Until a few years ago, all you needed to operate your television set was a remote control to navigate through channels and make basic adjustments like volume.
Now with the introduction of smart TVs, a remote control is hardly sufficient. You need a keyboard, which looks much like a computer keyboard to be able to navigate through the programs easily.
There are lots of options in the market so your challenge may end up being figuring out which keyboard to buy. Key differences are in the types, sizes and range or distance within which a strong connection can be maintained.
Here is our compilation of the 7 best wireless keyboards for a smart TV to help you decide which one suits you best.
Contents
7 Best Wireless Keyboards for Smart TV
Logitech’s K600 is a large TV keyboard about the same size as a regular computer keyboard. You can type in comfort as these are standard size keys and speed up your navigation thanks to function-familiar keys at the top. Logitech also includes a large trackpad which makes navigation even faster.
There is also a directional pad and mouse keys which allow for two-hand control using your thumbs.
A flat design means you don’t have to have it placed on a table to type. You can simply place it on your lap. This is a versatile device considering it can also be used as a keyboard for Android, iOS, Windows and Mac devices.
It is powered by a pair of AAA batteries which can have your keyboard running for up to a year. The operating range lets you sit up to 49 feet (15 meters) from your TV.
Our main gripe becomes apparent when using the keyboard in a dark room. There is no backlight so you may struggle to see the keys in insufficient light.
Pros
- Standard size keys
- Flat design
- Long battery life
- 49-feet range
- Versatile
Cons
- Large size
- No backlight
Jelly Comb Bluetooth Keyboard – Best for Multi-Device Use
The Jelly Comb is a wireless, rechargeable keyboard which connects to devices via Bluetooth. It stands out because it allows you to connect to more than one device and easily switch from one to the other.
A tray slot is incorporated into its design so you can have your smartphone or tablet securely placed on the keyboard. Pairing is done quickly and easily using Bluetooth version 3.0 and for devices such as a smart TV, you can operate it from as far as 32 feet away.
In terms of compatibility with other systems, this keyboard can be used with Android, Windows, iOS or MacBook devices.
The qwerty-style keyboard means you don’t need much time to learn key placement and scissor-switch keys give better tactile response as well as quieter typing.
The modern round keys are dustproof, anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint which makes care and maintenance easy.
Power is provided by a rechargeable 180 mAh lithium-ion battery which should last you about 40 hours and requires about 3 hours for a full recharge.
Pros
- Can be used with multiple devices
- Has a tray slot to hold devices
- Rechargeable battery
- Lightweight (1.6 lbs.)
Cons
- Bulky
- Battery doesn’t last long
Arteck Wireless Keyboard – Best Lightweight Keyboard
It is generally assumed that you have to choose between full size keys for comfortable typing and light weight in a keyboard. The Arteck wireless device proves that you can have both.
This is an ultra-lightweight device which weighs about a pound but is large enough (17 x 5 x 0.6 inches) to accommodate full size keys, arrow keys, a number pad and shortcut keys.
Flip the Arteck over to reveal a sleek-looking, smooth, stainless steel surface with silicone non-slip spots to ensure it stays in place as you type.
Aside from a smart TV, it can also be used with a PC or laptop. Connection to the device in use is through a 2.4GHz receiver which is all you have to slot into the device’s port to start navigating through your screen.
Arteck powers their device using a long-lasting rechargeable lithium-ion battery which can last up to 6 months on a single charge. This is assuming average use of about 2 hours a day.
Our main gripe with this keyboard is that it doesn’t have a palm rest and has no backlight so you may have a problem identifying keys when in a poorly lit room.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Compact, full size keys
- Sleek stainless steel back
- Rechargeable battery with long battery life
Cons
- No back light
- No palm rest
iPazzPort KP 810 -30 BR – Best for Portability
For those who have grown accustomed to TV keyboards which are just as big as computer keyboards, this device from iPazzPort could easily be mistaken for a remote control. Albeit one with lots of buttons.
iPazzPort’s keyboard is a small, compact option small enough to be held in both hands. You can type like you would on a cellphone. A modern black and silver design gives it a unique aesthetic appeal. 47 keys include a set of qwerty-style ones alongside a set of multi-media function keys on the extreme right.
