Keyboard/Touchpad Recommendations for HTPC?

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BaronGrivet

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#143882 30-Apr-2014 12:50

I've got my HTPC up and running well using Windows 7 and Chrome Apps.

It's weakest link is the wireless keyboard I got from Jaycar: http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=XC4943

The HTPC is sitting in a cupboard in the room below our living room - so although it's only 4-6 metres from where we use the keyboard there's a fair amount of wood and Pinkbatts to get through.

This means the connection comes and goes - which is particularly annoying when using the trackball.

I like the way the keyboard has trigger buttons on the top left/ top right and a good selection of browser/ multimedia function keys but the flaky connectivity is doing my head in.

What are your recommendations for a keyboard/ touchpad combo that works well for HTPC?

I've been looking at Logitech's offerings because they're a known quantity and have served me well in the past: http://www.logitech.com/en-nz/keyboards/keyboards

Any other recommendations/ ideas are welcome.

Preferably I'd like the keyboard to be able power the HTPC off an on (so work through BIOS).

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#1033958 30-Apr-2014 13:09

I like the new Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/all-in-one-media-keyboard/N9Z-00001

Satch

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#1033976 30-Apr-2014 13:36

I've got one of these for my HTPC and it does the job really well (except it is not backlit) http://www.logitech.com/en-nz/product/wireless-touch-keyboard-k400r?crid=26

The MS one Nathan linked to looks even better than this and is much cheaper too.

I've also got my eye on one of these, but it's brand new and at a premium at the moment http://www.logitech.com/en-nz/product/living-room-keyboard-k830?crid=26

If you end up going for the MS keyboard, please post back your thoughts.

Kraven

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#1033977 30-Apr-2014 13:36

We use the Logitech K400r at home, works great. No idea if it will work through walls, our HTPC sits under the TV.

The Microsoft one Nathan posted looks great too.

turb

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#1033989 30-Apr-2014 13:51

The Logitech K400 is light, compact, and can wake the PC from sleep.

Instead you could try this though...

I recently bought this off Amazon: Ortek Vista XP Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver for Home, Premium and Ultimate Edition.

They don't ship to NZ but used the NZ post YouShop service. I've stopped using the keyboard now unless I actually need to type something, I created shortcuts for everything I do on the HTPC (WMC, Netflix, BBC iPlayer) and use the thumbpad on the remote. The remote also has left and right mouse buttons, and buttons that will close the active window etc.

Edit: the remote will also wake/sleep the HTPC.

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

BaronGrivet

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#1033990 30-Apr-2014 13:51

nathan: I like the new Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/all-in-one-media-keyboard/N9Z-00001

Those look great, for the money.

Unfortunately I can't find anywhere which has them in stock: http://pricespy.co.nz/#rparams=ss=microsoft%20all-in-one%20media%20keyboard

I've also got my eye on one of these, but it's brand new and at a premium at the moment http://www.logitech.com/en-nz/product/living-room-keyboard-k830?crid=26

I'm tempted to wait for these to be available - the pricing isn't bad if the keyboard is as nice as it looks: http://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=676061#rparams=ss=logitech%20k830

Satch

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#1033996 30-Apr-2014 13:55

For some reason Nathan gave us a link to the US Microsoft site and it doesn't look like this keyboard is even available in NZ! The price was too good to be true too I guess (it is USD$39.95, not NZD).

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afe66

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#1034001 30-Apr-2014 14:00

+1 for the Logitech 400

rlevis

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#1034037 30-Apr-2014 15:08

nathan: I like the new Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/all-in-one-media-keyboard/N9Z-00001

I don't see any mouse buttons on this keyboard. Does it require tapping the pad to click? I don't like those types of trackpads.

Blanch

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#1034150 30-Apr-2014 17:19

I’ve got the K400 and it’s great, it’s also tough my kids have been giving it a hard time for the last 2 years.

I like the look of K830 but its $149.95

nathan

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#1034178 30-Apr-2014 18:20

Satch: For some reason Nathan gave us a link to the US Microsoft site and it doesn't look like this keyboard is even available in NZ! The price was too good to be true too I guess (it is USD$39.95, not NZD).

sorry we don't have it up on the NZ site yet

Its available May 26 for NZ$79

turb

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#1034207 30-Apr-2014 19:19

rlevis:
nathan: I like the new Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/all-in-one-media-keyboard/N9Z-00001

I don't see any mouse buttons on this keyboard. Does it require tapping the pad to click? I don't like those types of trackpads.

One of the nice features of the Logitech K400 is a left mouse button situated in the top left corner, as well as the standard buttons under the pad.

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

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floydie

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#1040381 8-May-2014 21:45

theres a left click in the top left?? HAHA who knew!
i like the k400 but DO NOT leave it in the direct sunlight as the touchpad will stop working within seconds.

turb

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#1040473 9-May-2014 07:05

If the sun is shining you should be out playing Ingress.

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

reven

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#1040474 9-May-2014 07:15

rlevis:
nathan: I like the new Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/all-in-one-media-keyboard/N9Z-00001

I don't see any mouse buttons on this keyboard. Does it require tapping the pad to click? I don't like those types of trackpads.

if you look at the larger pic of the keyboard you'll see two "buttons" at the bottom.

BaronGrivet

66 posts

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#1040514 9-May-2014 08:25

turb: If the sun is shining you should be out playing Ingress.

The jury is still out on that. There's lots of things to be done on a sunny day.

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