Very interesting product category I haven't looked into before. Found a typo in page 2: "Adesso's advantage that the kit can operate in one of 8 different frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band" Should have been "Adesso's advantage that the kit can operate in one of 8 different bands in the 2.4 GHz frequency"
The built in balls of the wireless keyboards are tiny, resulting in more thumb action, despite adjustments in acceleration, which can throw off "zeroing" in on your intended click space.
That and one cannot game in such a manner, which is a double bonus of an HTPC (but people are thinking HTPCs should only be for media and music).
Those channels are bandwidths centered around 8 different carrier frequencies. So "8 different frequencies in the 2.4GHz band," as it appears in the article is perfectly acceptable.
Specifically, the Logitech M570 as a more better means of HTPC control? Coupled with a inexpensive (preferably Logitech with Unifying receiver compatibility) one can have a full keyboard, unhindered in typing with a cursor drag device that is unhindered by any couch or any necessity of using a coffee table,
And it is worlds better than a finite trackpad versus a drag space of a sphere.
Did you even read the review? Adesso SlimTouch WKB-3000 features a trackball. The M570 is awesome (we have two of them), but ultimately it's clunky to have two wireless peripherals unless you really need them.
We've been using Logitech K400 keyboards (3x) for a couple years now and they have performed flawlessly. They're perfect for navigating the web or XBMC, even some light gaming, but anything involving more than four keypresses gives it trouble. We've only replaced the batteries in one of them in almost three years. $25 is hard to beat. All our HTPC hardware is hidden away behind walls/closets and the keyboards have no problems operating, even with all three going in the house.
I only break out the M570 if I want to play an RTS on the big screen, but it's so rare as to almost never happen. Otherwise, I just play on my gaming rig in the office with a real mouse/KB combo.
The trackball in the built in keyboard is smaller, thus more thumb action and need more target "zeroing" if one were to adjust the speed and acceleration to move a great distance to compensate.
Bulky? Being separate, one can solely navigate the HTPC for media sans keyboard. The only time I ever use a keyboard for media, is to type in searches. Otherwise, it really is not much used in an HTPC setup.
And gaming, batteries still going strong in the trackball I used. Plus, the built in trackball, leaves your hands in a very uncomfortable playing position. And I also mentioned the built in trackball in a reply of another comment, I meant to be a part of this one since there is no edit feature.
I have two M570's also, but NOT on my HTPCs (of which I have 3). As they mentioned, we would prefer one-hand operation. I DO have a solution but it's also the best of the bad options. It does work though. What I have is similar to this (but it is different, this might be better/newer): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9S...
The HTPC is supposed to be short-access, not accurate (gaming) necessary. And a device like this is super-easy to click on a single file or program to execute and do so with one hand. I have to move my thumb just as much with that device as I do with my Logitech track ball. But in the end it is vastly better either way to have just one device for the HTPC and if you truly feel different, great for you but that's vastly in the minority.
Hence I used a K800, with back lighting, that is separate from the M570 I used. With bundles, one has to stick with whatever is bundled out of the offering, which bundled pointer drag and keyboard options in one device may not be desirable.
I don't know, i'm curious who makes it for lenovo because it is an awesome little remote i had the older model(with trackball) and just replaced it with the optical one recently
All of these are much, much larger than I'm interested in for HTPC use. I'm currently using a Logitech Dinovo Mini, which is 6.0" x 3.5". I'm obviously not writing an essay on the thing, but it's plenty to type out the name of a movie or actor, and it doesn't take up much space on the coffee table. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008JGU3YA/
If I had to pick one, though, it would definitely be the WKB-3000. I had an old IR keyboard with a large track point style pointer input instead of a track ball, but the pointer top right and buttons top left is an incredibly comfortable way to use the device. It's far more comfortable than rotating the wrist and poking at a touch pad. I think so many people use laptops daily that they've gotten used to touch pads they're infiltrating everything else.
Best option for me is the Dinovo. A cheaper version is Rii Mini 2.4GHz Wireless Touchpad Keyboard. I use any even cheaper version (bought about 6 years ago from Maplin UK) which has a thumb trackball rather than touchpad with mouse buttons being where you would expect firing buttons on an XBox or pS4 controller - it is about the same size as an Xbox controller. For HTPC use it is a great design (easy to use one handed) - sadly the build quality is poor and the keyboard needs better key rollover function.
