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Even though the HTPC is marketed as a keyboard, we think of it as more of an advanced remote control because it is quite frustrating to type anything more than a few letters on the small keyboard. Those looking for a proper keyboard to accompany their HTPC would probably be better off looking at the Xebec Tech iTouchpad Diamond instead. The HTPC keyboard is fine for some light web browsing and multimedia control, though.
The HTPC keyboard is similar in size to an Xbox 360 controller and feels quite similar in your hands as a result of the contours on the underside. Xebec Tech have chosen to finish the underside of the keyboard with rubberised paint which helps you to grip the keyboard securely. They have also cleverly positioned the left and right mouse buttons on the underside of the keyboard where you would find the left and right triggers on an Xbox 360 controller.
On the top side we find a keyboard spanning the bottom half of the unit with the top half being left for the integrated touchpad and a generous selection of multimedia buttons. Thanks to the small size of the keyboard, it is very easy to reach across with your thumb to use the touchpad or any of the multimedia buttons.
The touchpad itself is quite small but is large enough to let you navigate a sizeable screen without issue. It also supports mutli-touch gestures including two-finger scrolling which improves the web browsing experience. The multimedia buttons flank the touchpad on either side and cater for all the functions you might need on a HTPC. These include directional selector buttons, volume buttons and a button to launch Windows Media Center.
Like the iTouchpad Diamond, the HTPC keyboard uses a tiny USB dongle which barely protrudes from the USB port when plugged in. This means the keyboard can easily be used with a laptop on the move without hassle. When you're not using the keyboard, the receiver can be stowed in a small slot on the underside of the keyboard.
