Wireless keyboard to work approx 8m with no line-of-sight

mrcheez

As the title says I need to get a wireless keyboard that will work at a distance of 8m from the PC, but will have no line-of-sight to the PC (the PC is upstairs, the keyboard will be used downstairs while the PC is being used with the TV).

So the wooden floor will be the main division between the two.

My Xbox360 controller is able to communicate with the PC no problem in this setup.

I've seen the Logitech K400 which seems very good, but concerned that it may be a little sluggish with no line-of-sight to PC.

Recommend a keyboard I should look at?
(Doesn't have to have a trackpad, although this would be a plus. Also rechargeable battery would be additional bonus)

Ninjah Tigah

Budget?

mrcheez

erm.. less than €50 ?

Ninjah Tigah

Overall, I think the K400 would be your best bet but there's also:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Keysonic-ACK-540RF-Wireless-Keyboard-Integrated/dp/B002D117JW

I don't think that with the K400 there'd be any issues regarding the no line of sight issue, it's a RF keyboard so unless there's other interference there shouldn't be any issue.

mrcheez

Thanks. The other one looks good though the reviews say it goes through batteries fairly rapidly.

Just hoping the Xbox360 Wireless controller and Keyboard don't interfere signal-wise.

Wetbench4

+1 for k400. Iv'e been using one for a media centre pc which is right behind the 42" telly, so you'd imagine there would be interference from the telly but there's none. Still on original batteries too and i have it a year.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005LDLQXG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

mrcheez

Wetbench4 wrote: »

+1 for k400. Iv'e been using one for a media centre pc which is right behind the 42" telly, so you'd imagine there would be interference from the telly but there's none. Still on original batteries too and i have it a year.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005LDLQXG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

Would you mind trying one small thing for me the next time you're home?

Could you go upstairs approx 8m from the PC (through the floorboards) and try typing something and see if it got through?

Many thanks!

Ninjah Tigah

mrcheez wrote: »

Thanks. The other one looks good though the reviews say it goes through batteries fairly rapidly.

Well that's the problem with Wireless technology. Microwaves and other equipment such as wireless networks and other gadgets will cause interference if it's operating on a RF. However, I would say they'll be okay. I don't know of anyway to stop them from interfering with each other as they're on the same frequency - 2.4ghz and I don't know of any other frequency for keyboards.

Wetbench4

mrcheez wrote: »

Would you mind trying one small thing for me the next time you're home?

Could you go upstairs approx 8m from the PC (through the floorboards) and try typing something and see if it got through?

Many thanks!

I just tried your little experiment and the results weren't great. I live in normal 3bed semi and tv and htpc are in the front downstairs room in the corner by the window. Its not great position because its hidden behind tv and next to the fireplace and walls on the opposite sides too.

It only worked up to about 4 or 5 metres in the room just over the tv room. And it wouldn't work when i had the keyboard on my lap (:D). Wouldn't work in any of the other upstairs rooms.

But maybe mine isn't the best example as its very enclosed,it had to pass through a lot of stuff to work, it could be fine for your setup.

mrcheez

Hmm thanks for that! Could be the old battery as well.

So it worked upstairs when you were approx 5m in direct line to the HTPC through the floorboards?