I think the requirement that the mouse should be built into the keyboard is misguided. I've had a home theater for over a decade now, and would find it extremely annoying to have to use a bulky keyboard all the time instead of simply using a mouse to select videos and music. I use a keyboard less than 5% of the time, so why tie the mouse to a keyboard?
I had one of the Adesso WKB-3000 series keyboards, they were quite nice for the HTPC usage. The first one sadly had a candle knocked over on it, and wound up catching fire and melting. Don't ask how that happened. Just don't. :)
The replacement was a bit buggy for some reason, and would occasionally lock up requiring a pull of the batteries and a reset. Also, the trackball was a bit jerky and didn't seem to have very good resolution for some reason. Then it just died. Perhaps a twitchy unit?
Now I have one of those mini-keyboards which actually works great for htpc usage (trackpad) with basic typing, any extensive typing is out of the question though.
Hmm.. these look interesting, but none of them look good enough to best my go-to solution, the Logitech MediaBoard Pro: https://support.logitech.com/en_us/product/3616 . The only downside is that it's not available anymore (much like my favorite HTPC remote, the Gyration Media Remote), and it's really designed for a PlayStation 3, which means it lacks a Windows key. Apart from that, it uses Bluetooth, which saves me from having to waste a USB slot on a wireless dongle, and it's a full-sized keyboard.
I've been doing the HTPC thing for about 8 years and I've tried a number of keyboards. I've used a mouse+keyboard, trackballs, and mini keyboards. For my setup, the end all keyboard that is close to perfect is the “Logitech Mini”. It looks just like the DiNovo Mini (which I also have), but it has a few key differences:
- it uses standard RF rather than bluetooth - the range is better - the battery life is incredible - slightly different button layout - it's far less expensive than the DiNovo Mini for some reason
In practice, I never liked the DiNovo Mini due to connection issues and lockups. I've also used the Lenovo N5902 Enhanced with my HTPC until one of the kids spilled soda on it >;( and it was a decent HTPC keyboard. The backlighting is nowhere near as nice as on the Logitech Mini however. If you want a small, inexpensive backlit keyboard for your HTPC give it a look.
I'd have preferred that it was just a big HTPC keyboard roundup given what is available these days, instead of just one companies offerings. But hey, you have your reasons...
None of these really appeal to me, i'll just keep on using my tried and trusted di novo edges.
definately. While in the past i've had the disconnect issues to the point of considering a replacement (since fixed somehow, think just due to a change in room setup), nothing has ever come close to it in terms of style and quality. to the point that instead of buying an alternative, i just bought a second one for a different computer, to hell with the price.
Aesthetically, every keyboard in this article is utter junk. Wouldn't be at all surprised if they are junk. Think i'd take my dinovo mini over anything reviewed here despite the cramped form factor (that and i lost it, it's somewhere, just don't know where, damned form factor!)
Am I the only one who finds the selection of the devices and the receivers more than just a little odd? Seems like a random selection of relabelled cheap China devices to me. The size of the receiver are usually big topics as well as the compatibility with other devices because you'll only have a limited amount of USB ports (depending on what you're trying to use) and some of them are also visible so you don't want to connect any random crap to it. I already have far too many devices connected to my HTPC: 2 Logitech receivers (one unifying and one not :( ), 1 Bluetooth receiver, a Logitech Driving Force GT and a XBox 360 Wireless receiver.
I rarely use my keyboard/mouse combo with my HTPCs. I would like to see a round up of Media Center remotes instead.
I have yet to find a good replacement for my Microsoft A9O-00007 Media Center Remote. The A9O-00007 allowed you to program the second power button for the TV, no other dedicated Media Center remote does this even today (that I can find). Please comment if you know of one.
I use a Logitech K830 for my HTPC, really happy with it. Back lit, nice design, track pad, battery life seems good. It's quite big for the lounge but I personally find that the design mitigates that a little, it's nice to have a decent size when searching the net too. $79 USD on Amazon.
I also own a K830 and think it is the best solution on the market today, thanks to its combination of features (backlight, a few media keys, not too big, decent touch pad, very good battery life, Win8 gestures, etc.).
It's not exactly cheap, but works well (I wish it was less prone to finger marks, that the keys weren't entirely flat and would have much preferred a trackpoint a la Lenove to the touchpad)
The Microsoft Arc keyboard I had before for typing, but lacked mouse control, backlighting and media keys. It was also less reliable and ran more often out of power.
