Buying Guide
The Best Dell Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Sets
Dell's wireless sets range from a plain receiver combo to a Zoom-certified multi-device pair. Here is how the five compare.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Dell sells wireless keyboard and mouse sets for offices and home desks, and the listings differ more than the names suggest. Some run on one USB receiver, some add Bluetooth, and one wakes its backlight as your hands approach.
We compared five current Dell sets on connection, battery rating, mouse sensitivity and layout, using Dell's Amazon listings.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Multi-Device Value
Dell KM720 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and MouseAdds Bluetooth 5.0 to the receiver and a seven-button mouse.
Best for: Switching between a desktop and a laptop
Check price for Dell KM720 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Video Calls
Dell Premier Collaboration Keyboard and Mouse KM900Zoom certified with dedicated collaboration keys.
Best for: People on calls most of the day
Check price for Dell Premier Collaboration Keyboard and Mouse KM900 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Longest Battery Rating
Dell Pro 5 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM526Keyboard rated for up to 48 months.
Best for: Desks where batteries are forgotten
Check price for Dell Pro 5 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM526 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Simplest Setup
Dell KM520 Wireless Keyboard and MouseOne receiver pairs both pieces.
Best for: A plain office desk
Check price for Dell KM520 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Quietest Dell Set
Dell KM555 Silent Wireless Keyboard and MouseListed with a silent key and click design.
Best for: Shared rooms and open offices
Check price for Dell KM555 Silent Wireless Keyboard and Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Multi-Device Value1 of 5
Dell KM720 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
The KM720 adds Bluetooth 5.0 to the receiver, 12 programmable F-keys and a seven-button mouse up to 4000 DPI.
Best for
- Switching between a desktop and a laptop
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no backlighting.
Why we like it
It is Dell's multi-device option below the KM900. It matches the KM520 on keyboard battery rating (up to 36 months). On maximum mouse sensitivity it trails the group at 4,000 DPI, while the KM900 offers 8,000 DPI.
A seven-button mouse or pointer is unique to it among these picks, while the KM526 uses a symmetrical mouse or pointer. It also offers mouse sensitivity steps of 1000, 1600, 2400 and 4000 DPI. The receiver is USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop needs an adapter or hub. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper KM555 and the pricier KM900, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Connection
- 2.4GHz receiver, Bluetooth 5.0
- Keyboard battery
- up to 36 months
- Max mouse DPI
- 4,000 DPI
- Keyboard layout
- Full-size with 12 programmable F-keys
- Mouse or pointer
- Seven-button
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- more than one way to connect
- a keyboard battery rated for up to 36 months
- Mouse sensitivity steps of 1000, 1600, 2400 and 4000 DPI
- Seven-button mouse
Cons
- no backlighting
- Maximum mouse sensitivity trails the KM900 (8,000 DPI)
- Costs more than the KM520 at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is maximum mouse sensitivity; for more, the KM900 offers 8,000 DPI.
Best for Video Calls2 of 5
Dell Premier Collaboration Keyboard and Mouse KM900
Dell's KM900 is a Zoom-certified set with collaboration keys and a backlight that wakes as your hands approach.
Best for
- People on calls most of the day
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its keyboard battery rating before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
Its mouse tracks on glass from 800 to 8000 DPI. Its 8,000 DPI maximum mouse sensitivity is the highest here; the KM526 comes next at 6,000 DPI. You get a full-size with scissor keys keyboard layout here, which sets it apart from the KM555 and its a compact silent keyboard layout.
No other pick in this guide offers a track-on-glass mouse or pointer; compare the KM520, which has a three-button mouse or pointer. The receiver is USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop needs an adapter or hub. At our last price check it topped the group, with the KM720 the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed keyboard battery rating, look to the KM526 instead: it runs for up to 48 months, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Connection
- 2.4GHz receiver, Bluetooth 5.1
- Max mouse DPI
- 8,000 DPI
- Keyboard layout
- Full-size with scissor keys
- Mouse or pointer
- Track-on-glass
- Lighting
- Proximity backlight
Pros
- more than one way to connect
- Zoom certification with dedicated collaboration keys
- Backlight that wakes as your hands approach
- Mouse sensor that tracks on glass, 800 to 8000 DPI
Cons
- No published keyboard battery rating
- Costs more than the KM520 at the time of writing
Longest Battery Rating3 of 5
Dell Pro 5 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM526
Dell's Pro 5 KM526 lists the longest keyboard battery rating here, up to 48 months.
