Releasing alongside the Dell Silent Keyboard and Mouse (KM555), the $34.99 Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C) is a bargain-priced keyboard designed with productivity in mind. The board features video-chat controls compatible with both Zoom and Microsoft Teams, a dedicated Microsoft Copilot button, and the option to connect via USB-A or USB-C. It has some minor issues, similar to the KM555—primarily, the membrane keys aren’t the most comfortable to type on—but its affordability is enough to score a recommendation if you’re in the market for an inexpensive keyboard.
Design: A familiar look and feel
Almost identical to the keyboard included in the KM555 bundle, the Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard is fairly standard. “Generic” may sound too harsh, but it’s appropriate to describe the general design of the keyboard. But simple isn’t a bad thing, as the lightweight (1-pound) and compact (1-by-17-by-8.8-inch) build makes it easy to move the keyboard around your desk.
As with the KM555, the membrane switches make typing on the keyboard a bit uncomfortable. It’s not terrible; I imagine that users accustomed to the short key travel distance of Apple keyboards might not have a problem with them. But for others, it can be a noticeable annoyance. There’s no backlighting on the chocolate keys, but the white labels pop against the black keys enough to give your workspace a clean, no-nonsense look.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.
A closer look at the keyboard reveals one major difference between the KM555 and KB525C: four keys above the number pad.
Touted by Dell as “the world’s first wired collaboration keyboard for Zoom and Microsoft Teams,” the keyboard includes four shortcut keys just for video calls. It’s certainly not the first zoom-minded keyboard, though. The more expensive Dell KB900 Premier Collaboration Keyboard is one of the first keyboards to be “Zoom Certified.” Four LED keys come alive during video calls, offering one-press shortcuts to camera, microphone, messaging and screen-sharing functions. In Zoom calls, the functionality works flawlessly. For Microsoft Teams Calls, however, you must navigate to the Settings menu and enable a third-party API before the functionality is recognized.
Teams isn’t the only place Microsoft injects itself into keyboards. A Copilot button also works on the KB525C, an increasingly common way to bring basic AI functionality to the keyboard. In this case, pressing the button automatically opens Microsoft Copilot that supports it.
The second major difference between the two new Dell keyboards is in the names. As you might have guessed already, but the Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard is, well, wired. The KB525C does not support Bluetooth or any other type of wireless connection. It instead offers both USB-C and USB-A connections The cable is a USB-C, but it has a removable USB-A cap that attaches to the cord if you want to use a USB-A port.
Software: Collaboration is key
Almost every mainstream and high-end keyboard has downloadable software that squeezes more functionality out of it, but budget models sometimes skip it. The Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard does not, however. Installing automatically the first time you connect to a Windows PC, the Dell Peripheral Manager is where you adjust functionality. It has fewer function buttons to customize, down from the KM555’s 18 to 15, but that’s still a surprising amount for a run-of-the-mill productivity daily driver.
After spending some time with the keyboard, I found it easily fulfills its role as a reliable productivity tool, even if the sticky-feeling keys aren’t the most desirable to type on. Thanks to the wired connection, I don’t have to worry about wireless connection issues.
The keyboard can be used across operating systems, including macOS, Ubuntu, ChromeOS, and Red Hat operating systems (although the software is only compatible with Windows).
All of these capabilities add to the KB525C’s appeal, but the Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard’s real selling point is its price. At just $35, the keyboard is extremely affordable. It’s a way better buy than Amazon’s basic low-profile wired USB keyboard, and if you don’t mind the membrane keys, it’s just as good as the Cherry Stream keyboard, thanks to productivity add-ons.
Verdict: A good basic value for frequent video callers
Sure, you can buy the Dell KB900 Premier Collaboration Keyboard, Razer Pro Type Ultra, or other general-use keyboards if you have $100 or more to spend, but if you’re looking for a great keyboard on the cheap, the Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C) is for you. . Remarkably quiet while you’re typing, the KB525C is compact, and equipped with a surprising amount of functionality and customizability. All in all, it balances out some of its shortcomings with an affordable price. It stands out as one of the best buys for budget-conscious buyers from the bargain-keyboard crowd.
What do you like reading?
Sign up for Lab report Get the latest reviews and top product advice delivered straight to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertisements, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your agreement to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Sign up for other newsletters
