Buying Guide
The Best Keyboard and Mouse, Office and Gaming
Five keyboard and mouse combos compared, from the RisoPhy to the KM720, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A keyboard and mouse that has to serve both a work day and an evening of games needs a sensor with room above the office default and a battery that outlasts both. Every pair here is wireless and lists a mouse sensitivity of at least 3,200 DPI.
We sorted these picks by connection, keyboard battery and max mouse DPI, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips keyboard battery, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Full-size Keyboard Layout
Dell Pro 5 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM526
A full-size keyboard layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a full-size keyboard layout.
Our take Check price for Dell Pro 5 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM526 (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Dell KM720 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Mouse sensitivity steps of 1000, 1600, 2400 and 4000 DPI at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the RisoPhy costs less.
Our take Check price for Dell KM720 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
RisoPhy Wireless Gaming Keyboard and Mouse
Undercutting the S136 on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting metal top panel for the least money.
Our take Check price for RisoPhy Wireless Gaming Keyboard and Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Gaming Mouse or Pointer
Redragon S136 K628 PRO 75% Wireless Combo
A gaming mouse or pointer.
Best for: Buyers who want a gaming mouse or pointer.
Our take Check price for Redragon S136 K628 PRO 75% Wireless Combo (opens in a new tab)
Backlit Lighting
Redragon S142 Wireless Gaming Keyboard and Mouse
A backlit lighting.
Best for: Buyers who want a backlit lighting.
Our take Check price for Redragon S142 Wireless Gaming Keyboard and Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Full-size Keyboard Layout1 of 5
Dell Pro 5 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM526 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Dell's Pro 5 KM526 lists the longest keyboard battery rating here, up to 48 months.
Best for
- Buyers who want a full-size keyboard layout.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no backlighting.
Why we like it
The symmetrical mouse reaches 6K DPI. On maximum mouse sensitivity it sits mid-pack at 6,000 DPI: the S136 offers 7,200 DPI, and the RisoPhy comes in at 3,200 DPI. No other pick in this guide offers a full-size keyboard layout; compare the S136, which has a 75% (78 keys) keyboard layout.
A symmetrical mouse or pointer is unique to it among these picks, while the RisoPhy uses a rechargeable mouse or pointer. 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 S142 and the pricier KM720, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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 S142
Cons
- no backlighting
- Costs more than the RisoPhy at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Dell KM720 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The KM720 adds Bluetooth 5.0 to the receiver, 12 programmable F-keys and a seven-button mouse up to 4000 DPI.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the RisoPhy costs less.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no backlighting is a problem.
Why we like it
It is Dell's multi-device option below the KM900. On maximum mouse sensitivity it sits mid-pack at 4,000 DPI: the S136 offers 7,200 DPI, and the RisoPhy comes in at 3,200 DPI. A seven-button mouse or pointer is unique to it among these picks, while the RisoPhy uses a rechargeable 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. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the KM526 and the rest.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the RisoPhy at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
RisoPhy Wireless Gaming Keyboard and Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RisoPhy's wireless set has a metal top panel and charges over USB-C.
Best for
- Getting metal top panel for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if maximum mouse sensitivity matters most to you; the S136 offers 7,200 DPI.
Why we like it
Its mouse reaches 3200 DPI. Its 3,200 DPI maximum mouse sensitivity is the lowest in this group; the S136 leads at 7,200 DPI. You get a full-size with metal panel keyboard layout here, which sets it apart from the KM526 and its a full-size keyboard layout.
No other pick in this guide offers a rechargeable mouse or pointer; compare the S136, which has a gaming mouse or pointer. It shares RGB lighting with the S136; the S142 goes with backlit lighting. It also offers USB-C charging.
The receiver is USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop needs an adapter or hub. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the S136 was closest. 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 dimensions & specs
- Connection: 2.4GHz USB receiver
- Max mouse DPI: 3,200 DPI
- Keyboard layout: Full-size with metal panel
- Mouse or pointer: Rechargeable
- Lighting: RGB
Pros
- Metal top panel
- USB-C charging
- 3200 DPI mouse
- Full-size with metal panel keyboard layout, the only one here
Cons
- Maximum mouse sensitivity trails the S136 (7,200 DPI)
Gaming Mouse or Pointer4 of 5
Redragon S136 K628 PRO 75% Wireless Combo on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Redragon's S136 bundles the 78-key K628 PRO, with hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and a 7200 DPI mouse.
Best for
- Buyers who want a gaming mouse or pointer.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the RisoPhy cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
One dongle serves both. Its 7,200 DPI maximum mouse sensitivity is the highest here; the KM526 comes next at 6,000 DPI. It is the only pick here with a 75% (78 keys) keyboard layout; the RisoPhy has a full-size with metal panel keyboard layout instead.
You get a gaming mouse or pointer here, which sets it apart from the S142 and its a wireless gaming mouse or pointer. Like the RisoPhy, it has RGB lighting, while the S142 uses backlit lighting. 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. Its price falls between the RisoPhy and the S142, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed keyboard battery rating should compare it with the KM526, which runs for up to 48 months.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Tri-mode: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Max mouse DPI: 7,200 DPI
- Keyboard layout: 75% (78 keys)
- Mouse or pointer: Gaming
- Lighting: RGB
Pros
- more than one way to connect
- Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
- One dongle shared by keyboard and mouse
- 78-key K628 PRO keyboard
Cons
- Costs more than the RisoPhy at the time of writing
Backlit Lighting5 of 5
Redragon S142 Wireless Gaming Keyboard and Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The S142 pairs Redragon's K515 PRO membrane keyboard, with four macro keys, and a 4800 DPI wireless mouse.
