Match this keyboard with your Media Center PC, and you may never leave your couch again. The $104.95 Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition is a multimedia trinity, combining the best features of a keyboard, a mouse, and a remote control in a gorgeous package that looks as stylish next to your flat-screen TV as it does sitting on your coffee table. Though we weren’t overly impressed with the embedded mouse, this wireless keyboard is a fitting companion for any PC running Microsoft’s Media Center Edition 2005 OS (MCE), and we like that it syncs with your other remotes to eliminate living-room clutter.
The Good
Sophisticated design; backlit multimedia keys; key-lock switch.
The Bad
Requires direct line of sight with your PC; QWERTY keys are loud; fingertip pointing device on the mouse is difficult to navigate; requires you to download an update before you can use the keyboard.
The Bottom Line
The media buttons on the Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition make it easy to control MCE from the comfort of your couch, but the mouse could be easier to control.
Thin and light enough to rest on your lap, the sculpted keyboard does not sacrifice style for functionality. It features rubberized soles that give it a nice sturdy feel when rested on a coffee table or—gasp!—a desk, and its raised sides fit well into the hand to make it relatively comfortable when holding it in the air. Microsoft boasts a 30-foot range between your PC and the keyboard. While that distance is attainable, the keyboard requires a direct line of sight to its receiver; the signal is lost with the slightest obstruction.
The Microsoft Remote Keyboard features 26 MCE-centric keys including MCE’s iconic green Start button, media control keys, navigation keys, and channel and volume keys. All 26 media keys have a nice smooth texture and are very responsive. They’re also backlit, allowing you to control your PC from a darkened living room—a feature we really appreciate. The QWERTY keys, however, are not illuminated, so you’ll have to rely on the glow from your TV for midnight messaging or performing movie and artist searches. Furthermore, the keys produce a loud clicking noise when pressed, which could be annoying to you and those nearby.
In place of a mouse, a pointer nub is positioned in the upper-right corner of the keyboard, while the corresponding right- and left-click buttons are on the keyboard’s upper-left corner for convenient two-handed navigation. We liked the keyboard’s feel and found it easy to use the keys to browse through photos and playlists within MCE. However, mousing around with the nub is an exercise in frustration and requires just the right amount of pressure. Apply too much pressure, and the pointer will zoom across the screen; apply too little, and it won’t move at all. This mouse is just as difficult to use with the oversize menu buttons in MCE as it is in the regular Windows interface where more precision is necessary.
In addition to controlling your PC, you can program the keyboard to learn commands from other remote controls, such as your TV or audio receiver. To use the learning feature, you must place the remote control head-to-head with the keyboard’s infrared port and press a series of keystrokes. After fiddling about with the commands, we were able to successfully assign an unused key on our keyboard to power on and off our television.
Four AA batteries, which are included, power the Remote Keyboard, and Microsoft claims that will keep your unit operating for three months, depending on the amount of use, of course. To conserve battery power, you can opt to turn off the backlighting. There’s also a security switch on the front of the keyboard that locks down the keys to prevent accidental strokes when not in use.
The keyboard will work with any PC running MCE 2005, but you’ll need to download an updated driver from Microsoft’s Web site (the driver is not included with the keyboard) to enable communication between the keyboard and your Media Center’s built-in receiver.
Microsoft offers a three-year limited warranty on the hardware and free phone and e-mail support for the first 90 days; after that, support will cost you $35 per request. Online self-support, downloads, and updates are also available via Microsoft’s support Web site.
Score Breakdown
Setup 7Features 7Support 7
Customers say
Customers find the keyboard works well with Windows 7 Media Center and appreciate its perfect fit for XP Media Center Edition, with one customer noting it works effectively from 15 feet away. The keyboard receives positive feedback for its size, control buttons, and value for money. However, customers report mixed experiences with functionality, ease of use, and build quality, with some finding it easy to set up while others report it being completely unusable. The mouse functionality is particularly problematic, with one customer describing the mouse knob as extremely sluggish. Additionally, the product lacks an included IR receiver, which customers consider a significant drawback.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
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11 customers mention «Keyboard size»11 positive0 negative
Customers appreciate the keyboard’s size, describing it as the best full-sized Media Center keyboard that’s perfect for XP Media Center Edition, with one customer noting it fits well on a table.
