Source smarter with
Leverage AI to find the perfect product match in seconds
Matches from over 100 million products with precision
Handles queries 3 times as complex in half the time
Verifies and cross-validates product information
Get the app
Get the Alibaba.com app
Find products, communicate with suppliers, and manage and pay for your orders with the Alibaba.com app anytime, anywhere.
Learn more

Htpc keyboards

(230 products available)

About htpc keyboards

HTPC (Home Theater PC) keyboards are specially designed for usability in the comfort of home settings, where the traditional workspace setup may not apply. Catching a good movie with a comfortable arrangement may involve pressing some keys to skip some scenes or act on the next favorite playlist. Some people may even take control of their retro gaming consoles to play games with friends and family. Day-to-day activities, like browsing the web or doing light computing tasks, also need an efficient keyboard handy. Home theater PC is a computer designed to be a part of a home entertainment system to access and stream digital media on a TV or entertainment system. It is simply amazing how a keyboard can be used to control that computer from a distance, making it unnecessary to sit close to the monitor. As a matter of fact, the keyboard is an ingenious design that allows people to navigate smartly and conveniently in a home setting without the hassle of traditional workspace setups.

Generally, the choice of keyboards to be used on a HTPC may come down to personal choice and convenience, weighing in some essential factors when deciding on some aspects. Before deciding on which is better for a HTPC, some kernel meanings and the workings of each keyboard must be understood to make an ultimately informed decision. An ordinary full-size keyboard is significantly larger than a keyboard designed for HTPC usage or an HTPC keyboard.

The following types of HTPC keyboard can be used:

  • Wireless Keyboard: This type of HTPC keyboard works with batteries that can be recharged or replaced. As the name suggests, this keyboard connects wirelessly to a receiver, a USB device that is often plugged into the HTPC. A wireless keyboard also falls into the cordless category since it does not have wires or cords connecting it to the computer system. It operates via radio frequency or infrared technology. A wireless keyboard is an excellent and neat option since it does not have cables that can clutter the space around the home entertainment system. This also makes it possible to use the keyboard from different angles or positions.
  • Backlit Keyboard: A backlit keyboard has lights behind the keys that are either LED or some other light type. It is convenient for typing in the dark or poorly lit spaces. The lights behind the keys make reading and locating the keys straightforward, and typing becomes a breeze.
  • Multi-Touch Pad: A multi-touch pad can do several functions, such as scrolling, zooming, flipping, and moving around. A great advantage of the multi-touch pad is that it is intuitive and fast, making it ideal for seamless transitions between different tasks. Typing on a multi-touch pad is less comfortable for long stretches since it replaces the traditional mouse.
  • Mini HTPC Keyboard: Mini keyboards are small and portable, convenient to carry around easily. They are designed for quick access and less space usage. Despite their small size, mini keyboards can be packed with features.
  • Gaming Keyboards: Gaming keyboards have great responsiveness and are specifically designed for fast action. They are usually more durable and offer a fantastic multi-tasking experience for users. Gaming keyboards help eliminate input lag, an advantage that can be used in a gaming scenario.

Function and feature of htpc keyboards

Keyboard shopping depends a lot on the type of features customers want. Some will prioritize a solid typing experience over any other feature, while others will want responsive keys for the best gaming experience. Similarly, some buyers will prefer to purchase a keyboard with a pad to rest the wrist to improve comfort or an ergonomic keyboard that promotes better hand positioning.

An important thing to remember is that different materials are used for the keyboard case. Budget keyboards often use plastic, whereas premium ones may have aluminum or metal cases. The material should be sturdy, as the keyboard will be used frequently for tasks like gaming and typing. Wireless keyboards will require a rechargeable battery or disposable batteries.

Another important feature customers will want to know about is the keyboard's compatibility. Most will work seamlessly with Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux systems but checking the compatibility beforehand is a good idea. In addition to this, the layout of the keyboard will change according to the operating system, so customers should be made aware of this.

