The following are my conclusions and observations following several hours of testing. It is possible that I missed a feature or two but I am quite confident that I was able to test all the major ones.
The setup and first impressions:
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I don't know why, I imagined a bigger device. I am pleased to note that the keypad is a lot thinner than I imagined - about half an inch thick and pretty light.
It fits nicely on top of any standard PS3 controller thanks to a clamp that, once it clicks in, it makes the keypad appear as if it was part of the controller's body. The three controller buttons that it covers: PS3, Select and Start are present on the pad at their expected locations but they only work when the keypad is attached to the controller. All other buttons work regardless of the keypad being attached or detached.
The keyboard is okay but it's better suited for larger hands (or long thumbs). As a Blackberry user, I find this keyboard less comfortable than that of a classic Blackberry - but I've been using Blackberies for almost 10 years already so I may be a little bit spoiled or maybe biased toward their ergonomics.
As far as workmanship is concerned, my impression is one of a well-built, durable device. It integrates well, visually and functionally with the PS3 controllers.
The setup:
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After a couple of hours of charging through the USB port (cable not included), the keypad is ready to use. Once the On/Off switch is set to On, all that's needed is for the keypad to be connected to the PS3 through a USB cable and the pairing is done automatically.
The workings:
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The keypad operates in two modes: as a keyboard or, interestingly, as a touch pad.
In keyboard mode, you get a QWERTY keyboard with well separated, round little keys. The letters, numeric and punctuation keys are where you would expect them to be but the special keys are not exactly at their familiar places and some of the less essential ones (PgUp, PgDn, End, Home and the function keys) are missing. Special characters can be entered with the help of 2 modifier keys (the Blue and the Orange).
Three special keys allow you to enable the touch pad mode or quickly jump to your PS3 message box or friends list icons - I did not find the last 2 very useful.
Until you make yourself familiar with some of the less obvious key combinations it's a good idea to save the instructions pamphlet (a 17"x11" folded sheet) found in the package.
The touch pad mode is very interesting in that, after pressing the 'touch pad key', the keyboard is disabled and a section of the keyboard emulates a laptop's touch pad and the 2 cursor keys emulate mouse buttons and you can interact with your environment as if you were using a mouse.
I am a 'knob' person as far as mouse emulation is concerned but, based on my testing, the touch pad mode, while interesting and innovative, is not very well implemented. For example, while in Browser mode, it does not allow you to scroll down your browser window, something that is easily and intuitively accomplished with the R3/L3 analog sticks. The cursor, when controlled with the touch pad was jumpy, either moving from one corner of the window to another or, sometimes, not moving at all. The good news is that all the controller buttons, including the sticks, are fully functional all the time so, people like me, won't have to use the touch pad.
Brief evaluation:
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+ Bluetooth device, does not require dongles or wires
+ Replaces a full-size keyboard, well suited for entering passwords or brief messages
+ Perfectly integrated, physically and functionally with the PS3 controller - generally, it does not interfere with game play
+ Rechargeable battery
+ According to Sony (not tested by me) it can be paired with other Bluetooth devices (don't lose that manual)
- Adds weight to the controller
- Some of the special keys are placed at unfamiliar locations
- Keys 'real estate' wasted by assigning 2 keys to jump to the message box and the friends list
- Touch pad does not work very well
- Small hands may find it a bit uncomfortable
Before I started writing this review, I thought I was going to award this keypad 3 stars but, once I listed the pros and the cons I see that the negatives are relatively minor. The major disappointment is the touch pad but it's not something that I am going to miss because I am already happy with the R3/L3. 3.5 stars should be the fair score but I am rounding it up to 4 because my overall impression is positive.
With HOME now a reality, this is likely to become an increasingly useful add-on.
PS3 Wireless Keypad
Platform : PlayStation 3 |
Rated: Everyone
$17.25$17.25
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About this item
- Wireless Keypad for the PS3 turns your regular controller into a texting device with mouse input capabilities
- Attaches to any DualShock 3 or SixAxis wireless controller
- QWERTY keypad is designed for fast, thumbs-only typing
- Touchpad mouse allows for convenient scrolling and selection
- Designed with Bluetooth 2.0 and a rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer battery
Product information
| ASIN | B001ENPDJA |
|---|---|
| Release date | December 15, 2008 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #61,181 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #146 in PlayStation 3 Gamepads & Standard Controllers |
| Pricing | The strikethrough price is the List Price. Savings represents a discount off the List Price. |
| Product Dimensions | 12 x 12 x 12 inches; 5.6 Ounces |
| Type of item | Video Game |
| Rated | Everyone |
| Item model number | 98048 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Date First Available | August 20, 2008 |
Warranty & Support
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here
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Product Description
Product Description
The Wireless keypad for the PlayStation 3 system provides the freedom of easy to use texting and mouse input capabilities, all while maintaining full gameplay functionality in one easy-to-hold device. This Bluetooth device attaches to any Dualshock 3 or Sixaxis wireless controller and enables effortless internet browsing, e-mailing and instant messaging on the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Home. The unique touch pad feature allows for convenient scrolling and mouse input on the PS3 system on screen display. Dedicated short cut keys provide instant access to 'Message Box' and other online communication applications on the PlayStation Network.
Amazon.com
The Wireless Keypad for the Sony PlayStation 3 turns your regular controller into a texting device with mouse input capabilities, while still maintaining full gameplay functionality. This Blue tooth device attaches to any DualShock 3 or SixAxis wireless controller and enables effortless Internet browsing, emailing and instant messaging on the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Home.
QWERTY Keypad Mimics SmartphonesAdding the wireless keypad turns your regular wireless controller into a easy-to-hold, multifunctional device. Mimicking the QWERTY keypad on smartphones, this device is also designed for fast, thumbs-only typing. The unique touchpad feature allows for convenient scrolling and mouse for the PlayStation 3 on-screen display. When you touchpad is pressed, you can not use the keys for character input, but you can slide your finger on this area to select something on screen.
Blue tooth 2.0, Short Cut Keys, and More
Dedicated short-cut keys provide time-saving instant access to Message Box and other online communication applications on the PlayStation Network. This device charges by connecting it directly to the PlayStation 3 system using a standard USB cable. It is important to note that this device features Blue tooth 2.0, with an operating range of up to 33 feet, and it comes equipped with a rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer battery (Capacity: 610mAh).
By integrating all these features into a sleek and elegant design you can further enhance your online interactivity on the PlayStation 3 system.
