Although desks are the typical battlestations of most PC gamers, living room gaming can afford a console-like experience. Rather than sitting upright at a desk and using a monitor, couch gaming allows you to play on large format displays such as televisions and projectors. While many computer games feature native controller compatibility, a lapdesk is a must-have for sofa gaming. Check out the best gaming lapboard options!
What is a Lapdesk and Why Should You Use One?
A lapboard or lapdesk is a purpose-built portable desk engineered to hold a keyboard and mouse. As such, you can comfortably use a keyboard and mouse while relaxing on the sofa. Because gaming in the living room is more feasible whether using a PC connected to your television or with game-streaming from the likes of Steam Link, Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, and Google Stadia, PC games aren’t relegated to a traditional desk.
Lap desks provide many benefits. Since lapboards let you sit further from the screen, you can easily game on TVs and projectors for larger images than most monitors allow. Additionally, a lapboard makes couch gaming possible so you can take a break from sitting at a proper desk.
Moreover, a lapboard allows you to use a keyboard and mouse with game consoles. Certain PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X titles feature keyboard and mouse support for a PC-like experience with consoles.
Benefits of using a lap desk:
- Gaming on large screens such as TVs and projectors
- Enable couch gaming
- Keyboard and mouse gaming with game consoles such as the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5
What is a lapboard: A portable desk designed specifically for use with a keyboard and mouse.
What to Look for in a Lap Desk
When you’re selecting a lap desk for gaming, there are a few different considerations.
Lapboard with keyboard vs. Standalone lapdesk: Some lapboards come bundled with a keyboard whereas others are simply standalone lap desks. If you’ve already got a keyboard and mouse you’d like to use for couch gaming, a separate lap desk might be the best route. Alternatively, if you need a wireless keyboard for the living room, a lapboard keyboard combo is a great choice.
Lap desk size: Think about how much surface area you need. Like traditional free-standing desks, lapdesks come in all shapes and sizes, from small boards to large desk replacements. If you plan to use a compact, space-saving keyboard, a smaller lapboard should work. But for a full-size keyboard, you’ll need more surface ara.
Price: You can find everything from cheap lap desks to pricey lapboards. Consider your budget when selecting a gaming lapdesk.
Comfort: Since a lapboard sits, well, on your lap, you’ll want enough cushioning to handle hours-long gaming sessions. Additionally, you may want a wrist rest for ergonomics.
Built-in mouse pad: While virtually all lapdesks can accommodate a mouse, some feature built-in mouse pads whereas others simply let you place your own
Connectivity: An integrated USB hub lets you connect various wireless or wired USB peripherals such as gaming headsets, mice, keyboards, and other devices. Many lapboards come with built-in USB ports.
Lapdesk buying considerations:
- Size/surface area
- Price
- Mouse pad
- Connectivity (USB ports, wired vs. wireless operation)
- Keyboard and/or mouse included
- Comfort and ergonomics
Best Gaming Lapboard Overall – Razer Turret
The Razer Turret is an outstanding keyboard, mouse, and lapboard for gaming. Featuring a tenkeyless design, the keyboard itself is compact and space-saving. Nevertheless, its mechanical switches prove responsive and deliver tactile feedback. In addition to the keyboard, there’s an included mouse that sports a 16,000 DPI 5G optical sensor, while the keyboard touts 1000Hz Ultrapolling 50g actuation mid-height keycaps. A retractable magnetic mouse mat holds the bundled mouse for sofa gaming and slots neatly into the keyboard itself when not in use. Since it’s magnetic, the mousepad lends a secure feel without slowing down mouse movements. Thus, the Razer Turret doubles as a traditional keyboard for use on a desk.
Connectivity comes via a 2.4GHz wireless dongle that communicates with both the keyboard and mouse. Onboard Chroma RGB dynamic lighting lends an immersive element for colors that sync with gameplay using Xbox Dynamic Lighting. In addition to use with gaming PCs, the Razer Turret is compatible with the Xbox Series X as well as the Xbox One and even features a dedicated Xbox button. With a long-lasting 40-hour battery, the Razer Turret stays juiced up for hours of living room gaming. Its built-in ergonomic wrist rest ensures comfort while playing. And you can expect a long lifespan from the keyboard which is rated for 80 million keystrokes, as well as the mouse with its 50 million click rating.
