Logitech G613 Lightspeed Wireless Keyboard
Those who are used to playing popular multiplayer games such as Fortnite and Warzone on PC may find the move to a traditional controller difficult. If you have an Xbox Series X or Xbox One but prefer mouse and keyboard controls, you can actually ditch the Xbox controller for your a trusty mouse and keyboard combo for select games. Even if you have always used a controller, a switch to mouse and keyboard could wind up helping improve your precision and accuracy in fast-paced multiplayer games (once you get used to it, of course). We’ve put together a list of the best Xbox keyboard and best Xbox mouse options available now.
Before that, you need to understand some of the limitations that come with mouse and keyboard support on Xbox consoles. Firstly, while the console might support it at a base level, each game still needs to individually support it too in order to work. This is especially true in competitive multiplayer titles, where a mouse and keyboard can constitute a big advantage. Many of these games, such as Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone, get around this by separating players depending on their input scheme rather than by the platform they’re playing on, so just keep in mind that even though you’re playing on a console you’ll likely be matched up with more PC players in most cases.
Like PC, you’ll also have the option to use either wired or wireless keyboard and mice, although unlike the PlayStation 5 you won’t be able to use them via Bluetooth. The Xbox Series X and S only communicate to wireless devices using 2.4GHz dongles or Xbox’s own wireless signal for controllers/headsets, and even then, it’s restricted to certain peripherals that have support. Thankfully there are some options that have been specifically designed with the Xbox in mind, meaning you won’t need to worry about compatibility out of the box.
When it comes to great options for keyboard and mouse input on Xbox, you have just as many options as you do on PlayStation. Again, you don’t have to purchase peripherals specifically designed for console — many great wireless keyboard and mice that work on PC will do the trick, which becomes especially important if you play your consoles at the same desk as your PC. We’ve rounded up the best choices on the market currently, including good combo deals, comfortable solutions for couch play, and just great bang for your buck 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 game on PlayStation as well, we’ve also put together a list of the best mouse and keyboard options for PS4 and PS5.
Editor’s Note: Article updated on June 21, 2022
Razer Turret
$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 was made specifically for Xbox consoles, ensuring compatibility out of the box. It’s a lap setup that includes a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard and wireless mouse with a profile like the popular Razer Deathadder. The mouse pad is retractable and magnetic, making storage and use equally simple. The whole setup connects to your console with a single 2.4GHz dongle, which is a nice little extra. It’s expensive, but you’ll struggle to find better.
Corsair K63 And Lapboard
$160
If the Razer Turret is a bit more than you’re willing to spend, Corsair has a drastically cheaper option that might already gel with your existing setup. The Corsair K63 is a fantastic mechanical keyboard, featuring Cherry MX Red linear switches and backlighting (only a single color unfortunately). It also seamlessly clips into Corsair’s Lapboard, with the pair of them retailing for $160 (the lapboard is just $50 alone if you already own a K63). You’ll need to supply your own mouse, which might then need an additional wireless dongle attached to your Xbox, but it’s a great alternative, and especially affordable if you happen to already own a K63.
Razer Power Up Bundle
$165
If you have no keyboard or mouse options for use with your console, then it’s likely that a good bundle might serve you better than trying to buy everything piece-meal. The Razer Power Up Bundle exists for that reason, combining a keyboard, mouse, and wired headset into one affordable package to get you gaming in no time. It features the Razer Cynosa Lite keyboard, which is a fantastic membrane keyboard with Razer’s familiar stylings, the ambidextrous Viper gaming mouse, and Kraken X Lite gaming headset. All the peripherals are wired so they’re best suited for a desk setup, but at this price you’ll struggle to find a better all-in-one deal.
Logitech G613 Lightspeed Wireless Keyboard
$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 ensures a strong, fast connection to the keyboard, which features Logitech’s Romer-G mechanical switches (think Cherry MX Browns, but a little squishier). What’s more, the battery is rated to last an entire year, which is certainly helped by the lack of any energy-sucking backlighting. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another keyboard as easy to use with the Xbox than this.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core
$90
When it comes to using a mechanical keyboard with consoles you must make the concession that many of the features one might ship with won’t be available unless connected to a PC. That isn’t the case with the HyperX Alloy Origins Core, which features on-board memory that allows you to swap between three RGB backlighting profiles without the need for proprietary software (at least once you set it up). It’s also just a strikingly affordable mechanical keyboard, with a tenkeyless layout and HyperX’s own Aqua tactile switches which are a dream to use (there’s regular blue and red switches, too). This is a great keyboard for most gaming PCs and one of the best for console.
Logitech G502 Gaming Mouse
$80
Logitech make some of the best mice for gaming, which gives you many options to sift through when trying to make a good choice. Often the classics are hard to better, however, which is why the G502 gaming mouse is likely going to be one of the better gaming mice options out there for use with Xbox. It’s wired (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 features on-board RGB lighting too, 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 that you’ll likely use for years to come if you treat it well.
Razer Deathadder V2
$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 too much when designing the Deathadder V2. You get the same, familiar ergonomic sculpt that feels great in your hand, along with single color lighting, new mechanical switches, and a faster sensor for the best tracking experience. The V2 also ships with Razer’s SpeedFlex cable which makes it feel almost wireless, which works well in today’s age of increasingly lighter mice.
Couchmaster Cycon 2
$180
The Couchmaster Cycon 2 isn’t a keyboard or mouse, but rather a fantastic hub for you to add both peripherals to. Featuring a wireless connection with your console, the Cycon 2 lets you connect whatever keyboard and mouse you want to it for a truly luxurious and comfortable gaming experience on the couch. It’s durable too, with stitching and materials that will maintain both comfort and finish for years to come. It’s pricey at $180 since it’s just one part of your setup, but it’s an investment you won’t need to make again for a long time.