Anyone not use keyboard drawer and go with something like this?

[crpngdth2001]

I was doing more planning on my cabinet and was trying to decide on having or not having a keyboard drawer.

I think I'm leaning towards not putting one in to simplify construction and for aesthetics. Has anyone used a wireless setup similar to the one below and gotten decent range? I'm concerned whether or not plugging the dongle into the rear usb on the PC, and having that encased by the MDF cabinet might kill the signal.

Would I at least be able to stand in front of the cabinet with this thing and be able to use it?

http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?productID=11715&ta=detail_img&pi=Y&st=8

[RyoriNoTetsujin]

You know, if you're really worried about signal, you could get a USB extension cord (6 ft.) and run it up the inside of the cab.  Then you could conceal the dongle behind the monitor bezel, or behind the marquee, or outside the cab (like on top or on the back where nobody looks,) whichever works best and is out of eyesight.

Of course, that's your call.  My cheapo wired  keyboard is concealed... behind the coin door~! 

[Crowquill]

I think the thing coolest about this thing is the mouse stick. I've not seen one made quite like that.

I wouldn't think signal would be a problem. Probably the only issue would be if you're using something with a LOT of metal like a candy cab. Since most people on here have cabinets built entirely out of MDF or plywood, I wouldn't think it would be an issue. All-in-all I think my computer desk has more metal than my cab with a metal CP.

[DrumAnBass]

Yah I use a cheap wireless keyboard and mouse for my cab; which works great. Best $20 I have ever spent...!

But that keyboard mounted joystick is awesome! Good find!!

[crpngdth2001]

Yea, that's what caught my eye too - the mouse joystick and buttons on the keyboard. I could hang this tiny thing on the back or stuff it behind a coin door, or shove it in my desk drawer until I need it. Dont burn any PS/2 ports on the PC in case I use a mouse or keyboard hack that needs them for the trackball or something.

[TOK]

That is cool, and I dislike keyboard drawers but on the other hand, I also hate having to worry about batteries. Both my cabs now have regular keyboards hidden behind the coin doors. Once you have everything up and running, you will seldom need it.

[TroyO]

Another kind of interesting one... fexible keyboard.


http://www.fentek-ind.com/kbmflusbps2b.htm

[shorthair]

Well, since this thing isn't optical, batteries might last a long time.  Then again, as TOK said, how often are you gonna need it?  Oh Tesla, may your ghost come to help us.

[BobA]

I had a wireless keyboard and mouse that I had to change out.  Every time I went to use it the mouse was dead and needed new batteries.   This mouse was apparently a cheapy and did not go to a low power state when not in use.   I changed over to a Microsoft Wireless KB and Mouse where the mouse powers down until the right key is clicked and have not had the battery problems since.

I love the wireless KB and Mouse but make sure it has some sort of power saving feature since you do not use it very often.

[EwJ]

HTPC forums have a wealth of info re: wireless keyboard/mouse units.

I currently use a BTC 9019 for regular pc use.  It has a built in joystick/mouse.  It has decent range and battery life. 
There is a newer model out now.


Here's teh 9019:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16760&vpn=9019URF&manufacture=BTC

the newer model:  ~10m range (30 ft. for you yanks).
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=22378&vpn=9029URF-III&manufacture=BTC

[alandrogers]

Umm .. I don't understand why you think you actually need to have a keyboard on your machine.

Wireless keyboards and mice use infrared or bluetooth... line of sight or very short distance.

Instead of that, why not put a wifi net card in the back of the pc (cause it'll work for a loooooonnnnnnggggg distance)

then use this: http://vnc.com/ and just do whatever you need to do from your OTHER computer keyboard.

the vnc is freeware/shareware, and wifi net cards (802.11) can be had for cheap, so long as you already have a wireless router in the house.

[leapinlew]

Umm .. I don't understand why you think you actually need to have a keyboard on your machine.

Wireless keyboards and mice use infrared or bluetooth... line of sight or very short distance.

Instead of that, why not put a wifi net card in the back of the pc (cause it'll work for a loooooonnnnnnggggg distance)

then use this: http://vnc.com/ and just do whatever you need to do from your OTHER computer keyboard.

the vnc is freeware/shareware, and wifi net cards (802.11) can be had for cheap, so long as you already have a wireless router in the house.

well....
for starters.... vnc (or tightVNC is better)will not always display an image if it's in some games. Also, the tightvnc server is another service running and while it has a small footprint - you may not want to spend the resources (including those of a wifi card). If anything - run RDP instead of vnc.

I'm with TOK on this. I just have a keyboard inside the coin door and get to it on the rare occasions I need to. If there is a problem, I open the coin door, pull out the keyboard. I don't have any other layers of complexity to worry about(i.e. batteries need charged, connections need to be re-established, wireless issues, remote access issues, etc.)

[fjl]

If you don't add a keyboard tray then where will you rest the keyboard when you want to use it? I like being close to the monitor when using the keyboard. And it will be even more so now that my monitor is no longer a pc monitor and certain things will be hard to distinguish.

[Loki]

Those are some sweet keyboards!
I planned on using Radmin when I really need to change things.
But an extra keyboard like this behind the coin door sounds like a good extra option.

[FrizzleFried]

I currently use a BTC 9019 for regular pc use.  It has a built in joystick/mouse.  It has decent range and battery life.
There is a newer model out now.

I too use this keyboard on my cocktail cabinet.  I used it for my HTPC until I pulled the HTPC apart to use in the cocktail cabinet.  I have used this keyboard up to 20 feet away with absolutely no issue.  The mouse joystick ROCKS....

[saint]

I didn't include a keyboard on Project Arcade but will be retrofitting one. I run many games on there that work great with arcade controls but still have a "enter your name" for high score screen requiring a keyboard.  I considered some sort of virtual keyboard, but for the kids it's just easier to pop out a keyboard. With a wireless I can just have it somewhere in the game room out of the way but accessible. Don't need a mouse since I have the trackball...

[Knievel]

Will kids be using this cabinet? If so then try to include a keyboard drawer..trust me.

On the wireless strength issue, my Logitech combo works from the second story of my house and the computer is in the basement..in a cabinet.

[AMDman13]

I went with just a plain wired mini keyboard. It just sits on top of the coin bucket cage thing. The cab is also wired to an ethernet network so, I can do almost all of my file transfers and such from my main PC. I have 4 children and don't seem to ever need to use the keyboard for anything. 

[Knievel]

You are lucky. When I get a group of them over here mashing buttons my keyboard tray slides get warm it's pulled out so much. 

[ringram]

I added one of these to my HTPC for when I need a keyboard. Works well. Has a power saving mode, plus, it also has a switch on it so you can turn off the power to the keyboard. No more draining batteries.

http://www.thinkcomputers.org/index.php?x=reviews&id=558

[Texasmame]

I just went the wireless keyboard and mouse route.  Love it. 

Check eBay for it. . .

http://tinyurl.com/3ahenl

This is the type I got, from this guy, for under $20, shipped. 

Long enough wire on the reciever to put it on top of the cab so the signal can reach it from just about anywhere you want. 

I'm very pleased!