CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo Review: The Ultimate Budget Gaming Starter Kit?

I remember my first foray into PC gaming. It was a world of dizzying specs, glowing components, and peripherals that cost more than a month’s worth of groceries. The barrier to entry felt impossibly high. All I wanted was to enjoy a few rounds of my favorite shooter with friends, but the prevailing wisdom suggested I needed a four-figure budget just for the accessories. This common predicament is what sends aspiring gamers and parents on a quest for something that balances performance, aesthetics, and, most importantly, price. The fear is real: you either spend too little and get a frustrating, unresponsive set that ruins the experience, or you overspend on features you’ll never use. The goal is to find that perfect middle ground—a setup that feels like a genuine upgrade without demanding a premium investment. This is precisely the niche the CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo aims to fill.

CHONCHOW 87 Keys TKL Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo, Wired LED Rainbow Backlit Keyboard 800-3200...
  • Compact 87-Key Design----There are no additional number keys, and there is more desktop space for you to move the mouse to meet your needs in the office or at home. You will be happy with the space...
  • Rainbow LED Keyboard----There are 2 lighting modes and 3 levels of brightness for you to choose from. Press light key: Static backlight/turn off; FN and light key: Dynamic backlight. Fn and PgUp:...

What to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo

A Gaming Keyboard and Mouse combo is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating a cohesive and functional gaming or work station right out of the box. For newcomers, it eliminates the guesswork of pairing separate peripherals, ensuring they work together seamlessly. For those on a budget, it provides an incredible value proposition, bundling a keyboard, mouse, and often a mousepad for a fraction of the cost of buying them individually. The main benefit is accessibility—it lowers the financial barrier to a proper gaming setup, complete with the aesthetic flair of backlighting that defines the modern gaming look, making it a complete package for immediate plug-and-play action.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenge of building a new setup from scratch, a parent looking for a durable and exciting gift for their child, or a casual gamer who wants a reliable upgrade from a standard office keyboard without committing to enthusiast-level prices. It’s perfect for those who prioritize value and all-in-one convenience. However, it might not be suitable for those who are competitive esports players or keyboard purists. These users demand the specific actuation of mechanical switches, ultra-low latency, and extensive software customization, features that budget-friendly membrane combos typically don’t offer. For them, investing in high-end, individual components from brands like Razer, Corsair, or Logitech would be a more appropriate path.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

  • Dimensions & Space: The Tenkeyless (TKL) layout of this keyboard is a significant feature. By removing the number pad, it shrinks the footprint to just 13.5 x 5.5 inches, freeing up valuable desk real estate for wider mouse movements—a critical factor in fast-paced games. Always measure your available desk space to ensure a comfortable fit and to decide if a compact TKL or a full-size layout is right for you.
  • Performance & Features: For gaming, look beyond simple keystrokes. This combo offers 19 anti-collision (anti-ghosting) keys, ensuring that multiple simultaneous presses are registered correctly during intense gameplay. The mouse’s adjustable DPI (Dots Per Inch) from 800 to 3200 allows you to tailor cursor sensitivity on the fly, from slow, precise movements for sniping to fast turns for close-quarters combat. Understand that this is a membrane keyboard, which offers a softer, quieter typing experience compared to the tactile and audible click of mechanical switches.
  • Materials & Durability: At this price point, you should expect a robust plastic construction. While it won’t feel as premium as an aluminum-chassis keyboard, it’s designed to be lightweight yet sturdy enough for daily use. Some user feedback suggests that the keycap legends can wear off over time with heavy use, which is a common trade-off for budget peripherals. The braided cables, however, are a nice touch for enhanced durability against fraying.
  • Ease of Use & Maintenance: The beauty of this combo is its plug-and-play simplicity. There are no drivers or complicated software suites to install; you simply plug the USB connectors into your PC, console, or laptop, and it works instantly. Maintenance is straightforward: a can of compressed air can keep debris out from under the keys, and a simple wipe-down will keep the matte surfaces clean.