«…Feels solid and well built. It has all the Media Center function keys built into the keyboard which is great!…» Read more
«…It is easy to use and the design fits well on a table or on a lap. The problem is the mouse….» Read more
«…solution for a MCE system used mostly for TV purposes this keyboard is a great addition.» Read more
«…The microsoft Keyboard is a good keyboard, as long as: you have no other RF devices lets say xbox 360, Romote rotory antennas, etc…. I have now…» Read more
5 customers mention «Control buttons»5 positive0 negative
Customers appreciate the control buttons on the keyboard, with one mentioning they can be programmed to turn the TV on and off, while another notes they are accessible by touch.
«…Can also program a few functions of your TV remote into this keyboard….» Read more
«…The upside is that you can quickly and easily program the keyboard’s volume buttons and the TV Power button to control your tv… which means I can…» Read more
«…It does work, and I can use it to turn my TV on and off….» Read more
«…The other bonus for us the keyboard has the ability to be programed to turn the TV on and off and to control the volume….» Read more
5 customers mention «Value for money»5 positive0 negative
Customers find the keyboard to be good value for money.
«…so I thought this keyboard would be a great addition at a very reasonable price….» Read more
«…Overall, it’s a very good value for the money. I am considering buying a 2nd one just in case these disappear and I need a replacement.» Read more
«…options available, (Corded mouse and keyboard) I think it is well worth the $30 I paid for it….» Read more
«…PC keyboard I’ve seen to date for size, comfort, ease of use and price.» Read more
39 customers mention «Functionality»23 positive16 negative
Customers have mixed experiences with the keyboard’s functionality: while some report it works well with Windows 7 Media Center, others find it completely unusable.
«…A bit tedious, but ok for Media Center usage. It breaks-in a bit after a while, make sure to slow down the mouse tracking speed in Control Panels….» Read more
«I have been very happy with the keyboard functionality. It is easy to use and the design fits well on a table or on a lap….» Read more
«…They’re all consolidated into its small form factor. The layout is extremely well designed with the buttons being accessible by touch on either side…» Read more
«…Seemes pretty nice other wise, however I can’t tell for sure since I don’t have the IR on my machine….» Read more
14 customers mention «Ease of use»9 positive5 negative
Customers have mixed opinions about the keyboard’s ease of use, with some finding it easy to use and set up, while others report difficulties.
«I have been very happy with the keyboard functionality. It is easy to use and the design fits well on a table or on a lap….» Read more
«…I very much enjoy this thing and it has made using my media center even easier, especially when going from MC to browsing the internet.» Read more
«…A bit tedious, but ok for Media Center usage. It breaks-in a bit after a while, make sure to slow down the mouse tracking speed in Control Panels….» Read more
«…Everything else worked great and was configured very quickly.» Read more
13 customers mention «Build quality»5 positive8 negative
Customers have mixed opinions about the keyboard’s build quality, with some finding it well built while others report issues with the mouse quality.
«…A bit tedious, but ok for Media Center usage. It breaks-in a bit after a while, make sure to slow down the mouse tracking speed in Control Panels….» Read more
«…It seems be have decent construction, except for the mouse. It does work, and I can use it to turn my TV on and off….» Read more
«…BTC (which tells you what I think of the BTC right now), but did lack some finish….» Read more
«…Pity, as it is well built, looks nice. Something that critical should really be in the product description though.» Read more
16 customers mention «Mouse functionality»2 positive14 negative
Customers have mixed experiences with the mouse functionality of the keyboard, with several reporting issues: one customer mentions the track-stick is difficult to use, while another notes the mouse knob is extremely sluggish.
«Let me start off by saying that the mouse control really is pretty bad….» Read more
«…Requires Media Center IR receiver — not included — Pointing nub is very difficult to use — not useless, but really not good -…» Read more
«…The only flaw I see is that the mouse functions are a bit rough, I wouldn’t use it for heavy duty mousing, but for the occasional need it’s…» Read more
«…It sometimes moves kind of jumpy, but hey for the price you can’t complain. Overall I have had no connection issues with this thing….» Read more
12 customers mention «Receiver»0 positive12 negative
Customers report that the keyboard does not come with an IR receiver.
