Choosing computer and laptop accessories: work, type and repair more efficiently
Do you spend a lot of time working on a laptop, desktop computer or MacBook? Then you’ll soon notice that small accessories can make a big difference. A comfortable mouse, handy keyboard tool or compact external drive can make your workspace more practical, comfortable and organised.
In our collection of computer and laptop accessories, you’ll find a range of tools for everyday computer use, maintenance and repairs. These include wireless computer mice, mouse accessories, keyboard accessories, external CD/DVD drives and component-handling accessories for sensitive electronics.
Which computer and laptop accessories do you need?
It mainly depends on how you use your computer. Do you work at your laptop every day? Then comfort is important. Do you use a mechanical keyboard? Then tools for keycaps and switches can come in handy. Do you repair or assemble computer components? Then accessories that protect against electrostatic discharge are relevant.
For most users, computer accessories fall into five practical categories:
- computer mice for comfort and precise control;
- mouse accessories for extra grip and ergonomics;
- keyboard accessories for maintenance and customisation;
- external CD/DVD drives for laptops without a built-in drive;
- component-handling accessories for working safely with electronics.
Choosing a computer mouse for a laptop or desktop
A good computer mouse makes everyday work more comfortable. If you click, scroll or work with precision a lot, a separate mouse is often more comfortable than using only a trackpad.
Do you use your laptop at home, at the office or on the go? A wireless mouse is handy because it means fewer cables on your desk. For example, the Ibley X2 black computer mouse is a wireless, rechargeable mouse with silent clicks, Bluetooth 5.0, a USB receiver, adjustable DPI and USB-C charging.
Browse all computer mice if you’re mainly looking for greater comfort, quiet operation and wireless use.
What should you look for in a wireless mouse?
When choosing a wireless mouse, pay particular attention to how it connects. Some mice use Bluetooth, while others use a USB receiver. A mouse with both options is handy if you want to use it with multiple devices.
These features are also important:
- a comfortable shape for everyday use;
- silent clicks for work, study or shared spaces;
- adjustable DPI for control and precision;
- a rechargeable battery instead of disposable batteries;
- compatibility with a laptop, desktop, MacBook or tablet.
Do you use multiple devices? Check that the mouse suits the way you work and the connections available on your devices.
Mouse accessories for greater comfort and grip
Sometimes you don’t want to buy a new mouse, but simply want to add more grip or comfort to the one you already have. In that case, mouse accessories are a good choice.
Do you use an Apple Magic Mouse 2 or 3? A grip accessory can make it more comfortable to hold. The Ibley white mouse grip for Apple Magic Mouse 2/3 is designed to provide extra grip, protection and comfort for everyday use.
These kinds of accessories are especially useful if you work for long periods at a time and notice your hand or fingers getting tired more quickly.
Keyboard accessories for mechanical keyboards
Do you use a mechanical keyboard? Keyboard accessories are handy for maintaining, cleaning or customising your keyboard. For example, you can use them to remove keycaps or replace switches.
With a keycap puller and switch puller, you can remove keys and switches more easily without prying unnecessarily. This is useful when you want to clean your keyboard, replace keycaps or change switches.
The collection includes keycap pullers in several colours, such as red, black, white and yellow. Simply choose the colour you prefer; they all work the same way.
When should you use a keycap puller?
Use a keycap puller to remove keys from a mechanical keyboard. This can be useful for cleaning, maintenance or replacing keycaps.
A switch puller, on the other hand, is used to remove switches from keyboards with replaceable switches. Always check whether your keyboard is hot-swappable before attempting to remove any switches.
Work carefully and don’t force anything. A good tool helps, but the keyboard itself determines what is and isn’t possible.
External CD/DVD drive for laptops without a drive
Many modern laptops no longer have a built-in CD or DVD drive. An external drive can still be useful, though—for old software, music CDs, photo archives, films or files stored on disc.
With an external CD/DVD drive, you can connect a drive to your laptop or computer via USB. The Ibley USB 3.0 DVD/CD player and burner is compact, portable and designed for use with Windows, Mac and Linux.
An external drive is especially useful if you only use discs occasionally but want a reliable solution on hand when you need one.
Component handling: working safely with electronics
Do you work on computer components, circuit boards or other sensitive electronics? Then it’s important to work carefully. Static electricity can damage sensitive components, especially during repairs, assembly or maintenance.
Component-handling accessories are designed for this purpose. These include an antistatic ESD wrist strap, which helps prevent electrostatic discharge while working with electronics.
The Ibley blue antistatic ESD wrist strap is suitable for situations where you want to work more safely with sensitive components, such as computer components and circuit boards.
Accessories for working from home and studying
Comfort and a quiet environment are especially important when working from home or studying. A quiet wireless mouse can be useful in a shared space, library or office. Good posture and practical controls also make long workdays easier.
Do you use your laptop in different places a lot? Compact accessories are handy. Think of a rechargeable mouse, a small keyboard tool or an external drive that’s easy to put away when you’re not using it.
Accessories for maintenance and repairs
Maintenance and repairs call for different accessories than everyday computer use. Do you work on keyboards, components or electronics? Then your main priorities are working safely and precisely.
A keycap puller helps with keyboard maintenance. An ESD wrist strap is useful when working with sensitive electronics. An external CD/DVD drive, on the other hand, comes in handy when you need data or software from older discs.
So don’t just consider what your device is; think about what you want to do with it.
Which computer accessory is right for your needs?
Choose a computer mouse if you want to work more comfortably than with a trackpad alone. Choose mouse accessories if you’re looking for better grip or ergonomics for your current mouse.
Choose keyboard accessories if you want to maintain or customise a mechanical keyboard. Choose an external CD/DVD drive if your laptop doesn’t have a built-in drive. Choose component-handling accessories if you want to work safely on electronics or computer components.
Browse all computer and laptop accessories or contact us if you’re unsure which accessory is right for your device or application.
Related topics
Looking for other electronics accessories as well as computer and laptop accessories? Browse our card readers, adapters and converters, HDMI couplers and dummy plugs.
Do you use an iPhone, iPad, MacBook or laptop to transfer files? Then also read our blog post choosing a card reader: which one do you need?.
Frequently asked questions about computer and laptop accessories
Which computer mouse is good for everyday use?
For everyday use, a wireless, rechargeable mouse with silent clicks and adjustable DPI is a good choice. It lets you work comfortably, quietly and precisely on a laptop or desktop.
Do I need a Bluetooth mouse or a USB mouse?
That depends on your device. Bluetooth is useful if you don’t want to use a USB port. A USB receiver is handy for quick plug & play use. A mouse with both options offers the most flexibility.
What is a keycap puller used for?
A keycap puller is used to remove keys from a mechanical keyboard. It’s useful for cleaning, replacing or customising keycaps.
When do I need an external CD/DVD drive?
An external CD/DVD drive is useful when your laptop or computer doesn’t have a built-in drive but you want to read or burn discs. These might contain music, films, software or old files.
What does an ESD wrist strap do?
An ESD wrist strap helps reduce electrostatic discharge when working with sensitive electronics. This is especially relevant when repairing, assembling or maintaining computer components.
How do I know which accessory is right for my device?
First check your device, connection and intended use. Then check the product page to see whether the accessory is suitable for your model or use case. If you’re unsure, you can always contact us.