Connection to the device in use is achieved via Bluetooth and can be used with an Amazon fire TV. An included silicone sleeve lets you attach a Fire TV remote to the keyboard so you can easily reach them both.
If you are like many users who prefer to watch movies with the lights off, you will appreciate the LED backlights used to illuminate the keys so you can type comfortably even in the dark. Unlike other keyboards whose backlights adjust themselves depending on the amount of light in the room, this one has to be turned on and off by pressing the light bulb key.
With such a compact design, the tradeoff is a lack of what could be considered standard inclusions in larger keyboards. This device has no volume keys, no trackpad and has no cursor keys.
Pros
- Compact design for easy portability
- Comes with a silicone sleeve to attach Fire TV
- Backlight can be turned on and off when necessary
Cons
- No trackpad
- No volume keys
Rii i4 Keyboard – Best for Gaming
The i4 keyboard from Rii is a mini Bluetooth device which secures a place on our list for several reasons. The first is that it aptly replace your gaming controller thanks to conveniently placed keys, including shoulder buttons and a control pad.
Another reason for its popularity is dual connection modes. Although it is marketed as a Bluetooth device, it also allows you to connect to devices using a 2.4 GHz USB receiver so you can still use it with devices which are not Bluetooth compatible.
A centrally placed trackpad allows for scrolling as well as single and double clicks.
This device is compatible with smart TVs, Windows Mac OS, and Android. Not forgetting PS4 and Xbox for gaming.
Rii didn’t forget that many of us like to watch movies with the lights off. This keyboard comes with LED backlight to illuminate the keys in the dark and gives you 2 brightness levels to choose from.
Pros
- Can be used for gaming
- Dual connection modes
- Large central trackpad
- Backlit – 2 levels of brightness
Cons
- Small space bar
- No IR learning
Logitech K400 Keyboard – Best Budget Keyboard
The K400 keyboard from Logitech is a great option for anyone looking for a pocket-friendly but quality device. This is a simple, no-frills, easy to use keyboard but has more than sufficient functionality to let you navigate smoothly.
It is large enough for qwerty-style keys of standard size and a 3.5-inch touchpad with buttons for a mouse. With these buttons, you get the same functionality as you do from a mouse. The touchpad also has multi-gesture functionality, letting you place the cursor anywhere on the screen.
You will need to install a set of disposable batteries to power it up. The advantage of these is that they last long before they need to be replaced but can work out to be more expensive than rechargeable ones in the long run.
The one weakness you have to deal with is a lack of Bluetooth connectivity. Without this feature, often considered a standard one in keyboards today, you are significantly limited in terms of devices you can connect it to. It also lacks a backlight so you will need to be in a well-lit room to use it.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly price
- Sufficient spacing for keys
- Multi-gestured touchpad
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- No backlight
Fosmon Mini Wireless Keyboard – Best Layout
Fosmon’s keyboard is descried by some as the keyboard with the best layout while others praise it for having best grip. It is when you have this mini keyboard in your hands that you understand why these descriptions came to be.
Connection is achieved through Bluetooth version 3.0 and you can operate from as far as 33 feet from the device. Long-lasting batteries give you about 10 days of continuous use and 50 days on standby mode.
With a design emphasizing thumb use, you end up typing like you were typing on a laptop, making navigation quick and easy. A conveniently placed trackpad on the extreme right lets you swipe and click faster with your right hand.
Above the trackpad are 4 multicolored LED lights used to indicate Bluetooth connection, power, battery power and caps lock, much like a laptop keyboard.
Apart from layout, users who need to carry a keyboard in a bag or backpack will appreciate its compact size (7x 1 x 4 inches) and light weight which stands at only 75 grams.
Pros
- Convenient layout
- Comact size – easily portable
- Bluetooth compatible
- Allows for good grip
- Backlit
Cons
- May be inappropriate for large hands
Factors to Consider When Buying a Wireless Keyboard for Smart TV
Type
A wireless keyboard could be of one of 3 types. Bluetooth, infrared or RF (radio frequency), which determine how it is connected to the smart TV.
Bluetooth: It is a recent advancement in keyboard technology. With Bluetooth connectivity you can secure a strong, wireless connection which is less likely to suffer interference from other devices using the same technology.