While the CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo is an excellent choice for its target audience, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, from budget bundles to elite mechanical boards, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

SaleBestseller No. 1
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard – Tenkeyless Compact Form Factor - 8-Zone RGB...
  • The compact tenkeyless design is the most popular form factor used by the pros, allowing you to position the keyboard for comfort and to maximize in-game performance.
Bestseller No. 2
GEODMAER 65% Gaming Keyboard, Wired Backlit Mini Keyboard, Ultra-Compact Anti-Ghosting No-Conflict...
  • 【65% Compact Design】GEODMAER Wired gaming keyboard compact mini design, save space on the desktop, novel black & silver gray keycap color matching, separate arrow keys, No numpad, both gaming and...
Bestseller No. 3
Corsair K55 RGB PRO Membrane Wired Gaming Keyboard – IP42 Dust and Spill-Resistant – 6 Macro...
  • Dynamic RGB Backlighting: Light up your desktop with six onboard lighting effects, assign a color to each lighting zone, or program your own vibrant lighting effects across five RGB lighting zones...

First Impressions: A Complete Battlestation in a Box

Unboxing the CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo felt like opening the quintessential “gamer starter pack.” Everything you need to get going is included: the TKL keyboard, the ergonomic mouse, and a surprisingly decent mousepad. There’s no complex setup or manual to decipher; it’s all refreshingly straightforward. The first thing we noticed was the keyboard’s weight—at 1.6 pounds, it has a pleasant heft that keeps it planted on the desk, a feature many users praised for making it feel more substantial than its price suggests. The plastic has a matte black finish that resists fingerprints well.

Plugging them in, both peripherals immediately burst to life with vibrant, static rainbow lighting. The keyboard’s glow is bright and evenly diffused through the key legends, while the mouse cycles through a gentle breathing effect. It’s not the customizable per-key RGB of high-end gear, but it delivers that signature gamer aesthetic instantly and effectively. The mouse felt comfortable in hand, with a shape that should suit most grip styles. The included mousepad was a welcome bonus, featuring a smooth cloth surface and a non-slip rubber base. For anyone building a setup from zero, this all-in-one package is an incredibly compelling and cost-effective entry point.

What We Like

  • Exceptional all-in-one value (keyboard, mouse, mousepad)
  • Compact TKL design saves significant desk space
  • Simple plug-and-play setup with broad console and PC compatibility
  • Bright, attractive rainbow backlighting with adjustable brightness

What We Didn’t Like

  • Membrane keys lack the tactile feedback of mechanical switches
  • Lighting effects are not customizable (static rainbow)
  • Some reports of keycap legends wearing off and minor quality control issues

A Deep Dive into the CHONCHOW Combo’s Performance

A low price is only a good value if the product performs its duties well. We put the CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo through its paces across hours of gaming, typing, and general use to see if it punches above its weight class. We focused on the core user experience: how it feels to play with, how it holds up to daily tasks, and whether its features are practical or just for show.

Keyboard Performance: The Membrane Experience

The heart of this combo is the 87-key TKL keyboard. As a membrane keyboard, the typing experience is distinctly different from its mechanical cousins. The keys have a soft, slightly cushioned feel on bottom-out, which we found to be remarkably quiet. This is a huge plus for shared spaces, dorm rooms, or late-night gaming sessions where the clatter of mechanical switches would be a nuisance. Several users confirmed this, noting the keys “don’t make that annoying noise,” making it perfect for work and play. While it lacks the sharp, tactile bump that enthusiasts crave, the key response is surprisingly swift. We never felt like our inputs were lagging in fast-paced games like Apex Legends or during rapid typing tests.

For gaming-specific features, the 19 anti-collision keys are a necessity. In our testing, we could press multiple movement, action, and modifier keys simultaneously without any of them being dropped—a crucial feature that cheaper office keyboards often lack. The ability to lock the Windows key (via Fn + Win) is another simple but essential gaming feature that prevents accidental presses from kicking you to the desktop mid-firefight. However, we must address a point raised by a meticulous user: the layout. Some units appear to ship with a UK-style ISO layout, which features a large, vertical Enter key and a relocated backslash key. For American users accustomed to the ANSI layout, this can lead to frequent typos and a frustrating adjustment period. While it might not be a deal-breaker for gaming, it’s a significant consideration for anyone who will also be using the keyboard for extensive typing or coding. Check out the product images carefully to see the exact layout before purchasing.

