You likely put a lot of thought into what chair you want to sit in every day. And what laptop will help you work most efficiently. But what about your keyboard and mouse? We unpack the key features you should be looking out for when shopping for these essential tech accessories, whether you’re mostly answering emails or an avid gamer, to boost your productivity and improve your ergonomics.
Keyboard and Mice Features to Consider
Keyboard Types
The two most common types of keyboards, known as mechanical and membrane, refer to the mechanics of the keyboards themselves. A mechanical keyboard has a separate switch under each key that sends a signal to your computer when pressed, producing a ‘clicky’ sound. These individual switches also make the keys taller, creating a precise, tactile feel. A membrane keyboard uses one big pressure pad under all the keys, making it quieter and slimmer.
Size and Layout
There are three common keyboard sizes and layouts. A full-size keyboard, also known as 100 per cent, includes everything on a traditional keyboard including the function row, number pad and arrow keys. A tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard is slightly smaller in size with all the keys of a full-size keyboard except for the 10 keys in the number pad. A compact keyboard, also known as 60 per cent, is one of the smaller layouts, excluding the number pad and function row.
Comfortable Designs
Ergonomic devices are designed to reduce repetitive strain issues, tension or pain, making them easier to use for longer periods of time. Keyboards that have a gentle arc or wave shape are a common ergonomic design encouraging a more natural position for your hands and wrists compared to a straight keyboard. A vertical mouse is another common ergonomic design, promoting a neutral arm position and relaxed posture for your hand and wrist.
Customisable Configuration
Some keyboards and mice allow you to create customised shortcuts and actions so you can truly make your tech accessories your own. For example, you might be able to change the settings to allow you to navigate tabs with your mouse’s scroll or the direction with which you scroll down a page, or change what different key functions do on your keyboard. Many types of mice, especially gaming mice, also allow you to adjust DPI. Standing for dots per inch, DPI refers to the sensitivity of your mouse. The higher the DPI the quicker your mouse will move across the screen with little physical movement.
Convenient Connectivity
Wireless mice and keyboards with Bluetooth or USB-dongle connectivity are a great option if you’re looking for a clutter-free or easy on-the-go setup. Wired devices require cable connection to your computer, so make sure you have enough ports or a cable hub. Wired devices can be more responsive and don’t require charging, so are ideal for activities like gaming.
Best Gaming Keyboard for Accuracy: Typhoon Ultimate Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
This keyboard features full anti-ghosting technology, so no matter how many keys you hit at the same time while gaming, it will register each key separately, ensuring you can battle the final boss with elite precision. Connect wirelessly with its USB receiver or seamlessly swap between up to five different devices via Bluetooth connection. This keyboard’s gasket – a cushioned material that’s mounted between the keyboard and the case – makes for a smooth typing experience and comfortable gaming. Set the mood to suit your game with its customisable backlighting.
SEE ALSO: How to Choose the Best Gaming Desk for You
Best Gaming Keyboard for Quiet Keys: ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless Gaming Keyboard NX Snow Switch White
Does the sound of clicking keys take you out of the zone? This ASUS gaming keyboard has a three-layer gasket mount with dampening foam and metal-top cover to stop ‘case ping’ – those hollow sounds caused by key vibration. Together with the smooth-typing keys, this ensures there’s no noise while playing. Better still, you can swap out each key if you want to customise your keyboard.
Best Wireless Keyboard for Customisation: HP 450 Programmable Wireless Keyboard
Type your way with the flexibility of this HP keyboard that has 20 programmable keys so you can customise your own shortcuts. Plus, the smooth, contoured keys mean you’ll be able to type with ease. Find a comfortable position that suits you and where you’re working with its variable incline that can be adjusted by up to six degrees.
Best Wireless Keyboard for Hybrid Workers: Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 Wireless Keyboard Lilac
If you’re a hybrid worker, you need a device that works well on the go. When you’re on the move, use this device’s built-in case to cover your keys and protect them from dust and dirt. Then, when it’s time to get down to business, flip it over and get typing. You can personalise the entire row of function keys via the Logi Options+ app and use Bluetooth to connect to almost any device, including laptops, smartphones and tablets.
Best Wireless Keyboard for Portability: HP 350 Compact Wireless Multi-Device Keyboard
Compact and slimline: this HP wireless keyboard has everything a digital nomad could want. Use Bluetooth to wirelessly connect to up to three devices with its multi-pair feature. You can also customise key commands to create shortcuts to suit your workflow.
Best Wireless Keyboard for Creating On The Go: Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard Grey
At 140mm wide, this mini keyboard is compact enough to slip in your bag but reliable enough to use at the office. Once charged to 100 per cent, its battery can last up to 10 days until it needs another boost. Expression is right at your fingertips with a designated emoji key and its talk-to-text dictation function means you’ll never miss a lightbulb moment.
