Wireless Keyboards

Cordless keyboards: Convenient, but you'll need batteries

Wireless keyboards are marketed for gaming and media center PCs. These keyboards run on batteries and communicate to your computer using a separate RF (radio frequency) or Bluetooth controller unit that plugs into a USB port.

In order to operate effectively, RF keyboards should be no more than a few feet away from the receiver, with a clear line of sight. With Bluetooth, a direct line of sight is not needed for the devices to communicate, and you can be up to about 30 feet away. However, Bluetooth keyboards can be trickier to set up, and the connection can sometimes be unstable. Also, reviewers report a variety of conflicts with other Bluetooth devices.

Even basic keyboards bundled with computers typically have media control keys. These keys give users one-touch access to functions like skipping to the next track on a CD and muting or adjusting volume. Media center keyboards are more specifically oriented to be used with computers that are connected (physically or wirelessly) to stereo, home theater or other media systems. Most are wireless and relatively compact so they can be held with one hand or used on a lap. In essence, they are sophisticated remote controls.

The Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard (*Est. $145) impresses reviewers with its sleek design, described by DigitalTrend's Brandon King as "the most stunning keyboard we've seen...; a well-thought-out and durable piece of art." It's also loaded with impressive-sounding features, including Bluetooth, the ability to hold a single charge for up to two months, a backlight to illuminate a host of multimedia buttons, TouchDisc scrolling and exceptionally durable plexiglass construction. It also comes with a steep price tag, a fact that all reviewers note with varying levels of chagrin.

It's fair to say that reviewers, initially, are skeptical of the diNovo Edge media center keyboard, and their conclusions are offset by a price that is more than double most other keyboards in the same class. The diNovo Edge's performance, however, proves to be more than satisfactory in tests. Some reviewers critique the track pad, which seems to function counter-intuitively -- reviews indicate that it behaves more like a laptop touchpad than, say, an iPod scroll wheel. This makes thumb operation of the track pad difficult, a shame considering that the keyboard is designed in such a way that it can function as a single input device, with the right thumb operating the track pad and the left fingers simultaneously operating the media controls. But the keys themselves are comfortable, responsive and have a satisfying click. Critics say the keyboard is comfortable to use, and Logitech seems to have thought of every convenience item a media center user could want.

Only on price does the diNovo Edge lose major points. ExtremeTech's article reads, "We hate praising a product on many levels and then changing our minds when price is discussed...; the diNovo can very well be worth the price, but it's still pretty expensive for a keyboard." APH Networks' Jonathan Kwan is less concerned with price, acknowledging it as a "factor" but overwhelmingly enamored with the keyboard's features, functionality and design. Amazon.com customers love the styling and performance.

If you can live with a wired media center keyboard, one model stands out. The Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard (*Est. $25) has the dual benefit of a low price and very high owner satisfaction. It has the highest average rating among keyboards with more than 50 reviews by CircuitCity.com customers, and also scores well with Amazon.com contributors. Techtree.com gives the Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard a four-star rating.