by If you’re a PC gamer who recently purchased an Xbox Series X|S, you might find it difficult to adjust to playing with a traditional Xbox controller. In this case, it may be wise to play with a keyboard and mouse. Microsoft introduced the feature during the Xbox One generation. It’s especially useful if you’re used to playing competitive multiplayer games with keyboard and mouse controls. Or hey, maybe you’re a console gamer who’s heard people rave about the precision and accuracy that’s possible with a mouse and keyboard setup and want to check it out for yourself. We’ve rounded up the best Xbox keyboard and mouse options available right now.
Before that, you should understand some of the limitations with mouse and keyboard support on Xbox consoles. First, while the console may support it at a basic level, each game must also individually support it to work. This is especially true in competitive multiplayer titles, where a mouse and keyboard can be a big advantage. Many of these games, such as Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone, get around this problem by segregating players based on their input pattern rather than the platform they’re playing on, so keep in mind that even if you’re playing on a console, you’ll likely be matched with more PC players in most cases.
Like the PC, you’ll also have the option of using a wired or wireless keyboard and mouse, although unlike the PlayStation 5, you won’t be able to use them via Bluetooth. Xbox Series X and S only communicate with wireless devices using 2.4GHz dongles or Xbox’s own wireless signal for controllers/headsets, and even then it’s limited to certain supported devices. Luckily, some options have been designed specifically for Xbox, meaning you won’t have to worry about compatibility from the get-go.
When it comes to great keyboard and mouse input options on Xbox, you have just as many options as on PlayStation. Again, you don’t need to buy peripherals specifically designed for the console – many excellent wireless keyboards and mice that work on PC will do, which becomes especially important if you’re gaming your consoles on the same desktop as your PC. We’ve rounded up the best picks on the market right now, including great combo deals, comfy solutions for gaming on the couch, and just some great-value options that will get the job done.
For more Xbox suggestions, check out our roundups of the best Xbox Series X controllers, best Xbox headsets, and best Xbox accessories. And if you also play on PlayStation, we’ve also compiled a list of the best mouse and keyboard options for PS4 and PS5.
$250
The most expensive option on this list is arguably also one of the best if you’re looking for an uncompromising keyboard and mouse experience on console. The Xbox Turret has been specifically designed for Xbox consoles, ensuring compatibility out of the box. It’s a tower setup that includes a keyless mechanical keyboard and a wireless mouse with a profile like the popular Razer Deathadder. The mouse pad is retractable and magnetic, making storage and use just as easy. The whole setup connects to your console with a single 2.4GHz dongle, which is a nice little extra. It’s pricey, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find better.
$160
If the Razer Turret is a bit more than you’re willing to spend, Corsair has a considerably cheaper option that might already merge with your existing setup. The Corsair K63 is a fantastic mechanical keyboard, with linear Cherry MX Red switches and backlighting (only one color unfortunately). It also clips seamlessly into Corsair’s Lapboard, with the pair selling for $160 (the lapboard is just $50 if you already own a K63). You’ll need to supply your own mouse, which might then require an additional wireless dongle attached to your Xbox, but it’s a great alternative, and especially affordable if you already own a K63.
$165
If you don’t have keyboard or mouse options to use with your console, chances are a good set will serve you better than trying to buy everything piecemeal. The Razer Power Up Bundle exists for that reason, combining a keyboard, mouse and wired headset in one affordable package to get you gaming in no time. It includes the Razer Cynosa Lite keyboard, which is a fantastic membrane keyboard with familiar Razer styles, the Viper ambidextrous gaming mouse, and the Kraken X Lite gaming headset. All of the peripherals are wired, so they’re best suited for a desktop setup, but at this price you’ll be hard pressed to find a better all-in-one deal.
$130
Moving away from lapboards but sticking to wireless options, the Logitech G613 Lightspeed might be the best option for a keyboard that doesn’t require a PC to unlock its best features. The Lightspeed 2.4GHz dongle provides a solid and fast connection to the keyboard, which features Logitech’s Romer-G mechanical switches (think Cherry MX Browns, but a bit more spongy). Plus, the battery is designed to last an entire year, which is certainly helped by the lack of a power-hungry backlight. You’ll be hard pressed to find another keyboard that’s as easy to use with the Xbox as this one.
$90
When it comes to using a mechanical keyboard with consoles, you have to make the concession that many of the features you might come with will only be available when hooked up to a PC. That’s not the case with the HyperX Alloy Origins Core, which has built-in memory that lets you switch between three RGB backlight profiles without the need for proprietary software (at least once you have it). configured). It’s also just a surprisingly affordable mechanical keyboard, with a keyless layout and HyperX’s own tactile Aqua switches that are a dream to use (there are regular blue and red switches too). It’s a great keyboard for most gaming PCs and one of the best for console.
$80
Logitech makes some of the best mice for gaming, giving you plenty of options to sift through when trying to make a good choice. However, classics are often hard to improve on, which is why the G502 gaming mouse is likely to be one of the best gaming mouse options available for use with Xbox. It’s hardwired (unless you make the jump to the G502 Lightspeed), but its design is so beautifully ergonomic that your wrists will thank you for the investment. It also has built-in RGB lighting, which can be customized on a PC, as well as a range of DPI settings that can be toggled on the mouse itself. It’s a mouse you’ll probably use for years if you treat it right.
$70
It doesn’t get as classic as the Deathadder when it comes to iconic gaming mice, so Razer didn’t really shake up the formula when designing the Deathadder V2. You get the same familiar ergonomic sculpt that feels great in your hand, plus monochrome lighting, new mechanical switches, and a faster sensor for the best tracking experience. The V2 also comes with Razer’s SpeedFlex cable which makes it nearly wireless, which works well in today’s era of increasingly lightweight mice.
$180
The Couchmaster Cycon 2 is not a keyboard or a mouse, but rather a fantastic hub to which you can add both peripherals. Featuring a wireless connection with your console, the Cycon 2 lets you connect any keyboard and mouse for a truly luxurious and comfortable gaming experience on the couch. It’s also durable, with stitching and materials that will maintain both comfort and finish for years to come. It’s pricey at $180 because it’s only part of your setup, but it’s an investment you won’t need to make again for a long time.
