Interacting with HTPCs: IOGEAR and SIIG Options Reviewed
by Ganesh T S on March 2, 2014 1:00 PM ESTComparisons & Concluding Remarks
The pros and cons of each of the keyboards being considered today have already been outlined. In order to make comparisons easier, we have drawn up the table below comparing the features and specifications of each unit. I usually prefer to include hard benchmark numbers while presenting reviews, but evaluating input devices is more of a subjective exercise. Hence, the various keyboards are given some subjective scores for certain metrics.
| HTPC Keyboards - Specifications & Features | ||||
| Aspect | Logitech K400 | IOGEAR GKM561R | SIIG JK-WR0412-S1 | SIIG JK-WR0312-S1 |
| Device Type | Keyboard + Touchpad / 2-button | Keyboard + Trackball / 2-button + Scroll wheel | Keyboard + Trackball / 2-button + Scroll wheel | Keyboard + Touchpad / 2-button |
| Dimensions | 13.94" x 5.35" x 0.94" | 14.125" x 6.5" x 1.5" | 13.6" x 6.3" x 1.8" | 12.125" x 8.75" x 0.625" |
| Weight | 0.79 lbs / 360 g | 1.26 lbs / 572 g | 1.2 lbs / 544 g | 1.4 lbs / 646 g |
| Power Source | 2x AA | 2x AA | 2x AA | 2x AAA |
| Communication | RF 2.4 GHz / USB Receiver | RF 2.4 GHz / 78 channels (auto channel hopping) | RF 2.4 GHz / 80 channels (no explicit channel hopping) | RF 2.4 GHz / 80 channels (no explicit channel hopping) |
| Power Saver | Explicit On / Off Switch | Explicit On / Off Switch | Auto Sleep | Auto Sleep |
| Extra (Multimedia) Keys | 4 | 8 | 14 | 8 |
| USB Receiver Storage Compartment | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Backlight | No | No | No | No |
| Keyboard Layout | 8 / 10 | 6 / 10 | 5 / 10 | 6 / 10 |
| Ergonomics | 6 / 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Build Quality | 7 / 10 | 9 / 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| MSRP (USD) | $39.99 | $49.95 | $59.99 | $69.99 |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years |
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. The IOGEAR GKM561R could really do with a better keyboard layout and proportionately sized keys. It also needs a left click button on the top frame near the trackball. The SIIG JK-WR0412-S1 and JK-WR0312-S1 need to both improve upon the keyboard layout (particularly the location of the Ctrl and Fn keys). Automatic channel hopping could also help with range issues. The trackball version (JK-WR0412-S1) needs standard sized keys and a trackball of better quality. The touchpad version (JK-WR0312-S1) needs quieter mouse buttons as well as a larger touchpad area. The units missing an explicit on/off button would do well to integrate one.
Moving forward, we are looking 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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kolepard - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
The section on the Logitech appears to be missing at the moment.kolepard - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
Ah, nevermind, I see now.sepffuzzball - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
I still use my Logitech Dinovo Edge for my HTPC...still haven't found one that looks better! Bit expensive at $100 when I bought it (on sale I believe too) though...xraycat - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
This is the latest HTPC keyboard/mouse/remote device I'm using:http://liliputing.com/2013/04/feilan-fl-102-media-...
I've got the Lenovo Remote Keyboard v2 and used to have v1. This Feilan device is great as it can switch between PC (RF) and TV (IR). The only downside is it can't switch between multiple IR devices, I just program the buttons to operate my TV and cable box simultaneously.
willis936 - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
After reading through this I realized how cheap it would be to be able to control my desktop from my TV in the next room. I have an HDMI extender going to it and it works great but having to use a dinky android tablet for remote desktop or get up to change/set stuff up is annoying. $30 to be able to just turn on my tv and use my computer from my couch? Yep.Don Tonino - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
I'm not sure if it is still on sale, but for the last 3 or 4 years I've been quite happy with the Enermax Aurora Micro (http://www.enermax.co.uk/aurora-micro-wireless). The aluminium face place adds to the weight, but it has a really neat finish and feeling IMHO.kgh00007 - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
What about this Logitech k820 all in one, totally awesome and multi touch touchpad supports windows 8 gestures!http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-all...
Vincent - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
I have the IOGEAR and am unimpressed with its build quality. The left mouse button sticks and the trackball does not consistently respond. I have two Logitech K400s and they are way better.ganeshts - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
The trackball issue - I have seen that on almost all trackball based units I have used - FWIW, the trackball quality, feel and responsiveness was better on the IOGEAR compared to the SIIG.Now, the K400 is a touchpad unit -- So, it wouldn't be fair to compare the trackball vs. touchpad build quality. In addition, the K400s are almost half the weight of the other units. For many people, it appears a little flimsy.. Having a toddler around in the living room, I have been worried about the health of the K400 when it gets into her hands :)
It is all a subjective experience -- Personally, I prefer the touchpad to the trackball keyboards, but different people have different requirements / preferences.
casteve - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
I have the K400. On the plus side, it's cheap and Logitech's paired wifi transceivers work great. On the minus side, the touchpad response is horrible/erratic. If they put in a decent quality touchpad and added a backlight to the keyboard (HTPC lives in a dark room, eh?) it would go from mediocre to great.