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XIM APEX works with almost any standard wired USB gaming mouse or keyboard (it does not support Bluetooth mice directly), so the real question is which specific models the console gaming community has settled on. These 8 picks split between mice and mechanical keyboards, from budget combos to premium sets.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Logitech G502 (Hero) Gaming Mouse | $40-$60 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Razer DeathAdder V2 Gaming Mouse | $50-$70 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Gaming Mouse | $30-$40 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series Keyboard | $130-$150 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | HyperX Alloy Origins Core Keyboard | $70-$90 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless Keyboard | $90-$110 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | SteelSeries Apex M750 Keyboard | $90-$120 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Redragon S101 Keyboard and Mouse Combo | $30-$45 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Logitech G502 (Hero) Gaming Mouse
A wired USB mouse with no drivers needed on console, so it plugs straight into the XIM Apex and works. Its adjustable-weight, 11-button shape is a widely recommended all-purpose pick.
- HERO 25K sensor
- 11 programmable buttons
- Adjustable weight system
- Plug-and-play with XIM Apex
- Highly reviewed all-purpose shape
- Heavier than the DeathAdder for a claw-grip player
Razer DeathAdder V2 Gaming Mouse
Frequently cited on XIM community forums as the fastest mouse pairing for the adapter, with a wired USB connection that needs no configuration.
- Focus+ 20K optical sensor
- Ergonomic right-hand shape
- Razer optical mouse switches
- Widely cited as a top XIM pairing
- Plugs directly into the XIM Apex dongle
- Right-hand-only shape
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Gaming Mouse
SteelSeries’ current-generation budget mouse – a wired optical mouse that plugs straight into the XIM Apex without drivers.
- TrueMove Core 8,500 DPI optical sensor
- 77g weight
- Wired USB
- Budget-friendly current-generation model
- Plug-and-play with XIM
- Fewer programmable buttons than the G502
Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series Keyboard
A tenkeyless mechanical keyboard from a brand XIM’s own compatibility guidance lists by name, saving desk or lap space next to a console.
- Tenkeyless layout
- Cherry MX switches
- Aluminum frame
- Detachable USB-C cable
- XIM-listed compatible brand
- TKL layout saves space for a couch setup
- $140 MSRP is the priciest keyboard on this list
HyperX Alloy Origins Core Keyboard
A compact mechanical TKL keyboard at roughly half the price of the Corsair K70, while staying mechanical.
- Compact TKL mechanical keyboard
- HyperX linear/tactile switches
- RGB backlighting
- Around half the K70’s price while staying mechanical and TKL
- Fewer software customization options than Corsair’s iCUE
Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless Keyboard
A mid-priced mechanical TKL keyboard from a brand XIM explicitly lists as compatible.
- Razer Green/Yellow mechanical switches
- Tenkeyless layout
- Per-key RGB
- Mid-priced mechanical TKL from an XIM-listed compatible brand
- Clicky switch option is loud for late-night sessions
SteelSeries Apex M750 Keyboard
A quieter mechanical switch than most TKL rivals here, in an aircraft-grade aluminum frame that users report sets up easily with the XIM Apex.
- SteelSeries QX2 mechanical switches
- Aircraft-grade aluminum frame
- Per-key RGB
- Quieter mechanical switch than most rivals here
- Reported easy plug-and-play with XIM Apex
- Full-size layout takes more desk/lap space than a TKL
Redragon S101 Keyboard and Mouse Combo
The cheapest way onto this list – a bundled membrane keyboard, mouse and mousepad for players trying keyboard/mouse on console before investing more.
- Membrane keyboard
- Mouse and mousepad included
- Wired USB
- Cheapest way into a XIM Apex setup
- Membrane, not mechanical
- Mouse sensor is basic compared to the dedicated gaming mice above
Buying tips
- XIM Apex does not support Bluetooth mice directly (e.g. Apple’s Magic Mouse) – stick to wired USB mice or a mouse with its own 2.4GHz USB dongle.
- Mad Catz R.A.T. mice are a known incompatibility due to their reliance on PC-only drivers – avoid that specific line.
- A TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard saves desk or lap space next to a couch setup versus a full-size board.
- If you’re not sure keyboard-and-mouse is for you yet, the Redragon S101 combo is the cheapest way to try it before buying separate premium pieces.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.