HTPC Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Recommendations?

I recommend the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard. Very small, no numeric keypad, unsurpassed design, half the price of the Logitech you cited. The Apple Wireless Mighty Mouse is pretty darn good too.

I asked the same question a couple of years ago and I learned from the HTPC crowd about this one:

http://www.directron.com/ack581.html

It's tiny, includes a mouse thingy, and cheap.

I don't know where else they sell it, but I'm sure you could find it or a similar one elsewhere.

I have a similar setup at my placed (not quite as big a monitor, but a mac mini connected to a HDTV).

I really recommend the newest Apple Bluetooth keyboard. The apple mouse is crap... My only complaint is there isn't a cradle for it.

For mice, the Microsoft Bluetooth mice are great! I've been through 3 wireless mice and the "Wireless Laser Mouse 8000" is the best I've used. I got one for work and after using it for a week I replaced my home's wireless logitech mouse with it.

I have a HTPC and I use the following keyboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823166052

It works OK for minor amount of typing and has good range. Also you might want to look into something like iMon as its easier then having to use a keyboard all the time.

A Logitech option that is cheaper than the diNovo is the Cordless Mediaboard series. They are marketed for PS3 but also work fine with Windows/Mac:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/playstation_3/keyboards/&cl=us,en

There are Bluetooth and Wireless versions.

+1 on any logitech

Why do you need a keyboard and mouse? Why not use a universal remote and just program it to respond to certain keys (ie - the back and forward buttons and the nav arrows, enter...etc... etc..) That's what i've done with my harmony One (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880111006)

I use a Microsoft Remote Keyboard (Windows XP Media Center Edition).

Not under Windows XP mind you.. but Linux running MythTV.
I find that whilst the 'mouse joystick' isn't the best, it's actually convenience and the keyboard sits well on your lap.

A bit of hacking and I've got pretty much all the keys working.

Add to that I'm using one of the Logitech Harmony remotes. So I only really pick up the keyboard when I need to type something... as the Harmony has me covered for pure MythTV options.

(well) I would love to have this one :-)

Ione Scorpius P20ST
http://tinyurl.com/43j69w

I`m just running a Vino server on the HTPC box then use VNC to connect to it from any laptop which I have lying around anyhow when on the couch .. :)

@Kris:

That's kinda what I'm doing now.

I've been pretty happy with the diNovo Edge-- the touchpad is indeed funky, but the overall design and materials are really pleasing. My HTPC box runs basically only gnome-terminal and mplayer, so the touchpad isn't really used.

Dont buy without checking out BTC keyboards.
http://www.btc.com.tw/english/2-7-keyboard.htm
I picked up a returned http://www.btc.com.tw/english/2-7-21keyboard.htm#9019URFIII for $32 at frys a couple years back and absolutely love it. Cheap, simple, NOT IR, built in mouse, top buttons programable (I have Home to TV, Favorites to Recorded shows, and whatever the 3rd one is to Guide in MCE)

And no I dont work for them ;) I would LOVE a DiNovo mini but I cant justify the price for how often I'd use it. (Not to mention loose it)

I like the Adesso SlimTouch Wireless 2.4 GHz RF Mini Touchpad Keyboard, model # WKB-4000US available from NewEgg. It's like a laptop keyboard with touchpad. Great for couch surfing.

http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=281

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823166047

I second Jesse's comment about the Apple BT kb. Very compact and light (no number pad), though I have not tested on a PC yet (not sure about drivers). I have a Logitech V470 BT mouse. The mouse works well with my Vista laptop and my Mac Mini. The blue version of the V470 is $42.24 shipped at Amazon.

Forgot to mention that the V470 works on fabric (bed sheets, couch fabric). :)

I like the new Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and the Logitech V470 combo, too.

We use a projector, so our mac mini/ps3/receiver/wii/.. is relatively close behind where we sit, but as long as you're in the same room I'd think the bluetooth signals will reach just fine.

I have the keyboard reviewed here:

http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/09/24/review-the-trust-kb2.html

and I have to say that the review is spot on. For when it's necessary, it's a good keyboard. I do all of my system control (MythTV) with a Harmony 620 remote. The keyboard comes out when it's time to type into search fields and such.

To give you a better idea of the size, I can pick it up with one hand spread across the keyboard (palming it). It's small, light, unobtrusive and the power button by the trackball means it sips power. Mine lives propped up against the wall beside my chair.

I got mine from buy.com for $10.

Chris

@Kris & Jeremy
Try Input Director (google it) same idea as your vnc setup but with less security issues and it's way easier. Just toss your cursor off one side of your laptop and it appears on your htpc.... very nice, fast and FREE. :)

I use a PC for the majority of my entertainment center, and I really love gthe Logitech DiNovo Mini, here: http://www.directron.com/920000594.html

Media center controllers only work for a limited subset of controls, so you end up with a keyboard, mouse, and a remote all for one device. This thing's not for typing novels on, but I can type URLs, rename files, and whatnot. It's got a rechargeable battery that lasts for about a month between pit-stops, an integrated dust cover to keep it looking sharp in the middle of the family room, Bluetooth connectivity, and very straightforward back lighting. You can even use it one-handed with a beer in your off-hand. The touchpad is a little weird, in that it's about the same as any laptop in the world, but a much smaller surface. However, it's the most convenient and capable controller for the family room I've used. And that includes wireless lapboards, RF trackballs, remotes, and keyboard/mouse combos.

Hi Jeremy,

I have gread luck with the Adesso wirless mini keyboard. Check it out at http://www.amazon.com/Adesso-WIRELESS-SLIMTOUCH-TOUCHPAD-WKB-4000US/dp/B00083Y0YG

Dave

If you have a laptop already, save yourself the money and just use synergy:
http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/

It's software that allows you to use the mouse/keyboard of one computer for another. Just scroll your mouse off the edge of the screen and it appears on your HDTV. Pretty slick.
-Brett

I would look into the Apple Bluetooth wireless keyboard. Yeah, sure it's Apple and I know you aren't a fan, but the keyboard is great, thin, small, and pretty indestructable.

One thing for sure, you don't want a keyboard with a touchpad. In my case it starts to hurt my hands after a period of use. My friends complain about it as well. It is so not ergonomic.

I have the BTC URF 9019. It's ok, but starts to become big.
I also have the Trust. Its very good, but the casing is very cheap. It is a very small board though.

The Logitech boards are a big no because of the price. Just like the Apple boards.

The BTC 9039URF III look interesting, but i can't find this cheaper than 75 dollars. So i find it too expensive.

I would recommend to stick with the Trust for now and wait till some company comes with a good decent priced board. The Trust will do your few clicks and hits fine.

The best HTPC keyboard is the apple Ipod touch. The apps mocha and Jaadu allow you to use the ipod touch as a wireless keyboard / mouse with plenty functionality. I also have the DiNovo Mini, but the Ipod is much better.

hi there people.

check out the keyboard from linen-n-more(dot)com, i have one and been using it for about 4 months, i have my laptop connected to the big screen and use the htpc keyboard which works like a dream. its very thin lightweight and works from around 20 meters away from the laptop, with 4AAA batteries lasting over 6 months.

we have the keyboard on special this month for AUD $110.00.
it works on 2.4 GHZ and never had a problem with other wireless signal in the room.

if you have any questions feel free to drop me a line.

That's how you know a keyboard is good.