Keyboard and mouse for PC desktop

[skaertus]

I have a PC desktop and I would ideally have a decent keyboard/mouse wireless combo to use it.

I was using a Razer Blackwidow Chroma v2 with green switches as my keyboard, together with a Razer mouse. This "combo" was good, but it had its issues. The mechanical keyboard is satisfying to type, but only to a certain point. The keys are tall, and my table is not particularly ergonomic, so my hands feel tired after a long session of typing. Prior to that, I tried some other mechanical keyboards, from Corsair, Logitech, Redragon, and other manufacturers. The Logitech G513 was pretty good, but it started chattering shortly after I bought it. I also had problems with the mechanical keys in other keyboards, much earlier than I ever had with membrane models.

I literally spent a fortune buying more than 10 mechanical keyboards, which are supposed to be the holy grail of keyboards. But they did not provide a very satisfying experience after all. Plus, they are big and come with thick cables that add clutter to the desktop. I found out that a chiclet-type keyboard, with low but perceptible travel, such as those found in high-end laptops, is far more pleasing for me.

So, I recently bought a Microsoft Desktop 900 and it indeed provides a good typing feel. Plus, it is small and wireless, which eliminates clutter. But I am having connection issues. The keyboard randomly stops working, and the mouse sometimes seems to have trouble connecting. I am not sure if my model is defective, but I read several forum posts complaining of similar issues.

I am thinking of returning the Desktop 900 and trying something else. I would like some recommendations on which keyboard/mouse combo I could try instead. Microsoft has a Designer Bluetooth Desktop, which costs more than double the price, but I am afraid it might have similar (or even worse) connection issues.

Two additional remarks. First, I am in Brazil, and the availability of keyboards is limited. We are pretty much tied to Microsoft, Logitech, Dell, and some local manufacturers. Second, I would not like to spend a fortune on a new keyboard, especially after forking so much money in trying several mechanical keyboards.

Any recommendations?

 

[LeeW]

For keyboards, I love both the Microsoft Surface Keyboard and the MX Keys. For mouse, it's definitely the MX Master 3.

I find both a really nice typing experience. The MX Keys coupled with the MX Master 3 mouse allows you to seamlessly use them on 3 devices. The battery life on both is good. They give you a decent time warning when the battery is low and they can be charged quickly.

The only issue with the Surface Keyboard is that it's showing its age and needs an update. But, it remains a very good typing experience.

 

[skaertus]

For keyboards, I love both the Microsoft Surface Keyboard and the MX Keys. For mouse, it's definitely the MX Master 3.

I find both a really nice typing experience. The MX Keys coupled with the MX Master 3 mouse allows you to seamlessly use them on 3 devices. The battery life on both is good. They give you a decent time warning when the battery is low and they can be charged quickly.

The only issue with the Surface Keyboard is that it's showing its age and needs an update. But, it remains a very good typing experience.

Thank you.

The Surface Keyboard is not for sale here in Brazil. Is any other Microsoft keyboard similar to it?

The MX Keys is sold here, and definitely an option. Is it better than other Logitech keyboards in terms of typing experience?

I looked at the MX Master 3, but I suppose it would not be a good fit as I am left-handed. Any recommendation?

 

[TechRunner]

If you don't mind a shallower-than-mechanical typing experience, the Logitech K750 Solar is a great keyboard. I bought my wife the Windows version two years ago, and she loves it. I've used the Mac version for three years, and it's been bulletproof. And, of course, they never need batteries. Paired mine with a Logitech M720 mouse.

 

[maflynn]

I'm a big fan of the DAS keyboard, its mechanical, and it feels a lot more solid then the Razer I have - the only downside is that the keys are not backlit - at least the model that I have.

 

[skaertus]

If you don't mind a shallower-than-mechanical typing experience, the Logitech K750 Solar is a great keyboard. I bought my wife the Windows version two years ago, and she loves it. I've used the Mac version for three years, and it's been bulletproof. And, of course, they never need batteries. Paired mine with a Logitech M720 mouse.

Thanks. I took a look at the K750 Solar, but it is not available for sale in Brazil. I can get an imported model, but it will cost about 50% more than the MX Keys. Is it worth it?

 

[grmlin]

I'm using a Realforce TOPRE keyboard for a year now. There is no going back anymore, this is my personal endgame. I'm a developer and if anything, I'm mad that I didn't buy one earlier.
Before that I used brown cherry switches and comparable clones. When I use these now it just feels weird.