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Customer reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
1,000 global ratings
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2008
5.0 out of 5 stars
[ps3 wireless controller keypad-and?......for now]-THAT WAS BEFORE. IT WOOORKS!!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2012
see my review located on the wireless ps3 controller i bought but..
it works. just some minor speculations though.. it might seem bad..but this seems like it will last longer if i was to play a while, than the wireless ps3 controller itself. that said.. it needs accessories badly. a solar recharging battery you plug into that little slot meant for the charge cable. the controller could use this too. some wire or another if it doesnt exist to link the keypad to the controller so one leeches off the other/uses that ones power. yes. they run on crappy lithium batterys, although in really good quality as opposed to other things.
buttons worked. a couple lights light up, so its not completley unlity as i wish it was like the xbox controller-but look past that. as long as your hands are numble and not too huge, this is an awsome piece of machinery,with most of the keyboard right in your hands! with a controller at the same time.
like everything else it could use improving.
those little buttons on the very back resembling the 4 triggers on a rumble controller.. what do they do. havent been able to use them yet but with time who knows.
theres one big dillema i have with this.
the mousepad thing,for this,-SUCKS. at least with my mouse and keyboard calibrations. thats how it seems. could just be something i need to fix but why does it have to wiggle??.. why do i have to use all of my fingers to not even barely move it efficently some ways when a touchpad whips this things function?... mabey its broken, i dont think so.
i cant ever use the mouse pad on this for now. :/ was looking forward to that.
caps lock and tab. are merged together. caps lock button and tab button are merged as one together giving them the enerrgies of the power cosmic or something effectively making them useless. system is not smart enough to disseminate that caps and tab are two seperate functions and buttons so one overides the other and it aint caps,but i was able to do some cool up-down button manuvering by using caps-tab button and shift. needs under-backlights though like my systems lighting has for the buttons.
for the big fingered, buttons needs to be bigger and spaced apart. caps and tab need to be seperate, mouse function completley needs to be redone-
those are pretty minor when compared to everything else. escape button which is a staple in my gaming is right there, even better than the start-select buttons on the controller. the number and letters are going to be invaluable on old republic when i use this for it,and basic functions like enter,space bar deleting shifting and quick button access are a huge plus.arrived in perfect condition and quite fast.
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and in case you havent figured it out by now.. i use the wireless ps3 rumble controller with everything ive bought for it including the keypad
for the laptop. ;)
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old review prior to the one above it
[i dont give a damn if its for the ps3, im using it on a controller and for the pc-however- what in blazes do you need to make it work on the pc?....i could not find hide nor hair of a program or driver for this, and if it existed the computer would accept it because thats what its asking for. so...what the hell do i need??... this thing needs accessories like multi port attachment and something to connect it to the ps3 controller itself to drain power from the controller while you play so it stays charged.
im not clear on what i need to make it work on the pc so until i figure that out its one star rating for now, later ill raise it if things change]
it works. just some minor speculations though.. it might seem bad..but this seems like it will last longer if i was to play a while, than the wireless ps3 controller itself. that said.. it needs accessories badly. a solar recharging battery you plug into that little slot meant for the charge cable. the controller could use this too. some wire or another if it doesnt exist to link the keypad to the controller so one leeches off the other/uses that ones power. yes. they run on crappy lithium batterys, although in really good quality as opposed to other things.
buttons worked. a couple lights light up, so its not completley unlity as i wish it was like the xbox controller-but look past that. as long as your hands are numble and not too huge, this is an awsome piece of machinery,with most of the keyboard right in your hands! with a controller at the same time.
like everything else it could use improving.
those little buttons on the very back resembling the 4 triggers on a rumble controller.. what do they do. havent been able to use them yet but with time who knows.
theres one big dillema i have with this.
the mousepad thing,for this,-SUCKS. at least with my mouse and keyboard calibrations. thats how it seems. could just be something i need to fix but why does it have to wiggle??.. why do i have to use all of my fingers to not even barely move it efficently some ways when a touchpad whips this things function?... mabey its broken, i dont think so.
i cant ever use the mouse pad on this for now. :/ was looking forward to that.
caps lock and tab. are merged together. caps lock button and tab button are merged as one together giving them the enerrgies of the power cosmic or something effectively making them useless. system is not smart enough to disseminate that caps and tab are two seperate functions and buttons so one overides the other and it aint caps,but i was able to do some cool up-down button manuvering by using caps-tab button and shift. needs under-backlights though like my systems lighting has for the buttons.
for the big fingered, buttons needs to be bigger and spaced apart. caps and tab need to be seperate, mouse function completley needs to be redone-
those are pretty minor when compared to everything else. escape button which is a staple in my gaming is right there, even better than the start-select buttons on the controller. the number and letters are going to be invaluable on old republic when i use this for it,and basic functions like enter,space bar deleting shifting and quick button access are a huge plus.arrived in perfect condition and quite fast.
----
---
---
---
-----
------
and in case you havent figured it out by now.. i use the wireless ps3 rumble controller with everything ive bought for it including the keypad
for the laptop. ;)
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old review prior to the one above it
[i dont give a damn if its for the ps3, im using it on a controller and for the pc-however- what in blazes do you need to make it work on the pc?....i could not find hide nor hair of a program or driver for this, and if it existed the computer would accept it because thats what its asking for. so...what the hell do i need??... this thing needs accessories like multi port attachment and something to connect it to the ps3 controller itself to drain power from the controller while you play so it stays charged.
im not clear on what i need to make it work on the pc so until i figure that out its one star rating for now, later ill raise it if things change]
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2023
👍🏻👍🏻
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2008
I preordered it along with a remote for the PS3 from Amazon. They are second on my favorite list of online stores. Newegg being the first. The release date for the keypad was supposed to be the 15th. Amazon shipped it along with my remote on the 14th. The stated arrival date was also beat by one day.
Of course this thing is in the usual bullet proof packaging which is slightly annoying. Once I got the keypad out, I was impressed with the feel of it. I think it weighs a little less than the Dualshock 3 controller(s) that I have. It does add weight. Though for some reason the keypad does not seem to throw off the balance of the controller by much but it obviously does change the feel. I'm not a small guy so maybe that has something to do with it.
The keyboard is automagically paired by turning on the keyboard and then plugging it into the PS3 with a USB cable. The instructions for this thing are hidden in the packaging. So pulling the cardboard out of the plastic and unfolding it reveals the paper foldout.
Not being a small guy, my fingers are fairly long but thin. So I have only one small issue when using the keypad with my thumbs; I know how to type. I'm not the best but I rarely look at the keyboard. So using my thumbs to type will take some getting used to but it is obviously easier and less frustrating than using just a controller. Oh, it does have the raised bumps on the F and J keys, though I am not sure if those will help. The bumps make those two keys feel like they need to be deburred. They probably should have been put in the middle of the keys instead of at their bottom end.
The keypad clamps onto the controller very nicely and does not move. The Start, Select, and PS buttons are extended through the keypad as shown in the pics and line up perfectly. There is a button on both the right and the left edge of the keypad. They are color coded and used to access the extra characters on some of the buttons. The shift key works as it should so the blue colored characters above the numbers (the usual exclamation, ampersand, parentheses, etc.) can be accessed by the color coded button or the shift key.