Below are some of the most common features of keyboards:

  • Multimedia Keys: Multimedia keys give instant control with keys specially designed for web surfing, volume control, play/pause, etc.
  • Backlight: A backlit keyboard can give a soft glow or dynamic multicolored lighting. The backlighting feature is helpful if the customer uses the keyboard in a dimly lit room.
  • Dust and Spill Resistant: Dust and spill resistance ensures longer product life. Dust and water won't ruin the keyboard, which is a common issue with most.
  • Customizable: Customizable keyboards allow users to program specific functions as per requirement. Certain keyboards come with software that enables users to set macros, change lighting effects, adjust key travel, etc.
  • Quiet Operation: Quiet operation is important for people who work in shared office spaces or homes where noise can disturb others. This type of keyboard uses special membrane switches or low-friction key mechanisms.

Applications of HTPC Keyboard

Apart from using a keyboard for a home theatre PC, buyers can use the HTPC wireless keyboard with mouse in various scenarios. Here are some applications of an HTPC keyboard.

  • Office presentations: An HTPC keyboard with a touchpad is handy for creating and managing presentations in a conference room. Presenters can move slides using the keyboard from anywhere in the room during the presentation.
  • Selling product demos: In a retail store, product demos are necessary to showcase how a product works. A 60 percent keyboard is portable, so salespeople can carry it around and use it to demonstrate products that need to be synced with a computer. For instance, demonstrating a phone camera can be easier with an HTPC keyboard.
  • Office workstation: Even though the keyboard is designed for home theatre PCs, customers can use it as an office workstation. It provides a comfortable typing experience and faster input on emails, chats, and document creation. Plus, the wireless connection allows users to declutter their workspace by keeping their keyboard and mouse few feet away from the PC.
  • Online learning: Online educational institutions are booming. When creating learning content, instructors will appreciate an HTPC keyboard that provides smooth and efficient typing. They can type lessons more efficiently, maintaining a quick pace and creating engaging content for students.
  • Virtual reality: Users exploring the virtual world or gaming can use an HTPC keyboard to interact with their environment. The keyboard helps to type commands and access menus that give users more control over their virtual reality experience.

How to choose htpc keyboards

Purchasing an HTPC keyboard wholesale is a worthy venture for many retailers. Before buying, it is crucial to consider the keyboards' compatibility with the HTPC. This can be determined by the keyboard type.

Furthermore, choose a touchpad HTPC keyboard with a responsive and sensitive touchpad. It will allow users to navigate smoothly and perform various tasks. Additionally, select a compact HTPC keyboard with a well-spaced layout. This will ease the typing process and minimize errors. A full function or full-size keyboard is also worth considering as it offers a complete set of keys for efficient typing.

When buying HTPC keyboards in bulk, it is important to check the additional multimedia keys. These keys are mainly used for controlling playback, adjusting volume, and navigating multimedia functions.

Consider the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard before making a purchase. Opt for a backlit HTPC keyboard with an appealing design and customizable illumination. It will stand out in the market. Buyers also seek for durable keyboards. Hence, choose HTPC keyboards made with long-lasting materials.

Inquire about the warranty and ensure it covers any unordinary damages.

HTPC keyboards Q&A

Q1. What makes a keyboard suitable for an HTPC?

A1. Comfort, simplicity, and essential features for basic browsing, media consumption, and gaming are necessary for an HTPC keyboard.

Q2. What are some benefits of HTPC wireless keyboards for business buyers?

A2. HTPC wireless keyboards can increase an end user's convenience and flexibility. They can eliminate tangling wires and offer a clutter-free environment for the media center.

Q3. What are some limitations of wireless keyboards that business buyers should consider?

A3. Wireless HTPC keyboards have limited battery life, which can be a hassle for end users. They also have a slight increase in latency, which can be an issue when performing some tasks. Wireless keyboards are often less responsive than wired options. Interference and range issues are potential limitations that can affect a wireless keyboard's performance.

Q4. Why is it important to choose an HTPC keyboard with multimedia controls?

A4. Multimedia controls make it easier to do simple tasks like adjusting the volume, skipping songs, opening media players, or stopping and pressing the play button from the keyboard. This can improve the overall experience of the user while controlling the HTPC.