Interacting with HTPCs: Logitech and Perixx Options Reviewed
by Ganesh T S on May 11, 2015 8:00 AM ESTComparisons and Concluding Remarks
Coming to the business end of the review, we have to take into consideration that the four keyboards reviewed in the preceding pages all target different price points and usage scenarios within the HTPC market. While the PERIBOARD-706 PLUS is a trackball keyboard, the other three provide touchpads. Personally, I prefer touchpad keyboards for HTPC use, but I can see users opting for trackball-based units given the advantage in terms of keyboard size. Some users believe that a backlit keyboard is a necessity for their HTPC setup and are quite willing to pay the premium for that. The Logitech K830 targets that niche.
The table below summarizes and compares the various aspects of all the wireless keyboard / trackball / touchpad combinations that we have reviewed so far.
| Keyboard Bench | ||
| Aspect | Logitech K830 | |
| Device Type | Keyboard + 2-button Touchpad | Keyboard + 2-button Touchpad |
| Dimensions | 14.40" x 4.90" x 0.65" | 16.14" x 5.71" x 1.02" |
| Weight | 1.09 lbs / 495 g | 1.12 lbs / 507 g |
| Power Source | Internal rechargeable battery | 2x AA |
| Communication | 2.4 GHz RF | 2.4 GHz RF |
| Power Saver | Explicit On/Off Switch | Explicit On/Off Switch |
| Keys Count | 79 + 3 volume control keys | 85 (with 11 multiplexed multimedia hotkeys) |
| Touchpad Dimensions (Diagonal) | 3.7" | 3.66" |
| USB Receiver Storage Compartment | No | No |
| Backlight | Yes | No |
| Keyboard Layout | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Ergonomics | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Build Quality | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| MSRP (USD) | $99.99 | $24.99 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
As evident from the table above, it is difficult to declare one particular unit as the best HTPC interfacing option out there. All of the presented units could do with an upgrade to operation in the 5 GHz band. Backlighting and internal rechargeable batteries carry a huge premium. Thankfully, almost all of the above options carry an explicit on/off switch.
In our opinion, the Logitech K400 presents the best balance of price, keyboard layout, ergonomics and build quality for HTPC purposes. It is not for everyone, though. Readers interested in a particular feature can use the above table to narrow down their choices and see how they compare to the other options.
Moving forward, we are looking forward to reviewing more options in this particular niche. If there is any particular model that you would like us to review, please sound off in the comments.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
76 Comments
View All Comments
Mushin - Friday, May 15, 2015 - link
I have an older model of this Lenovo Keyboard and find the Trakpoint superior to a Touchpad and/or Trackballhttp://www.amazon.com/ThinkPad-Compact-Bluetooth-K...
Yoo - Tuesday, October 20, 2015 - link
I have microsoft keyboard N9Z-00001 and I am looking for another wireless keyboard like k830 and tk820. Because MS keyboard dosen't have 'home' and 'end' key. Even software can not set up these function. MS keyboard set up soft ware only set few functions. mostly not necesary for using PC. If you use MS keyboard for Smart TV, It could be good choise. Cheap, bettery last long, sturdy, light. But When you use this for PC, you will find another keyboard. Think about how many times you need to use 'Home' and 'End' button. Also difficult to use 'Screen cap' function. You can only customize for 'f4' and another 3buttons(4 buttons) but each button can be customized for specific functions..(sorry for my poor english). and still 'FN' key set up is very bad.superflex - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - link
Funny how my Logitech MX1000 mouse from 2004 is still working fine and lasts over a week between charges.I think I paid $60 for that overpriced piece of junk.
Beaver M. - Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - link
Back then Logitech actually still had quite a few good products in that branch. I still have a MX510 from 2004. Nowadays... not so much.Beaver M. - Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - link
A HTPC keyboard without backlight = no-go.But I really dont get your guys arguing over this. There are enough very good keyboards for HTPCs out there. I am using a mini one from Rii. It has been working for 5 years now, 4.5 years longer than my Logitech diNovo Mini.
Aikouka - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
One of my favorite HTPC input devices is the Gyration media remote. The only huge downside is that it isn't made anymore, and it commands a hefty price tag on eBay -- upwards of $75 and in varying condition. Its advantage is that it can serve as a WiiMote-like mouse, which is nice when you end up back on the Windows desktop.Of course, that's not a keyboard. I've always been a bit fond of Logitech's PS3 Media Board as a HTPC keyboard. It uses Bluetooth, so it works great with a USB port-starved device like the NUC. Although, BT devices don't work outside Windows, which means you need another keyboard for BIOS tweaking. Also, since the keyboard was designed for the PS3, it lacks a Windows key. For my normal HTPC (not a NUC), I'm using a K400. Typing isn't much fun, but it works.
SleepModezZ - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard would probably be a contender as well. I prefer to type with it, compared to the Logitech K400. On the other hand, I prefer the Logitech because it has normal function keys and, with the help of the Fn-modifier, it is also possible to press the Print Screen key, which functions as the sys req key in Linux distributions.The Logitech models reviewed here seem to be similar to the Microsoft keyboard, regarding the above mentioned design choices. The Microsoft keyboard could be a good and less expensive alternative for them.
mathew7 - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
Well, the article says about fullsize being a requirement, but I still prefer the Lenovo N5902 for HTPC. The main reason is one-handed mouse operations with KB fallback (like when you need to type a movie name). My only problems: no BT option and the finger tracking has some issues (didn't think of finding a pattern, like maybe damp fingers, but just be specific, I keep away food-dirty fingers)at80eighty - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
One of the main issues I face while interfacing with my Kodi box, is struggling to type in a darkened room.Yet to come across a decent backlit HTPC keyboard
icrf - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I've been a fan of the Logitech Dinovo Mini (it goes by a few names) originally made for the first Google TV or something. Cost about $50, very small, passable keyboard and mouse, backlit, flip cover turns device off when closed, rechargeable: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Mini-Keybo...For an HTPC used as a media center, it's great. I wouldn't want to do a lot of work on the thing, but it's an HTPC, so I shouldn't be doing that, anyway. It's enough to get into some deep OS settings menu and muck about if needed, but at home if you mostly just want arrow keys and enter, and hitting a single letter. If you're looking for gaming or productivity, look elsewhere.
Really, the only thing better I've seen is the Boxee remote that D-link did, but it died with the box and wasn't backlit.