Best for
- Desks where batteries are forgotten
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no backlighting is a problem.
Why we like it
The symmetrical mouse reaches 6K DPI. On maximum mouse sensitivity it sits mid-pack at 6,000 DPI: the KM900 offers 8,000 DPI, and the KM720 comes in at 4,000 DPI. Like the KM520, it has a full-size keyboard layout, while the KM900 uses a full-size with scissor keys keyboard layout.
A symmetrical mouse or pointer is unique to it among these picks, while the KM900 uses a track-on-glass mouse or pointer. The receiver is USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop needs an adapter or hub. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper KM520 and the pricier KM555, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Connection
- 2.4GHz USB receiver
- Keyboard battery
- up to 48 months
- Max mouse DPI
- 6,000 DPI
- Keyboard layout
- Full-size
- Mouse or pointer
- Symmetrical
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- a keyboard battery rated for up to 48 months
- Symmetrical mouse with up to 6K DPI
- Full-size layout
- Maximum mouse sensitivity of 6,000 DPI, ahead of the KM720
Cons
- no backlighting
- Costs more than the KM520 at the time of writing
Simplest Setup4 of 5
Dell KM520 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Dell's KM520 is a plain full-size receiver set with programmable shortcut keys and a three-button mouse.
Best for
- A plain office desk
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no backlighting.
Why we like it
Its keyboard is rated for 36 months. It matches the KM720 on keyboard battery rating (up to 36 months). Like the KM526, it has a full-size keyboard layout, while the KM900 uses a full-size with scissor keys keyboard layout.
You get a three-button mouse or pointer here, which sets it apart from the KM555 and its an ambidextrous mouse or pointer. It also comes with one receiver for both pieces. The receiver is USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop needs an adapter or hub.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the KM526 was the next step up. If keyboard battery rating is your priority, the KM526 (up to 48 months) is the stronger choice.
Key specs
- Connection
- 2.4GHz USB receiver
- Keyboard battery
- up to 36 months
- Keyboard layout
- Full-size
- Mouse or pointer
- Three-button
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- a keyboard battery rated for up to 36 months
- Programmable shortcut keys
- Three-button mouse
- One receiver for both pieces
Cons
- no backlighting
- Keyboard battery rating trails the KM526 (up to 48 months)
- No published maximum mouse sensitivity
Quietest Dell Set5 of 5
Dell KM555 Silent Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Dell's KM555 is a compact dual-mode set built around quiet keys and clicks.
Best for
- Shared rooms and open offices
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no backlighting is a problem.
Why we like it
Its ambidextrous mouse suits either hand. You get a compact silent keyboard layout here, which sets it apart from the KM900 and its a full-size with scissor keys keyboard layout. No other pick in this guide offers an ambidextrous mouse or pointer; compare the KM526, which has a symmetrical mouse or pointer.
It also offers a silent key and click design. The receiver is USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop needs an adapter or hub. There is no dedicated number pad, which matters if you enter figures often. If you want a confirmed keyboard battery rating, look to the KM526 instead: it runs for up to 48 months, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Connection
- 2.4GHz receiver, Bluetooth
- Keyboard layout
- Compact silent
- Mouse or pointer
- Ambidextrous
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- more than one way to connect
- Silent key and click design
- Ambidextrous mouse
- Dual-mode connection
Cons
- no backlighting
- No published keyboard battery rating
- No published maximum mouse sensitivity
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five combos on connection, keyboard battery rating, maximum mouse sensitivity and keyboard layout, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out keyboard battery rating.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the KM720 to the KM555, state connection, keyboard layout and mouse or pointer.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KM900 and the KM555 give no keyboard battery rating; the KM520 and the KM555 give no maximum mouse sensitivity.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KM520 (under $50) to the KM900 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Dell Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much keyboard battery rating you need
Here keyboard battery rating runs from up to 36 months on the KM520 to up to 48 months on the KM526, a 33% spread. Start with the KM526 if keyboard battery rating decides it. The KM900 and the KM555 give no keyboard battery rating figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Maximum mouse sensitivity across these picks
The KM900 tops maximum mouse sensitivity at 8,000 DPI and the KM720 sits lowest at 4,000 DPI. The KM526 comes second at 6,000 DPI, in the under $50 tier against $150 to $250 for the KM900. The KM520 and the KM555 give no maximum mouse sensitivity figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk Features beyond the spec table
The KM526: a symmetrical mouse with up to 6K DPI. The KM520: a three-button mouse. The KM555: an ambidextrous mouse.
