PS3 Wireless Keypad

PlayStation Home is coming...eventually. When it does arrive, you're going to want to communicate with your virtual friends to tell them how awesome you are. Using the controller and the onscreen keyboard is going to get old quickly, which is why Sony has just released a wireless keypad for the PlayStation 3.

Setting up the PS3 keypad is a breeze. Unlike a Bluetooth headset, there's no need to go into the PS3's menus and pair the keyboard with the system--it works right away assuming you're using firmware version 2.50 or later. Simply clip the unit onto a controller and turn keypad on (hopefully you've got an extra USB cable around because you must charge the keypad independent of the controller), turn on the controller and the PS3, and you're good to go.

Like any small keypad, the PS3's QWERTY keypad takes a short while to grow accustomed to, but it doesn't take long before you're jumping back and forth between the controller and the keypad, no doubt fragging fools and telling them how "l33t" you are. The keypad's layout is fine, however, it's curious that there's a dedicated button for an accented "E," but you have to hold the keypad's right shoulder button and press the number 2 to make an @ symbol. It's a minor inconvenience, but it's something you'll think about every time you enter an email address. At least you'll save a few seconds here with the shortcut buttons that take you directly to your message box or your friends list.

The PS3 keypad has one more trick up its sleeve: with one button press you can use it as a touch pad. When browsing with the touch pad on you'll be able to scroll pages and move the cursor across the screen by lightly moving your fingers over the middle area of the keypad. It's a neat idea, but we found it easier to navigate with the controller's left analog stick.

The wireless Bluetooth keyboard carries an MSRP of $49.99 (USD), which is pretty steep for a peripheral for a peripheral. If you're someone who wants a quick and easy way to communicate with folks on the PS3 it might be worth a look, but it's hard to justify the cost when you can get a USB keyboard for significantly less.

53 Comments

  • travisstaggs

    Posted Jan 18, 2009 10:08 pm PT

    rofl.

  • Shadows-Flame

    Posted Jan 18, 2009 10:07 pm PT

    Lol,still that is handy

  • plainelmo

    Posted Jan 9, 2009 8:02 pm PT

    I laughed so hard when I saw this photo, but i'm still going to get one.

  • SoNin360

    Posted Jan 8, 2009 2:30 pm PT

    i know this is old news but i really don't want to spend $50 to make typing easier, it just doesn't seem worth it. Maybe if it were like $20 or less.

  • Originalgamer06

    Posted Jan 5, 2009 4:17 pm PT

    this looks so wiitared!

  • pesa11

    Posted Jan 4, 2009 8:01 am PT

    the price always sux the asian market maybe not gonna buy it

  • stone_cross

    Posted Dec 30, 2008 10:19 am PT

    Go buy one if your using HOME

  • GodzOreLoOp

    Posted Dec 30, 2008 6:13 am PT

    haha lol awesome keypad

  • ninjarat

    Posted Dec 29, 2008 10:11 am PT

    It looks a bit tacky, as opposed to the sleekness of the xbox. But the touchpad is a redeaming factor.

  • svns_reaper

    Posted Dec 27, 2008 11:47 pm PT

    I think it went down to $32 at best buy a couple days ago. And no it doesn't need to be attatched to the controller to work. You can just have it next to you if you like. It comes with a little usb plug in that acts as a receiver and you can plug it in and charge it with the cord you use for the controller. So whether or not it's worth it is completely up to you. The person i bought it for loves the new Home and probably will use it a lot.

    EDIT: I just remembered. I think the one i bought was the gameshark version. Probably why it was cheaper. Anyway my friend seems to like it.

  • Kargh2

    Posted Dec 27, 2008 7:37 pm PT

    I think it sucks. No offense but i don't like it. It looks dumb. May be useful but i'll pass on buying it. Hmmn...

  • munchlax99

    Posted Dec 27, 2008 7:33 pm PT

    wow, a krappy version of the 360 keypad!

  • itzmec

    Posted Dec 25, 2008 1:14 pm PT

    yah, what it saidx

  • theorybezz

    Posted Dec 23, 2008 3:03 pm PT

    I'm probably gonna get it it, I'm just more curious about how it works then actually wanting it.

  • osxgp

    Posted Dec 19, 2008 9:51 pm PT

    The price sucks, but the ease of it being right there is nice. I don't know if I'll get this or not.

  • pvtvaladez

    Posted Dec 16, 2008 4:37 pm PT

    I just use my extra USB keyboard, i prefer it over this.

  • LoserMike

    Posted Dec 13, 2008 8:27 am PT

    You could use any USB/Bluetooth Keyboard on the PS3. It's much cheaper and better.

  • pong1223

    Posted Dec 13, 2008 8:21 am PT

    >.

  • pong1223

    Posted Dec 13, 2008 8:21 am PT

    it sure look like a key board!

  • YoJim8obaJoe

    Posted Dec 11, 2008 6:56 am PT

    i have a normal blue tooth keyboard so I can use it on games that support keyboard and mouse like Unreal and I can just place it next to me to quick type messages on other games

  • neerajkumar_4

    Posted Dec 10, 2008 11:55 am PT

    man i want it but kinda costly... -____-"

  • Raptole

    Posted Dec 9, 2008 10:50 pm PT

    I am buying one soon, but now there aren't any in my country, because it's Christmas and if they deliver, people buy it immediately

  • jollyroger123

    Posted Dec 9, 2008 8:50 pm PT

    wow... looks like a thing that was already MADE by MICROSOFT

  • brendanhunt1

    Posted Dec 9, 2008 1:52 pm PT

    Its still very easy to get to the R1 R2 L1 L2 any the keypad still works even when its not connected to the controller

  • coconutkokal

    Posted Dec 9, 2008 10:49 am PT

    thats pretty sweet!!

