Best HTPC wireless keyboard

[raoul]

I have my server plugged into my TV and watch SageTV through it. For years, I have been using a BTC 9029URF III wireless (RF) keyboard and have loved it. I think I got the model number from a review on geektonic. However, due to a mishap with my daughter and a cup of coffee, I have lost the joystick functionality of the keyboard. I was able to take it apart and get everything else working, but not the joystick. So, now I am looking for a new keyboard, and for some reason I can't seem to find a place to buy BTC keyboards any longer.

So, I am looking for recommendations on wireless keyboards. I do use it to occasionally surf the web, so I require a nice mouse functionality. I also require the HTPC controls (play, pause, FF, etc) and it has to be RF since the computer is in a closet. So... what is everyone using these days?

[Fuzzy]

It doesn't have clean-cut media control buttons, but I just picked up one of these a few days ago.

Works great for the occasional keyboard needs (like if I'm doing extensive tweaking or searching), but most my interaction is still through an IR remote to a USB-UIRT mounted to the TV. It's bluetooth, so it should also work with my phone and tablet (though I haven't tried it yet)... and it's got a laser pointer built in, for playing with dogs, cats, and small children.. :-)

[emveepee]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

It doesn't have clean-cut media control buttons, but I just picked up one of these a few days ago.

I'm jealous, mine has been stuck in Purolator since last week. I got the USB one since I wanted it to work in linux and extenders as a HID device.

I have two others the Boxee Box and the one with my Samsung TV and they are both awful, I hope this is an improvement.

Martin

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by emveepee

I'm jealous, mine has been stuck in Purolator since last week. I got the USB one since I wanted it to work in linux and extenders as a HID device.

I have two others the Boxee Box and the one with my Samsung TV and they are both awful, I hope this is an improvement.

Martin

It works just like a keyboard... touch a key, and the letter appears... not sure what else you'd want. The touchpad is very small, and as such, It's not really good for extended use - but for an HTPC that is designed t work with a standard remote control, this works as a great supplement... the price was pretty cheap on amazon as well.

[gabrielcab]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

It works just like a keyboard... touch a key, and the letter appears... not sure what else you'd want. The touchpad is very small, and as such, It's not really good for extended use - but for an HTPC that is designed t work with a standard remote control, this works as a great supplement... the price was pretty cheap on amazon as well.

I have one of those and it do the job right but keep in mind that it is really small, feels smaller than the picture.

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by gabrielcab

I have one of those and it do the job right but keep in mind that it is really small, feels smaller than the picture.

It's quite a bit larger than a smartphone keyboard, to put it in perspective.

[raoul]

Hmmm... that looks like a pretty interesting option. I am a bit bothered with the lack of the full multimedia buttons, as that is what I use the most. I guess you have to learn Ctrl-S or other key combinations for stop and other options?

I like the looks of this brando site... they have a few options, but I think I need to find one with a full multimedia keys

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by raoul

Hmmm... that looks like a pretty interesting option. I am a bit bothered with the lack of the full multimedia buttons, as that is what I use the most. I guess you have to learn Ctrl-S or other key combinations for stop and other options?

I like the looks of this brando site... they have a few options, but I think I need to find one with a full multimedia keys

Like I said, I would never use this for normal usage (or any keyboard, for that matter). A remote control is the proper tool for the job.

[rrhorer]

I agree with Fuzzy. But, if you want to see other options, look for multimedia keyboards on Amazon. You'll find the one Fuzzy recommends (probably the best choice) and several others:
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wirel.../ref=pd_cp_e_2
http://www.amazon.com/Multimedia-Key...ef=pd_sim_pc_3

[Jackass]

I have an IOGEAR GKM561R and have been fairly happy with it. I use my IR remote 90% of the time, but when I want to do some setup or use the browser I have the keyboard. It is smaller than a full-size keyboard and mouse, but not to small to sit it on your laptop and type if needed. It fit my requirement which was to have a smaller keyboard and mouse available in the living room that the Wife would not object to and wouldn't break the bank.

I had looked at the one that Fuzzy shows (I think it is on Amazon as a Rii?) but just wasn't sure due to the mixed reviews on Amazon. I also wasn't sure how well I could actually type with it.

[wayner]

I have an Ovation keyboard that I bought several years ago and it is still going strong. I keep the keyboard and mouse behind the TV since I only use them on an infrequent basis. The mouse even works in the air as it is gyroscopic. I have always thought about getting a Logitech diNovo Mini but have never got around to it.

I bought an Apple wireless bluetooth keyboard to use with my iPad - presumably this could be used with an HTPC as well.

[SWKerr]

For TV watching there is really very little I can't do with a MCE remote using EventGhost or LM Remote but for occasional web surfing etc the keyboard is really required. I find I spend a fair amount of time on my couch web-surfing in the reclined position.

I had been using several Belkin Multimedia keyboard for years and loved it but the "o" stopped working on one of them and I needed a replacement. Since you can't get them anymore I started looking around.

I originally bought the touch-based mini keyboard Fuzzy posted:
http://www.amazon.com/Rii-Portable-W.../dp/B00471FDOG
Although this mini keyboard was functional I did not really like it. I moved it to the HTPC in the garage that is my shop\weight room. It is perfect for that room as I never do anything but watch TV and just need the keyboard for occasional updates and installs.

Next I tried the Lenovo Multimedia Remote with Keyboard N5901
http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Multime.../dp/B0036VO67I
I still use this on one of my HTPCs and like it much better for websurfing than the mini touch pad. The track ball is more precise and it is easy to navigate with just one hand.

I ended up buying the IOGEAR Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball in addition to the Lenovo mini:
http://www.amazon.com/Multimedia-Key.../dp/B002H0BOBA
Perfect for the job.

I ended up in the end with a full sized keyboard because I am at the age where I am close to needing Bifocals and I can't read the tiny keys very well with my contacts in or taking my glasses off. If you need reading glasses I would not recommend any of the mini keyboards because you will be looking for your glasses anytime you want to type something.

[wayner]

Originally Posted by SWKerr

If you need reading glasses I would not recommend any of the mini keyboards because you will be looking for your glasses anytime you want to type something.

You need to look at the keys of a keyboard - you must not have taken typing in Grade 9. Probably my most useful high school course and also the best class in terms of Girl-Boy ratio!!

[SWKerr]

Originally Posted by wayner

You need to look at the keys of a keyboard - you must not have taken typing in Grade 9. Probably my most useful high school course and also the best class in terms of Girl-Boy ratio!!

On the Mini keyboards they are tiny and not necessarily in the same place so knowing how to type really helps very little.

That said I can type fine but don't really know where the keys are visually even if they were laid out the same. I have to have my hands on the keyboard in the right location and my brain does the rest. Just the way my brain works. I actually discovered a few years ago I did not know my bank pin number. My hand could type it in but I could not recall what it was and had to physically type it in to figure it out.