Interacting with HTPCs: Adesso Keyboard Options Reviewed
by Ganesh T S on October 22, 2014 8:00 AM ESTAdesso SlimTouch WKB-4400
The Adesso SlimTouch WKB-4400UB is a wireless keyboard / touchpad combo. Using 2x AAA batteries, it operates in the 2.4 GHz range and has an advertised range of 30 ft. The size of the device (18" x 6.5") is a bit more compared to the WKB-3000 (15" x 6.1") that we saw in the previous section. Therefore, HTPC usage is not the primary target market for this device. Adesso markets this device as an all-in-one solution for desktop PC users who wish to avoid wire clutter and too many devices on their desk.
Keeping the target market in mind, this wireless device is a full-sized keyboard with 104 keys (including a dedicated numeric keypad). In order to accommodate the touchpad in the area usually allocated to the arrow keys, the Ctrl keys have a reduced size compared to traditional keyboards. Users familiar with notebook keyboards will not find anything strange, though those migrating from the separate keyboard / mouse solutions may take some time getting used to the different location of the arrow keys. The layout is also responsible for our main complaint against the unit - the small size of the Glidepoint touchpad (2.25" x 1.5") which also integrates scrolling functions.
Befitting the desktop usage scenario, the keyboard provides the capability to have a raised position for the unit when kept on a flat surface. There is an explicit on/off toggle switch, magnetized recessed receptacle for the USB key and a Connect button to alter the communication frequency - all these are excellent features to have.
In terms of keyboard layout, there is not really much to complain about. The keys have a life-expectancy of 5 million cycles. The low-profile membrane key switch is quiet and enables faster typing, but the soft touch feel might not be to the liking of certain users. The buttons under the touchpad could also be a little less noisy. It would also be nice to have some sort of gesture support for actions on the touchpad. The keyboard has a chrome finish on the borders to add style, though, again, it might not appeal to all consumers equally.
All in all, this is an effective device with scope for improvement in the size of the touchpad. A glossy / fingerprint-magnet finish could also be avoided in future iterations. The device currently sells on Amazon for $71.
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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