  • marco245

    Posted Dec 9, 2008 10:45 am PT

    Price will drop, going by the Sony troubles in recent weeks. It looks like a neat gadget. I already have a wireless keyboard/mouse connected, but it's not very practical in a living room. "Take that coffee off my mousepad!"

    Will be a great addition to Home.

  • mad_krips

    Posted Dec 9, 2008 9:29 am PT

    The price tag is very steep, and unless I get loaded over night I will not be spending my money on this. But then considering I bought my Logitech VX Rev. mouse for $60 at the time the price of this keypad is understandable. This thing has bluetooth, an innovative touchpad, convenience galore and of course a handy keyboard. I'm just not sure where the shoulder buttons fit in the picture tho.
    I would get this if it were $30 or so cause I'm badly in need of a keyboard for Home since I'm a laptop user and have no USB one, and I rather type than talk in Home sometimes. But $50 is out of my budget atm

  • brendanhunt1

    Posted Dec 9, 2008 8:11 am PT

    It looks awkward but it is easy to get used to

  • fuzzerboy

    Posted Dec 9, 2008 12:10 am PT

    n how are we gonna press L1 R1 L2 R2 how r we gonna press

  • fuzzerboy

    Posted Dec 9, 2008 12:09 am PT

    what can this thing does

  • gunslingerNZ

    Posted Dec 8, 2008 8:27 pm PT

    All of these peripherals are retarded. USB keyboard wins out every time.

  • Pyroninja42

    Posted Dec 8, 2008 12:46 pm PT

    I'm sorry, but that looks friggin retarded. It is going to make the PS3 controller feel really awkward with all that extra weight and such. The 360's chatpad looks, and probably is, far more awesome.

  • migelpsp

    Posted Dec 7, 2008 8:30 pm PT

    is look pretty cool so you can used it for chat and playstation home when you are talking with friend thats pretty cool. my question is :

    I can used it without the controllers or have to be always together?

  • Brain_Fillets

    Posted Dec 7, 2008 6:20 pm PT

    It seems like it would be really awkward to have it on the top of the controller.

  • rodrigoambar

    Posted Dec 7, 2008 5:01 pm PT

    The extra "É" is actually quite handy for non-english typing.. For example, in portuguese "e" means "and" but "é" is the verb "be" or "to be". As you might imagine things can get a little confusing if you don't specify what your talking about and this is only one amongst a plethora of instances where this is very useful for quick typing. I have to say.. Thank you Sony for thinking about us non-english (specifically latin) speaking markets. BTW: Down in Brazil I see way more PS3s than X360s and this move lines up with their promise of entering the latin american markets more aggressively.
    Of course, all is for nothing with that kind of price tag...... 50 buck?! by the time it gets into Brazil and you add all the taxes.. it'll probably retail somewhere closer to US$100 or more!

  • reven101011

    Posted Dec 7, 2008 3:22 pm PT

    ASG_.... there already IS USB support you tool!!!

  • ASG_ posted Dec 7, 2008 10:28 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    ASG_

    Posted Dec 7, 2008 10:28 am PT (hide)

    Why can't they just add support for usb keyboards?

  • Vampyre11487

    Posted Dec 7, 2008 7:21 am PT

    Spare USB Keyboard ftw.

  • flameducky

    Posted Dec 7, 2008 6:46 am PT

    it seems more comfortable too.

  • joevit

    Posted Dec 6, 2008 8:04 pm PT

    I think I like the 360 setup better, but I dont have this for the PS3 so only time will tell.

  • burstlimit514

    Posted Dec 6, 2008 6:57 pm PT

    I hear that this isnt very good. That it gets annoying hitting the L and R buttons. And its over priced. I went with Sonys new bluetooth. Since i think bluetooths work with home and i can speak in other games.

  • Mehfuz

    Posted Dec 6, 2008 6:06 pm PT

    it's ok but agree with aaroon, pricey

  • kingmickey2

    Posted Dec 6, 2008 11:18 am PT

    LOL@ StanlyL's comment

    Yeah, just got this thing and its pretty cool, like a Blackberry pad.

  • snakeyes101

    Posted Dec 6, 2008 7:50 am PT

    its "1337", not "l33t", noob

  • trace88

    Posted Dec 6, 2008 7:41 am PT

    Good !!!!!!! Its awsome than the 360keypad

  • Gamer_4_Fun

    Posted Dec 5, 2008 4:54 pm PT

    Sounds awesome!

  • PEELEDbanana

    Posted Dec 5, 2008 3:49 pm PT

    Flameducky (awesome name btw),
    Sony has the HDD thing right, but no game (same some sports games maybe) really take use of 7 controller slots, and PSN is slower than XBL. Home may be interesting... if it ever comes out.

    Back on topic: Looks cool, but talking is the way of the future in my opinion. Typing while fraging isn't easy.

  • flameducky

    Posted Dec 5, 2008 3:46 pm PT

    When will Sony learn?

  • flameducky

    Posted Dec 5, 2008 3:46 pm PT

    Anyway, this should be only $20 or $30 I mean what the hell?

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