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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Primum - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - link
I've been using the K830 for about five months now and have plugged it in to charge perhaps three times so far despite using it as my main keyboard. If I have a gripe it's that something to prop it up with would be nice, but aside from that I'm very happy. I picked it up in January sales for just over £60 after being hesitant to pay full price, though looking back I'd have been happy to pay a little more if I'd had a test run first.The keyboard is an identical layout to an 11.3" Asus, so it was familiar and comfortable. (UK model, anyway)
An interesting point about the function keys - in full screen games alt+F4 works just fine without the extra key press. I'm guessing this is just a software fix, so an option in the drivers as to which defaults would be nice. (I'll have a look to see if there's one already)
You can always ask for design improvements like a full aluminium chassis, Bluetooth or some kind of stand, but hey. What I'd really like is a 3.5mm jack to make listening to things quietly easier, but I'm probably in the minority there.
bhaberle - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - link
I have the K830. It is a wonderful keyboard. I have a laptop hooked up to my TV and it performs extremely well. The range is great and I have yet to have to recharge it after five months of use. The keys feels fine to use, the backlit keys are even throughout and the mousepad is a pleasure to use. I hate most logitech products but the K830 exceeded my expectations for my personal use. That said, I would always wait for it to go on sale before buying it. It's too expensive at its non-sale pricertho782 - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - link
May I suggest trying out "controller companion" and a wireless 360 controller? I'm using this for my HTPC now (also use steam in home streaming to play games on it from my main pc)http://store.steampowered.com/app/367670/
DLimmer - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - link
I have the K400, and find that, despite the lightweight feel, the durability is incredible. I've dropped it dozens of times and it just keeps working!I also have a Bluetooth keyboard from Microsoft: http://techgage.com/article/microsoft_wireless_ent...
While dated (no backlit keyboard), it has mouse capability and media functions built directly into the keyboard. For an HTPC build, it's easily worth about $100. I also use it with my PS3.
rtho782 - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - link
Yes, I have one K400, but the two newer ones i have are K400r, designed for Windows 8, and have all the F keys on fn+key and their standard functions set to useless gesture controls etc. Such a shame.piasabird - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - link
I am using a Logitech KT400r wireless touchpad keyboard that I purchased for about $35. It is not perfect, but I have been using it for about 2 years without changing the batteries.djellison - Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - link
Nothing on the range of these? For an HTPC keyboard, isn't that a major major issue? It is with the Logitech one I have right now.wiyosaya - Thursday, May 14, 2015 - link
CommandFusion is another option, but most people will have to program it themselves. With something like EventGhost, the CommandFusion route is easily one of the best (IMHO) - despite having to program it yourself. http://www.commandfusion.com/index.phpV900 - Friday, May 15, 2015 - link
Why anyone would get a special HTPC keyboard instead of just using a tablet or smartphone is beyond me.But hey, it's your 50-150$, crowded living room table, and abused 2.4-5 ghz bandwidth!
Surely even people who usually prefer a regular keyboard, can live with a smartphone/tablet keyboard for the four letters you'd need to type out before selecting "Star Trek" on Netflix?
msabercr - Friday, May 15, 2015 - link
The K830 is the best money I have spent. Im not sure why you would want any other keyboard on this list unless you really craved a track ball over a multi touch track pad (said no one ever).