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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zachrohlfs - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
Wanted to edit my post to say full size keyboards are crap for HTPCs, its all about having a small form factor to operate and be able to place into a coffee table drawer. I am not about having a hulking lumbering keyboard floating around and yes anything over 4" x 8" is hulking. If you can type on a smartphone you can type on that footprint.Anandtech you are better than this review.
DCide - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
It depends on your usage and personal priorities.I used the K400 for over a year and could hardly stand it. A slightly undersized keyboard is one of the dumbest designs possible. It should either be significantly smaller than standard key-spacing, or not at all!
I've now had the TK820 for over a year, and it's much better. The larger size is well worth it. As has been mentioned, the trackpad could be better, and the wireless range is barely adequate. It works, and I can type on it. Not perfect, but I'm content with it.
Margalus - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I don't type on my smartphone. I speak into my phone and it types for me....A 4x8 keyboard might be ok for a 1 year old. But for an adult, no. It needs to be a somewhat full size keyboard that can be typed on.
Jakall78 - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
I personally think that any smartphone can be a good to great HTPC keyboard/controller. There are dozens of free apps that can control your HTPC by wifi. Kodi has dedicated apps and most work just great. Time for a software review perhaps?Daniel Egger - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
> All of the presented units could do with an upgrade to operation in the 5 GHz band.I was actually surprised that there really are a few devices operating at 5GHz; however I'd definitely always go for bluetooth since that is the only stable option for me, Logitech unifying sucks rocks although I'm living in one of the few not 2.4GHz starved areas...
I'm using a K810/T630 combo and I don't think anything can top that in usability and WAF (wife acceptance factor) plus I can have several pairings and easily switch it which is quite handy every now and then... I Would even go for a nice keyboard/touchpad all-in-one device but the available ones with Bluetooth truly suck.
Samus - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
Yeah, Bluetooth is hands down the best. It never cuts in/out and staggers like Unifying receivers, and coexists well with Wifi traffic.DeathReborn - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
None of these are good enough to replace my Rapoo E6700. It may be Bluetooth but it lasts an age, is really comfortable to use and has handy gestures to control Windows 8+ easily. It's also sturdy as a rock as my nephews are quite physical with it and it still works flawlessly.Hopefully Microsoft's moves to use the XBONE for HTPC purposes instead of Windows doesn't stop people making these kind of high quality peripherals (bad apples excluded ofc).
ahjones - Monday, May 11, 2015 - link
Sinclair QLmeacupla - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - link
No microsoft or rapoo?M4stakilla - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - link
Tablet + Kodi + Yatse is all I need / want...I don't see any advantage in having a silly keyboard around my sofa...