The last feature is that most of the keys can be used as a mouse pad - just the letter keys. I hate mouse pads and since I hate them my review of this function is biased. I used the PS3's browser to check out the "mouse pad". Underneath the Sony logo are three buttons. The one in the center changes the keypad to a mouse pad. Using the keyboard as a mouse pad is jerky and I hate it even more than a mouse pad. Moving my thumb faster over the keys does not seem to engage any acceleration in the pointer. Going slower over the keys does not seem to work any better. All in all the left analog stick is much better for moving the pointer than Sony's attempt at a mouse pad function. Because I did not expect this feature, hate mouse pads and don't use them, I did not use this function as a factor in my rating.
Matza-Ballz!
Drew
Of course this thing is in the usual bullet proof packaging which is slightly annoying. Once I got the keypad out, I was impressed with the feel of it. I think it weighs a little less than the Dualshock 3 controller(s) that I have. It does add weight. Though for some reason the keypad does not seem to throw off the balance of the controller by much but it obviously does change the feel. I'm not a small guy so maybe that has something to do with it.
The keyboard is automagically paired by turning on the keyboard and then plugging it into the PS3 with a USB cable. The instructions for this thing are hidden in the packaging. So pulling the cardboard out of the plastic and unfolding it reveals the paper foldout.
Not being a small guy, my fingers are fairly long but thin. So I have only one small issue when using the keypad with my thumbs; I know how to type. I'm not the best but I rarely look at the keyboard. So using my thumbs to type will take some getting used to but it is obviously easier and less frustrating than using just a controller. Oh, it does have the raised bumps on the F and J keys, though I am not sure if those will help. The bumps make those two keys feel like they need to be deburred. They probably should have been put in the middle of the keys instead of at their bottom end.
The keypad clamps onto the controller very nicely and does not move. The Start, Select, and PS buttons are extended through the keypad as shown in the pics and line up perfectly. There is a button on both the right and the left edge of the keypad. They are color coded and used to access the extra characters on some of the buttons. The shift key works as it should so the blue colored characters above the numbers (the usual exclamation, ampersand, parentheses, etc.) can be accessed by the color coded button or the shift key.
The last feature is that most of the keys can be used as a mouse pad - just the letter keys. I hate mouse pads and since I hate them my review of this function is biased. I used the PS3's browser to check out the "mouse pad". Underneath the Sony logo are three buttons. The one in the center changes the keypad to a mouse pad. Using the keyboard as a mouse pad is jerky and I hate it even more than a mouse pad. Moving my thumb faster over the keys does not seem to engage any acceleration in the pointer. Going slower over the keys does not seem to work any better. All in all the left analog stick is much better for moving the pointer than Sony's attempt at a mouse pad function. Because I did not expect this feature, hate mouse pads and don't use them, I did not use this function as a factor in my rating.
Matza-Ballz!
Drew
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2009
I have really enjoyed this keyboard, even though I have only had it for about a week. A few reviewers have complained that the buttons are too small, and I suppose that it would be awkward if one were trying to type in the same way one would type on a full-size keyboard. However, for someone like me who has been using a cell phone with a full QWERTY keyboard to send text-messages over the past few years, the buttons on the PS3 Wireless Keypad seem generously-sized, and are perfect for thumb-typing.
The touch-pad feature is also a nice surprise, and is relatively functional after proper calibration, which is done by holding down the blue and orange shoulder buttons for a few seconds until the indicator flashes once. It's still not quite as good as a real laptop touch-pad, but it comes pretty close; users should also be sure to change their mouse pointer speed in the "Accessories" section of the XMB for optimal function.
It it also true, as many other reviewers have stated, that the addition of this keypad does not add a significant amount of weight to the Dual Shock 3 controller. Access to all the necessary controller buttons remains the same while not disturbing the controller's overall balance; you can set it on a table and it will still sit the same as it would if the keyboard were not attached. I would even say that certain buttons -- particularly select, start, and the PS button -- are actually easier to reach because their access is slightly elevated by the addition of the keyboard.
My one and only complaint about this keypad is that the keys are not backlit. Playing a game in a low-light situation is often more immersive than playing in a well-lit room, but the markings on the keys are impossible to discern in low-light, especially considering all the function characters printed above the actual keys. I suppose that over time one would become accustomed to where everything is and -- like a full-sized keyboard -- one would not need to look at the keys so much while typing. However, I have had my cell phone for years, and still need to peek every once in while to find some character that I don't commonly use.
This keyboard would be absolutely perfect (and worthy of a 5-star rating) if the keys were backlit; there could even be a switch, button, or dial to turn the backlight on and off. White characters would be the default illumination, but pressing the orange function key could hide the white characters to reveal the orange, and pressing the blue function key could also hide the white characters to reveal only the blue.
Overall this is a fantastic and well-designed accessory for PS3 users who do a lot of typing, but do not want to have to wrestle with a full-sized keyboard and mouse.
The touch-pad feature is also a nice surprise, and is relatively functional after proper calibration, which is done by holding down the blue and orange shoulder buttons for a few seconds until the indicator flashes once. It's still not quite as good as a real laptop touch-pad, but it comes pretty close; users should also be sure to change their mouse pointer speed in the "Accessories" section of the XMB for optimal function.
It it also true, as many other reviewers have stated, that the addition of this keypad does not add a significant amount of weight to the Dual Shock 3 controller. Access to all the necessary controller buttons remains the same while not disturbing the controller's overall balance; you can set it on a table and it will still sit the same as it would if the keyboard were not attached. I would even say that certain buttons -- particularly select, start, and the PS button -- are actually easier to reach because their access is slightly elevated by the addition of the keyboard.
My one and only complaint about this keypad is that the keys are not backlit. Playing a game in a low-light situation is often more immersive than playing in a well-lit room, but the markings on the keys are impossible to discern in low-light, especially considering all the function characters printed above the actual keys. I suppose that over time one would become accustomed to where everything is and -- like a full-sized keyboard -- one would not need to look at the keys so much while typing. However, I have had my cell phone for years, and still need to peek every once in while to find some character that I don't commonly use.
This keyboard would be absolutely perfect (and worthy of a 5-star rating) if the keys were backlit; there could even be a switch, button, or dial to turn the backlight on and off. White characters would be the default illumination, but pressing the orange function key could hide the white characters to reveal the orange, and pressing the blue function key could also hide the white characters to reveal only the blue.
Overall this is a fantastic and well-designed accessory for PS3 users who do a lot of typing, but do not want to have to wrestle with a full-sized keyboard and mouse.
