The most common keyboard and mouse combo problems, from 1,949 verified buyers

1. The most common keyboard and mouse combo problem owners report: “Sticking or noisy keys”, raised in 36% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Lag, missed keys or dropped connection” (26%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Comfortable, quiet keys”, in 40% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 92% of verified buyers rated their keyboard and mouse combo 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; keyboard and mouse combos rank 22 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 4% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 25.
5. Across the 8 keyboard and mouse combos with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 82% to 97%.
6. Paying more did not disappoint more buyers: the pricier half of these keyboard and mouse combos had a median of 93% happy buyers, against 92% for the cheaper half (up to £35).
7. Buyers in Asia, Africa and Oceania were the happiest (92% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the rest of Europe the least (89%).

Share of the 155 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Sticking or noisy keys36%
   Came up on 7 models
2. 2. Lag, missed keys or dropped connection26%
   Came up on 6 models
3. 3. Broke down or developed a fault20%
   Came up on 6 models
4. 4. Mouse too small or poor12%
   Came up on 5 models
5. 5. Hard to set up or use7%
   Came up on 3 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Sticking or noisy keys (36% of complaints)

   Check reviews for how the keys feel and sound: cheap sets often have loud or uneven keys, and a quiet set is worth it in a shared room.

2. 2. Lag, missed keys or dropped connection (26% of complaints)

   Keep the shared USB receiver close to both, with a short USB extension if the computer sits under a desk.

3. 3. Broke down or developed a fault (20% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

4. 4. Mouse too small or poor (12% of complaints)

   The mouse is often the weak half of a set. If you use it all day, check its size against your hand, or buy a better mouse on its own.

5. 5. Hard to set up or use (7% of complaints)

   Look at the buttons, menus and app in photos or a video before you buy, and download the manual: a few minutes there saves a return.

Share of the 655 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Comfortable, quiet keys40%
   Came up on 9 models
2. 2. Well built31%
   Came up on 8 models
3. 3. Great value17%
   Came up on 5 models
4. 4. Does its main job well15%
   Came up on 6 models
5. 5. Plug in and go: one receiver10%
   Came up on 5 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.