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.
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Gigaplex - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
Dinovo Mini came out 2008, Google TV was 2010.bhaberle - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - link
K830 has a very good backlit keyboard. At least I am able to use it with no issues. It automatically turns off the lighting after a few moments though. I am happy that it does since it saves battery, but I could see how it may bother other people. I am not sure if its an adjustable setting or not.FH123 - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
Do a Google image search on "Thinkpad travel keyboard". Thinkpad keyboards are often regarded as the best in the business, are they not? Personally I wouldn't look any further. Unfortunately, these days, the keyboards are squarely targeted at trackpoint users and don't feature a touchpad anymore. They do offer wired and Bluetooth options though.There is an older version with a larger palmrest, which might still be available, and an even older "Ultranav travel keyboard" that also includes a touchpad. I use the latter for my HTPC. It is sturdier than the later one, but you'll only get it on eBay now.
I find the ones with the larger palmrest ideal for use on the lap (haven't tried the latest). The trackpoint is also great for gaming, with the probable exception of FPS "twitch" games. It's like a little joystick. You never run out of space compared to a touchpad.
mr_tawan - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
Finally Logitech gets its layout right on HTPC keyboards. K400r was horrible in arrow-keys placement.Samus - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
The stepped keys especially suck. The last OEM to manufacture stepped keyboards was HP (although they were actually made by Chicony) who discontinued using them after 2009, yet Logitech continues using them through the K4xx series. The K8xx are a huge improvement key-cap wise. But for the price you might as well just get a $25 Microsoft Media Keyboard with the same specs minus backlighting and AA batteries that last a year.wymaan - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I don't mind the stepped keys so much as that right shift key. That thing is awful for a touch typist. Getting a ? mark into my work is brutal. Not something I thought about before buying.colinstu - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
Wish one of these had a numpad on it.Samus - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
For a media center keyboard?Sork2015 - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I own the Logitech TK820. The keyboard is awesome. The trackpad is awful. I often use the keyboard paired with a mouse because the trackpad is just useless.Uxi - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I think I have had my logitech Dinovo Edge for over 10 years now. These new keyboards don't seem to be an improvement over my old champion.