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2010
Well after becoming addicted to PS Home I realized it was taking far too long to have chat convos with the digital text input and I started looking for alternatives. I had a spare usb keyboard laying around but it was not compatible with my PS3. I had remembered seeing one of these keypad thingies at Wal-Mart, however no local stores seem to carry them. I cam to amazon and found one 3rd party version of it for about half the price of the Sony model so I bought it. I was not pleased with that particular item so I returned it for the much more expensive one that you're viewing right now. This thing really makes entering text a breeze and as far as it's functionality as a keyboard/text entry device I have no complaints. My gripe is with all the added features which I'm guessing they only added because they wanted more features to list on the packaging. The mouse is completely useless. I have been unsuccessful at using it since the get-go. To boot, the PS3 doesn't download a patch or anything so that you can change settings like mouse speed or sensitivity or really anything. It's just stuck at it's default and the mouse is way too sensitive, it moves when you're not even touching it and when you are the cursor acts like what happens when you try using two fingers on a touchpad for a laptop.
The other place that this device is severely lacking is INSTRUCTIONS. It comes with little more instructions than a very brief piece of paper hidden in the packaging card that basically says just this; "erm... turn meh ohn den charge meh... i liek sink automatically then use me, goo sony!"
I still have yet to figure out what half the buttons that aren't letters do. For some reason pressing shift does not capitalize your letters and neither does the caps lock button. Overall, for chatting where punctuation and grammar don't count for much this device is very good at what it does. It syncs to the PS3 just like a controller but I have yet to be able to check it's charge level like you would a controller. Which isn't a major thing but when you add it to all the other problems you get from this thing it leaves you wondering why in the world you ever paid so much for this thing.
As far as it hooking onto the controller the mechanism is really simple, the keypad is set a little too far away and it makes entering text sorta difficult but I have small hands and short thumbs some of you guys out there with big lengthy manhands should do fine with it. I usually just leave the thing completely off the controller and I can enter text quite efficiently. The PS, START and SELECT buttons just fit over your existing ones but they work really well provided your keypad is set on the controller properly. Personally, I wouldn't buy another one of these not when you can get a full blown BT keyboard for a little more which I imagine would be quite a bit more functional than this thing.
Overall it's good at what you need it for and not so good at all the added stuff or just totally useless at it anyways. I think it would be a nice idea for Sony to do a lite version of this where all it does is simple text entry with functional shift and caps lock buttons for a much lower price. But as I think this product has all but been taken off the market I doubt that will ever happen for this generation of the console. If you're frustrated with the digital text entry and don't want to drop the 80+ bucks on a PS3 keyboard then I would suggest this over any other piece of equipment. If you're used to QWERTY text messaging you will have no problems using this device. For more frugal shoppers I suggest the 3rd party model which is a lot cheaper but doesn't look or fit as good on your controller.
The other place that this device is severely lacking is INSTRUCTIONS. It comes with little more instructions than a very brief piece of paper hidden in the packaging card that basically says just this; "erm... turn meh ohn den charge meh... i liek sink automatically then use me, goo sony!"
I still have yet to figure out what half the buttons that aren't letters do. For some reason pressing shift does not capitalize your letters and neither does the caps lock button. Overall, for chatting where punctuation and grammar don't count for much this device is very good at what it does. It syncs to the PS3 just like a controller but I have yet to be able to check it's charge level like you would a controller. Which isn't a major thing but when you add it to all the other problems you get from this thing it leaves you wondering why in the world you ever paid so much for this thing.
As far as it hooking onto the controller the mechanism is really simple, the keypad is set a little too far away and it makes entering text sorta difficult but I have small hands and short thumbs some of you guys out there with big lengthy manhands should do fine with it. I usually just leave the thing completely off the controller and I can enter text quite efficiently. The PS, START and SELECT buttons just fit over your existing ones but they work really well provided your keypad is set on the controller properly. Personally, I wouldn't buy another one of these not when you can get a full blown BT keyboard for a little more which I imagine would be quite a bit more functional than this thing.
Overall it's good at what you need it for and not so good at all the added stuff or just totally useless at it anyways. I think it would be a nice idea for Sony to do a lite version of this where all it does is simple text entry with functional shift and caps lock buttons for a much lower price. But as I think this product has all but been taken off the market I doubt that will ever happen for this generation of the console. If you're frustrated with the digital text entry and don't want to drop the 80+ bucks on a PS3 keyboard then I would suggest this over any other piece of equipment. If you're used to QWERTY text messaging you will have no problems using this device. For more frugal shoppers I suggest the 3rd party model which is a lot cheaper but doesn't look or fit as good on your controller.
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2013
Before Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn came out, I wanted to make sure I had something I could use to easily type into my PS3 at a moment's notice. I already have the Logitech PS3 bluetooth keyboard, which is an excellent traditional computer keyboard. However, I was interested in the Wireless Keypad because it latches onto the controller and therefore is more convenient while playing.
Unfortunately, I've found it to be relatively hard to use. First of all, the keys are tiny and I have large thumbs and fingers. I tend to treat this like I would any other chicklet keypad, but the keys are so smooth and tiny that I often miss the key I intended to hit. Moreover, when mounted on the controller, I find using it awkward. I reach my thumbs over it to type, but my precision on the tiny keys is so bad that I often feel like I have to move my hands up onto the keypad completely to use it. This kind of defeats its purpose when mounted on the controller--it seems like it might be easier to just keep it unattached and pick it up to use it (which is counter to the point of using such a keypad in the first place).
There are other problems with the shape of the pad as well. Specifically, if you have a game (like FFXIV:ARR) that requires you to often hit the start or select buttons, I find that I often end up hitting the more raised buttons just above them. Even just grazing those buttons will cause the XMB to pop up, which is highly disrupting during gameplay.
Another downside to the keypad is sadly a consequence of one of its better features: The keypad falls asleep and powers off after some time and comes back on when you press a button, but you have to wait for it to start up whenever that happens. So if it has gone to sleep and you start typing, only the first letter you typed will show up. In other words, you have to wait until it powers on completely (which admittedly is about two seconds, but still, it can be disruptive).
Another problem is the awkward way in which secondary symbols are typed. There are two shoulder buttons, and many buttons have two alternative symbols they can type when one of the shoulder buttons is held before hitting the button. For example, the question mark is top left trigger plus the number 6 on the keypad. The problem is that this is not intuitive for people used to a traditional QWERTY keyboard and you kind of have to "relearn" where all the symbols are in order to use this thing.
Finally, it really needs a backlight but doesn't have one. If you're like me, you are often playing videogames in a dim room. Combine the darkness with the fact that the tiny keys are hard to pinpoint with big thumbs and you've got a recipe for typing poorly.
On the flip side, I do think it's a well made piece of hardware. After charging it up, it seems to last a very long time on one charge. I love how it fits over the controller snugly and it looks very cool. It's also great how it just natively works with the PS3's bluetooth so there's no complicated setup.
Ultimately, and with all of the above drawbacks, the Wireless Keypad does get the job done. However, I do find myself pulling out the much larger and clunkier Logitech Wireless PS3 Keyboard for when I really need to type anything of any length. This keypad is simply not very easy to type things with.