Beside that I'm using a MX Master 3 which I love, too. Best mouse I ever owned

 

[skaertus]

I'm a big fan of the DAS keyboard, its mechanical, and it feels a lot more solid then the Razer I have - the only downside is that the keys are not backlit - at least the model that I have.

Well, the DAS Keyboard is not available for sale here in Brazil.

I tried some mechanical keyboards, and none of them was entirely satisfying for me. I tried different models from Razer, Corsair, Logitech, Redragon, and other manufacturers. I tried several types of switches, from different manufacturers. I liked Cherry MX Blue and MX Brown better than the others. But I also found out that the keys are too tall for typing comfortably.

If I were to choose another mechanical keyboard, I would go with the Logitech G915, as it is wireless and has lower keys. But it is also expensive, and I had problems with Logitech switches before.

This is why I am thinking of a membrane keyboard, which may be more appropriate for me. I am leaning towards the Logitech MX Keys, and I wonder whether there is a better membrane keyboard that I should try instead.

My use is basically typing text in MS Word and Outlook and for other general-purpose computing such as browsing the web. It is not exactly light use, as I type a lot; I have been writing some 50-page articles and a book on MS Word. This keyboard is not going to be used for games.

 

[skaertus]

I'm using a Realforce TOPRE keyboard for a year now. There is no going back anymore, this is my personal endgame. I'm a developer and if anything, I'm mad that I didn't buy one earlier.
Before that I used brown cherry switches and comparable clones. When I use these now it just feels weird.

Beside that I'm using a MX Master 3 which I love, too. Best mouse I ever owned

This keyboard looks nice, and it has the ability to change the actuation point (which is something I have never seen before on a keyboard). But, again, the keys look too tall, which I found to put too much pressure on my wrists.

As for the mouse, I am out of luck as I am left-handed. I am considering an MX Anywhere 3 for my desktop. I use it for my laptop and I find it great and very precise. I only wish I could have a larger version for desktop use.

 

[grmlin]

This keyboard looks nice, and it has the ability to change the actuation point (which is something I have never seen before on a keyboard). But, again, the keys look too tall, which I found to put too much pressure on my wrists.

As for the mouse, I am out of luck as I am left-handed. I am considering an MX Anywhere 3 for my desktop. I use it for my laptop and I find it great and very precise. I only wish I could have a larger version for desktop use.

well, that will be a problem with all mechanical keyboards then. You could try a wrist rest, but ideally you should learn not to lay your wrists down onto the table.
Anyway, typing on TOPRE feels very special, it's pretty quit but not for everyone. If you don't have the option to return it, I would try to use it first.

I heard very good things about the MX Keys. If you like these type of keyboards, this should be one of the best.

 

[TechRunner]

Thanks. I took a look at the K750 Solar, but it is not available for sale in Brazil. I can get an imported model, but it will cost about 50% more than the MX Keys. Is it worth it?

Given that scenario (50% more? Yikes!) I'd probably go for the MX Keys, to be honest.

 

[skaertus]

well, that will be a problem with all mechanical keyboards then. You could try a wrist rest, but ideally you should learn not to lay your wrists down onto the table.
Anyway, typing on TOPRE feels very special, it's pretty quit but not for everyone. If you don't have the option to return it, I would try to use it first.

I heard very good things about the MX Keys. If you like these type of keyboards, this should be one of the best.

The G513 and the Razer both have wrist rests. This is probably the main reason why they are my favorite mechanical models. I tried to buy separate wrist rests, but it is not the same.

In any case, even the wrist rest is not enough to provide relief to my wrists. Prior to using a mechanical keyboard, I had never any complain about my wrists.

I know I should not lay the wrists on the table. But an alternative would be simply return to membrane keyboards which were comfortable enough, and to find one that provides a great typing experience.

I may try the MX Keys.

 

[skaertus]

Given that scenario (50% more? Yikes!) I'd probably go for the MX Keys, to be honest.

Thanks. I heard that the MX Keys are the premium non-mechanical keyboards from Lenovo. Do you think these may be better?

 

[TechRunner]

Thanks. I heard that the MX Keys are the premium non-mechanical keyboards from Lenovo. Do you think these may be better?

I've never used them, but I know others who swear by them. I basically bought the K750 to avoid buying batteries but ended up really liking it. Not sure I would pay the premium you have to in order to buy it again, though.