I've been using a Logitech K400 for almost a year now and have had zero issues with it. The WMC keyboard shortcuts are second nature and it's also easily used for Netflix and Amazon Prime searches as well as finding Internet streams of interest. I paid $25 via Amazon and I recommend it for the users of HTPCs I've built for family and friends.
Not sure why battery life is a concern. Most remotes/keyboard battery will last month and months at at time.. I have not had to replace mine in like 6 months.
I was disappointed when I read that they will not be discussing range in this review. I have a TV in a conference room and a Lenovo Tiny PC behind it. Getting a keyboard and mouse to work from as little as 10 feet away requires a USB extension cord and placing the receiver in direct line of sight to the keyboard which, IMO is completely unacceptable. I wish someone did a review on the true range of these things as it is very annoying.
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DIYEyal - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
Very interesting product category I haven't looked into before.Found a typo in page 2:
"Adesso's advantage that the kit can operate in one of 8 different frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band"
Should have been "Adesso's advantage that the kit can operate in one of 8 different bands in the 2.4 GHz frequency"
Imaginer - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
The built in balls of the wireless keyboards are tiny, resulting in more thumb action, despite adjustments in acceleration, which can throw off "zeroing" in on your intended click space.That and one cannot game in such a manner, which is a double bonus of an HTPC (but people are thinking HTPCs should only be for media and music).
praeses - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
actually no, it should be in one of 8 different channels in the 2.4 GHz band"omgyeti - Thursday, October 23, 2014 - link
Those channels are bandwidths centered around 8 different carrier frequencies. So "8 different frequencies in the 2.4GHz band," as it appears in the article is perfectly acceptable.Imaginer - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
Why is everyone IGNORING WIRELESS TRACKBALLS?Specifically, the Logitech M570 as a more better means of HTPC control? Coupled with a inexpensive (preferably Logitech with Unifying receiver compatibility) one can have a full keyboard, unhindered in typing with a cursor drag device that is unhindered by any couch or any necessity of using a coffee table,
And it is worlds better than a finite trackpad versus a drag space of a sphere.
nathanddrews - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
Did you even read the review? Adesso SlimTouch WKB-3000 features a trackball. The M570 is awesome (we have two of them), but ultimately it's clunky to have two wireless peripherals unless you really need them.We've been using Logitech K400 keyboards (3x) for a couple years now and they have performed flawlessly. They're perfect for navigating the web or XBMC, even some light gaming, but anything involving more than four keypresses gives it trouble. We've only replaced the batteries in one of them in almost three years. $25 is hard to beat. All our HTPC hardware is hidden away behind walls/closets and the keyboards have no problems operating, even with all three going in the house.
I only break out the M570 if I want to play an RTS on the big screen, but it's so rare as to almost never happen. Otherwise, I just play on my gaming rig in the office with a real mouse/KB combo.
Imaginer - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
The trackball in the built in keyboard is smaller, thus more thumb action and need more target "zeroing" if one were to adjust the speed and acceleration to move a great distance to compensate.Bulky? Being separate, one can solely navigate the HTPC for media sans keyboard. The only time I ever use a keyboard for media, is to type in searches. Otherwise, it really is not much used in an HTPC setup.
And gaming, batteries still going strong in the trackball I used. Plus, the built in trackball, leaves your hands in a very uncomfortable playing position. And I also mentioned the built in trackball in a reply of another comment, I meant to be a part of this one since there is no edit feature.
nathanddrews - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I said clumsy, not bulky. Needing to use two separate devices is often enough to dissuade people from using media PCs or HTPCs.We clearly have different expectations from our media/HTPCs and our peripherals. Have you considered duct taping your M570 to a keyboard? :P
Imaginer - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
No because that is UNCOMFORTABLE.My M570 rests to my side, arm relaxed to the side. This is coming from a person that also detests controllers because of the hunched convergence.
SirGCal - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I have two M570's also, but NOT on my HTPCs (of which I have 3). As they mentioned, we would prefer one-hand operation. I DO have a solution but it's also the best of the bad options. It does work though. What I have is similar to this (but it is different, this might be better/newer): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9S...The HTPC is supposed to be short-access, not accurate (gaming) necessary. And a device like this is super-easy to click on a single file or program to execute and do so with one hand. I have to move my thumb just as much with that device as I do with my Logitech track ball. But in the end it is vastly better either way to have just one device for the HTPC and if you truly feel different, great for you but that's vastly in the minority.
