[binwiederda]

I'm looking for a wireless keyboard for my new HTPC. Requirements:
- RF wireless connection (no Bluetooth)
- No mouspad (or ugly-looking trackball)
- Slim, small, nice looking (~ Apple-ish, possibly aluminum)
- Optional: No numpad (unless the keyboard is still really small)
- Optional: German keyboard layout

Specifically, I'm looking for something like the Logitech Tablet Keyboard, but in RF:



So far, I haven't been successful in finding anything. I searched the forums, particularly eskro's thread, and clicked on every link. No luck.

--> All RF keyboards seem to be ugly, all Bluetooth keyboards seem to be nice looking, why is that?!
--> Do you guys have any other suggestions? Which one do you have / would you choose?

Anyway, I found a couple of candidates, that all look kinda nice, but have something that's just not quite right.

[1] Lenovo Ultraslim Plus Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Good: Looks awesome
Bad: Numpad, too big


[2] Perixx PERIDUO-707B PLUS
Good: Nice form factor, ok reviews
Bad: Cheap looking plastic


[3] I-ROCKS RF-6490-BK
Good: Looks nice even though it's plastic
Bad: Plastic, a little big, bad quality(?), repeats characters for some users


[4] Keysonic KSK-3201RF Wireless Keyboard (more images)
Good: Looks nice even though it's plastic
Bad: Plastic, bad quality(?), repeats characters for some users


[5] Speedlink COMET Trackball Mini Keyboard schwarz
Good: Looks nice even though it's plastic, good reviews on Amazon, German keyboard layout
Bad: Plastic, not sure about how cheap it looks in real life

---

Continued (6-image restriction)


[6] Kensington SlimBlade Media Notebook Set with Wireless Keyboard, Laser Mouse, and Numeric Keypad
Good: Looks nice (without the numpad)
Bad: Really expensive, not available in Germany


[7] HP Wireless Mini Keyboard (LK752AA#ABL)
Good: Looks nice even though it's plastic
Bad: Plastic, bad quality(?), repeats characters for some users


[8] Trust Curve Wireless Keyboard (more images)
Good: Looks okay, good quality
Bad: Plastic

[binwiederda]

Still didn't find anything that I like. Here are a few more.

[9] Revoltec Chocolate mini Cordless Keyboard K107
Good: Looks nice, plastic doesn't seem cheap, good reviews on Amazon
Bad: Bends a bit, misses the "Ins" key


[10] Brando Wireless 2.4GHz Mini Keyboard (6410)
Good: Looks nice & elegant (Apple-ish)
Bad: No reviews for this keyboard or manufacturer, not available in Germany


[11] Brando Wireless 2.4GHz Mini Keyboard (6110)
Good: Looks nice, interesting red border
Bad: No reviews for this keyboard or manufacturer, not available in Germany


[12] IOGEAR GKM571R (~$80) ** often on sale at $40 **
RF: Yes
BackLit: Yes
Mouse: Yes (TrackBall) (has Scroll-Wheel)


[13] Rapoo Wireless Compact Ultra-slim Keyboard E9050
Good: Looks very nice, okay review
Bad: Some reviews say range is not so good, somewhat instable stand


[14] bazoo iBOARD FM
Good: Definitly Apple-ish, good reviews
Bad: Noname company, grey

[eskro]

go for a microsoft arc wireless keyboard.
i have one and it works mint!!

[binwiederda]

Thanks for the suggestion eskro. But I think the plastic looks kinda cheap. I'd rather go for something less glossy.

I was actually thinking about going for a Bluetooth keyboard after all - seeing that there are no real RF alternatives. Still nowhere near a decision though ...

[binwiederda]

Haha smartphone typo. "Thanks not" --> "Thanks for"

[eskro]

its not cheap at all and there's a none glossy version also

[cbiggers]

Bluetooth is RF unless I have no idea what i'm talking about.

[binwiederda]

eskro, I can't seem to find the non glossy version anywhere. All the pictures on Google Images are either real pictures (with the glossy plastic version) or computer rendered images (that seem as if it wasn't glossy). Anyway, in my humble opinion, the one big weak point of the Arc is that is doesn't have 4 arrow keys.

I might have found a keyboard that I like. The Rapoo E9050 (number 13 above) looks pretty nice and has not-too-bad reviews. What do you think?

cbiggers, Bluetooth is wireless, yes, but it's not transparent to the OS -- you need drivers and/or Bluetooth support. That means you might have issues with using the keyboard in the BIOS or in Live Linux distros. I want a hassle free, plug-and-play solution... "RF" refers to 2.4Ghz keyboards.

[eskro]

IOGEAR GKM571R is nice!


[12] IOGEAR GKM571R (~$80) ** often on sale at $40 **
RF: Yes
BackLit: Yes
Mouse: Yes (TrackBall) (has Scroll-Wheel)

[binwiederda]

Interesting keyboard, but not the type I am looking for right now. I don't really know what the "best" option for everyday use is just yet, but right now, I think I'd like a full keyboard. But who knows, maybe my requirements will change.

[thereddog]

umm... Lenovo N5902 fit the bill? I just ordered one myself



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk6W1gU7zr4

[binwiederda]

Not really the type I'm looking for either. Still looking for a Apple-style keyboard, without mouse.