for your desk area prevents your eyes from tiring out.
• Energy-Efficient: LED task lamps are typically more energy-efficient than traditional lighting.
• Adjustable: Can be moved around for a better focus on specific areas.

Recommended Products:

• BenQ ScreenBar Plus e-Reading LED Task Lamp
  Clips on top of your monitor to provide glare-free lighting with adjustable brightness.

  • Price: ~$130
  • Where to buy: Amazon, BenQ website

• Corsair iCUE LT100 Smart Lighting Towers
  These provide ambient lighting that complements your desk, adding flair to your gaming space.

  • Price: ~$100
  • Where to buy: Amazon, Corsair website

5. Ceiling and Ambient Lighting

While ambient lighting may not provide the same immersive effect as RGB lights, it is necessary for general illumination in your gaming room. Soft ceiling lights or ambient light fixtures help brighten the room without overpowering your gaming experience.

Why it's great:

• General Illumination: Ensures the room is properly lit, so you don't strain your eyes while gaming.
• Soft Lighting: Avoids harsh overhead lighting that can create glare on your screen.

Recommended Products:

• Yeelight Smart Ceiling Light
  Adjustable color temperature and brightness settings, ideal for general illumination.

  • Price: ~$70
  • Where to buy: Amazon, Yeelight website

• Westinghouse LED Ceiling Light Fixture
  A simple and modern ceiling light that evenly distributes light across the room.

  • Price: ~$50
  • Where to buy: Amazon, Westinghouse website

Conclusion:

The best light for gaming depends on your needs. If you're looking to enhance immersion, RGB LED lights and bias lighting are excellent choices. For those who need focus and energy-efficient options, smart bulbs and task lighting are ideal. Whatever your preference, the key is to create a balance between ambiance, comfort, and functionality.