Interacting with HTPCs: Adesso Keyboard Options Reviewed
by Ganesh T S on October 22, 2014 8:00 AM ESTAdesso SlimTouch WKB-1200
The SlimTouch WKB-1200 is a wireless keyboard / mouse combo. It is unlikely to act as a traditional HTPC interaction option in the living room because of the separate keyboard and mouse components. However, it has the potential to be used in dorm rooms with desktop PCs which double as media consumption units. The sleekness and size of the keyboard are its main plus points. Adesso is quite clear that the main target market for this device is users who are frequently on the go and prefer separate keyboard and mouse units for interacting with PCs at different locations.
The keyboard and mouse use 2x AAA batteries each and operate in the 2.4 GHz range for a 30 ft. range. The stainless steel back and edge-to-edge design of the keyboard give it a premium look. The scissor-switch keys are a pleasure to type on. They keyboard itself is quite slim (4.5 mm / 0.2") and the batteries are accommodated in a bulge at the top (which gives the keyboard an ergonomic raise). Pretty much the only downside of the WKB-1200 is the squished nature of the arrow and shift keys as well as the out-of-place backslash key. These create a slight learning curve for users coming from traditional keyboards.
The optical mouse has a 1000 DPI resolution and, like every other combo device, uses the same USB receiver as the keyboard. The scroll wheel in the middle can also act as a middle mouse button. Like the keyboard, the mouse also has an explicit on/off toggle switch and a 'Connect' button to pair with the USB receiver. Unfortunately, the build and industrial design of the mouse don't measure up to the standard set by the keyboard despite the attractive external features.
Unlike the other devices that we have covered in this piece, the WKB-1200 doesn't have a receptacle for the USB key. That said, the most attractive aspect of the unit is its $34 price on Newegg.
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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