Unfortunately, I've found it to be relatively hard to use. First of all, the keys are tiny and I have large thumbs and fingers. I tend to treat this like I would any other chicklet keypad, but the keys are so smooth and tiny that I often miss the key I intended to hit. Moreover, when mounted on the controller, I find using it awkward. I reach my thumbs over it to type, but my precision on the tiny keys is so bad that I often feel like I have to move my hands up onto the keypad completely to use it. This kind of defeats its purpose when mounted on the controller--it seems like it might be easier to just keep it unattached and pick it up to use it (which is counter to the point of using such a keypad in the first place).
There are other problems with the shape of the pad as well. Specifically, if you have a game (like FFXIV:ARR) that requires you to often hit the start or select buttons, I find that I often end up hitting the more raised buttons just above them. Even just grazing those buttons will cause the XMB to pop up, which is highly disrupting during gameplay.
Another downside to the keypad is sadly a consequence of one of its better features: The keypad falls asleep and powers off after some time and comes back on when you press a button, but you have to wait for it to start up whenever that happens. So if it has gone to sleep and you start typing, only the first letter you typed will show up. In other words, you have to wait until it powers on completely (which admittedly is about two seconds, but still, it can be disruptive).
Another problem is the awkward way in which secondary symbols are typed. There are two shoulder buttons, and many buttons have two alternative symbols they can type when one of the shoulder buttons is held before hitting the button. For example, the question mark is top left trigger plus the number 6 on the keypad. The problem is that this is not intuitive for people used to a traditional QWERTY keyboard and you kind of have to "relearn" where all the symbols are in order to use this thing.
Finally, it really needs a backlight but doesn't have one. If you're like me, you are often playing videogames in a dim room. Combine the darkness with the fact that the tiny keys are hard to pinpoint with big thumbs and you've got a recipe for typing poorly.
On the flip side, I do think it's a well made piece of hardware. After charging it up, it seems to last a very long time on one charge. I love how it fits over the controller snugly and it looks very cool. It's also great how it just natively works with the PS3's bluetooth so there's no complicated setup.
Ultimately, and with all of the above drawbacks, the Wireless Keypad does get the job done. However, I do find myself pulling out the much larger and clunkier Logitech Wireless PS3 Keyboard for when I really need to type anything of any length. This keypad is simply not very easy to type things with.
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2013
For $20, you can get this lovely device that hooks up right onto your PS3 controller. I mainly purchased this for FFXIV: A Realm Reborn, and it does wonders! It sure as hell beats popping up the in-game keyboard all the time and typing out "BLM Looking for Titan" etc. The keypad itself is very easy to install, and clicks on very nicely. It does have it's own battery so you'd need to charge this little guy separately, make sure you have an extra USB cable lying around, since it doesn't come with one. It does take some time to get the buttons down though, although it's full QWERTY, you need to hit the 'shoulder' buttons for symbols etc. The battery life is great, I can't calculate how much exactly but it lasts long enough for me to not even notice. I guess the auto-off feature contributes to that as well. Another thing about the auto-off is that you just have to tap a button to wake it back up!
My biggest gripe about this keyboard is the 'touch scroll' feature. It's very inconsistent, but it's cool when it does work. Basically you hit the 'finger' button, and swipe your finger across the keyboard buttons, and it will control things like your home page and mouse cursor if applicable. It's a cool feature, but sometimes it sends your mouse or whatever you're doing haywire, very unreliable. Also, I couldn't really play fighting games like Marvel vs Capcom with this. It somewhat obstructs the R1 and L1 buttons, but that could just be me and my fat fingers.
Pros:
- Great deal for $20
- Speeds up typing for things like MMROPGS or those really long messages
- Easy to attach to your PS3 controller
- Very familiar QWERTY format
- Battery life is great
- Auto-off feature
Cons:
- Touch scrolling feature very finicky and unreliable, but cool when it works.
- Slightly obstructs things like R1 and L1 (I couldn't play fighting games with this on...)
- Takes quite abit of time to get used to, especially when typing symbols.
Overall, it's a great addition to any PS3 user who types a lot, and I highly recommend it for any PS3 user if you have a spare $20 laying around.
My biggest gripe about this keyboard is the 'touch scroll' feature. It's very inconsistent, but it's cool when it does work. Basically you hit the 'finger' button, and swipe your finger across the keyboard buttons, and it will control things like your home page and mouse cursor if applicable. It's a cool feature, but sometimes it sends your mouse or whatever you're doing haywire, very unreliable. Also, I couldn't really play fighting games like Marvel vs Capcom with this. It somewhat obstructs the R1 and L1 buttons, but that could just be me and my fat fingers.
Pros:
- Great deal for $20
- Speeds up typing for things like MMROPGS or those really long messages
- Easy to attach to your PS3 controller
- Very familiar QWERTY format
- Battery life is great
- Auto-off feature
Cons:
- Touch scrolling feature very finicky and unreliable, but cool when it works.
- Slightly obstructs things like R1 and L1 (I couldn't play fighting games with this on...)
- Takes quite abit of time to get used to, especially when typing symbols.
Overall, it's a great addition to any PS3 user who types a lot, and I highly recommend it for any PS3 user if you have a spare $20 laying around.
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2009
True story: I had just charged, attached, and turned on my PS3 Wireless Keypad and headed straight into Playstation Home to try it out. I sat down and began chatting with a friend when someone who just happened to be dancing nearby remarked "A $3 keyboard from [another online merchant] wipes the floor with the keypad." Well, after a couple of weeks of use, I kind of do find myself wanting a full-sized keyboard in lieu of the Keypad. If the Keypad offers any real advantage, I have yet to come across it.
Now bear in mind that I am not an experienced "texter"-- my phone is an old Samsung from 2004, and the Keypad is the smallest keyboard I have ever used. I find that since using it, my communication speed has not increased significantly over using the onscreen keyboard, and has instead become rife with more typing errors that slow down communication. The small buttons MUST be pressed with a decent amount of pressure--the sort that, if your thumbpads are yet soft and dainty, will cause you to hit multiple buttons at once--otherwise the letter will not register, and if you aren't looking up at the screen while typing (which I can't because I have to focus on the Keypad), you will likely find a litany of omitted letters to go back and fill in. I have had to resort to awkwardly mashing the buttons with my index fingers as quickly as possible, as the use of my thumbs yields accurate results only about 40% of the time. (And I don't have fat thumbs, either. I'm no Elton John.) It's not the most comfortable thing to do; my knee, I have found, is not a great table. As a result, I turn on the Keypad only about half the time when I want to enter text. Sometimes it's actually faster to use the onscreen keyboard for short strings, such as in the Web Browser.
