I need a wireless keyboard for my raspberry pi so I can do stuff on it. I have a keyboard for my desktop but I really don’t want to have to crawl down and switch the port every time I want to switch devices. I am a hardcore wired peripherals person except that my dorm desk is already filled as it is so I don’t need another wire to tangle in the rats nest. I’m not in tune to the wireless peripherals market at all so I need some help on this.
Plans for keyboard:
Raspberry Pi development, need something clean and highly portable
HTPC type connectivity aka typing for my laptop while 10ft away on my couch for those once a month occasions.
(rare and quite a stretch)For some weird reason if I need to type on a device (phone, future tablet or something) and don’t want to use the on screen keyboard
In order of preference:
Under $30 is preferable. However if you can make a good argument for something a little more that $30 don’t hesitate.
I want the keyboard to be small aka 10 keyless but I want my arrow keys. Around 12-13 inches (30cm) is perfect. It’s gotta fit on my desk along with my 2 monitors, keyboard, mouse, and a notebook right in front of me. Plus I want to fit it in my backpack. Idk how I feel about the attached track pad, it would be nice but might add too much length.
Solid general keyboard stuff mainly durability, quality of keys, battery life etc. prefer rechargeable over disposable batteries, but I can make do.
Both USB and Bluetooth connectivity. I’d say for this purpose I’d prefer Bluetooth, but I want the USB capabilities just in case. Plus with better brands it’s more stable
I really like the feature on my Logitech m720 mouse, where I can easily switch between 3 devices with a simple hit of a button; it saves me so much time and hassle. Having that on a wireless keyboard would be preferable.
If you have any tips or experiences with wireless keyboards don’t hesitate.
All that’s gonna be difficult to find for <$30. This is the one I use for my Pi. It doesn’t fit every one of those features, but I figure I’d throw it out there. Normally $40, on sale for $26.
Actually now that I’m looking around a bit more, I’m seeing a couple ~$30 that offer Bluetooth. I can’t speak for the feel or build quality though. I’d be really sceptical about cheap track pads. The Logitech feels pretty good for a cheap device.
I use an Obins Anne Pro wireless mechanical keyboard for my portable set up, and with my phone like one of your points mentions so it works great for that.
Unfortunately it is 60% board. It still has all they other functions they are just on a layer, have to press the FN key to access them.
That K400 is the gold standard in HTPC keyboards, everybody has one including me. Would I want to use it as my primary keyboard? No I would not. But for occasional use it’s great.
Also the batteries last forever if you turn it off when not in use. I bought mine in 2014 and haven’t replaced the batteries yet.
Amazon deal of the day shows that keyboard at $18 instead of the usual $35. Gonna pull the trigger by the end of the day if no better suggestions come up.
Unless you want to spend a lot more money, that’s the one to get. And a great deal, too!
Beauty of the logitech unifying receiver is it shows up like a USB keyboard and USB mouse. You plug in the little dongle and it just works, no drivers necessary on any platform.
I use one of these at work for working on a PC dedicated to machine monitioring. The PC is attached to a monitor 8 feet off of the floor, and therefore difficult to plug as USB into. It works very well.
No they were Gateron switches. I regularly do carry it around in my backpack it is holding up fine, though usual concerns exist like with all MX based mechs, if you have pressure front eh edges of the board you risk breaking a stem. Never been a problem for me I am just careful putting it in and taking out. The in transit part is fine because it is secure in my bag.
I can confirm that the batteries last forever. I got one when I bought a 1st gen. Pi almost 5 years ago and have never changed the batteries. I just turn it off between uses. It’s not incredible for typing, but if you consider the price, it’s hard to beat.