«…Here are my gripes: — Requires Media Center IR receiver — not included -…» Read more
«…put it to work, come to find out it works only with xp and requires an infrared receiver,bummer,my laptop has neither,so i had to buy another one…» Read more
«…description is very vague on the subject but this wireless keyboard doesn’t come with a receiver because it’s supposed to be an add-on item to the…» Read more
«…is that this keyboard DOES NOT INCLUDE AN IR RECEIVER!…» Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Works great with Vista Ultimate Media Center
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2007
*Note* This keyboard will only work if you have Media Center and the e-home IR sensor installed on your computer!
I’ve recently set up Windows Vista Ultimate 32bit with Media Center on my 42inch plasma and this is my finishing purchase. Even though this keyboard says for Windows XP, it runs great with Vista, no drivers needed! Looked around for a while for a keyboard that will fully complement Media Center and this seems to be it. My first choice would be the DiNovo Edge(about $175), but for only $33 bucks(+shipping), how could you go wrong?
Pros: Keyboard is the right size for your lap. Feels solid and well built. It has all the Media Center function keys built into the keyboard which is great! Keyboard works outside of Media Center as well, used it in Internet Explorer, Windows Mail, and Microsoft Word, etc. Spent a good part of Saturday using this keyboard. Media keys on left and right side of keyboard are lit and can be turned off. Keyboard keys are not backlit but thats ok with me, saves batteries. I didn’t find any typing lag and I guess there wouldn’t be because there is no lag in InfraRed. Worked great from 15 feet away (didn’t try any farther) and IR works great even with obstructions. Nice rubber feet on the bottom keep the keyboard from slipping off furniture. Can also program a few functions of your TV remote into this keyboard.
Cons: The mouse nipple (best way I can describe it) takes some getting used to. A bit tedious, but ok for Media Center usage. It breaks-in a bit after a while, make sure to slow down the mouse tracking speed in Control Panels. I know someone who develops Media Center for Microsoft and he hates the mouse part of this keyboard. I hear Microsoft may be working on a new version of this keyboard. I will probably buy a nice bluetooth mouse eventually. I could program my Hitachi’s TV remote into the keyboard, maybe yours will work.
If I could go back in time, I would still buy this keyboard!
4 people found this helpful
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Good keyboard for Windows XBMC
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2010
Let me start off by saying that the mouse control really is pretty bad. I’m sure I could get used to it and it would work great, but I shouldn’t have to do so. If you need to use your mouse a lot with your HTPC, look elsewhere.
I very rarely use the mouse, however, so it works great for me.
I occasionally use Windows Media Center, but I have XBMC start automatically when windows starts. 95% of that computer’s use is inside XBMC which requires zero mouse movement. You *can* use a mouse to navigate in there, but I prefer just using the keyboard. In that usage scenario, it works great. The fact that it is IR isn’t a big deal to me… I put the IR receiver right beside the TV and I don’t have any reception problems. The upside is that you can quickly and easily program the keyboard’s volume buttons and the TV Power button to control your tv… which means I can put that TV remote away and use this keyboard exclusively.
I know this usage scenario isn’t for everybody, but it just might apply to a few people looking for a XBMC HTPC keyboard. I should note that this keyboard does NOT work very well with the linux version of XBMC. I have that installed on a different HTPC in a different room and a lot of the keystrokes simply don’t register. You could probably MAKE it work by modifying .conf files in XBMC, but it doesn’t just work out-of-the-box like it does with Windows XBMC.
One person found this helpful
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1.0 out of 5 stars
Didn’t Work with Standard Media Center IR Reciever
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2010
I had bought a third party IR Media Center remote, and thought that this keyboard would work with its USB IR receiver. It didn’t. Nowhere does the manual I got state that it needs a specific type of receiver, nor does the seller state this in the description.
Unit was also supposed to come with batteries. It did not.
Assuming I can’t find a usable receiver on eBay, I’m gonna RMA this.
Its too bad. It would be really nice if I could get a compatible IR receiver. It seems be have decent construction, except for the mouse. It does work, and I can use it to turn my TV on and off. So I can at least give it good marks for consistency — it consistently works to turn my TV on and off, and consistently does not work with my computer.
If you don’t already have an IR receiver that you know is compatible with this keyboard, stay away.
One person found this helpful
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2.0 out of 5 stars
Not Recommended
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2010
I wound up returning this. There are better Media Center options out there (See Gyration stuff). Here are my gripes:
— Requires Media Center IR receiver — not included
— Pointing nub is very difficult to use — not useless, but really not good
— Line of sight needed — this is obvious, but there are options that don’t require line of sightOverall, the difficulty using the nub was the deal breaker for me.
