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UnSplash / Michael Soledad
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A solid keyboard and mouse are crucial for most people's day-to-day lives, whether for work, gaming, or school. Unfortunately, it can take some time and money to find the right products. The best wireless keyboard and mouse combos save both time and money, offering an affordable and functional combo that is still high-quality.
The Logitech’s MK850 Performance wireless mouse and keyboard (available at Amazon for $74.99) is our favorite mouse and keyboard combo, but there are plenty of other choices to love, from budget sets to high-end gaming equipment. You can also find versatile, affordable picks separately among our favorite keyboards and preferred wireless mice.
The Logitech MK850 Performance's keyboard feels nice to type on, and it doesn't have overly-long key throws.
Keyboard features comfortable wrist rest
Mouse is ergonomic
Set can connect with up to three devices
None that we could find
The Logitech MK270 is a great buy that lives up to the hype.
You can map multiple functions with the Gesture button.
Mechanical keys
Best-in-class mouse
Backlit keys
More expensive than most
Elegant design
Easy to switch between devices
Great battery life
Shallow keys
Relatively expensive
Accurate typing performance
Affordable
Mouse is small
Inexpensive
Relatively quiet keys
Programmable buttons and mouse gestures
Limited support for MacOS
We're willing to bet most people use a keyboard and mouse—or at least a trackpad—almost every day. It's easy to take these tools for granted, but if you spend 40 hours a week (or more) on a computer, you're probably aware that they're not all made equal.
Whether you're investing in a convenient mouse/keyboard combo to pair with a home PC, or trying to improve your laptop experience on the go, you want an ergonomically sound wireless combo with sufficiently long battery life and connectivity to keep up with your needs.
Manufacturers can make whatever claims they like about the comfort or usability of their mouse/keyboard combos. That said, there are some basics worth keeping in mind.
The pros and cons of wireless and wired setups are simple but worth going over. Mouse and keyboard combos provide a wireless experience either with Bluetooth connectivity or via a wireless dongle that plugs into a USB port. Wired hardware needs to be plugged directly into the laptop or PC, which will also take up a USB port.
Wired products won’t delay or interrupt your connection as you type or browse through websites. And while most of the time a wireless mouse/keyboard combo won't either, all wireless products can drop connectivity from time to time.
A wireless combo gives you inherent freedom of use, at the cost of worrying about battery life and potential interference. If you look at an identical mouse/keyboard set where one is wired and one is wireless, the wireless variant will usually be more expensive and may consume AA or AAA batteries over time -- or if not, you'll at least have to keep it charged up. You’re paying for the freedom to move around and minimize clutter.
To that end, a wireless combo can make a lot of sense if you value tidiness. It can also be a good choice if you need a keyboard/mouse set for multiple workstations. A good set makes it easy enough to pop the dongle or re-pair with any laptop or PC you use. And, even though you'll have to think about the battery from time to time, most options last week or months on a single charge.
While many headphones and tablet keyboards come in an OS-locked variant (Android or Apple, usually), Bluetooth connections are universal. This means the same Bluetooth keyboard and mouse combo should be compatible with Windows and other operating systems like iOS. Some, of course, don't rely on Bluetooth—instead using a 2.4GHz connection to an included USB adapter. Many of these are universal too, though it's worth double-checking before you buy.
Even if a keyboard can technically connect to a computer, that doesn't mean it was necessarily made for it. Windows and macOS computers have slightly different keys, with Windows keyboards having the Windows and Alt keys, and Mac keyboards making use of the Command and Option keys. Some keyboards allow you to change keycaps to match operating systems, though that's usually in the case of mechanical keyboards rather than those featured on this list. Keep in mind that the keys themselves are the same, no matter how they're labeled -- if you can connect a Windows keyboard to a Mac, pressing the Windows button will register as a press of the Command button. But, it can still be a little confusing when the labels are wrong.
We've discussed Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections a few times now, but it's worth highlighting the differences between the two. Bluetooth connectivity is more or less universal and allows you to connect your keyboard just as easily as you would a pair of wireless headphones. The downside is that Bluetooth is less reliable than 2.4GHz connectivity. This is an issue that has become less prominent over time as Bluetooth connectivity has improved -- but the fact still remains that 2.4GHz is technically a little more reliable, and if you want the most reliable and responsive connection, it's worth keeping that in mind. Thankfully, plenty of wireless mice and keyboards support both connectivity methods.
On top of the type of connection, you'll also want to think about the number of connections your keyboard and mouse support. Lower-end keyboards and mice can typically only connect to one computer, but many high-end models support a few connections that you can toggle between as needed. This won't be helpful for everyone, especially those who simply plan on using their keyboard and mouse with a desktop computer all the time, but if you want to be able to swap between machines, especially if you plan on using a laptop on the go, for example, multiple connections could come in handy.
All wireless mice and keyboards need a battery of some kind. These batteries fall into one of two categories—either they're replaceable AA or AAA batteries, or they're rechargeable batteries that charge up using a built-in USB connection.
There are advantages to both. Replaceable batteries can be immediately replaced, giving a mouse or keyboard full power right away. Not only that, high-quality batteries can often last longer than rechargeable batteries built into a keyboard or mouse. That said, replaceable batteries are of course worse for the environment, and if you happen to not have them on hand, you'll be out of luck if they run out of juice.