Infrared: Infrared keyboards were once commonplace but have since been outnumbered by Bluetooth ones. It is however, a good alternative when dealing with devices which don’t have Bluetooth capability.
Radio Frequency: Radio Frequency keyboards, also known as RFs have a USB dongle which is inserted into the USB port on your smart TV. The dongle acts as a receiver and communicates with the keyboard as long as it is within specified range.
Range
Range, in this context, refers to the distance which must be maintained between the keyboard and smart TV in order to maintain a strong connection. This would generally be dictated by the size of the room you are using it in.
If you have a small room and therefore short distance between the keyboard and smart TV, an RF keyboard will work fine since these typically top off at about 10 feet.
A larger room would work well with an infrared keyboard which generally tops off at 12 feet. Very large rooms require Bluetooth keyboards as the range remains strong up to about 30 feet.
Size
Wireless keyboards are available in a range of sizes.
Full size: These are about as big as a regular computer keyboard although some are designed to be slim in order to save on weight. With these you get the same features and functionality you get in a computer keyboards such as a number pad.
Compact: A compact keyboard is about 60% the size of a full-sized one. These lack both a number pad and function keys in order to save on space.
Tenkey-less: These, also refeed to as TKLs lack a number pad to save on space. At about 80% the size of a full-sized keyboard, you can use it comfortably at home and still be able to pack it into a backpack.
Batteries and Battery Life
With the convenience of wireless connection comes a need for independent powering. Hence the need for batteries in wireless keyboards. A keyboard could be powered using removable alkaline batteries such as AA or AAA.
The other alternative is rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which are often built in so you may never see it. All you need to do is plug the keyboard in to a power source and let it charge up.
Removable alkaline batteries tend to last longer than a lithium-ion one would on a single charge, but end up being more expensive since you have to buy a new set every time.
Comfort
This is a feature which is often neglected until there is a problem. Here we are referring to ease of grip and ease of typing.
Grip could be affected by the size of the keyboard because small ones could be difficult for people with large hands to use comfortably. Grip could also be affected by the layout of the keys. If you have to reach across the keyboard to access certain keys, grip is compromised.
Ease of typing could be affected by the general size of the keyboard and keys. If they are too small it may be difficult to type.
FAQs
How can I tell when the batteries in my wireless keyboard are weak?
It is different for different keyboards. Some flash an indicator light. Others flash the power indicator light in a certain pattern.
On other devices, a notification message is displayed on the desktop telling you the batteries will need to be changed soon.
Of course some devices give no warning at all before the batteries go flat. You will simply notice that your keystrokes are no longer registered.
How should a wireless keyboard be cleaned?
Use compressed air to blow out loose dirt and debris caught between keys. For the keys, use a soft, lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water and gently wipe them down to remove dust and fingerprints.
If your keyboard has a touchpad, use a soft lint-free cloth moistened with lens cleaner to gently wipe the surface. Be careful not to scratch the delicate surface.
What causes delay on a wireless keyboard?
This is a somewhat common problem which could be caused by factors such as your operating system or smart TV settings. Incompatible device drivers could also be behind this problem. Such lags are often so slight that it is hardly noticeable for everyday use.
However, when it comes to gaming, even small delays are a big deal because missed strokes could cost you the game.
Conclusion
If you are planning to invest in a smart TV, you will probably have to add a wireless keyboard to the purchase. Regular remote controls can be used but won’t let you navigate as easily and may deprive you of some features altogether.
Fortunately there is no shortage of wireless keyboards in the market. You only need to find one that suits you based on the size of the room it will be used in, if you will need to carry it around often and of course the kind of batteries you prefer to have.
Robinson Wright
Robinson Wright is a home automation specialist and has helped many modern home developers pick the right gadgets for home automation. According to Wright, most people struggle with particular areas in their home, some would want improved security especially when away from home for a couple of days and others will want to improve power consumption. Homeowner's needs can be fulfilled by investing in smart home gadgets but most importantly is that one must know the functionality that they desire to achieve and then choose a product and technology that would fulfill the need. Robinson Wright runs an appliance enterprise and when not in the field working with his clients, he loves spending time in his workshop testing out the new technologies.