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Mini Keyboard/touchpad for HTPC

I had the Rii Mini one previously and wasn't impressed w/ it.

Moved to a Logitech K400. Even though it doesn't have backlighting it is significantly better.

Same. I use also switched from a mini controller to a K400. The issue I've always run in to with those mini controllers is the wireless range. They all seem to have absolutely terrible range (typically under 6ft for maximum effectiveness) and it's annoying as hell if you constantly have to retype due to missed keystrokes or keep leaning way forward to use the remote. By contrast, the newer model K400 may be a bit larger, but it has never once given me an issue, and it's range is incredible. And realistically, I only use it to briefly navigate to whatever I'm watching, then put it down. So it's size has never been a problem.
 
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Same. I use also switched from a mini controller to a K400. The issue I've always run in to with those mini controllers is the wireless range. They all seem to have absolutely terrible range (typically under 6ft for maximum effectiveness) and it's annoying as hell if you constantly have to retype due to missed keystrokes or keep leaning way forward to use the remote. By contrast, the newer model K400 may be a bit larger, but it has never once given me an issue, and it's range is incredible. And realistically, I only use it to briefly navigate to whatever I'm watching, then put it down. So it's size has never been a problem.

Here's my issue though..... my usage is for audio files, and lugging around a full sized keyboard so that you've got the ability to skip tracks is quite frankly silly....... ;)

There will always be a full sized keyboard hidden away in a drawer, but I'm looking for something small for basic media remote and search functionality.
 
Is it for spotify mostly?

Because if so, you can remotely control/search spotify running on a pc via its mobile app.
 
Hmm.
If the range on the small combos is lacking, maybe a presentation pointer 'mouse' would be better?
We ( me and the family ) don't neccessarily need a small keyboard, but a gyro mouse
would sure be handy.
Not sure if that compromise works for you sswilson, but something along these lines perhaps:
https://www.newegg.ca/Presentation-Remotes/SubCategory/ID-796
I can see a laser pointer being an issue with kids and cats.. looks like some don't have it?
 
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Did a search but was surprised that the most recent full fledged thread on this appears to be back in 2013 so I figured I'd start a new thread......

Has anybody found one of those miniature keyboard/touchpad devices that works reasonably well? (Example: https://www.amazon.ca/Rii-Wireless-...&qid=1487862307&sr=8-2&keywords=htpc+keyboard ).

I'm still a big fan of the K400, but as is always pointed out, it's a bit bulky for day to day use if one of these mini ones would do the trick.

Must be windows compatible, and my better half doesn't use a smart phone so app remotes are not an option.

edit: This one looks interesting.....

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01NCXDPR7?psc=1

Is it for spotify mostly?

Because if so, you can remotely control/search spotify running on a pc via its mobile app.

No, mobile app of any form is not an option.

As it is, I'm already using miracast from a laptop to the HT receiver which is a PITA. (Will probably end up with a dedicated mITX pc when/if I upgrade my current main rig).

I think I'm going to bite the bullet and try one of the cheezy models, although I'll probably go with the more expensive one that's been vouched for here.

edit:

I've been leaning towards this one, although, I still haven't picked one up yet..
https://www.amazon.ca/OURSPOP-MINIX-A2-Wireless-Keyboard/dp/B00R62LIZQ
Anyone with any personal experience with it?

I have one, it works well, been using it for a little over a year now and no issues.

It's an air mouse as well, not sure if it works with all OS, I have mine paired with a Minix Android box.

Went ahead and pulled the trigger on this one.... hopefully it'll work reasonably well for me. (Keeping in mind that I still have a wireless keyboard and mouse available for bigger tasks).

Hrmmmmm.... for some reason the order went through and it doesn't appear to have added HST to the mix.......?
 
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Sorry Wilson, I missed the phone app comment.

Like I said for the minix remote, it works well, no issues after a year of use. It has good range as well. The keyboard is a little awkward to use because of the way the remote needs to be held but not really an issue for quick searches, etc. One annoying thing about the keyboard is the FN key, basically to access some characters, including numbers, you need to press it, press the key you want then press the FN button again to "exit" the FN toggle. The air mouse works well though!
 
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Sorry Wilson, I missed the phone app comment.

Like I said for the minix remote, it works well, no issues after a year of use. It has good range as well. The keyboard is a little awkward to use because of the way the remote needs to be held but not really an issue for quick searches, etc. One annoying thing about the keyboard is the FN key, basically to access some characters, including numbers, you need to press it, press the key you want then press the FN button again to "exit" the FN toggle. The air mouse works well though!

NP. It's a common enough assumption these days..... don't know how many kijiji folks I have to email back telling them that I won't be responding to their text to my cell #..... ;)

(Cellphone luddite's in the house, although I have an off tower (no sim) one I use as a media remote for kodi as well as in an MP3 player role, on top of a second off-tower one in my car as an mp3 player running mort's media player since it works eye's-off).
 
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xentr_thread_starter
https://www.amazon.ca/OURSPOP-MINIX-A2-Wireless-Keyboard/dp/B00R62LIZQ

In case anybody else is looking into these kinds of devices, I just go mine in today and it seems to be doing what I was expecting it to do although the air mouse is going to take some getting used to. On top of that.... this is probably going to be the thing that drives me to switch one of my windows desktops to tablet mode.... ;)
 
https://www.amazon.ca/OURSPOP-MINIX-A2-Wireless-Keyboard/dp/B00R62LIZQ

In case anybody else is looking into these kinds of devices, I just go mine in today and it seems to be doing what I was expecting it to do although the air mouse is going to take some getting used to. On top of that.... this is probably going to be the thing that drives me to switch one of my windows desktops to tablet mode.... ;)
Yeah they take a bit to get used to, I find I am always"recentering" mine, move the cursor to the dead top (or bottom, side ect) and realign my hand/remote to the cursors positioning.
 
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