Best for
- Buyers who want a backlit lighting.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the RisoPhy cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It uses one 2.4GHz receiver. Its 4,800 DPI maximum mouse sensitivity ranks third of 5 here, behind the S136 (7,200 DPI) and ahead of the RisoPhy (3,200 DPI). A full-size K515 PRO membrane keyboard layout is unique to it among these picks, while the RisoPhy uses a full-size with metal panel keyboard layout.
It is the only pick here with a wireless gaming mouse or pointer; the KM526 has a symmetrical mouse or pointer instead. You get backlit lighting here, which sets it apart from the S136 and its RGB lighting. You also get 26 anti-ghosting keys.
The receiver is USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop needs an adapter or hub. There is no published keyboard battery rating figure, whereas the KM526 runs for up to 48 months.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: 2.4GHz USB receiver
- Max mouse DPI: 4,800 DPI
- Keyboard layout: Full-size K515 PRO membrane
- Mouse or pointer: Wireless gaming
- Lighting: Backlit
Pros
- Four onboard macro keys
- 26 anti-ghosting keys
- Membrane keyboard
- Maximum mouse sensitivity of 4,800 DPI, ahead of the KM720
Cons
- Costs more than the RisoPhy at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- 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: 3 of 5 picks leave out keyboard battery rating.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the KM526 to the S142, state connection, maximum mouse sensitivity and keyboard layout.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The RisoPhy, the S136 and the S142 give no keyboard battery rating.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the RisoPhy (under $50) to the KM720 ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Keyboard and Mouse, Office and Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much maximum mouse sensitivity you need
The S136 tops maximum mouse sensitivity at 7,200 DPI and the RisoPhy sits lowest at 3,200 DPI. The S136 is the pick for maximum mouse sensitivity.
Keyboard battery rating across these picks
Across these 2 picks keyboard battery rating spans up to 36 months (the KM720) to up to 48 months (the KM526). If keyboard battery rating is your first filter, the KM526 sets the ceiling at up to 48 months. The RisoPhy, the S136 and the S142 give no keyboard battery rating figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The RisoPhy: USB-C charging. The S136: one dongle shared by keyboard and mouse. The S142: 26 anti-ghosting keys.
Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the RisoPhy, the S136, the S142 and the KM526; $50 to $100 buys the KM720 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who want a full-size keyboard layout: the KM526. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the RisoPhy costs less: the KM720. Getting metal top panel for the least money: the RisoPhy.
How to Choose a Keyboard and Mouse, Office and Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want a full-size keyboard layout | KM526 | A full-size keyboard layout |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the RisoPhy costs less | KM720 | Mouse sensitivity steps of 1000, 1600, 2400 and 4000 DPI at the highest price in the group |
| Getting metal top panel for the least money | RisoPhy | Undercutting the S136 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want a gaming mouse or pointer | S136 | A gaming mouse or pointer |
| Buyers who want a backlit lighting | S142 | A backlit lighting |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The S136 leads on maximum mouse sensitivity at 7,200 DPI, ahead of the KM526 at 6,000 DPI. "Not listed" marks keyboard battery rating where the RisoPhy, the S136 and the S142 leave the figure out.
| Combo | Connection | Keyboard battery | Max mouse DPI | Keyboard layout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KM526 | 2.4GHz USB receiver | up to 48 months | 6,000 DPI | Full-size |
| KM720 | 2.4GHz receiver, Bluetooth 5.0 | up to 36 months | 4,000 DPI | Full-size with 12 programmable F-keys |
| RisoPhy | 2.4GHz USB receiver | Not listed | 3,200 DPI | Full-size with metal panel |
| S136 | Tri-mode: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed | 7,200 DPI | 75% (78 keys) |
| S142 | 2.4GHz USB receiver | Not listed | 4,800 DPI | Full-size K515 PRO membrane |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the RisoPhy, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the KM720 at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Combos |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | RisoPhy, S136, S142, KM526 |
| About $50 to $100 | KM720 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the S136 ahead of the KM526 on maximum mouse sensitivity?
The S136 leads at 7,200 DPI, with the KM526 at 6,000 DPI. The spread runs down to the RisoPhy at 3,200 DPI.
Which has the longest keyboard battery rating: the KM526 or the KM720?
The KM526 tops keyboard battery rating at up to 48 months; the KM720 follows at up to 36 months, 33% apart. The RisoPhy, the S136 and the S142 are left out of this ranking because their keyboard battery rating isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the KM720 worth paying more than the RisoPhy?
On paper it adds maximum mouse sensitivity (4,000 DPI against 3,200 DPI). The RisoPhy sat in the under $50 tier and the KM720 in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if maximum mouse sensitivity decides your purchase.
What makes the S136 the Gaming Mouse or Pointer?
It earns the label for a gaming mouse or pointer. It suits anyone who wants a gaming mouse or pointer.
Do the KM526 and the KM720 differ on mouse or pointer?
The KM526 uses symmetrical; the KM720 uses seven-button; the RisoPhy uses rechargeable; the S136 uses gaming; the S142 uses wireless gaming.
Beyond the specs, what sets the KM526 and the KM720 apart?
The KM526: a keyboard battery rated for up to 48 months. The KM720: mouse sensitivity steps of 1000, 1600, 2400 and 4000 DPI. The RisoPhy: a metal top panel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the KM526, chosen for a full-size keyboard layout. Look at the KM720 for mouse sensitivity steps of 1000, 1600, 2400 and 4000 DPI at the highest price in the group, the RisoPhy for undercutting the S136 on price when we checked and the S136 for a gaming mouse or pointer if those matter more to you.
Check the keyboard's layout against your desk space and whether the receiver or Bluetooth pairing suits your PC before buying; a full-size keyboard with a number pad takes the most room.