HTPC Keyboard

Self explanatory thread I guess. Which wireless keyboard do you guys recommend for a HTPC? A KB with trackpad/ball would be a plus, but not completely necessary.

Thanks!

 

Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 Peripheral review - Trusted Reviews

I have that on my HTPC. It has integrated touchpad, I haven't used normal mouse for the last year or so. I can recommend it because I have good experience with that.

 

There is one model that is exactly what your asking for, its a mini keyboard with trackball that I see go on sale quite often.

Next time I see it on sale I will try to remember to post it here.

For now here are 2 good wireless keyboard deals if you decide just to get a wireless mouse.

Best deal and coupon Logitech K340 Black 101 Normal Keys USB 2.4 GHz Wireless Slim Keyboard - LogicBUY

$40 off Logitech Ultra-thin Illuminated Keyboard with Backlighting - LogicBUY


Edit: here is the one I was looking for or atleast one similar, deal over though
http://www.fatwallet.com/Lenovo-coupons/lenovo-multimedia-remote-with-keyboard-11/

 

I quite like the look of the Lenovo mini one.
Lenovo - Laptop and desktop - Keyboards & Mice 57Y6336 (US)

I had a Dinovo Mini but it was kind of a hassle so I switched back to the (discontinued) Microsoft Entertainment Desktop 8000 (which I would not actually recommend that much).

 

My HTPC Keyboard of choice is the Logitech diNovo Mini, and coupled with XBMC and Logitech driver suite called SetPoint it works great for my needs.
(Also works on PS3 and thats the second reason i bought it.)

The only problem for me it that the "ClickPad" thats a cross between a touchpad and arrow keys when a switch is flipped, tends to go all crazy sometimes.
Its not a big problem but i am mentioning it anyways.

 

Thanks all for the responses so far!

Definitely going to take this into consideration. Is the touchpad in the square location on the top-right? It looks a little small from the pictures.

Thanks! I looked at the same Logitechs as well, and they are definitely on my shortlist. I would say that I am leaning towards a Logitech right now.

@Vogelbung & DEagleson: These look a little on the smallish side. How does it feel using them?

 

Yeah. You can switch it between being an arrow-key-pad to a touchpad. It does work - there's a lot of 'brushing' involved but it's nice to have an AIO.

Well, that was my problem with the Mini in that I found I was actually needing a 'full PC' keyboard with the amount of remote desktopping and actual typing I was doing on the HAPC. These days though - I probably could swap back to the Dinovo or the Lenovo and not feel too cramped actually as the HAPC is now solely a HAPC.

 

ipazzport pro mini. available in 2.4Ghz wireless and Bluetooth models

Mini wireless Keyboard and Touchpad(KP-810-10A) photo show

they're on the smaller side, but I personally prefer small and portable for htpc use.
it has just everything in a compact size, you name it:
keyboard, touchpad, dedicated multimedia buttons, backlit, arrow/direction buttons, page up/down, laser pointer.
also the receiver can be stored inside the kb for easy transport.

 

Thought I'd put in my 2 cents worth - I've had a couple of media keyboards already - but the one I ended up with is an Enermax Aurora Micro. Brilliant. Essentially a laptop keyboard with trackball. Works really well and is solidly made (of aluminium). Bought it off ebay and very happy. Here's a review
Enermax Aurora Micro Wireless Keyboard Review | Hardware Secrets

 

That looks really nice! Too bad it is a little pricey, otherwise, I would spring for it.

 

I know two people with this and they both love it. I bought one on some hot deal, but haven't used it yet.

I also have a Logitech DiNovo Edge and really liked it, but it doesn't seem to work properly now. Doesn't detect. Kind of disappointing for such an expensive item. It did look really nice though, and it had "wow factor" for anyone who saw it. I wish the touch pad was a hair bigger, and maybe more square instead of a circle, but otherwise it worked well - until it stopped working.

What I'm using right now is an IOGEAR GKM561R that I picked up from some deal. It was cheap compared to the DiNovo Edge. I actually like the feel of the keys on the keyboard. The wireless part has so far been pretty flawless (couple months). My only problem with it has been the trackball. It works, but has a terrible feel to it. It doesn't spin smoothly as if the rollers were dirty or something, but it had been like that since new.

 

I've found for our HTPC, I prefer having a cheapie IR keyboard for the few times I actually use the keyboard, but generally I just use our Logitech Harmony remote with it.

Depends on what you will end up doing with your PC, though... ours is purely media and a NAS, so there's little reason to use anything other than a remote, and it's easier to keep a remote on the coffee table than the keyboard.

 

You are right. I will also be using as a regular PC sometimes, so I definitely prefer a larger KB, maybe laptop size.