Dell’s $50 new silent mouse and AI keyboard are frankly awesome, especially with that Copilot key

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What you need to know

  • Today, Dell announced its new Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C) and Silent Mouse and KB Combo (KM555), which are aimed at office workers or students.
  • The KM555 wireless keyboard and mouse combo is just $49.99, while the standalone wired keyboard is $34.99.
  • Both keyboards are silent and offer Microsoft’s new Copilot key.
  • Our hands-on review gives both a thumbs up.

After spending countless hours typing away on various keyboards and mice, I have to say that these new releases from Dell are nothing short of a breath of fresh air for my work-from-home setup. As someone who spends most of their day in front of a screen, having reliable and efficient peripherals is essential for productivity and comfort.

Among the multitude of keyboards available today, only a select few receive Dell’s endorsement. Notably, Dell has recently unveiled two new keyboard options: the Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C), priced at $34.99, and the Silent Mouse and KB Combo (KM555) for a budget-friendly $49.99.

Over the past week, I’ve been testing out two keyboards simultaneously, and I must say I’m quite impressed. Initially, I wasn’t aware of their prices, so I thought they might cost around $100 as a set. However, it turned out that these are budget-friendly options! Yet, they come with additional productivity features, such as a Microsoft Copilot key and adjustable keyboard settings, which make them more than just basic input devices.

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Here’s how they break down their differences and whether they are worth buying.

Dell Silent Mouse and KB Combo (KM555)

I particularly prefer the Silent Mouse and KB Combo (KM555) due to their space-saving design. Amazingly, even with this compact layout, they come equipped with a complete number pad and full-sized arrow keys.

As a tech enthusiast with years of experience using various wireless devices, I must say that this gadget caught my attention immediately due to its versatility and convenience. The fact that it can connect via Bluetooth LE 5.1 or the included 2.4GHz Type-A dongle is truly impressive, as it ensures a stable connection whether I’m using it with my smartphone, tablet, or computer.

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As a long-time writer and student who has spent countless hours hunched over keyboards in various settings – from noisy coffee shops to cramped dorm rooms shared with roommates – I can confidently say that the silent keyboard Dell offers is a game-changer for anyone seeking a quiet, productive workspace. The tactile feedback provided by this keyboard’s key travel, which feels slightly over 1mm, ensures a satisfying typing experience without any shallow or bottoming-out sensation. Additionally, the lack of flex on the deck due to its shorter wingspan makes it sturdy and reliable, even under heavy use. For anyone who values silence in their workspace, this keyboard is an excellent choice for creating a focused and productive environment.

At the back of the keyboard, you’ll find a tiny power button that turns it on or off. There are also some one-tier lifts provided for added height and a more comfortable angle.

As someone who has been using Microsoft Copilot for quite some time now, I must admit that I am thoroughly impressed with its capabilities. This handy little key on my keyboard has become an integral part of my daily workflow, making tasks that were once tedious and time-consuming much more efficient and enjoyable.

Dell Peripheral Manager lets you configure the keyboard and mouse in quite a few ways. 

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Dell Peripheral Manager lets you configure the keyboard and mouse in quite a few ways.

Remarkably, although Dell doesn’t allow you to change the function of the Copilot key specifically, it does permit reassigning its functionality to 18 other keys, including the entire function row. With the help of the Dell Peripheral Manager software, users can adjust the keys to perform various actions such as those categorized under suggested, productivity, Windows features, and multimedia. This comprehensive customization tool should delight even the most fastidious typists.

Although it doesn’t quite match the quality of our top-tier gaming keyboards currently available, this Dell silent keyboard is expected to surpass them by 2024.

As a satisfied user, I can vouch that the Dell Silent Mouse MS355 surpasses expectations, even at its separate $29.99 price tag. The DPI (Dynamic Precision Intelligence) ranges from 600 to an impressive 4,020, catering to most users’ needs (I personally use it at 2,250 while working on a 4K 32-inch display, and my cursor moves swiftly across the expansive screen).

Although this polling rate, offering options of 125Hz, 250Hz, or 333Hz, may not match the top-tier gaming mice (typically around 1,000Hz), it’s significantly faster than the standard office mouse, which usually operates at 125Hz. For more suggestions on high-performance mice, check out our 2024 recommendations.

As a tech enthusiast, I find Dell’s configurability to be remarkably similar to my favorite keyboard – flexible and adaptable to my needs. Just like how I can switch the primary mouse button from left to right (making my ambidextrous mouse a perfect fit for me), Dell allows me to customize settings, such as the scroll-wheel-press action for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. This level of personalization makes using Dell products an enjoyable experience, tailored just for me.

Ultimately, as both gadgets are powered by batteries (a pair of AAA for the keyboard and a single AA for the mouse), you can effortlessly monitor the battery level within the Dell Peripheral Manager application, ensuring an easy checkup.

Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C)

As a researcher exploring productivity tools for video conferencing, I’ve come across the Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C) which retails at $34.99. For anyone seeking enhanced video call capabilities, this keyboard could be an ideal choice when using platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

As a longtime computer user, I can confidently say that this keyboard stands out from the rest due to its unique features and practical design. The fact that it comes with both USB-A and Type-C plug options means I no longer have to worry about carrying an adapter or dealing with compatibility issues when switching devices. This feature alone has saved me countless hours of frustration, not to mention the potential for lost or damaged adapters. Furthermore, having a wired connection ensures a stable, reliable performance that wireless keyboards can sometimes lack. Overall, this keyboard is a game-changer in my digital life and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a versatile, dependable input device.

Another option is specialized “collaboration” shortcuts tailored for platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams (regrettably, Google Meet excluded). These include functions such as video toggle, screen sharing, messaging, and muting/unmuting microphones. These features will undoubtedly be valued by individuals who frequently engage in team video conferences. The keys are illuminated to signal they’re ready for use and visually indicate whether they’re currently in operation.

With this keyboard, the user can program only 15 keys, but that’s still more than average.

The Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C), with its expanded width, exhibits a slight extra deck flex, which is only apparent when pressed firmly. Similar to other silent keyboards, it maintains the same key travel distance, quiet keys, and elevated rear sections.

The Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C) features a special key for instant access to Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, Microsoft Copilot.

Should you buy?

At under $50 for the mouse-keyboard set and only $35 for the wired keyboard individually, the latest offerings from Dell are indeed impressive.

My only complaint is that I wish both keyboards required a bit less effort to press down the key, which feels a bit more resistant than I’d prefer. There are also no backlights for either keyboard, so these won’t be used in the dark for many people. That’s understandable for the wireless keyboard, as most do not offer backlights anyway (and if they do, battery life is terrible). Still, it would have been a nice upsell for the wired keyboard (while also driving up the cost, unfortunately).

In summary, these keyboards deliver more than expected and are excellent choices for office workers or students seeking affordable yet highly productive keyboards that won’t strain their budgets.

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2024-08-16 01:11