There is a way around this, though. You could buy a keyboard or mouse that requires replaceable batteries but buy rechargeable replaceable batteries that you can swap out as they run out of power.
Design can relate to how keyboard and mouse combos look, but it can also relate to some aspects of functionality. For starters, you might care about buying a keyboard and mouse that look good on your desk. Some are built from higher-quality materials than others, and some offer more unique designs.
Some aspects of design are perhaps more important. For example, many modern keyboards have backlit keys, allowing you to see the keys even when you're working in the dark. Not everyone will need this, particularly those who only really plan on using their computer during the day or who typically keep the lights on when they're working. If you do need a keyboard that you can see in darker environments, though, backlit keys are worth considering.
It's important that your keyboard is comfortable and easy to type on. You might assume that all keyboards are more or less the same when it comes to feel and comfort, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Unfortunately, while enthusiasts have some preferences around keyboard feel, the fact is that it's largely down to personal preference. That means you might just have to use a keyboard for a few days and return it if its feel isn't quite for you.
Other factors that can impact comfort are the inclusion of wrist pads and a more ergonomic shape. Some keyboards are split keyboards that separate the keyboard into two halves, allowing you to more naturally align your arms. Some mice, like the Mlogitech MX Master 3S, have ergonomic shapes that feel more natural, too.
Still have questions about wireless keyboard and mouse combos? You're not alone. Here are some commonly asked questions about them.
Not at all! Combos take some of the guesswork out of buying a keyboard and mouse separately, but the keyboard and mouse in a combo can usually still be purchased separately. The only time in which they might be "worse" is if one of the two components in a keyboard and mouse combo isn't the right product for you. For example, if you're interested in the Logitech MX Master 3S mouse but don't necessarily want the MX Mechanical keyboard, then it's probably worth simply buying the mouse on its own, and finding a different keyboard that better suits your needs.
Sometimes, but not always. Our best upgrade pick, the Logitech MX Mechanical Combo comes at a list price of around $270. The MX Mechanical keyboard has a $170 list price, and the MX Master 3S has a $100 list price—so in that instance, the price is the same as buying the two separately. In other cases, it is indeed cheaper to buy them together though. If it's important to you that you're saving money (for example, if you're compromising on either the keyboard or the mouse to buy a combo), then it's worth double-checking the price of the included components first.
Yes. Most computers can connect to seven Bluetooth devices at once (though performance can degrade a little after three or four devices). Many wireless keyboard and mouse combos that use a 2.4GHz connection can connect the two devices to the same wireless dongle, and that won't interfere with Bluetooth performance at all. In some cases, the two devices use different dongles—but that doesn't mean they can't work at the same time, it just means you'll have to take up an extra USB port on your computer.
The single most important consideration is compatibility. There's no point in buying a combo that doesn't work with your computer. After that, consider the feel of the keyboard—though keep in mind that you're likely to get used to the feel of it within a few weeks. Then, you should consider the size and features of the keyboard and mouse. For example, if you need a number pad on the keyboard, make sure it's a full-size keyboard—and if you want customizability, you might want a mouse that has programmable buttons. Last but not least, of course, is price.
This guide was written exclusively by experts in consumer tech. We've personally tested dozens of keyboards and mice, using them in heavy workflows that involve full-time workloads. We also spent countless hours researching keyboards, mice, and keyboard and mouse combos. We've personally tested all of the top picks on this list, though other combos that we didn't personally test were considered after extensive research, looking at user reviews, and comparing features.
All of the writers involved in putting together this guide have reviewed many keyboards and mice over the years, and have an excellent idea of what makes great computer peripherals—and what makes not-so-great ones.
Not every expert reviewer agrees on what the best keyboard and mouse combos are. To help you save some time, we've looked at some of the other most respected outlets out there. For the most part, the consensus is that well-respected brands like Logitech are the way to go, considering their extensive experience in building high-quality computer peripherals. That said, not many publications highlight combos specifically, instead focusing on separate keyboards and mice.
There's no user consensus on what the best keyboards and mice are because everyone's preferences are different. That said, there's a range of great user reviews and comments about your top pick. Here's a selection of them.
Mike Epstein is a freelance technology and video game critic based in New York. You can currently find him writing for IGN, GamesRadar, PC Gamer, Lifehacker, PCMag and, of course, here at Reviewed. Mike writes a lot of keyboard and mouse reviews, from high-end gaming gear to stuff made for productivity and ergonomics, so he knows more about switches and buttons than anyone should have to.
Adrien has over 4 years of experience covering laptops, desktops, software, games, and more.
Christian de Looper is a consumer tech journalist with over a decade of experience. De Looper has covered all areas of the consumer tech industry, from smartphones to smart homes — and has attended all of the major trade shows, including CES.
De Looper has always been interested in consumer technology, but his love for gadgets and electronics blossomed into a full-blown passion when he started writing about it while completing his degree in audio production.
Since then, he has written for many of the top tech publications, including Digital Trends, Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and many more. He loves getting his hands on all of the latest gadgets, but when he’s not reviewing tech, he can be found hanging out with his family or producing music.
Jonathan is an Electronics Editor for Reviewed specializing in gaming gear and has experience with everything from controllers to benchmarking the latest GPUs. He was previously the Web Editor at The Architect's Newspaper.
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