Keisari - Thursday, October 23, 2014 - link
Sorry but I'm into trackpoints. A wireless Thinkpad keyboard like the current one would be perfect... if only it didn't have island keys.ruthan - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
Without back light, im not interested.Imaginer - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
Hence I used a K800, with back lighting, that is separate from the M570 I used. With bundles, one has to stick with whatever is bundled out of the offering, which bundled pointer drag and keyboard options in one device may not be desirable.Gunbuster - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
So the Lenovo N5902 Enhanced Multimedia Remote is too small to play in this shootout?EmperorDeslok - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I don't know, i'm curious who makes it for lenovo because it is an awesome little remote i had the older model(with trackball) and just replaced it with the optical one recentlyicrf - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
All of these are much, much larger than I'm interested in for HTPC use. I'm currently using a Logitech Dinovo Mini, which is 6.0" x 3.5". I'm obviously not writing an essay on the thing, but it's plenty to type out the name of a movie or actor, and it doesn't take up much space on the coffee table.http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008JGU3YA/
If I had to pick one, though, it would definitely be the WKB-3000. I had an old IR keyboard with a large track point style pointer input instead of a track ball, but the pointer top right and buttons top left is an incredibly comfortable way to use the device. It's far more comfortable than rotating the wrist and poking at a touch pad. I think so many people use laptops daily that they've gotten used to touch pads they're infiltrating everything else.
cjs150 - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
Best option for me is the Dinovo. A cheaper version is Rii Mini 2.4GHz Wireless Touchpad Keyboard. I use any even cheaper version (bought about 6 years ago from Maplin UK) which has a thumb trackball rather than touchpad with mouse buttons being where you would expect firing buttons on an XBox or pS4 controller - it is about the same size as an Xbox controller. For HTPC use it is a great design (easy to use one handed) - sadly the build quality is poor and the keyboard needs better key rollover function.icrf - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I've got a Rii, too, and that isn't anywhere near as reliable or nice as the Dinovo. Definitely cheaper, though.Gigaplex - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I considered one of those but went with the full blown diNovo Edge as I tend to dual purpose it as a regular keyboard on occasion.JeffFlanagan - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I think the requirement that the mouse should be built into the keyboard is misguided. I've had a home theater for over a decade now, and would find it extremely annoying to have to use a bulky keyboard all the time instead of simply using a mouse to select videos and music. I use a keyboard less than 5% of the time, so why tie the mouse to a keyboard?bill.rookard - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I had one of the Adesso WKB-3000 series keyboards, they were quite nice for the HTPC usage. The first one sadly had a candle knocked over on it, and wound up catching fire and melting. Don't ask how that happened. Just don't. :)The replacement was a bit buggy for some reason, and would occasionally lock up requiring a pull of the batteries and a reset. Also, the trackball was a bit jerky and didn't seem to have very good resolution for some reason. Then it just died. Perhaps a twitchy unit?
Now I have one of those mini-keyboards which actually works great for htpc usage (trackpad) with basic typing, any extensive typing is out of the question though.
Aikouka - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
Hmm.. these look interesting, but none of them look good enough to best my go-to solution, the Logitech MediaBoard Pro: https://support.logitech.com/en_us/product/3616 . The only downside is that it's not available anymore (much like my favorite HTPC remote, the Gyration Media Remote), and it's really designed for a PlayStation 3, which means it lacks a Windows key. Apart from that, it uses Bluetooth, which saves me from having to waste a USB slot on a wireless dongle, and it's a full-sized keyboard.rwpritchett - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I've been doing the HTPC thing for about 8 years and I've tried a number of keyboards. I've used a mouse+keyboard, trackballs, and mini keyboards. For my setup, the end all keyboard that is close to perfect is the “Logitech Mini”. It looks just like the DiNovo Mini (which I also have), but it has a few key differences:- it uses standard RF rather than bluetooth
- the range is better
- the battery life is incredible
- slightly different button layout
- it's far less expensive than the DiNovo Mini for some reason
In practice, I never liked the DiNovo Mini due to connection issues and lockups. I've also used the Lenovo N5902 Enhanced with my HTPC until one of the kids spilled soda on it >;( and it was a decent HTPC keyboard. The backlighting is nowhere near as nice as on the Logitech Mini however. If you want a small, inexpensive backlit keyboard for your HTPC give it a look.
wffurr - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
Tiny right shift keys! No good!I can't stand those. I greatly prefer half height arrow keys.
