Interacting with HTPCs: IOGEAR and SIIG Options Reviewed
by Ganesh T S on March 2, 2014 1:00 PM ESTSIIG JK-WR0312-S1 - Features & Usage Impressions
The SIIG JK-WR0312-S1 is a wireless mini keyboard with an integrated multi-touch touchpad. Using 2x AAA batteries, it operates in the 2.4 GHz range and has an advertised range of 33 ft. The integrated touchpad supports multi-finger touch, which allows it to simulate a 3-button mouse despite have only two physical buttons beneath the touch area.
Each touchpad has its own set of gestures mapped to different events. Some touchpads have vertical scrolling by moving a finger along the right edge, and some have pinch to zoom functionalities. The touchpad in this keyboard maps taps with one finger, two fingers and three fingers to the left button, middle button and right button click respectively. Double tapping with a single finger is a double click (this is universal across all touchpads). A double tap and hold coupled with the sliding of another finger corresponds to a drag operation, while the vertical scroll is implemented by vertical sliding of two fingers together.
The Ctrl-Fn key position swap and the /.numeric keypad / main keypad issue of the JK-WR0412-S1 (described in the previous section) are also present in this keyboard. There is an auto-sleep mode after 8 to 10 minutes of inactivity, and an explicit key press or mouse button click is necessary to come out of that mode. Again, this is a bit messy for HTPC scenarios, where users tend to move fingers across the touchpad but find the unit unresponsive when in sleep mode. Unlike the trackball keyboard, there is not even a hidden indication of the unit being in this mode. Despite supporting multiple channels, there appears to be no support for auto-frequency hopping. In case of keyboard range issues or operational issues, pressing the pairing buttons on the receiver as well as the keyboard helps shift the communication to a different channel. Unlike the JK-WR0412-S1, the keys are of the standard size. They are quiet and a pleasure to type on. However, the two touchpad buttons are quite noisy.
Amongst the positives for the unit are the recessed storage compartment in the main unit for the USB receiver (makes it easy to carry around the unit and/or store everything safely for later use). Unlike the other keyboards covered in this piece, we have two legs on the underside which can be snapped open for tilt and height adjustment. This makes the unit a better fit for extended typing duties compared to the rest.
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rygaroo - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
So I keep my HTPC in my bedroom closet (the wall behind my TV) and run an HDMI cable through a wall plate, and my current wireless keyboard cuts out if I'm too far away from the TV. Are there any keyboard/mouse combos that would get me better signal for my particular setup?wlossw - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
Too bad there's no option with MAC keyboard layout... oh wait... apple keyboard + magic trackpad + 12 south magic wand. done.Spazzy - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
My current favorite;http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9S...
The track pad on this unit is simply stellar. It even mimics standard laptop functionality like tap to click. Lets be honest, you use the mouse functions far more often then you use the keyboard on a media center. Which is a good thing as the keyboard, while perfectly functional, is not the easiest to type on. This is mostly due to size, but also due to the odd placement of non numerical/alphabetic keys. You have to use the function key to get to any of those symbols.
This unit works great for one handed operation of the mouse and allows quick word searches without having to drag out a full sized keyboard. It contains a rechargeable battery that typically last me two weeks between charges. It does have a side mounted on/off switch, but I rarely use it.
If they added a scroll wheel, another row of keys (so they could put non alpha keys in their normal place), and included a keyboard back light, this would be the perfect media center keyboard. As it is, it is pretty close!
acme64 - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
I wish i could find that original Boxee remote. If I can get that working on windows i'd be set.Rhoshambo - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
Am I the only one who cares about the keyboard being backlight? I used mine in a HTPC environment with a theatre projector and blackout blinds, and for me the killer app is being able to see the keys in the dark.KITH - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
I personally have the lenovo mini remote and the SIIG JK-WR0312-S1For any typing the lenovo is a joke but the SIIG has excellent feedback on the keys and is a very sturdy build.
RemoteControlAxe - Monday, March 3, 2014 - link
Or there's the dark horse option: Unified remote! http://www.unifiedremote.com/Basically, you run a server application on your Windows PC and an app on your Android/Windows phone, and it turns your phone into a trackpad with your phone keyboard collapsible. I've used it for a while to great success with my PC in the living room. Also, it's free (yes there's a paid version of the app, but I don't need it). There are also some fancy media player specific remotes in it if you're into that, but I've generally found the default trackpad to be the way to go.
Aikouka - Tuesday, March 4, 2014 - link
I used a similar solution to that called HippoRemote (www.hipporemote.com). It worked by installing a branded VLC server on my PC, and I was able to connect to it using the app (free or paid). The secondary benefit of installing a VLC server for it? I had a VLC server to connect to. =P Although, now I just use Splashtop for remote administrating.Offperception - Tuesday, March 4, 2014 - link
Weird, I have a K400 and it does have the distance stuttering problem. This article at least tells me why this is happening. And just as I read this article this morning, Logitech added a new variant of the K400, paired with its Harmony tech. http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/harmony-smar...Since it's not clear when this will be in Europe, as it appears very US oriented (it's not even on the Dutch Logitech site), how soon will this be reviewed here, I wonder?
fourpobs - Tuesday, March 4, 2014 - link
I bought an IOGEAR GKM561R 4-5 years ago (this is not a new device) to control my HTPC from the couch. At the time there were fewer options but it worked for me and I quickly adjusted to the 2-handed mousing.About a year a go wine got spilled all over it and it quit working except for a few keys. I took a long hard look around for a replacement thinking "there must be something better for my needs by now" and had a budget of <$150. I like something I can actually type on and that is durable and slick looking. I am not cheap but I really didn't find anything I thought would be better in that price range. In the end, I ended up buying another one and am content.