Mouse Precision and Ergonomic Design

A gaming combo is only as strong as its weakest link, and thankfully, the included mouse is a solid performer. It features a classic ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in the hand, with a matte texture that provides a secure grip. At its core is a reliable optical sensor with four on-the-fly adjustable DPI levels: 800, 1600, 2400, and 3200. We found this range to be perfect for casual gaming and general productivity. At 800 DPI, we could make precise, pixel-perfect adjustments in photo editing software and line up long-range shots in shooters. Bumping it up to 2400 or 3200 DPI allowed for quick, snappy 180-degree turns and rapid navigation across large monitors.

The mouse glides smoothly, a quality enhanced by the low-friction PTFE feet and the included cloth mousepad. This synergy was highlighted by one user whose son loved how “smooth” the mouse was compared to his previous set. The six buttons, including two conveniently placed thumb buttons, are responsive and provide a satisfying click. By default, these are mapped to forward and back, which is standard for web browsing and can be rebound in most games for actions like melee attacks or push-to-talk. The mouse’s lighting is simple but effective; a long press of the DPI button switches between a 7-color breathing effect and a fixed red light. While not as feature-rich as a standalone gaming mouse, it’s a massive step up from any basic office mouse and perfectly complements the keyboard’s capabilities.

Aesthetics and Lighting: The Rainbow Connection

Let’s be honest: for many new gamers, the visual flair is a huge part of the appeal. The CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo delivers this in spades. The keyboard features a vibrant rainbow backlight that illuminates the legends on each key, making them perfectly visible in low-light conditions. As users noted, it “looks great, especially at night.” It’s important to set expectations correctly, however. This is not per-key RGB; it’s a static rainbow layout where specific zones are locked to specific colors. You cannot, for instance, make the entire keyboard blue.

What you can control is the mode and brightness. There are two lighting modes—a static “always on” mode and a “breathing” mode that gently pulses. Using the Fn key in combination with the Page Up/Down keys, you can cycle through three brightness levels or turn the lights off completely. This level of control is appreciated, allowing you to tone down the effect for daytime use or crank it up for an immersive nighttime session. The mouse’s lighting syncs thematically with its breathing color cycle. While the customization is limited, the overall effect is cohesive and undeniably eye-catching, providing the exciting “gamer” look that many buyers are seeking without any complex software. It’s a feature that really sets it apart in the ultra-budget category.

Cross-Platform Compatibility and Setup

One of the strongest selling points of the CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo is its incredible versatility and ease of use. The setup process is nonexistent: it is true plug-and-play. We tested it on a Windows 11 PC, a MacBook Pro, a PlayStation 5, and an Xbox Series X. In every single case, the peripherals were recognized instantly without needing to install a single driver. This is a massive advantage for console gamers looking to use a keyboard and mouse for supported games (like Fortnite, Call of Duty, or Marvel Rivals) or simply for easier text chat.

User reviews overwhelmingly confirm this seamless experience. We saw multiple reports from parents whose children were thrilled to use it with their PS4, PS5, or Xbox. One user explicitly bought it for “chatting on Xbox games” and stated it “does not disappoint.” Another confirmed it “works on my PS5” after receiving a replacement for a damaged unit. This broad compatibility makes the combo an incredibly versatile investment, capable of serving a desktop PC one day and a living room console the next. For families with multiple devices and gaming platforms, this universal functionality adds another layer of outstanding value.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user sentiment for the CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo leans heavily positive, with most people acknowledging its incredible value for the price. One user summed it up perfectly, stating it’s “perfect for beginners or casual gamers” and “feels way better than the price suggests.” Many Spanish-speaking users echoed this, with one calling it a “Buen combo, justo lo que necesitaba” (Good combo, just what I needed) and praising the comfortable, quiet keys and lightweight mouse.

The most common praise is directed at the all-in-one nature and the visual appeal of the lights, which are a huge hit with younger gamers. One happy parent mentioned, “My son loves his new mouse and keyboard set… he loves the lights.”

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which are important for managing expectations. The most cited issue relates to long-term durability, specifically the keycap printing. A user who put it through “3 months normal use” showed images of the most commonly used letters having completely worn off. Others pointed out minor quality control issues, such as an “unbearably annoying” squeaky spacebar or, in one case, a mouse that arrived with loose internal parts (though it was quickly replaced). These comments paint a clear picture: you’re getting a fantastic entry-level product, but it may not withstand years of heavy, hardcore use like a premium mechanical keyboard would.

How Does the CHONCHOW Combo Compare to the Alternatives?

The CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo excels in the entry-level budget space, but for those with different priorities or a larger budget, other options offer distinct advantages.

1. AULA F75 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Hot Swappable

Sale
AULA F75 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard,75% Hot Swappable Custom Keyboard with Knob,RGB...
  • Tri-mode Connection Keyboard: AULA F75 Pro wireless mechanical keyboards work with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and USB wired connection, can connect up to five devices at the same time, and easily...
  • Hot-swap Custom Keyboard: This custom mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable base supports 3-pin or 5-pin switches replacement. Even keyboard beginners can easily DIY there own keyboards without...

The AULA F75 Pro represents a significant leap into the enthusiast keyboard world. It’s a wireless mechanical keyboard featuring hot-swappable, pre-lubed switches, a gasket-mounted design for a superior typing feel, and PBT keycaps that won’t wear down. This keyboard alone costs several times more than the entire CHONCHOW combo. You should choose the AULA F75 Pro if you are a serious gamer or typing enthusiast who values customization, premium materials, and the distinct feel and sound of high-quality mechanical switches. It’s an upgrade path for someone who has outgrown a budget combo and is ready to invest in a top-tier typing and gaming experience.

2. Retro Pink Typewriter Keyboard and Mouse Combo

Sale
Retro Pink Typewriter-Style Keyboard and Mouse Combo, Cute Light Up Wired Mechanical Keyboard with...
  • ❤[ Retro Typewriter Style Punk Keyboard ] : These keycaps adopt two-color injection molding process, which is durable and lasting. And the unique round keycaps make this keyboard so different to...
  • ❤[ Linear Red Switches ] Linear mechanical red switches are quieter than blue switches. And fast action with small resistance without a tactile bump feel. Gamers often prefer red switches because...

This combo targets a completely different user: someone who prioritizes aesthetics and a unique style above all else. The Retro Pink Typewriter set features round keycaps and a vintage-inspired design, combined with modern features like linear red mechanical switches and backlighting. While it is also a keyboard and mouse combo, its primary appeal is its visual statement. You should opt for this retro combo if you are building a themed setup (e.g., pink, cute, or vintage) and want peripherals that act as a centerpiece for your desk. It’s for the streamer, content creator, or user who wants their personality to shine through their hardware.

3. Redragon K673 PRO 75% Wireless Gaming Keyboard

Redragon K673 PRO 75% Wireless Gasket RGB Gaming Keyboard, 3-Modes 81 Keys Compact Mechanical...
  • REDRAGON GASKET OUT - The body structure differs from traditional screw fixing by using precision-locked covers with gaskets to assist with noise reduction and flexibility. It provides even feedback...
  • 3-Mode Connection - Geared with Redragon advanced tri-mode connection technology, USB-C wired, BT 3.0/5.0 & 2.4Ghz wireless modes which make the user experience upgraded to another level in all...

The Redragon K673 PRO is a direct competitor to the AULA, occupying the mid-to-high range of gaming keyboards. It offers a 75% layout, tri-mode wireless connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C), hot-swappable sockets, and sound-absorbing pads for a refined acoustic profile. Redragon is a well-respected name in the budget-premium space. You should choose the Redragon K673 PRO if you want the advanced features of an enthusiast keyboard—like wireless freedom and hot-swap capability—from a brand known for providing excellent value. It’s the logical next step for a CHONCHOW user looking for more performance and features without jumping to the most expensive boutique brands.

Our Final Verdict on the CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo is an absolute triumph of value. It is not designed to compete with high-end mechanical keyboards, and it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it masterfully accomplishes its goal of providing a complete, functional, and aesthetically pleasing gaming setup for an astonishingly low price. Its TKL keyboard is responsive and space-saving, the mouse is accurate and comfortable, and the plug-and-play compatibility across PC and consoles makes it incredibly versatile.

We recommend this combo wholeheartedly to several groups: parents looking for a perfect and affordable gift for their kids, new PC builders on a strict budget, and casual gamers who want the look and feel of a gaming setup without the premium cost. While it has its limitations—such as the membrane keys and non-customizable lighting—these are reasonable trade-offs for the price. It lowers the barrier to entry for PC gaming, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great experience. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that delivers on its promises and then some, you will be hard-pressed to find a better deal. To see its full feature set and check the latest price, you can find the CHONCHOW 87 Keys Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo here.

Last update on 2025-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API