Budget
Under $50 buys the KM520, the KM526 and the KM555; $50 to $100 buys the KM720; $150 to $250 buys the KM900 at our last check.
A mechanical keyboard with RGB-lit keycaps Match the pick to your priority
Switching between a desktop and a laptop: the KM720. People on calls most of the day: the KM900. Desks where batteries are forgotten: the KM526.
How to Choose a Dell Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Switching between a desktop and a laptop | KM720 | Adds Bluetooth 5.0 to the receiver and a seven-button mouse |
| People on calls most of the day | KM900 | Zoom certified with dedicated collaboration keys |
| Desks where batteries are forgotten | KM526 | Keyboard rated for up to 48 months |
| A plain office desk | KM520 | One receiver pairs both pieces |
| Shared rooms and open offices | KM555 | Listed with a silent key and click design |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The KM526 leads on keyboard battery rating at up to 48 months, ahead of the KM720 at up to 36 months. "Not listed" marks keyboard battery rating where the KM900 and the KM555 leave the figure out.
| Combo | Connection | Keyboard battery | Max mouse DPI | Keyboard layout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KM720 | 2.4GHz receiver, Bluetooth 5.0 | up to 36 months | 4,000 DPI | Full-size with 12 programmable F-keys |
| KM900 | 2.4GHz receiver, Bluetooth 5.1 | Not listed | 8,000 DPI | Full-size with scissor keys |
| KM526 | 2.4GHz USB receiver | up to 48 months | 6,000 DPI | Full-size |
| KM520 | 2.4GHz USB receiver | up to 36 months | Not listed | Full-size |
| KM555 | 2.4GHz receiver, Bluetooth | Not listed | Not listed | Compact silent |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the KM520, sat in the under $50 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the KM900 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Combos |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | KM520, KM526, KM555 |
| About $50 to $100 | KM720 |
| About $150 to $250 | KM900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KM526 ahead of the KM720 on keyboard battery rating?
The KM526 tops keyboard battery rating at up to 48 months; the KM720 follows at up to 36 months, 33% apart. The KM900 and the KM555 are left out of this ranking because their keyboard battery rating isn't stated; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
Which has the highest maximum mouse sensitivity: the KM900 or the KM526?
Between the top two, it is 8,000 DPI on the KM900 against 6,000 DPI on the KM526, a 33% difference. The KM720 is at the other end of this group with 4,000 DPI. The KM520 and the KM555 don't state a maximum mouse sensitivity figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
What makes the KM555 the Quietest Dell Set?
It carries the badge for listed with a silent key and click design. It makes sense for shared rooms and open offices.
Do the KM720 and the KM900 differ on mouse or pointer?
The KM720 uses seven-button; the KM900 uses track-on-glass; the KM526 uses symmetrical; the KM520 uses three-button; the KM555 uses Ambidextrous.
Beyond the specs, what sets the KM720 and the KM900 apart?
The KM720: mouse sensitivity steps of 1000, 1600, 2400 and 4000 DPI. The KM900: Zoom certification with dedicated collaboration keys. The KM526: a keyboard battery rated for up to 48 months.
Bottom Line
The KM720 covers most desks with receiver plus Bluetooth and a seven-button mouse. The KM900 suits frequent video calls, the KM526 has the longest battery rating, and the KM520 is the plain choice.
If you share a room, the compact KM555 is the quiet one.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Silent Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combos
- Related guideThe Best Wireless Keyboards With a Built-In Touchpad
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combos
- Lower budgetThe Best Keyboard and Mouse Combos Under $25
- Similar guideThe Best Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
- ExplainerKeyboard layouts compared: full-size, TKL, 75%, 65% and 60%
- Also see: miceMouse polling rate and DPI: what each number changes
- Similar guideThe Best Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
- Topic hubAll keyboards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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