Bluetooth keyboard and game controller question

[rbstern]

I'm cobbling together a mild gaming PC to add to my home theater, for occasional "big screen" gaming on my projection setup.

It's a typical, projection home theater setup, with all of the AV gear on a shelf, about 10 feet behind where the viewers sit. That's where the PC will go, to. I need to add a wireless keyboard/touchpad and a wireless gaming controller to the setup.

I assume that Bluetooth would be the way to go for these devices? I don't use Bluetooth, but as I understand it, if I had a Bluetooth receiver on the PC, it should be able to communicate with multiple Bluetooth devices like a keyboard and a game controller. Do I have that right?

 

[Janus67]

I'm not aware of any consistent bluetooth controllers that would work for what you are looking to do. I would recommend buying one of the microsoft wireless controller adapters and a couple wireless xbox 360 (or better) xbox one controllers. Most games can pick up when they are in use and change button prompts/etc to match those controllers.

Beyond that, for a keyboard+touchpad I personally use a Logitech K400 wireless keyboard+touchpad for my HTPC for general browsing/utility and it works just fine. Otherwise, it's big brother the K830 looks to be a good balance and offer bluetooth: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Illuminated-Living-Room-Internet-Connected-Bluetooth/dp/B00ZOPVSKW

 

[Dlaw]

Let me tell you, I love my Steam Controller. At $10 less than the Xbox controller, you can customize the crap out of it. It does take a little getting used to, and you have to run the Beta Steam client to update the firmware the first time, but it's easily the coolest gadget I have, and it's only going to get cooler.

 

[knoober]

its not bluetoooth (wireless USB) but I use this little guy like a remote control

http://www.amazon.com/Rii-mini-X1-R...=2.4ghz+mini+wireless+keyboard+with+touch+pad

and for controllers I have to +1 Janus : the xbox/wireless adapter combo is probably your best bet. Ive had nothing but grief from the bargain basement stuff for certain. Although I am very happy with my Logitech gamepad as well.

 

[rbstern]

Thanks for the suggestions. I picked up a K410 keyboard/touchpad yesterday at Microcenter.

The Steam controller is intriguing. May try that.

 

[Janus67]

Thanks for the suggestions. I picked up a K410 keyboard/touchpad yesterday at Microcenter.

The Steam controller is intriguing. May try that.

I would look into it first. From most of the discussions I've read/listened to regarding the Steam controller is that it doesn't replace a keyboard/mouse and it isn't as good as using a 360/XB1 controller for controller-based games. It kind of meets in the middle. If you have access to a wireless keyboard/mouse you will likely be happier with the performance. That said, far be it from me to tell someone what to/not to buy based on experiences that aren't my own, just mentioning what I've read.

 

[rbstern]

I would look into it first. From most of the discussions I've read/listened to regarding the Steam controller is that it doesn't replace a keyboard/mouse and it isn't as good as using a 360/XB1 controller for controller-based games. It kind of meets in the middle. If you have access to a wireless keyboard/mouse you will likely be happier with the performance. That said, far be it from me to tell someone what to/not to buy based on experiences that aren't my own, just mentioning what I've read.

Appreciate the added comment. I see the keyboard and the controller as useful for different scenarios. The HTPC will be in a true home theater (theater style seating), so there is no place to rest a keyboard except one's lap. The keyboard is a convenience for using the PC with very light typing duty, e.g., web browsing. Don't see it getting a lot of game use, especially with a touchpad; just won't be comfortable. A game controller will be needed to play most games enjoyably.

 

[Dlaw]

The Steam controller definitely takes some getting used to, but once you are, it's an amazing experience. While FPS games are still much better with a keyboard and mouse, any game that plays well with an Xbox controller does the same with a Steam controller in my experience.

My wife bough a used Xbox One controller with the pc adapter at Game stop, and it costed us $75ish. She likes it better, and there's nothing wrong with that. Beware that you can only customize the elite controllers, and they only work wirelessly with Windows 10.