Skip to content
Dex Calder

Gaming & Maker Editor

Dex Calder

Dex likes products that reward curiosity without turning every evening into troubleshooting. His recommendations weigh customization, ecosystem lock-in, setup friction, repairability, and the quality of the finished experience.

Editorial voice: Curious, specific, and enthusiastic without ignoring setup friction.

  • PC gaming
  • Tabletop RPGs
  • Virtual tabletops
  • Board games
  • 3D printing
  • Maker tools

Articles by Dex Calder

Purple and gray Creality Falcon A1C camera-equipped enclosed laser engraver
Hardware

Best Laser Engravers Under $500 (2026): Gifts, Signs and Small Projects

A laser engraver can turn plain wood into personal gifts. These five models under $500 differ in workspace, camera placement and the setup you still need.

Read more โ†’
Weller WE1010NA soldering station with its WEP70 iron and safety rest
Hardware

Best Soldering Stations for Electronics (2026): Start Fixing Things

A loose wire needn't end a useful device's life. These five soldering stations cover first repairs through regular bench work, with prices and tip advice.

Read more โ†’
ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra resin printer with smoky gray cover and front touchscreen
Hardware

Best Resin 3D Printers for Miniatures (2026): Characters to Squads

Want to print your own tabletop miniatures? These five resin 3D printers cover single characters, bigger batches and the cleanup you need to plan for first.

Read more โ†’
ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 2 Combo with enclosed print chamber and side-mounted filament spools
Hardware

Best 3D Printers for Beginners (2026): What Else You Need

Compare the best 3D printers for beginners by included color hardware, software, filament needs and workspace, so your first purchase fits the actual project.

Read more โ†’
Listener wearing earbuds in Audible's 2026 Stories that Speak to You campaign
Lifestyle

Audible Standard vs Premium Plus (2026): Which Plan Is Worth It?

Audible Standard vs Premium Plus compared for price, ownership, credits, rollover, and Plus Catalog access so you can choose the right 2026 plan today.

Read more โ†’
KLIM Wind blue cooling pad with four fans and front laptop stops
Hardware

Best Laptop Cooling Pads (2026): Check Vents, Power and Fit

Compare six laptop cooling pads by vent fit, USB or wall power, controls and software. Avoid buying a sealed blower that does not suit your laptop or desk.

Read more โ†’
Corsair MM300 Extended black and gray cloth mat with stitched edges
Hardware

Best Desk Mats for Gaming and Work (2026): Room for Your Mouse

Running your mouse off the edge? These five desk mats show how much space is left beside a keyboard, with current prices, exact sizes and practical tradeoffs.

Read more โ†’
Black Razer Tartarus Pro with numbered keys, directional thumbpad and palm rest
Hardware

Best One-Handed Gaming Keypads (2026): Thumbsticks vs WASD

Compare five one-handed gaming keypads by current price, WASD or thumb control, software needs and console limits to find the right fit for your games.

Read more โ†’