Interacting with HTPCs: Adesso Keyboard Options Reviewed
by Ganesh T S on October 22, 2014 8:00 AM ESTAdesso SlimTouch WKB-4000
The Adesso SlimTouch WKB-4000 series has two members, the traditional 2.4 GHz RF WKB-4000UB version and the Bluetooth WKB-4000BB version. Other than the communication mechanism, both devices share the same external hardware design. These 87-key wireless keyboard / touchpad combos use 2x AAA batteries and offer up to 30 ft. range.
The keyboard layout is the same as that of the SIIG JK-WR0312-S1, except for the proper positioning of the Ctrl and Fn keys. The numeric keypad is also multiplexed with the traditional keys, activated by a combination of the Num Lock and Fn keys. Similar to the WKB-3000, there is a LED indicator (at the top right corner instead of the top center) to indicate whether the Num Lock key is active or not. Therefore, the ease of use factor is much improved over the SIIG version.
The attractive feature set of explicit power switches, auto-sleep after an inactivity period, secure receptacle for stowing the USB key and a Connect button to alter the communication channel is also available in the WKB-4000 series. For the Bluetooth version, a Bluetooth receiver is supplied, but I also tested it out successfully on various PCs and tablets / smartphones with in-built Bluetooth capability. The only requirement was that the initial pairing had to be done with some other input interface being active (particularly for the PCs which didn't have touchscreens). Otherwise, the keyboard even worked at boot time on those PCs without the Bluetooth receiver plugged in.
The scissor-switch keys of the WKB-3000 are retained in the two keyboards. Subjectively speaking, I enjoyed typing on these keys more than the WKB-4400's membrane keys. The 3" x 1.75" touchpad in the WKB-4000 units is also bigger than the WKB-4400's 2.25" x 1.5" version. Hassle-free one-handed operation is also possible. The touchpads could do with some gesture support, but that is not much of a deal breaker. All the keys are proportionally sized and present no learning curve to traditional keyboard users. All in all, the two keyboard / trackpad combo units could become ideal HTPC interaction options if they did away with the multiplexed numeric keypads.
The Bluetooth version is available for $70 on Amazon, while the vanilla RF version is retailing for $60 on Newegg currently.
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Vidmo - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I rarely use my keyboard/mouse combo with my HTPCs. I would like to see a round up of Media Center remotes instead.I have yet to find a good replacement for my Microsoft A9O-00007 Media Center Remote. The A9O-00007 allowed you to program the second power button for the TV, no other dedicated Media Center remote does this even today (that I can find). Please comment if you know of one.
ayejay_nz - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I use a Logitech K830 for my HTPC, really happy with it. Back lit, nice design, track pad, battery life seems good. It's quite big for the lounge but I personally find that the design mitigates that a little, it's nice to have a decent size when searching the net too. $79 USD on Amazon.Eiffel - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I also own a K830 and think it is the best solution on the market today, thanks to its combination of features (backlight, a few media keys, not too big, decent touch pad, very good battery life, Win8 gestures, etc.).It's not exactly cheap, but works well (I wish it was less prone to finger marks, that the keys weren't entirely flat and would have much preferred a trackpoint a la Lenove to the touchpad)
The Microsoft Arc keyboard I had before for typing, but lacked mouse control, backlighting and media keys. It was also less reliable and ran more often out of power.
meacupla - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
imo, any android device using some form of RDC or remote app is far better, at the cost of price, obviously.Alan G - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - link
I've been using a Logitech K400 for almost a year now and have had zero issues with it. The WMC keyboard shortcuts are second nature and it's also easily used for Netflix and Amazon Prime searches as well as finding Internet streams of interest. I paid $25 via Amazon and I recommend it for the users of HTPCs I've built for family and friends.imaheadcase - Thursday, October 23, 2014 - link
Not sure why battery life is a concern. Most remotes/keyboard battery will last month and months at at time.. I have not had to replace mine in like 6 months.pramod1969 - Thursday, October 23, 2014 - link
I agree with the commentor above. love this HTPC keyboard/mouse. But I still miss a good trackball for faster movement across 160" projector screen.http://www.bestbuy.com/site/logitech-illuminated-l...
markbanang - Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - link
All of these keyboards, and the requirements list miss one essential HTPC feature - a backlight!When sat in a dark room, TV or projector being the only light source, how can you be expected to type your search terms if you aren't a touch typist?
It is frustrating that there don't appear to be any wireless backlit HTPC keyboards from reputable manufacturers in this price range.
azjeep - Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - link
I was disappointed when I read that they will not be discussing range in this review. I have a TV in a conference room and a Lenovo Tiny PC behind it. Getting a keyboard and mouse to work from as little as 10 feet away requires a USB extension cord and placing the receiver in direct line of sight to the keyboard which, IMO is completely unacceptable. I wish someone did a review on the true range of these things as it is very annoying.ultimatexbmc.com - Sunday, November 2, 2014 - link
Cool need one of these