 

[grmlin]

The Craft and MX Keys are the priciest non-mechanical keyboards Logitech sells here in Germany. I don't think there will be huge differences in typing on these. The K750 Solar is quite a lot cheaper, I would not buy that for 50% more.

You could also look into ergonomically shaped keyboards like the Logitech Ergo, Microsoft sells some, too. That could have a positive impact on your typing, too.

 

[skaertus]

The Craft and MX Keys are the priciest non-mechanical keyboards Logitech sells here in Germany. I don't think there will be huge differences in typing on these. The K750 Solar is quite a lot cheaper, I would not buy that for 50% more.

You could also look into ergonomically shaped keyboards like the Logitech Ergo, Microsoft sells some, too. That could have a positive impact on your typing, too.

Thanks.

Logitech does not sell the Craft here in Brazil. I found it for sale in a store, but it costs a whopping $840, so it is completely out of question.

I can find the MX Keys for $110-120, which is pretty much OK. The K750 Solar sells for $160 (the cheapest I could find; there is a store selling it for $600).

As for the ergonomic keyboards, I have never used one before. I wonder whether they will be worth it.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

Mx Keys user here coming from Das Keyboard.
Although I love mechanical keyboards, I had to accept that I am much more productive on laptop type keyboards.
I use the MX Keys for 6 months and I love, nice typing experience, full keyboard with num pad (important) for me and long battery life.
If there are particular points you are interested in, just ask.

 

[maflynn]

So my wife inherited my Das keyboard, as she needed something for her work, and I went back to my Razer Black Widow elite - I really got spoiled with the Das keyboard. While its not backlit and I really needed that, the Razer keyboard just doesn't have the feel. The left shift, space and sometimes the enter fails to register . I don't think its the key mechanism that is failing but rather these are larger keys and if I don't hit dead center of the key but the side, it may not fully register the key click

I'd also prefer to not have the razer synapse on my computer but it needed because the volume dial on the keyboard won't work without it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Being right after the holidays, there's no way I'm spending money to replace the razer, so I'll live with it.

 

[skaertus]

Mx Keys user here coming from Das Keyboard.
Although I love mechanical keyboards, I had to accept that I am much more productive on laptop type keyboards.
I use the MX Keys for 6 months and I love, nice typing experience, full keyboard with num pad (important) for me and long battery life.
If there are particular points you are interested in, just ask.

Thank you! This is great to know.

How does the MX Keys compare with a good laptop keyboard such as the one in a MacBook Pro or a Surface Laptop or a ThinkPad?

And do you have any idea how it compares with Logitech MK470? The MK470 is far more affordable and it seems to have a similar layout, but the typing experience may vary.

 

[skaertus]

So my wife inherited my Das keyboard, as she needed something for her work, and I went back to my Razer Black Widow elite - I really got spoiled with the Das keyboard. While its not backlit and I really needed that, the Razer keyboard just doesn't have the feel. The left shift, space and sometimes the enter fails to register . I don't think its the key mechanism that is failing but rather these are larger keys and if I don't hit dead center of the key but the side, it may not fully register the key click

I'd also prefer to not have the razer synapse on my computer but it needed because the volume dial on the keyboard won't work without it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Being right after the holidays, there's no way I'm spending money to replace the razer, so I'll live with it.

I am reading very good things about the Das Keyboard. However, it is nowhere to be found here in Brazil, totally unavailable.

 

[skaertus]

Well, just for the record, I bought a Logitech MX Keys, which arrived today. It is the standard version, not the mini (which is about $20 more expensive than the normal version here in Brazil, which I think is not worth it, as it is even smaller). I also bought a Logitech MX Anywhere 3 to go along with it.

So far, I found the keyboard to be great. The typing feel is amazing. The travel distance is perfect for the hand not to feel tired and, at the same time, to provide satisfying feedback. It is more comfortable than all my previous mechanical keyboards. It feels premium, even though it is made of plastic and not metal. So far, I am liking it a lot.

The mouse is also great, although it is small. I would have preferred the MX Master 3, but Logitech does not make a left-handed version. The MX Anywhere 3 has two additional buttons on the left side but, apart from that, it is an ambidextrous mouse. And I really like the fact that I can use it on glass without the need for a mouse pad.

It seems like an incredibly good combination of keyboard and mouse.