Both the keyboard and mouse in the HP 725 Combo have black plastic chassis and aluminum highlights, and they look great as a matching pair. Aesthetically speaking, they’re ideal candidates for nearly any workstation or cubicle.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The HP 725 Keyboard is a slim, full-size keyboard that measures 0.7 by 16.6 by 4.8 inches (HWD), while the dimensions of the HP 515 mouse are 1.6 by 2.9 by 4.5 inches. Neither of these peripherals is particularly hefty, with a combined weight of just 1.3 pounds (1.1 pounds for the keyboard and 3.2 ounces for the mouse).
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The full-size HP 725 keyboard includes a number pad in addition to a handful of dedicated buttons for switching among paired devices and opening desktop applications. However, its slim profile isn’t very ergonomic. If you’re someone who has trouble typing on a desk without a wrist rest, your experience with the keyboard is going to be uncomfortable. The HP 725 board is equipped with fold-out feet that help elevate it slightly, but not enough to provide a comfortable posture.
HP has also made the questionable decision to equip the keyboard portion of the HP 725 with a dedicated button to summon Copilot, Windows’ AI assistant. This button can’t be remapped or disabled, making its inclusion feel performative at best, and obtrusive at worst. New keyboards with dedicated AI buttons have quickly become one of my biggest hardware pet peeves. If this is going to be a mandatory addition to keyboards, at least do me the favor of relegating the button next to the number pad or function row, where it’s easier to ignore.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The HP 515 mouse features an ambidextrous design with soft, sloping curves on either side to support your thumb and pinkie, while the left side includes a pair of extra buttons. Removing the top of the mouse reveals a small compartment to stow the 2.4GHz dongle. The mouse itself is fairly standard all around, except for its buttons, which are all virtually silent, including the scroll wheel. Silent switches can have a tendency to feel a bit mushy, but as I tested the mouse, I was pleased with the satisfying action that accompanied each input.
The mouse might be dead silent, but the same can’t be said for the keyboard. The scissor-style switches are similar to what you’ll find on the Apple Magic Keyboard, but they are significantly louder while typing. While the membrane underneath each key is less noisy than a mechanical or Hall effect (magnetic) switch, the hollow aluminum chassis gives off a noticeable rattle while typing. It isn’t audible enough to inconvenience your office neighbor, but if you’re a snob for keyboard acoustics (like me), you may find it irritating.
Get Our Best Stories!
All the Latest Tech, Tested by Our Experts
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