One person found this helpful
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Keyboard is great, mouse is horrible
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2009
I have been very happy with the keyboard functionality. It is easy to use and the design fits well on a table or on a lap. The problem is the mouse. I agree with other reviewers that it takes some time to get used to the push-down mouse knob (and changing the mouse sensitivity settings helps) but the biggest problem for me was the buttons.
The knob to move the pointer is in the upper right of the keyboard, but the left and right buttons to click are in the upper left. This means you need to hands to use the mouse. I can’t understand why this was designed this way. It is so different from any other mouse setup I’ve ever seen and is not simple use. I find myself not using the mouse functionality because of the annoyance of having to use both hands just to click on something. If only the mouse buttons were below the knob this would be an excellent product.
- Drivers.eu
- Keyboards
- Microsoft
- Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition
Free drivers for Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition
Category:Keyboards
Device:Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition
Name:Software
Version:6.1
Released:28 Nov 2006
System:Windows Vista 64-bitWindows XP 64-bit
Size:7.72Mb
Description:IntelliType Pro 6.1 for Windows XP/Vista 64-bit
Category:Keyboards
Device:Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition
Name:Software
Version:6.1
Released:28 Nov 2006
System:Windows VistaWindows XP
Size:6.78Mb
Description:IntelliType Pro 6.1 for Windows XP/Vista 32-bit
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Кл-ра Microsoft Remote Keyboard for WinXP Media Center Edition v1.0 <беспроводная> 83КЛ+37КЛ М/Мед (без приемника)
| Цвет | Черный, серый, серебристый |
| Мультимедийные клавиши | Replay, Skip, Play, Запись, Пауза, Стоп, Rewind, Forward, клавиши переключения каналов/прокрутки вверх или вниз, Громкость+, Громкость-, Отключить звук, ТВ, ТВ записи, ТВ прогр, DVD-меню |
| Цвет клавиш | Черный |
| Клавиши управления компьютером | Sleep |
| Беспроводная | Да (ИК) |
| Интернет-клавиши | Messenger |
| Клавиши открытия папок | Моя музыка, Мои рисунки, Мое видео |
| Клавиши прочие | Назад, Детали, Пуск, Мое радио, Мое ТВ, клавиша включения/отключения подсветки, ТВ |
| Подсветка | Есть подсветка клавиш управления программным проигрывателем |
| Enter | Низкий |
| Backspace | Широкий |
| Shift | Левый — средний, правый — узкий |
| Навигационная клавиша | 4-позиционная с кнопкой OK внутри |
| Русские буквы | Белые (наклейки; нанесены на клавиатуру заводским способом) |
| Латинские буквы | Белые (наклейки; нанесены на клавиатуру заводским способом) |
| Интерфейс | Инфракрасный порт |
| Радиус действия | До 10 метров |
| Питание | 4 батарейки типа AA входят в комплект поставки |
| Поддержка ОС | Windows XP Media Center Edition |
| Размеры (ширина х высота х глубина) | 44.5 x 14 x 3 см |
| Вес | 0.6 кг |
| Прочее | Мини-джойстик для управления курсором и 2 «мышиные» клавиши. Возможно программирование клавиш ТВ, Громкость+ и Громкость- с помощью пульта ДУ (например, от телевизора). |
| Описание | Компактная клавиатура |
| Новые драйвера | Топ DLL-файлов | Топ мануалов | Популярные запросы |
|---|---|---|---|
| Драйвер Intex IT-305WC Windows XP, 2000, 98, ME | DLL-файл binkw32.dll | Panasonic KX-TC 1481, 1484, 1486 | |
| Драйвер Lapara LA-1300k-x5 Windows 7 | DLL-файл xinput1_3.dll | Pioneer DEH-P3600MP | |
| Драйвер Lexmark X1290 Windows XP, 2000, 2003 | DLL-файл Mss32.dll | Becker AUDIO 10 ECE TYP 6021 | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY m4 series Intel Management Engine Interface (MEI) Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл OpenAL32.dll | SONY XR-3750 | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY m4 series IDT High-Definition (HD) Audio Driver Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл MSCOMCTL.OCX | Panasonic KX-TC 1401, 1405 | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY m4 series IDT High-Definition (HD) Audio Driver Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл KERNEL32.DLL | Panasonic KX-TC 1503 | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY dv7 series 3D DriveGuard Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл msvcr71.dll | Pioneer DEH-P4650MP | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY dv7 series Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл COMDLG32.OCX | Dialon F10 | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY dv7 series Realtek Card Reader Driver Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл binkw32.dll | Pioneer DEH-P3630MP | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY dv7 series Ralink Bluetooth Software Driver Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл d3dx9_30.dll | APC BACK-UPS — 600 | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY dv7 series Realtek Local Area Network (LAN) Driver Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл storm.dll | Sony DCR-DVD105E | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY dv7 series Intel Bluetooth Driver Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл openal32.dll | SONY CDX-F5500X | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY dv7 series Qualcomm Atheros AR9000 Series Wireless LAN Driver Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл msvcp71.dll | APC SMART-UPS V/S — 1000 | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY dv7 series Ralink 802.11 Wireless LAN Adapter Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл lame_enc.dll | Pioneer DEH-4050 | |
