Xbox 360 controller keyboard out in the wild

by Dustin Burg { Apr 9th 2007 at 2:45PM }

The folks over at the Gamerscore Blog posted additional pictures of the newly announced Xbox 360 text input peripheral. The pictures show off how the device plugs into the controller, how it's shaped, and how comfortable it'll be when connected. The curvature and look seems odd at first, but fits snugly into the 360 controller almost as if they were separated at birth and are finally reunited. It's also interesting to note that the text input device will be back lit and include a separate headset to plug into the device. A complete set of new pictures are viewable after the jump.

Tags: controller keyboard, ControllerKeyboard, keyboard, peripheral, text input, TextInput, xbox 360, Xbox360

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

ANt @ Apr 9th 2007 2:54PM

Price??

Haqq @ Apr 9th 2007 2:56PM

Looks awesome! - Wonder how much it would be :O

Tony @ Apr 9th 2007 3:11PM

I'd never buy this since I rarely send messages and don't mind using a keyboard, but I think it's a pretty cool idea. It kind of turns it into an Xbox-centric Sidekick.

King Keepo @ Apr 9th 2007 3:12PM

Likely to be expensive given the cost of the other peripherals.

Personally I'd like a stand alone keyboard that doesn't have to attach to the controller, but there you, that's just my preference.

Do any of the wireless keyboards out there work with the 360?

Pinhead @ Apr 9th 2007 3:29PM

To be honest, it doesn't really look that nice to type on actually. Gripping it properly and at the same time moving your thumbs into such an odd angle seems awkward. Maybe it's just because I have rather small hands, but still...

Alex @ Apr 9th 2007 3:31PM

This looks incredibly uncomfortable and clunky.

DeadPlasmaCell @ Apr 9th 2007 3:40PM

If it does come with a new headset, like the article mentions, I would pay about $20-$30 (tops) for it.

Modeps @ Apr 9th 2007 3:41PM

Considering you can get a USB keyboard for around $20 to do the same thing (and probably better), I'd hope it wouldn't cost more than that.

Jon C. @ Apr 9th 2007 3:50PM

"Do any of the wireless keyboards out there work with the 360?"

I use a wireless MS keyboard for sending quick notes and such. It works quite well (I plug the USB cable for the wireless transmitter/receiver in the rear of the console) but the range sucks. I can't recall the specific model, but I'd suggest looking for a keyboard with a lot longer range -- instead being able to type on the coffee table, I have the move the keyboard to the edge of the sofa, closest to the receiver.

Jelly @ Apr 9th 2007 4:16PM

I use a standard USB keyboard. It's fine, works great.

Pros of USB KB -

Larger typing area
Proper keys
Easier to touch type
Cheaper
Can be used on PC etc as well

Pros of controller KB -

Neater (no extra space for KB needed)
Has dedicated buttons (messenger etc)
Backlit (but my £20 KB is backlit anyway...)

I probably won't get one for another simple reason. I have a controller "rack" on my wall (in this room, space is at a premium :P) and with this unit fitted, it won't go on the rack! Kind of lame reason, as i could always take it off, but if you put this together with the other reasons...Kind of stacks up.

Good idea though. Still a thought.

FiredCylinder @ Apr 9th 2007 4:06PM

It's likely to be completely useless. They already put in voice messages/chat, why would they need something like this?

h0mi @ Apr 9th 2007 4:16PM

Make it $30 or less and I'd get one. Too bad I already have 2 headsets (but just 1 controller, heh).

andrew go @ Apr 9th 2007 4:20PM

I'll get it if they add a web browser. Until then it doesn't have too much purpose.

mamardilla69 @ Apr 9th 2007 4:46PM

@ #8
$$ 20?????????? I just payed $7 for a usb keyboard @ office depot. Back to topoic, this will cost around........... $180¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡

King724 @ Apr 9th 2007 8:01PM

What would be reasonable: $19.99 USD
What microsoft will charge: $49.99 USD

*sigh

Justin @ Apr 9th 2007 9:24PM

Yup. MS will charge at LEAST USD49.99

Aaron @ Apr 9th 2007 11:05PM

Has anyone heard word if it will come in black or not to go with the new Elite?

DjDATZ @ Apr 10th 2007 12:20AM

looks awesome...would be a great thing to have...but i have my own simple solution...if im on my 360...i use voice messages...or private chat...if i need to send a text message...open up the laptop which sits on the coffee table when im playin 360...usually maximize firefox, refresh xbox.com, and send a text message faster than most n00bs can send a voice msg...LOL