SEE ALSO: 5 of the Best Office Chairs Tried and Tested
Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Style & Comfort: Logitech Wave Keys Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard
This pastel pink keyboard has a unique wave design that promotes a more natural typing position for your arms, making it not only stylish but ergonomically sound. It comes complete with a handy memory foam cushion you can rest your palms on to give your wrists more support.
Best Wireless Mouse for Flexibility: HP Z3700 Dual Wireless Mouse Silver
No mousepad? No problem. This slimline wireless mouse’s blue LED sensor technology allows it to work on almost any surface, so you can set up your laptop anywhere. And lefties rejoice – it’s ambidextrous, ensuring a comfortable fit no matter which is your dominant hand.
Best Wireless Mouse for Comfort: Bonelk M-257 Wireless 4 Button Mouse Blue
Scroll in style and comfort with this Bonelk mouse. Its rubberised exterior makes it smooth to touch and its slimline, ergonomic design makes it more comfortable to use for longer periods of time. The spherical scroll wheel lets you scroll both horizontally and vertically, and the central DPI button allows you to quickly change your cursor speed, ranging from 800 to 1600 DPI, to suit your activity – whether you need a fast-moving cursor to keep up with the gaming action or a slow-moving one for precision when working and creating.
Best Gaming Mouse for Speed & Accuracy: Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse Lilac
Looking for a mouse with speedy reflexes that match your own? This Logitech gaming mouse has a HERO optical sensor that uses infrared light to ‘read’ the surface under the mouse for unrivalled precision and accuracy. With adjustable acceleration and the ability to save up to five DPI profiles, you can easily switch between speeds of 200 to 12,000 DPI to give you that winning edge. You can also adjust the mouse’s functionality to suit your favourite games with six buttons that can be programmed to your preferences using Logitech’s G HUB software.
Best Gaming Mouse for Aesthetics: Lenovo Legion M410 Wireless RGB Mouse
Equip yourself with the speed, agility and accuracy to defend your comrades and defeat your foes with this Lenovo gaming mouse. Its super-speedy sensor switch reaches up to 16,000 DPI, giving you stunning speed while you game, and its five-level DPI switch lets you quickly swap between different DPI levels. The lower section features dual-zoned RGB lighting to help set an exciting mood for your gaming adventures.
SEE ALSO: How to Choose the Best Gaming Laptop for You
Best Ergonomic Mouse for Customisation: Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse
Known as ‘the handshake’ shape, this mouse’s 57-degree-angle design with thumb rest encourages a more natural posture in your hand, wrist and arm to reduce strain and create a relaxed and comfortable experience. It features advanced optical tracking (an LED light that illuminates the surface beneath the mouse, allowing more precision) and a cursor speed that can be adjusted to your preferences. Its accuracy settings are also customisable, allowing you to program shortcuts in the mouse using a click and press of a key, so you don’t have to move your hand and wrist as much.
Best Ergonomic Mouse for Style & Comfort: Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse Rose
With its 57-degree-angle ‘handshake’ design, this mouse allows your hand to wrap around in a supported position so your wrist stays level to avoid aches and strains. Add its softly textured grip, thumb rest, easy-to-reach buttons and striking rose colourway and you’ve got the perfect package for working comfortably – and fashionably – even for longer periods.
Best Keyboard and Mouse Combo for Ergonomics: J.Burrows Elite MK400 Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Two tools are always better than one, especially when they come in an ergonomically designed combo. The keyboard’s split layout is specially designed to promote a more natural and comfortable arm and hand posture and the built-in padded wrist rest adds an essential level of comfort. Both devices offer wireless connectivity to ensure you can scroll and type freely.
SEE ALSO: How to Create a Movement-Friendly Home Office Setup
Best Keyboard and Mouse Combo for Style: Bonelk KM-322 Slim Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Combo Pink
This sleek, pink keyboard and mouse combo features an ambidextrous mouse, making it perfect for both left- and right-handers, and a full keyboard, complete with a numeric keypad. The mouse will glide across your desk with smooth padding on the base and the keyboard’s low profile appearance makes it a stylish statement for your workspace. Both devices feature sleep mode to save battery so when you clock off for the day, so will they.
Best Keyboard and Mouse Combo for Portability: Logitech POP Icon Keyboard and Mouse Combo Off White
Make your workspace pop with this stylish Logitech keyboard and mouse combo. The mouse features SilentTouch technology, which reduces mouse noise by more than 90 per cent, so you won’t disturb anyone in the office. The keyboard has eight customisable shortcut buttons to help boost your productivity.