I think my ideal HTPC setup is an Apple Wireless keyboard with a magic bar attaching a magic trackpad.
hughlle - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I'd have preferred that it was just a big HTPC keyboard roundup given what is available these days, instead of just one companies offerings. But hey, you have your reasons...None of these really appeal to me, i'll just keep on using my tried and trusted di novo edges.
Gigaplex - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
It's a shame they discontinued the diNovo Edge and don't really have a replacement in the same league.hughlle - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
definately. While in the past i've had the disconnect issues to the point of considering a replacement (since fixed somehow, think just due to a change in room setup), nothing has ever come close to it in terms of style and quality. to the point that instead of buying an alternative, i just bought a second one for a different computer, to hell with the price.Aesthetically, every keyboard in this article is utter junk. Wouldn't be at all surprised if they are junk. Think i'd take my dinovo mini over anything reviewed here despite the cramped form factor (that and i lost it, it's somewhere, just don't know where, damned form factor!)
deadlockedworld - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I would love to see these compared to current offerings from Logitech, etc. A review of all one brand just isn't that helpful.Daniel Egger - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
Am I the only one who finds the selection of the devices and the receivers more than just a little odd? Seems like a random selection of relabelled cheap China devices to me. The size of the receiver are usually big topics as well as the compatibility with other devices because you'll only have a limited amount of USB ports (depending on what you're trying to use) and some of them are also visible so you don't want to connect any random crap to it. I already have far too many devices connected to my HTPC: 2 Logitech receivers (one unifying and one not :( ), 1 Bluetooth receiver, a Logitech Driving Force GT and a XBox 360 Wireless receiver.bobbozzo - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
BlueTooth uses 2.4GHz also, and there can be interference between BT and WiFi.http://www.ecnmag.com/articles/2012/03/wi-fi-and-b...
Vidmo - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I rarely use my keyboard/mouse combo with my HTPCs. I would like to see a round up of Media Center remotes instead.I have yet to find a good replacement for my Microsoft A9O-00007 Media Center Remote. The A9O-00007 allowed you to program the second power button for the TV, no other dedicated Media Center remote does this even today (that I can find). Please comment if you know of one.
ayejay_nz - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I use a Logitech K830 for my HTPC, really happy with it. Back lit, nice design, track pad, battery life seems good. It's quite big for the lounge but I personally find that the design mitigates that a little, it's nice to have a decent size when searching the net too. $79 USD on Amazon.Eiffel - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I also own a K830 and think it is the best solution on the market today, thanks to its combination of features (backlight, a few media keys, not too big, decent touch pad, very good battery life, Win8 gestures, etc.).It's not exactly cheap, but works well (I wish it was less prone to finger marks, that the keys weren't entirely flat and would have much preferred a trackpoint a la Lenove to the touchpad)
The Microsoft Arc keyboard I had before for typing, but lacked mouse control, backlighting and media keys. It was also less reliable and ran more often out of power.
meacupla - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
imo, any android device using some form of RDC or remote app is far better, at the cost of price, obviously.Alan G - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I've been using a Logitech K400 for almost a year now and have had zero issues with it. The WMC keyboard shortcuts are second nature and it's also easily used for Netflix and Amazon Prime searches as well as finding Internet streams of interest. I paid $25 via Amazon and I recommend it for the users of HTPCs I've built for family and friends.imaheadcase - Thursday, October 23, 2014 - link
Not sure why battery life is a concern. Most remotes/keyboard battery will last month and months at at time.. I have not had to replace mine in like 6 months.pramod1969 - Thursday, October 23, 2014 - link
I agree with the commentor above. love this HTPC keyboard/mouse. But I still miss a good trackball for faster movement across 160" projector screen.http://www.bestbuy.com/site/logitech-illuminated-l...
markbanang - Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - link
All of these keyboards, and the requirements list miss one essential HTPC feature - a backlight!When sat in a dark room, TV or projector being the only light source, how can you be expected to type your search terms if you aren't a touch typist?
It is frustrating that there don't appear to be any wireless backlit HTPC keyboards from reputable manufacturers in this price range.
azjeep - Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - link
I was disappointed when I read that they will not be discussing range in this review. I have a TV in a conference room and a Lenovo Tiny PC behind it. Getting a keyboard and mouse to work from as little as 10 feet away requires a USB extension cord and placing the receiver in direct line of sight to the keyboard which, IMO is completely unacceptable. I wish someone did a review on the true range of these things as it is very annoying.ultimatexbmc.com - Sunday, November 2, 2014 - link
Cool need one of these