Editor's Choice: Peripherals
Best Budget Keyboard
Microsoft Internet Keyboard
Best Budget Mouse
Belkin Optical PS2/USB Mouse
Best Keyboard
Logitech Elite Keyboard
Best Mouse
Logitech MX500 Mouse
Best Wireless package
Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop
If you're on a tight budget, the combination of the Belkin Optical Mouse and Microsoft Internet Keyboard simply can't be beat. If the Internet keyboard supported USB connections, it would have given the Logitech Elite keyboard a run for its money for best overall keyboard.
If you're after the best of the best and the budget can go hang, though, Logitech still make the best kit around. Microsoft provided a hearty challenge with Multimedia keyboards and Bluetooth additions to its range, but the Elite keyboard is one product that lives up to its name.
Likewise, as long as you're right handed, the excellent MX500 mouse gives a smooth and ergonomic mousing experience. Left handed users could sub in the MX300 mouse here, as the MX500 doesn't seem to come in a left-handed variant.
When it comes to wireless packages, all three contenders put up a strong showing. We liked the Elite Duo, but hit problems with the mouse. The
Microsoft's Wireless Optical Desktop won out against the budget Belkin package, the very similar Logitech package and Microsoft's own Bluetooth package for having the best overall feature set for the money. The Optical Desktop only just edged out the Logitech Elite Duo by the dint of having a more reliable mouse.
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