nMedia HTPCKB Media Center Wireless Keyboard

Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices

Written by Mat Thompson - Edited by Olin Coles

Thursday, 28 August 2008

Table of Contents: Page Index
nMedia HTPCKB Media Center Wireless Keyboard
Closer Look: nMedia HTPCKB
HTPCKB Details
Keyboard Performance
Media Keyboard Final Thoughts
nMedia HTPCKB Conclusion

Page 6 of 6

nMedia HTPCKB Conclusion

The nMedia HTPCKB came with all the necessary components to use immediately out of the box. It's plug and play at its finest as it worked as soon as I plugged in the USB dongle and added the batteries.

The nMedia HTPCKB's design is comfortable in the hands and isn't unduly burdensome. The buttons are easy to access and it's ergonomically designed for comfortable use. The remote's slightly rough surface is great for keeping the remote in your hand without slippage.

The construction of both the remote and keyboard feels fairly hardy. The remote feels heavy and strong. The trackball on the keyboard is nice and smooth. However, the trackball on the remote has a little too much resistance for my taste.

The nMedia HTPCKB remote and keyboard both functioned quite well. The keys on the keyboard were a little stiff for typing and disparity in trackball calibration was frustrating. Each performed very well wirelessly only dropping a connection once over use during a few long periods of time.

Offered for $74.99 at the time of this writing, this price tag puts the nMedia HTPCKB out of the reach of those that are building their HTPC on the super-cheap. However, for those looking for a good wireless control set for their HTPC, the HTPCKB is a great place to start for cutting out the wires and achieving a greater integration of their entire system.