Unfortunately, the unifying receiver utilizes 2.4GHz wireless technology. While this is pretty common for wireless gaming peripherals, there can be a lot of noise on the 2.4GHz band. However, Razer implemented its proprietary Adaptive Frequency Technology (AFT) to reduce 2.4GHz congestion. Some slight lag may be noticeable for hardcore gamers, though most users should be fine. Versatile, well-built, and high-performing, the Razer Turret is the best gaming lapboard for wireless living room gaming on PCs and the Xbox One or Series X.
Pros:
- Compatible with PCs and consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X)
- Dedicated Xbox button for use with the Xbox One and Xbox Series X
- Chroma RGB lighting for millions of color combos and colors that sync with Xbox
- Keyboard and mouse included
- Mechanical keyboard
- Space-saving tenkeyless keyboard design
- Built-in ergonomic wrist rest for the keyboard
- 16,000 DPI mouse
- 40-hour battery life
- Magnetic slide-out mousepad
- 2.4GHz wireless dongle that works with both the keyboard and mouse, Adaptive Frequency Technology (AFT) for reducing 2.4GHz band congestion
Cons:
- Uses the 2.4GHz band
- Sensitive hardcore gamers may notice some subtle lag
- Pricey (but still a good value since the Turret includes a keyboard, mouse, and lap desk)
Best Wired Lapboard for Gaming – Roccat Sova
The Roccat Sova is an outstanding lapboard for gaming. It comes in two variants, one with mechanical switches and the other utilizing membrane keys. Compatibility with PCs and consoles such as the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X makes the Roccat Sova a utilitarian keyboard. There’s a pleasant blue LED backlight for ease of use and play in a darkened setting. While a mouse isn’t included, the Sova features two onboard USB ports as well as an interchangeable mousepad. Therefore, you can connect peripherals like a mouse and gaming headset receiver to the Roccat Sova lapboard to conserve PC USB ports.
To ensure comfort during long gaming sessions, the Roccat Sova includes an ergonomic wrist rest. What’s more, the underside features ample padding so it feels great on your lap. While the backlighting is good, it’s a single-color LED so RGB enthusiasts may be disappointed. Unlike the Razer Turret, no mouse is bundled with the Sova. But its onboard USB ports let you connect a mouse, gamepad, or headset to the keyboard rather than your PC. Unfortunately, the Sova opts for a wired rather than a wireless connection. Although this should reduce latency when compared with a wireless dongle, it can be a bit of a nuisance for living room gaming. Still, if you want the convenience of couch gaming with the low-lag of a wired connection, the Roccat Sova is the best wired lapboard for gaming.
Pros:
- Available with mechanical switches or membranes
- Blue LED backlight
- Interchangeable mouse pad
- 2 x built-in USB ports
- Compatible with PCs and consoles
- Wrist rest
Cons:
- Lacks RGB LED backlight
- Wired connection
- No mouse included
Best Budget Gaming Lapboard – Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard & Gaming Lapboard
The Corsair K63 is an absolutely fantastic lapboard for gaming. You’ll find a compact, space-saving mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Red switches that deliver fast, accurate key presses. Multiple connection modes make the Corsair an excellent option for use with several devices. There’s a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, Bluetooth, or a USB wired mode. Not only does operating while plugged in deliver low latency, but it lets you keep playing while the 15-hour battery recharges.
A blue LED backlight provides per-key backlighting. The mechanical keyboard slots neatly and securely into a lapboard that’s outfitted with memory foam cushioning for extreme comfort. Both lapboard and keyboard feature wrist rests for an ergonomic design. On the lapdesk, there’s a built-in mousepad. RGB LED backlighting would have been a nice touch, though the blue LED backlight works great. There’s no mouse included, but it’s easy enough to use your own. Sadly, you won’t find any built-in USB ports on the lapboard. Therefore, you’ll need to plug any peripherals such as a mouse and headset into your PC or streaming box. Nevertheless, the Corsair K63 is the best wireless gaming lapboard for most people. It’s available as a set with a keyboard and lap desk, or you can get the K63 wireless mechanical keyboard and lapboard separately.
