Desktop Sets

Desktop keyboard and mouse sets

A keyboard and mouse combination set can save you money compared with buying the products separately. However, in most of the reviews we found of desktop sets, the reviewer says either the keyboard or the mouse is much better than the other. Usually, the keyboard is the afterthought in the package.

Logitech's Wave Pro (*Est. $118) keyboard-and-mouse set is touted by Logitech as an entry-level ergonomic option, but most reviewers settle upon it as a media center set that also happens to be comfortable. (The wired Wave Keyboard (*est. $50) is also available as a standalone product.) A "comfort" keyboard, ExtremeTech's Jeremy Atkinson reports that the Wave doesn't rise quite to the level of ergonomic design; the layout is more familiar to users of traditional plank keyboards. Andy Vandervall, of TrustedReviews, comments favorably on the Wave's short learning curve, a result of the familiar design.

To meet the increase in the number of PC-incorporated home entertainment systems, the Wave is designed to work with a media center PC. Reviewers are pleased with the keyboard's features, which include Vista-compatible hotkeys to access music and photo files and imaging programs. It performs well, with nicely tactile, responsive keys and the option to adjust to four different heights. Comfortable to use, and with a nice array of features, reviews indicate that the Wave Pro is an excellent, not-quite-ergonomic keyboard.

Unlike many other desktop sets, the bundled Logitech MX1100 mouse also performs well in critical tests. The standalone version of the mouse uses AA batteries, but the bundled version is rechargeable. ExtremeTech's Jeremy Atkinson goes so far as to comment that the MX1100 has the versatility and functionality to act as a gaming mouse, although that's not its intended purpose. The mouse has 10 buttons, some of which can be customized, and offers two scrolling modes. Its ergonomic design favors right-handed users -- a definite problem for lefties -- and has a deeply arched, palm-cradling shape that is comfortable to use. Blake Terhune, with HardwareLogic.com, somehow ended up with a battery-operated (rather than rechargeable) version of the mouse in his test; he writes that he likes the mouse but the batteries lend uneven weight.

The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 3200 Laser (*Est. $63) also comes out fairly well in professional reviews. Eric Grevstad, of HardwareCentral.com, describes keyboard performance as only above average and complains about an overly sensitive touch-strip that wreaked havoc on the computer display, but goes on to give the set maximum scores for features, performance and value. PC Authority and CNet.com give high ratings to the Cordless Desktop MX 3200 Laser. On the other hand, while Jonathan Kwan at APHNetworks.com says both the keyboard and the mouse are great, he adds that the mouse is not suitable for serious graphics or gaming. He also says that the LCD screen is underutilized and the keyboard has no number lock or caps lock indicators. However, Kwan is impressed with the wireless range, the absence of lag and the antimicrobial treatment of the keyboard surface.

The set includes the Logitech MX 3200 Cordless Keyboard (not sold separately) and Logitech MX 600 Laser Cordless Mouse (*Est. $40). The mouse has a tilt wheel and a button that tabs through open applications. The set features a five-year limited warranty. Batteries are included.

The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop (WED) 7000 (*Est. $113) includes an arched keyboard, but it's one that's quite different from Microsoft's Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. Sal Cangeloso of Geek.com says, "The keyboard focuses in on design, usability and media controls but is not for the frugal." He concludes, "While the performance is very good and Microsoft does a lot to justify the price, the WED 7000 still lacks the flash of the diNovo Edge or the upcoming WED 8000."

HardwareCentral.com likes the WED 7000 for "both desk set and couch-potato Media Center controller" use. ExtremeTech.com agrees, but reports that the mouse isn't nearly as good as the keyboard. The Bluetooth set is compatible with Vista, XP and Mac OS X. The lightweight keyboard has no number pad.

The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 (*Est. $87) includes the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 and Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 (*Est. $53). ExtremeTech.com summarizes, "We found issues with both input devices, but we can say that the ergonomic benefits easily outweigh them." The high price and the bulky shape of the mouse are a couple of those issues.