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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Samus - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I know, it's laughable. The diNovo Edge continues after a decade to be the best HTPC keyboard and it hasn't even been in production for 5 years! When I see one refurbished or on eBay I snatch them up and they still command nearly $100 used because of how desirable they are.That was an era when Logitech was quality-focused. Look at the original G15 keyboard, G35 racing wheel, diNovo-series, and the amazing Z5450 THX-certified speaker system with the wireless rear channel speakers. Now they just make crap, it's like they're intentionally holding out because WE KNOW they can do better. They have.
BillyONeal - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I wouldn't exactly call the original G15 a high quality product considering I've had 2 die on me. YMMVSamus - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I had the backlighting fade on mine in <2 years, but that's pretty normal considering it's on 24/7 and LED's are rated at 20,000 hours (9600 hours in a year?)It doesn't help they are blue, either. It'd be less noticeable they were fading if they were white.
But I guess my point about the G15 wasn't so much quality (although that's what I said :\) but more about what it was: the first mainstream gaming keyboard of its kind. That LCD was my primary desk clock for years, and the Battlefield 2 plugin was amazingly useful, as were the macro keys. It was a great keyboard for what it was.
Gigaplex - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
The backlight doesn't turn off when the keyboard is idle? Poor design.Samus - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
Lol. It was the first mainstream backlit keyboard, I don't think an led backlight timeout was on their minds. Besides, I've only ever seen backlight timeout on laptops or battery operated keyboards...Gigaplex - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I've had mine and it saddens me that the touchpad is temperamental these days. I've been disappointed with the lack of quality alternatives to replace it. Guess I'll stick with it for now.Gigaplex - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
That should read "I've had mine for about 8 years".damianrobertjones - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I've run the intro and so I've seen the Logitech K830. I 'owned' this keyboard and, although it looks nice, feels nice, plus works as intended it's a really poor keyboard. I actually prefer the Surface Pro type keyboard and that's saying something.SuperVeloce - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
So it ticks all the right boxes, but it's a poor keyboard. Can you elaborate?peterfares - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I have a TK820. I wouldn't recommend it because of the trackpad. It's very unreliable, worse than most bad notebook trackpads. The surface area is large which is nice, but it has too many false readings.