Pros:
- Compact, space-saving keyboard design
- Mechanical keyboard – Cherry MX Red mechanical switches
- Blue LED backlighting
- 15-hour rechargeable battery
- Operates on battery power or plugged in with a USB cable
- Comfortable lapboard with memory form cushioning
- Ergonomic wrist rest
- Keyboard slots securely into the lapboard
- Built-in mousepad
- Multiple connection modes: USB wired, 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth
- Multi-device pairing
- Low-latency wired connection
- 15-hour battery life
Cons:
- Only one backlight color, no RGB lighting
- Doesn’t include a mouse
- Lacks built-in USB ports
Best Standalone Lap Desk – Couchmaster Lapboard
While you can opt for a gaming keyboard and lapboard combo, a standalone lapdesk lets you bring your own keyboard and mouse to the living room. The Couchmaster Lapboard is a solid compact lap desk. You’ll find a whopping six built-in USB 3.0 ports including a fast-charging port. With its ample length, the Couchmaster Lapboard lets you use a full-size keyboard and mouse. There’s a handy 15-foot-long USB cable included.
Disappointingly, the Couchmaster Lapboard eschews a wrist rest. Furthermore, you won’t find any guard rails for the keyboard and mouse. Accordingly, if you tilt the lapboard, your keyboard and mouse are sure to fall off. Despite a few shortcomings, the Couchmaster Lapboard is one of the few lap desks for gaming that can accommodate a full-size keyboard. For serious gamers, the Couchmaster Lapboard lets you use your own keyboard, and is a solid option for sofa gaming.
Pros:
- Fits a full-size keyboard and mouse
- 6 x USB 3.0 ports including a quick-charging port
- Includes a 15-foot-long USB 3.0 cable
- Built-in mousepad
Cons:
- Lacks a built-in wrist rest
- No keyboard and mouse included
- Doesn’t have onboard guard rails for holding a keyboard and mouse in place
Best Couch Gaming Desk – Couchmaster Cycon 2
The Couchmaster Cycon 2 is a stellar sofa desk. With enough surface area to hold a full-size keyboard and mouse, the Cycon is a great choice for hardcore gamers. Its built-in USB hub provides six USB 3.0 ports. And a wired connector running from the Cycon to your PC or console yields a lag-free connection. The lapboard itself sits atop a pair of large foam cushions. On the sides of the cushions, you’ll find several pockets for keeping your couch desk organized.
Sturdy and well-built, the Couchmaster Cycon 2 transforms your sofa into a desk. While the built-in USB ports are convenient, the Cycon 2 isn’t wireless and therefore you’ll still need to run a cable across your living area. Additionally, the side cushions aren’t adjustable, so some shorter gamers may find the lapboard uncomfortably high. If you need a large lap desk that can replace your actual desk, the Couchmaster Cycon 2 is hands-down your best choice. You may also consider the Couchmaster Cybot which comes with most of the same benefits as the Cyon 2 but without an integrated USB hub.
Pros:
- Integrated USB hub with 6 x USB 3.0 ports
- Multiple pockets for organizing peripherals
- Lots of surface area – holds a full-size gaming keyboard and mouse
Best Gaming Lapboards and Lapdesks – Final Thoughts
For couch gaming, a lapdesk is a must-have. And there are loads of lapboards that let you enjoy keyboard and mouse gaming in the living room while reclining on the sofa. The Razer Turret is the best overall choice for both PCs and consoles, while the Corsair K63 is an excellent budget wireless mechanical keyboard with a lapboard. Roccat’s Sova is a solid wired keyboard and lapdesk. The Couchmaster Lapboard is great for holding full-size keyboards, while the Couchmaster Cycon 2 is a true desk replacement for the living room sofa.
Your turn: which lapboards and lapdesks are you using for living room gaming?
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