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.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
74 Comments
View All Comments
pintos - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
A thumb based HTPC keyboard/mouse article would be great!cjb110 - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
Just about to post the same:) If your more navigating, with occasional keyboard usage, then its far smaller.podspi - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
Yep. Been using one for years and it is just about perfect.peterfares - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
I have one of those, it kind of sucks. It's awkward to use.SirGCal - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
I have three of these. One word of caution, do not put the dongle in a USB3 powered port... cooked one (fire). Works great in USB2 though. Love it otherwise.zephxiii - Tuesday, March 4, 2014 - link
I like to use that Lenovo remote AND a regular wireless keyboard and mouse. The best of both worlds.cnccnc - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
Not sure if this is a big enough niche, but how about pointing devices for Windows 8.x-based HTPCs? I had to add Start8 and ModernMix to Win8 to make it usable as a desktop PC, but I think Modern/Metro works great as an HTPC interface.I'd like to see the various wireless touch mice, trackpads, a regular scroll wheel mouse, etc. reviewed in an HTPC context. I use Logitech K810 (which is outstanding) and a Logitech T620 mouse, which is meh.
You might also add the Logitech TK820 to this comparison.
burras - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
Unified remote (http://www.unifiedremote.com) is a very decent option, especially if used with a tablet. An IOS version is promised soon.SanLouBlues - Tuesday, March 4, 2014 - link
Unified remote is pretty awesome even with just the free version. The pulse eight CEC adapter plus Unified Remote for the situations where you need qwerty or mouse input (pretty much just software updates) is the ideal solution for me.RollingCamel - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - link
Unified Remote?https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com....