Looking for mini keyboard to use with cintiq
polycounter lvl 18
I just recently picked up a 21UX Cintiq and I've been using it on my couch from time to time. But having to bring my keyboard with me has been a bit annoying (I've got a Logitech G15), because its way too big.
I'm curious what the rest of you Cintiq owners use.
So far this is the best thing I've found, only I haven't been able to find a place to order/buy it. Its the I-O Data CPKB/BT (alternative link with more pics). But every review of it that I've found just states its a cellphone specific bluetooth keyboard. I'm assuming because its bluetooth, it should connect to a PC bluetooth reciever as well.
Could anyone confirm this?
I've also found the Logitech DiNovo Mini, which isn't so handy because it doesn't have a ctl and alt key. But the size is rad.
Preferably I'd like something that I can prop on the top of the Cintiq, the keys are easy to press, is wireless and is really small.
Thanks in advance for the help.
-caseyjones
I'm curious what the rest of you Cintiq owners use.
So far this is the best thing I've found, only I haven't been able to find a place to order/buy it. Its the I-O Data CPKB/BT (alternative link with more pics). But every review of it that I've found just states its a cellphone specific bluetooth keyboard. I'm assuming because its bluetooth, it should connect to a PC bluetooth reciever as well.
Could anyone confirm this?
I've also found the Logitech DiNovo Mini, which isn't so handy because it doesn't have a ctl and alt key. But the size is rad.
Preferably I'd like something that I can prop on the top of the Cintiq, the keys are easy to press, is wireless and is really small.
Thanks in advance for the help.
-caseyjones
Replies
http://www.frogpad.com/
Spinks, now that you mention it, I remember the thread you're talking about and the pics as well. Hopefully pior sees the thread and can help me out.
Thanks for the responses, guys.
-caseyjones
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=390404
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3075&cl=au,en
Or this one:
be warned this keyboard is 1500 bucks! (each key has its own lcd display!)
I just tried one of these laser projection keyboard Indecom! The Celluon one (a bit more advanced than the one in that picture). Unfortunately, they suck haha.
Casey, it really all comes down to what you want the kb for. Since it is to be a tablet companion I suspect you mostly want it for photoshop shortcuts. In that case you can very well go for a gamepad instead with buttons mapped throught JoyToKey. I have been using that for a few weeks and it works great! You can even go wireless with a 360 controller with the USB receiver for the PC - will cost you 19bucks instead of the price of an advanced kb. As for the occasional typing, you can fall back on windows' built-in virtual keyboard!
Good luck!
Pea, sweet hook up on the Apple keyboard, dude! That seriously looks like the best candidate for what I'm after. It even has a little stand thing at the back which I can use to prop it to the cintiq. If nothing better comes along, I'll be picking up one of those on Monday during my lunch break.
Marine, those X-Keys rigs are gnarly. I'll have a flick through the site a little more to see what is exactly on offer and sus out the prices. Thanks.
Gav, do you know if you can bind keys to that keypad? I did a really quick (and I mean real quick) search in google and nothing really came up. I know I could just change the hotkeys in Photoshop/Maya/Mudbox/ZBrush, but there are no ctrl, alt or shift keys. Thanks anyway, dude.
Indecom, not much to say about your post.
-caseyjones
I'd be using the keyboard for 2D, 3D and sculpting apps and potentially some typing (the typing is more a wishlist feature - for naming layers, text, saving files).
I'm not sure what you mean about the Shift, Alt and Ctrl being all messed up, because I just looked at the keyboard layout on the Apple site and they seem to be placed where I'd expect them to.
-caseyjones
I guess it's just that I am used to find ctrl thanks to the edge of my kb and alt thanks to the left edge of spacebar! Because of that tactile habit I am totally lost on the apple mini wireless :P
I can see that annoying me at first until I get used to the layout, but the small keyboard currently looks like the best option that will accomodate everything I need, plus more and within a reasonable price range.
One last question, how do the keys feel in terms of sensitivity. Does it feel similar to a laptop keyboard, or is there a bit more force behind the keys?
Thanks for you help, dude.
-caseyjones
If you can stand the company of trendy hippies with greasy hair for a short while (I hardly can) I'd say give it a try at the store!
Just velcored it on top of my secondary screen, it's actually quite handy this way (I love using my comp while standing up > less back pain!)
Also Pea, I remember you using some kind of weird, huge white onscreen keyboard with big icons for app shortcuts. What was that again?
I've gone one a gadget-diet, you see.
Also, does it also come with a USB Bluetooth reciever? Or would you need to buy one separately?
Thanks a shit tonne for the help, pior.
-caseyjones
Nope the mini kb comes with no receiver. I picked up a bluetooth usb dongle for cheap on newegg, it works!
As for the compatibility, the package only states mac OSes, nothing about windows. It does work tho, but it seems like mileage may vary. I can just confirm that it was hassle free on my XP Home32 machine - except for the odd caps lock shutdown.
I might use mine more in the future thanks to that thread reviving my interest, I'll let you know if I get more issues!
Pea, you'll go back to gadgets I'm sure :P
Couch Cintiq sessions here I come! Now I just need to learn to paint gooderer.
-caseyjones
I actually put my feet on the coffee table so the screen is angled slightly and it nests in my lap (But you get a mad case of hot crotch after about half hour or more).
The Cintiq isn't the uncomfortable part for me while on the couch, its having the keyboard sitting so low next to me and on a weird angle.
But yeah... Its all penis.
-caseyjones
Oh BTW. Once something like this
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3075&cl=au,en
or this
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Goldtouch-USB-Numeric-Keypad-Hub/dp/B000IQYS2M/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1228270839&sr=8-11[/ame]
is plugged in, is there a way to remap the keys as 'extra' keys instead of their initial numerical purpose? Like, f13 f14 f15 aso, and give them macros like "ctrl-shift-n, press enter" to create a new layer and validate it for instance? It would be a great alternative to the superexpensive X-Keys (looks great tho)
Also about that Frogpad thing. Is there any other alternative for one hand typing? That looks super interesting. I hate having to drop the stylus just to rename a layer!
Thanks!
If you are interested in half-qwerty typing, autohotkey has a script for that too
http://www.autohotkey.com/forum/topic1326.html&highlight=hand+typing
Might be tricky to get used to, though.
-caseyjones