Oh, and until I actually master the layout of the thing (which you'd think would be easy since it's just like a real keyboard), there is absolutely no hope of using it in the dark. I MUST have a light on and waste more precious electricity if I want to use the Keypad at night--the time I normally use the PS3.
On the plus side, the Keypad looks cool, does not add a significant amount of weight to the controller (I hardly even felt it at first, and don't notice it at all anymore), integrates well with the controller (PS button, Start, Select, form, etc.) and apparently is just great for experienced texters. I had a friend come over and try it out and she shot out clear strings of text like a machine gun. (She's a texting addict, so free and unlimited strings apparently remove any speed limits, mental or physical.) So I guess it's entirely probable that the problem with this product lies with me.
She did comment that pad would be better backlit, however. :/
Bottom line: if you can text well on your phone, blackberry, blueberry or whatever, you'll probably be very comfortable with the Wireless Keypad and come to love it. If you can't (like me), then you'll really have to practice or else you'll be looking at little more than an expensive controller decoration.
Now bear in mind that I am not an experienced "texter"-- my phone is an old Samsung from 2004, and the Keypad is the smallest keyboard I have ever used. I find that since using it, my communication speed has not increased significantly over using the onscreen keyboard, and has instead become rife with more typing errors that slow down communication. The small buttons MUST be pressed with a decent amount of pressure--the sort that, if your thumbpads are yet soft and dainty, will cause you to hit multiple buttons at once--otherwise the letter will not register, and if you aren't looking up at the screen while typing (which I can't because I have to focus on the Keypad), you will likely find a litany of omitted letters to go back and fill in. I have had to resort to awkwardly mashing the buttons with my index fingers as quickly as possible, as the use of my thumbs yields accurate results only about 40% of the time. (And I don't have fat thumbs, either. I'm no Elton John.) It's not the most comfortable thing to do; my knee, I have found, is not a great table. As a result, I turn on the Keypad only about half the time when I want to enter text. Sometimes it's actually faster to use the onscreen keyboard for short strings, such as in the Web Browser.
Oh, and until I actually master the layout of the thing (which you'd think would be easy since it's just like a real keyboard), there is absolutely no hope of using it in the dark. I MUST have a light on and waste more precious electricity if I want to use the Keypad at night--the time I normally use the PS3.
On the plus side, the Keypad looks cool, does not add a significant amount of weight to the controller (I hardly even felt it at first, and don't notice it at all anymore), integrates well with the controller (PS button, Start, Select, form, etc.) and apparently is just great for experienced texters. I had a friend come over and try it out and she shot out clear strings of text like a machine gun. (She's a texting addict, so free and unlimited strings apparently remove any speed limits, mental or physical.) So I guess it's entirely probable that the problem with this product lies with me.
She did comment that pad would be better backlit, however. :/
Bottom line: if you can text well on your phone, blackberry, blueberry or whatever, you'll probably be very comfortable with the Wireless Keypad and come to love it. If you can't (like me), then you'll really have to practice or else you'll be looking at little more than an expensive controller decoration.
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2013
It is a royal pain to enter text with the controller, so I originally ordered a wireless keyboard to work with the PS3 and PC. What I found was that, even though the keyboard wasn't huge, it was still too cumbersome for online 'chat'. I went back to the drawing board and ordered this Sony PS3 Wireless Keypad- and it works perfectly. It doesn't interfere with game play and is there when you need to enter text.
Note that the select, start and PS buttons fit OVER the controller's buttons- they are not independent buttons like the rest of the keypad.
I did discover that they keypad needed to be charged right away before use as the red indicator light kept flashing- and the instructions don't tell you what that means. After charging, the indicator light remains a solid red when turned on and paired with the PS3.
UPDATE 10/18/13:
I am actually replacing this keypad with Logitech Mini PC Entertainment Keyboard, Built-in Touchpad Controller With Unifying Receiver, Also For Google TV And Logitech Revue, Windows Media Center,PC,Mac Mini,PS3 Playstation 3, & Samsung Smart TV because I am finding this keypad to be quite annoying after using it for a couple of months. The most annoying thing is that it repeats characters extremely often- especially numbers. You type a 1 and it will type 11, you type a c and it types cc, no matter how hard or soft you type it repeats characters. It also isn't one specific key, it will just randomly repeat characters/numbers; I'm over it. Then with ordering the PS4, currently there is no keypad for the controller and due to a touchpad being implemented on the controller, I don't see how they can develop a good keypad as an overlay on the controller. So I'm going with the Logitech keypad, however, it will now involve having to set my controller down (big pet peeve) and pick up the keypad in order to type, but at least the Logitech is smaller than a regular keyboard but still big enough to have larger keys. Another annoyance of this Sony Keypad, the functionality and tiny keys. They tried to compact several symbols and functions into this tiny device but you practically have to bring it up to your face to see where they are located. Because I don't use this constantly, I have not memorized their exact location, I still hit the wrong keys frequently because the symbols are so small- is that a ',' or a '.'? The Logitech is much more straightforward and simple, I just hope it doesn't randomly repeat characters and numbers like this device does.
Note that the select, start and PS buttons fit OVER the controller's buttons- they are not independent buttons like the rest of the keypad.
I did discover that they keypad needed to be charged right away before use as the red indicator light kept flashing- and the instructions don't tell you what that means. After charging, the indicator light remains a solid red when turned on and paired with the PS3.
UPDATE 10/18/13:
I am actually replacing this keypad with Logitech Mini PC Entertainment Keyboard, Built-in Touchpad Controller With Unifying Receiver, Also For Google TV And Logitech Revue, Windows Media Center,PC,Mac Mini,PS3 Playstation 3, & Samsung Smart TV because I am finding this keypad to be quite annoying after using it for a couple of months. The most annoying thing is that it repeats characters extremely often- especially numbers. You type a 1 and it will type 11, you type a c and it types cc, no matter how hard or soft you type it repeats characters. It also isn't one specific key, it will just randomly repeat characters/numbers; I'm over it. Then with ordering the PS4, currently there is no keypad for the controller and due to a touchpad being implemented on the controller, I don't see how they can develop a good keypad as an overlay on the controller. So I'm going with the Logitech keypad, however, it will now involve having to set my controller down (big pet peeve) and pick up the keypad in order to type, but at least the Logitech is smaller than a regular keyboard but still big enough to have larger keys. Another annoyance of this Sony Keypad, the functionality and tiny keys. They tried to compact several symbols and functions into this tiny device but you practically have to bring it up to your face to see where they are located. Because I don't use this constantly, I have not memorized their exact location, I still hit the wrong keys frequently because the symbols are so small- is that a ',' or a '.'? The Logitech is much more straightforward and simple, I just hope it doesn't randomly repeat characters and numbers like this device does.
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2010
I meant to buy this thing a year ago but the initial pic amazon offers of this makes it look like it fits between your knees or something...I dunno.
