Interacting with HTPCs: Adesso Keyboard Options Reviewed
by Ganesh T S on October 22, 2014 8:00 AM ESTFinal Words
Adesso has a number of wireless options for users requiring to interact with PCs. We took a look at three which specifically target the HTPC market and two that target the general PC market, but could find use in certain HTPC scenarios. The following table summarizes the features and specifications of the units that we have looked at today.
| Adesso HTPC Keyboards - Specifications & Features | ||||
| Aspect | WKB-3000 | WKB-4400 | WKB-4000 | WKB-1200 |
| Device Type | Keyboard + Trackball / 2-button + Scroll wheel | Keyboard + Touchpad / 2-button | Keyboard + Touchpad / 2-button | Keyboard + Optical Mouse (2-button + Scroll wheel) |
| Dimensions | 15" x 6.1" x 1.6" | 18" x 6.5" x 0.9" | 11.75" x 8.25" x 0.8" | 14” x 4.3” x 0.2” (K) ; 3.0” x 4.6“ x 1.5” (M) |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g | 1.875 lbs / 850.5 g | 1.25 lbs / 550 g | 0.77 lbs / 350 g (K) ; 0.18 lbs / 82 g (M) |
| Power Source | 2x AAA | 2x AAA | 2x AAA | 2x AAA |
| Communication | RF 2.4 GHz / USB Receiver | RF 2.4 GHz / USB Receiver |
RF 2.4 GHz (UB) / Bluetooth (BB) / USB Receivers |
RF 2.4 GHz / USB Receiver |
| Power Saver | Explicit On / Off Switch | Explicit On / Off Switch + Auto Sleep | Explicit On / Off Switch + Auto Sleep | Explicit On / Off Switch |
| Extra Keys | 7 (Multimedia) + 7 (Internet) | 12 (multiplexed with Function keys) | 0 | 12 (multiplexed with Function keys) |
| USB Receiver Storage Compartment | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Backlight | No | No | No | No |
| Keyboard Layout | 7 / 10 | 9 / 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Ergonomics | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Build Quality | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 (K) ; 6 / 10 (M) |
| MSRP (USD) | $69.99 | $79.99 | $89.99 | $39.99 |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
As outlined in the device-specific discussions, there is scope for improvement in each of them. However, compared to the offerings in the broader market, the Adesso units have a number of attractive features:
- Explicit power on/off toggle switch
- Power conservation via auto-sleep after a certain inactivity duration
- Recessed receptacle on the underside for stowing the USB receiver safely (held by a magnet placed in the receptacle)
- LED indicators for the Num Lock status (useful in cases where the numeric keypad is multiplexed with the traditional keys).
On the other side, Adesso needs to step up quality control and increase the warranty period from 1 year to 3 years (considering that all other vendors out there have a 3 year warranty on the keyboards). Out of the six samples we were shipped, one of them (the SlimTouch 4210) had a faulty touchpad button. The batteries bundled with a couple of the samples had no juice left. In addition, the magnet in the USB key receptacle for the WKB-3000 was missing. All said, these minor annoyances - which should not be a problem for consumers purchasing with warranty - do not prevent us from recommending Adesso units as HTPC interaction options. In our subjective opinion, the WKB-3000 (the trackball keyboard) and WKB-4000BB (the Bluetooth-based keyboard / touchpad combo) merit particular consideration.
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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