| Драйвер HP ENVY dv7 series Ralink Bluetooth Software Driver Windows 8 64-bit | DLL-файл COMCTL32.OCX | Scher-Khan Magicar 5 |
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There are two things we don’t like about Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE): obviously one is that Microsoft can’t spell «centre» properly, the other is the fact that there’s no getting away from the fact that your TV is really a PC when you’ve got a bloody big and ugly keyboard on the coffee table next to the MCE remote (see how we got out of having to say «Center» there).
To be fair, the default remote control is decent enough and allows for plenty of on-screen operational flexibility thanks to the well designed MCE interface.
Where it falls apart is when you want to use the PC functionality, and if you don’t then Sky+ is a better and cheaper way to get control over your TV viewing. There’s even a Sky+ remote which flips open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard inside. Now, at last, Windows MCE users can do even better with the world’s biggest TV remote control.
This is a made for MCE product, and as such assumes you’ve got a PC with the relevant receiver dongle thingy built-in. Only those who’ve built their own PC will have to worry about buying one (at about £25).
This means that your remote keyboard is less plug and more play. Microsoft even supply the four AA batteries you’ll need, although we found the unit to be rather battery hungry so would replace these with Duracell Ultras or a good set of high powered rechargeables ASAP.
Stick the batteries in and the black slab of plastic comes to life with a subdued orange glow around the edges, well under the buttons at the sides. There’s no backlighting for the QWERTY keys themselves though, which is a shame at this kind of price point. It does make using the keyboard in low light conditions problematical to be honest.
We also had problems with holding the thing comfortably. Maybe it was our stubby fat fingers (speak for yourself, Ed) but the handgrips were too shallow and the rubberised grips too thin to provide any real stability.
In order to hold the unit comfortably and firmly, our thumbs were left in the wrong position for easily accessing all the relevant buttons. We’d recommend you actually try one before buying it, and that means everyone who will be using the device.
We liked the My Music, Radio, Pictures, Videos and TV shortcut buttons on the top of the device, and the Live TV, Recorded TV, Guide, DVD Menu and Messenger ones that fall under your right thumb. A reviewer elsewhere said that it has «shortcut buttons coming out the wazoo» and while we wouldn’t dream of being so vulgar, he’s right, it has. We don’t like the mouse pointer nipple joystick on the right with click buttons on the left arrangement though, and would have preferred some sort of notebook-alike thumbpad.
Actually, we’d have preferred a mouse that works. The pointer is so difficult to control, requiring you to push down and swivel at the same time, that we felt like telling Microsoft to do much the same.
At least a solid and not easy to find switch locks the keyboard so your TV doesn’t spring into life with an Instant Message window when the hovering is being done. Microsoft also claim to have made the whole thing «spill resistant» but as that’s not the same thing as spill proof we decided against tipping the coffee over it.
Microsoft also claim that the unit will work up to 30 feet away, and yet we had difficulty in keeping a connection when typing further than 20 feet away. Remember that this isn’t a radio frequency or Bluetooth wireless device, but an infrared one so requires line of sight to work.
Move around or further away and expect your televisual experience to become a little less interactive and a whole lot more annoying.
Our quick take
The world’s biggest remote control looks cool and provides more functionality than the default remote MCE handset. But the useless mouse pointer and line of sight keyboard requirement make using that extended keyboard functionality difficult to say the least. Even at bargain bin prices of around £35 it’s too much money.
| FOR | AGAINST |
|---|---|
|
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To recap
A giant PC/TV remote control with, er, knobs on