But I bought a game that I knew would require a lot of communication since it's online, so I took the leap.
First off, the pics on this site are very misleading. This keyboard is very sleek, small and lightweight.
Installation is a no-brainer, there are some shortcut keys to other PS functions on it as well (direct to email, to browser, etc).
Pros:
Solid, secure install.
Can be removed and re-installed on the fly.
Doesnt interfere with normal controller funtions or gameplay.
Lightweight
Touchpad feature is nice.
Cons:
** Cant use with Silicone Skins ** MAJOR
With a skin on, the 'start' and 'select' buttons dont have enough 'reach' to get through to the controller from the keyboard. The game I bought this for, I need to hit 'select' alot to access the map on-the-fly (while online). This broke my heart. And I'm not giving up my silicone skin...so I bought a bluetooth headset instead.
** No backlight + black PS3 controller = hunt and peck.
** While the keyboard has a QWERTY layout, the symbols are not, and to access them you have to play a game of twister (Left Orange + 'key' =?, Right Blue + 'key' = @) which isnt all that bad except that the colored keys needed to make alternate characters are in weird places, usually requiring 2 fingers to activate.
The Cons list may look larger than the Pros but that's only to explain the very specific issue I had. If I didnt need to access that 'Select' key, I'd still be using the keyboard and I'm sure that given more time (took me all of 5 minutes to make the decision of Skin vs Keypad) with the keyboard and some practice I would have gotten used to the function keys. I'll probably start using it for other games, just not for the one in question. If you dont use a skin and need a good keyboard, this will do nicely.
But I bought a game that I knew would require a lot of communication since it's online, so I took the leap.
First off, the pics on this site are very misleading. This keyboard is very sleek, small and lightweight.
Installation is a no-brainer, there are some shortcut keys to other PS functions on it as well (direct to email, to browser, etc).
Pros:
Solid, secure install.
Can be removed and re-installed on the fly.
Doesnt interfere with normal controller funtions or gameplay.
Lightweight
Touchpad feature is nice.
Cons:
** Cant use with Silicone Skins ** MAJOR
With a skin on, the 'start' and 'select' buttons dont have enough 'reach' to get through to the controller from the keyboard. The game I bought this for, I need to hit 'select' alot to access the map on-the-fly (while online). This broke my heart. And I'm not giving up my silicone skin...so I bought a bluetooth headset instead.
** No backlight + black PS3 controller = hunt and peck.
** While the keyboard has a QWERTY layout, the symbols are not, and to access them you have to play a game of twister (Left Orange + 'key' =?, Right Blue + 'key' = @) which isnt all that bad except that the colored keys needed to make alternate characters are in weird places, usually requiring 2 fingers to activate.
The Cons list may look larger than the Pros but that's only to explain the very specific issue I had. If I didnt need to access that 'Select' key, I'd still be using the keyboard and I'm sure that given more time (took me all of 5 minutes to make the decision of Skin vs Keypad) with the keyboard and some practice I would have gotten used to the function keys. I'll probably start using it for other games, just not for the one in question. If you dont use a skin and need a good keyboard, this will do nicely.
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2014
Going against my best judgment, I started playing some interactive games on PS3 only to understand that a keyboard was a necessity for group game playing. After some research and hearing from other gamers about using the PS3 wireless keypad, to keep up with communication within a game, I finally purchased this keypad from Amazon.
I had no prior idea of the physical size of the device until I was surprised to see it arrive in a very small box. The keypad is well designed, unobtrusive and easily snaps onto the PS3 handheld controller. I decided to keep the keypad on the controller even while not playing games but watching movies or surfing the internet through the PS3. Battery life seems to be the same as the wireless remotes themselves, ensuring hours of uninterrupted play. (Note: Be sure to purchase an additional PS3 USB power cable for the keypad to charge the keypad & controller while gaming or not in use.) Pairing with the PS3 was quick and easy. The wireless keypad unit fits well around the control levers and buttons on the hand held controller without blocking quick access during gaming.
If you have thin, delicate, sensitive fingers to feel each small key surface, then this will be a great device for typing. But if you are not an expert at finding things in the dark with your eyes closed, be prepared to fat-finger the heck out this thing... the keys are very small, smooth and close together allowing for many mistakes. I have been a "misspelling fool" for most of my typing attempts.
My only negative comment (aside from having fat or pudgy fingers and bad eyesight), is that the alternate key values (accessed by shifting between two small buttons on the top left and right of the device) are not very obvious nor are they highlighted against the black surface of the surrounding structure/frame of the keypad. With the physical placement of these two small buttons, it has become necessary for me to hold the controller in some light while typing to search out those specific buttons for proper key selection. An improvement of a lighted button surface or some unique physical indicators would enhance the design of this wireless keypad, for me to give it a higher rating.
If you need an inexpensive wireless keypad that's compatible with the Sony PS3, then this would be a recommended device.
I had no prior idea of the physical size of the device until I was surprised to see it arrive in a very small box. The keypad is well designed, unobtrusive and easily snaps onto the PS3 handheld controller. I decided to keep the keypad on the controller even while not playing games but watching movies or surfing the internet through the PS3. Battery life seems to be the same as the wireless remotes themselves, ensuring hours of uninterrupted play. (Note: Be sure to purchase an additional PS3 USB power cable for the keypad to charge the keypad & controller while gaming or not in use.) Pairing with the PS3 was quick and easy. The wireless keypad unit fits well around the control levers and buttons on the hand held controller without blocking quick access during gaming.
If you have thin, delicate, sensitive fingers to feel each small key surface, then this will be a great device for typing. But if you are not an expert at finding things in the dark with your eyes closed, be prepared to fat-finger the heck out this thing... the keys are very small, smooth and close together allowing for many mistakes. I have been a "misspelling fool" for most of my typing attempts.
My only negative comment (aside from having fat or pudgy fingers and bad eyesight), is that the alternate key values (accessed by shifting between two small buttons on the top left and right of the device) are not very obvious nor are they highlighted against the black surface of the surrounding structure/frame of the keypad. With the physical placement of these two small buttons, it has become necessary for me to hold the controller in some light while typing to search out those specific buttons for proper key selection. An improvement of a lighted button surface or some unique physical indicators would enhance the design of this wireless keypad, for me to give it a higher rating.
If you need an inexpensive wireless keypad that's compatible with the Sony PS3, then this would be a recommended device.
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2010
All reviewers are correct in criticizing the lack of back lighting on this product. It seems as though Sony didn't have real gamers test their product, otherwise they'd know that no backlight for this product was going to be it's doom.
Better than the controller, however. If you are used to typing on a Blackberry, the size of this product will be no problem for you. In fact, the letter buttons are larger than those on the Blackberry.
It makes the controller a bit heavier, but what else would you expect?
