Computer keyboards and mice

What to look for in a mouse and keyboard?

Picking a keyboard and computer mouse might seem as simple as choosing your favourite style, but for the best match, you might want to consider each peripheral's nuances and whether it actually suits your needs.

In general, you should look for the following key elements alongside style:

Connectivity

Wired or wireless. This might seem like an obvious step but consider how you'll be using your mouse and keyboard. If you're at a desk, there's no reason not to go wired. Wired PC keyboards and mice tend to be cheaper and don't run out of battery. Wireless keyboards and mice on the other hand are a touch more expensive but offer more versatile, especially if you're mobile (and you won't have wires snaking all over your desk).

Key switches

Perhaps the most overlooked element of any PC keyboard, the type of key switch you go for will have a subtle but important effect on how you work.

*Silicon Domes - The most basic forms of keyboard come with silicon dome key switches. Simple and cheap, their downside is relatively quick wear and tear as well as requiring a firm push of the key when typing.

*Scissor Switches - The most common switch on most mid-range keyboards, scissor switches require a shallower touch and have increased durability. They're also relatively quiet.

*Mechanical Switches - The holy-grail of PC gamers, mechanical keyboards are incredibly responsive, durable, and easily repairable. Just be prepared for loud typing.

Ergonomics

We all like to be comfortable while we work and game so getting a computer mouse and keyboard with proper ergonomics is vital to avoid problems like carpal-tunnel syndrome and RSI. Finding a comfortable model is essential if you're working for long periods.

Work or gaming?

As they say, buy the right tool for the job. If you only need your mouse and keyboard for work, then simplicity might be right down your street. If you're gaming, then you're going to want something more responsive and durable that will help you reach the higher ranks.

Choosing your style

Computer keyboards and mice have evolved dramatically in recent years with stylish designs and different colours to suit everyone. At the end of the day, your choice of design will come down to your own tastes. Browse our selection to find the keyboard and mouse that screams you.

Choosing a laptop mouse

We all know how finicky and sensitive laptop trackpads can be. If you're working predominantly on a laptop, a computer mouse is an excellent investment for both comfort and convenience. If you're looking for a laptop mouse, as well as picking a light weight and durable model, we recommend going wireless while aiming for good comfort, durability, and trackability on a variety of different surfaces.

Gaming keyboards

Unlike their simple office cousins, gaming keyboards are the elite of the elite. These keyboards are specifically designed to help improve and optimise a user's gaming experience. This can be anything from a more ergonomic gaming setup to programmable keys, allowing each individual gamer to setup unique macros and features for each game. Supplementing your rig with a specially-built gaming keyboard is the first step in unlocking your full gaming potential.

Extra things to consider when buying a gaming keyboard

Some of the more expensive gaming keyboards provide extra features such as onboard memory for macros, RGB lighting that can be customised with the keyboard itself, or detachable palm rests. There are lots of accessories to consider which can enhance your gaming performance and your comfort while playing.

Is your keyboard compatible?

Your keyboard needs to be compatible with any existing software. Plus, you need to find out what sort of software your new keyboard supports. Another thing to think about is ergonomics. This may seem like the last thing most people think about, but it will play an important part in your gaming over the long term. Slightly angled keys, contoured keycaps and wrist rests will all play a part in improving your gaming and typing experience. These are mostly included in premium products, but really do help.

Gaming Mice

Unlike a standard mouse, a gaming mouse often includes extra keys or buttons while being specifically built with ergonomics in mind, enabling you to have pixel perfect accuracy and launch those lethal specials without your fingers leaving WASD. Like a laptop mouse, good tracking is a must have, especially with fast-paced games, and going wireless means you can make those twitch plays without issue.

Most gaming keyboards and mice also come with stylish backlighting and extra functions to add style and flexibility to match your setup. To make it easy to coordinate the look of your system, manufacturers such as Microsoft produce keyboard and mouse desk sets. These paired peripherals are an easy way to bring a fresh look to your pc or laptop while still adding a drop of new style. So, whether you are looking for a new gaming keyboard for your battle-station, computer mouse for a laptop computer, or another useful peripheral, you'll find great deals and low prices throughout our product listings. Go find the model that's right for you.

Links to our blog articles related to gaming and gaming keyboards

Why you need a gaming PC

What is a gaming keyboard?