Generally speaking, tech nerds tend to be very particular about what they like and dislike, which makes it tricky to buy gifts for them. They also tend to be fairly well-equipped and already own most of the devices and gadgets they need, so zeroing in on something they'll like that they don't already have is extra difficult.
But don't worry; we are particularly big tech nerds ourselves, and we've done the legwork to find gifts that will please even the most discerning nerds, no matter what type of technology they're into. Here's what to get the person who's already neck deep in gadgets and gizmos.
For the keyboard enthusiastKeychron Q1 HE
Arguably the nerdiest keyboard on the planet $200.00See It
This might be the nerdiest keyboard in existence right now. Unlike the standard mechanical or optical switches you'd find on most keyboards, the Keychron Q1 HE is equipped with magnetic switches, which basically give it a bunch of customization options that wouldn't otherwise be possible. Every key switch has what's known as a Hall Effect sensor in it, which allows the keyboard to recognize not only when a key is pressed, but also how far down it is at any given moment. This makes it possible to do things like customize the actuation point, register two different things with a single keystroke, or hit the same key in extremely rapid succession.
For the DIY electronics nerdRaspberry Pi 5
The latest and greatest single-board computer $79.99$79.99 Save $0.00 See It
In the words of PCMag computing analyst Michael Sexton: "This revision to the wildly popular platform for robotics enthusiasts and tinkerers features updated processing power that makes it significantly faster and hence more usable as a low-end PC for a variety of tasks than any of its predecessors, with a price of only $5 more. With faster hardware, punchier graphics, expanded storage support, and easy setup, it's nigh impossible not to love the Raspberry Pi 5, earning it a rare five-star rating and our Editors' Choice award."
Sponsored by LenovoLegion Pro 5i Gen 8
A versatile, portable gaming machine $1,405.99$1,479.99 Save $74.00 See It
Anyone looking to dominate the virtual battlefield will want this powerhouse at their fingertips. This sleek beast combines raw power with a stunning display, delivering an unmatched gaming experience. From high-speed processors to immersive graphics, it's a total game-changer.
For the PC builderFramework Laptop
A modular laptop you can upgrade like a desktop $1,049.00$1,049.00 Save $0.00 See It
Laptops typically aren't designed to be upgradable and easy to tinker with in the same way that desktop PCs are, but the Framework Laptop is different. It boasts a unique modular design that makes it easy for owners to swap out individual components whenever they please. So if you want a better screen, or a more tactile keyboard, or a bigger touchpad, or whatevertheheck it might be—you can upgrade those parts specifically instead of buying a new laptop altogether. This also means it's much easier to do maintenance yourself and keep your machine running well for years and years to come.
For the audio snobAudeze MM-100 Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones for a reasonable price $399.00$399.00 Save $0.00 See It
Audio nerds have varying opinions on just about everything (does analog actually sound better than lossless digital? Does "burning in" headphones actually make them sound better?), but despite their differences, there's one thing they all seem to agree on: Planar magnetic headphones are the bees knees. Unlike the dynamic drivers you'll find in most headphones, planar magnetic transducers reproduce a wider range of frequencies with more clarity and less harmonic distortion. The only downside is that they're often prohibitively expensive—unless you cop a set of MM-100s, which are some of the only planar magnetic headphones you can get for under $500.
for the streamerRazer Kiyu Pro Ultra
A webcam that doesn't need software to create background blur $299.99$299.99 Save $0.00 See It
If you know someone who spends a lot of time on video calls or livestream sessions, this webcam is practically guaranteed to be a hit. Armed with an excellent wide-angle lens and a DSLR-quality image sensor, it's capable of capturing ultra-sharp video and creating background blur without the aid of software-based filters. This is basically the Rolls Royce of webcams.
for the retro gaming loverArcade 1Up Cabinet
Old-school gaming in a new-school package $499.99$499.99 Save $0.00 See It
If you have a retro gaming enthusiast in your life, we're willing to bet they'd appreciate an Arcade1Up cabinet. They're officially licensed, old-school arcade games built into cabinets with modern components, so can buy one off the shelf for a reasonable price instead of wading through eBay and paying a fortune for a proper coin-operated antique.
for the security conscious onesYubikey 5C NFC
Supremely strong security for all your devices $55.00$55.00 Save $0.00 See It
Yubikeys are physical multi-factor authentication keys that provide a suuuuper high level of protection for all your devices. They boast multi-protocol support (FIDO2/WebAuthn, U2F, Smart card, OpenPGP, OTP), and in many cases are easier and safer than using authenticator apps. No more fumbling with your smartphone or re-typing passcodes sent to you via text message or email—just plug in your Yubikey 5C NFC, give it a tap, and you're good to go.
for the board game geekSquareOff Chessboard
Play against AI or a remote opponent, but on a physical board $449.00$449.00 Save $0.00 See It
It used to be that if you wanted to play chess against a robot or a friend in a different location, you had to play on a computer. And playing on a computer means you don't get any of the pleasing tactile elements that come with playing on a physical board. But thanks to the SquareOff Chess board, that's no longer the case. The board is capable of moving pieces around automatically, which makes it possible to play against remote/robotic opponents from the comfort and convenience of a physical play space. If you know a chess nerd, there's a high likelihood that if they don't already have one of these, they're pining for one.
for the open source nerdArduboy FX
Over 200 8-bit masterpieces in a pocket-sized platform $54.00$59.00 Save $5.00 See It
The Arduboy FX is not your average micro console. It's a totally open-source 8-bit gaming system built on Arduino, which means that instead of being filled with janky rip-offs of classic games, it comes loaded with over 200 original titles made by indie developers—and some of them are absolutely incredible. You wouldn't believe how creative people can get with 8-bit pixel graphics and 2.5KB of RAM. Plus, since it's open source, you can also customize it, add new games to your library, and even develop your own if you're so inclined.
for the hackerFlipper Zero
An easy-to-use Swiss Army Knife of a hacking tool $169.00$169.00 Save $0.00 See It
This little gizmo is billed as a "multi-tool device for geeks," and we think it totally lives up to that description. It's basically a handheld hacking device with a toy-like body and interface. In the words of its creators, "It loves hacking digital stuff, such as radio protocols, access control systems, hardware, and more. It's fully open-source and customizable, so you can extend it in whatever way you like."
for the vinyl enthusiastOrbit Theory Turntable
Top-notch audio for under $1,000 $999.00$999.00 Save $0.00 See It
Normally we wouldn't recommend gifting a turntable to an audiophile because you'll just never be able to please them, but this one from U-Turn Audio is so good that it'll delight even the pickiest vinyl enthusiast. It's equipped with all the high-end components and features you could ever want, including Sorbothane-damped feet, a grooved acrylic platter, a machined aluminum spindle, and U-Turn's fantastic OA3 Pro tonearm. This is as good as it gets for under $1,000.
for the makerMakerMade Maslow CNC
Woodworking for the modern maker $599.00$599.00 Save $0.00 See It
Born from a successful 2017 Kickstarter campaign, Maslow is a 4-by-8-foot CNC router that's open source and astonishingly affordable for its size. It's the perfect gift for a tech nerd who's also into woodworking. And it's practical, too, because unlike most other large-format CNC machines, it's designed to operate vertically, so it doesn't take up all the space in your garage.