Someone complained that the battery charge doesn't even last a week. I don't expect to get a week's worth of use out of a single charge, so I am not disappointed. I have had this product for 3 days and have not had to recharge it yet.
One irritating thing is that Sony doesn't include an instruction manual. OK, who needs a manual for a keyboard? Simple and straightforward, right? Wrong. It's 95% intuitive, but it has 2 mystery buttons on either side -- no idea what they are for. There's another bottom-center button that took me a while to figure out. And, it certainly would have been helpful to know that there is a tiny power button on the side before I spent quite some time trying to figure out why the thing wouldn't work. Just a simple half page sheet showing the features included in the box would be nice.
All in all, it saves time typing messages and I like that, especially in the middle of game play when I need to quickly communicate a message.
Update: After using this keypad for more than a week, I can't imagine going back to using the controller to communicate. It's great. The only thing I would like to see changed is the addition of a back light.
Better than the controller, however. If you are used to typing on a Blackberry, the size of this product will be no problem for you. In fact, the letter buttons are larger than those on the Blackberry.
It makes the controller a bit heavier, but what else would you expect?
Someone complained that the battery charge doesn't even last a week. I don't expect to get a week's worth of use out of a single charge, so I am not disappointed. I have had this product for 3 days and have not had to recharge it yet.
One irritating thing is that Sony doesn't include an instruction manual. OK, who needs a manual for a keyboard? Simple and straightforward, right? Wrong. It's 95% intuitive, but it has 2 mystery buttons on either side -- no idea what they are for. There's another bottom-center button that took me a while to figure out. And, it certainly would have been helpful to know that there is a tiny power button on the side before I spent quite some time trying to figure out why the thing wouldn't work. Just a simple half page sheet showing the features included in the box would be nice.
All in all, it saves time typing messages and I like that, especially in the middle of game play when I need to quickly communicate a message.
Update: After using this keypad for more than a week, I can't imagine going back to using the controller to communicate. It's great. The only thing I would like to see changed is the addition of a back light.
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2012
I bought this keyboard because I recently purchased a ps3 and wanted to be able to seamlessly type without having to always use the keyboard screen. Because I tend to have a cluttered space I decided against getting a regular sized wireless ps3 keyboard because I didn't want to chance it getting lost in the clutter. This seemed like a good idea since it could attach to my controller.
I read the reviews before buying and saw a lot of people didn't like how small the buttons are. I kept that in mind, assuming the buttons were going to be like teeny tiny hard to type size. Honestly? I really didn't find the letter buttons to be that much of a problem. I think someone else mentioned in a review here they're about the same as on a blackberry. I don't use a blackberry so that really didn't help me before ordering it, heh, but to be honest if you're used to the small-ish touch screen buttons on a iphone (if blackberry comparrison doesn't help you like me), this will be fine.
Moving on from the button size, I like that it fits perfectly over my controller. It has it's own select, start, and ps menu buttons that become functional as soon as you set up the keyboard so putting this over/on your controller will not get in the way of gameplay. I was worried it might be cumbersome and I might have to take it on and off when I'm not using it but actually it's fine. I've only had the keyboard for a couple of days and I haven't had any problems in terms of working around with my controller with this attached to it. It feels like a natural extension of my controller that's always been there.
8/12/2012 UPDATE: The keyboard doesn't seem to last very long. I've only had it for about six weeks and it suddenly stopped working. No matter what I did, charging, turning it off, plugging and unplugging it, still it would not work. I am now looking to get a different keyboard. Hopefully what I lose in convinence of snapping it on my controller, I'll gain in having something that I don't have to replace two months later :/
I read the reviews before buying and saw a lot of people didn't like how small the buttons are. I kept that in mind, assuming the buttons were going to be like teeny tiny hard to type size. Honestly? I really didn't find the letter buttons to be that much of a problem. I think someone else mentioned in a review here they're about the same as on a blackberry. I don't use a blackberry so that really didn't help me before ordering it, heh, but to be honest if you're used to the small-ish touch screen buttons on a iphone (if blackberry comparrison doesn't help you like me), this will be fine.
Moving on from the button size, I like that it fits perfectly over my controller. It has it's own select, start, and ps menu buttons that become functional as soon as you set up the keyboard so putting this over/on your controller will not get in the way of gameplay. I was worried it might be cumbersome and I might have to take it on and off when I'm not using it but actually it's fine. I've only had the keyboard for a couple of days and I haven't had any problems in terms of working around with my controller with this attached to it. It feels like a natural extension of my controller that's always been there.
8/12/2012 UPDATE: The keyboard doesn't seem to last very long. I've only had it for about six weeks and it suddenly stopped working. No matter what I did, charging, turning it off, plugging and unplugging it, still it would not work. I am now looking to get a different keyboard. Hopefully what I lose in convinence of snapping it on my controller, I'll gain in having something that I don't have to replace two months later :/
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2013
Solidly built and easy to set up. I was immediately impressed by this little device. It attaches very quickly and simply. Once attached is was solidly in place. No wiggle. No shifting. It's on solid. Removing it was just as easy. Now password entry, chat and putting in codes is super quick. The cumbersome, time consuming old way of cycling through characters in the on screen interface is gone for good.
It has a touch pad mode which is weird to explain but interesting to use. In this mode the keyboard behaves like a touch-pad on a laptop. You can scroll through menus or move your cursor around by sliding your thumbs any direction across the keyboard. The buttons don't even have to be pressed down. They become touch sensitive so you can lightly slide across to move the pointer/cursor. It is a little jumpy and I still prefer to use the stick for moving around but it is an interesting feature and I see what they were trying to do.
I only have one complaint. The keys are rather small and close together however, in fairness to its designers I don't see how it could be any other way given the amount of space available. I think the designers did a very good job with the space they had. I had to trim my thumb nails because I would press a button with my thumb and sometimes my nail would hit a neighboring button. If you don't want to trim your nails then get in the habit of typing with your nails unless you have small thumbs.
All in all, I am very happy with this keyboard. I've already shown it to my gaming friends and they all had great things to say.
It has a touch pad mode which is weird to explain but interesting to use. In this mode the keyboard behaves like a touch-pad on a laptop. You can scroll through menus or move your cursor around by sliding your thumbs any direction across the keyboard. The buttons don't even have to be pressed down. They become touch sensitive so you can lightly slide across to move the pointer/cursor. It is a little jumpy and I still prefer to use the stick for moving around but it is an interesting feature and I see what they were trying to do.
I only have one complaint. The keys are rather small and close together however, in fairness to its designers I don't see how it could be any other way given the amount of space available. I think the designers did a very good job with the space they had. I had to trim my thumb nails because I would press a button with my thumb and sometimes my nail would hit a neighboring button. If you don't want to trim your nails then get in the habit of typing with your nails unless you have small thumbs.
All in all, I am very happy with this keyboard. I've already shown it to my gaming friends and they all had great things to say.
