The first option to control our HTPC comfortably from our couch tends to be, almost automatically, a wireless HTPC keyboard which might or might not include a touchpad -if we don't take into account applications such as Kore Android remote or the Yatse remote app-. The problem with all of these options is experienced, more notably, when you try to control your mouse pointer with them: the remote apps don't have that feature, and the wireless keyboards might or might not include a touchpad that, no matter its good quality or build, will always offer a limited area of interaction and sometimes could be cumbersome, even if it's designed ergonomically. There are a lot of good wireless keyboards out there, but sometimes you might need something different like the Lynec C120 air mouse. [Read:Logitech Harmony Smart review: great remote for your HTPC]
The Lynec C120 Boasts An Ergonomic Shape And Basic Remote Functionality On The Front.
Air mouse technology has come a long way; thanks to gyroscopes and accelerometers, you can simply move the device around and select your favorite menu item. In this field, some adventurous manufacturers have dared to challenge the dominance of wireless keyboards and bring us novel products to make our lives (and movie viewing) easier and more pleasant. Today we analyze a wireless air mouse in this Lynec C120 review, in order to know what it offers, and most importantly, if it would be a good substitute for a wireless HTPC keyboard.
Why would you have to choose? The first feature that jumps in front of me while writing this Lynec C120 review is the fact that you'd have several devices in one, depending on how you hold it. Hold it like a remote and you get the typical media center buttons present in most media player remotes. Point it to the screen and move it, and the pointer will follow. Pressing OK clicks wherever you point at. It feels more natural, except when you have to type something. On-screen keyboard, perhaps? Nope, just flip it over. The mouse pointer stays put while you type on the small but useful keyboard included in the back of the device -you could dance or jump around your house while typing, and the pointer won't move-, and when you're done searching for your movie in one of the 10 best Kodi movies addons or for your sporting event on one of the best sports addons for Kodi, just flip the remote back to the starting position to control your media. It's a genius approach we saw in this Lynec C120 review, and I think it is worth mentioning, just as the technical features of this device:
Air Mouse And Remote, Flip It Over And The Lynec C120 Turns Into A Full-Qwerty Htpc Keyboard.
Lynec C120 review: technical specifications:
Sensor: 3-axis Gravity Sensor, 3-axis Gyroscope
Communication: 2.4 Ghz
Working Distance: 10m
Frequency: 2.400 - 2.483 Ghz
Working Current: <<20mA
Standby Current: <<20uA
Battery: Rechargeable Lithium Battery
Indicator: 1 LED Indicator
USB: USB2.0
System: Compatible with Windows, Linux, Android
As you can see, 3-axis movement means you can move this HTPC air mouse in any direction and you will have a good response, according to the input you provided. The remote goes in standby mode after 20 seconds of not performing any action, to conserve power. On that note, we see on our Lynec C120 review that this remote comes with a USB cable, to recharge its battery whenever it goes low, which I assume will not be often.
The Keyboard On The Lynec C120 Can Be Used With Your Thumbs While You Hold It Horizontally, For Faster Searches And Occasional Typing.
Lynec C120 review: Do you recommend this remote?
An HTPC air mouse keyboard combo is a great way to control your media center. This wireless air mouse review has brought to my attention a neat device that I would buy if I were looking for a different, and more comfortable way to interact with my media. Its relatively low price tag, at just below 17 bucks on Amazon, makes this a good option to consider if you're looking for a device that integrates remote, keyboard and mouse functionality. It really is like getting three devices in one, and its support team seems very active, in case you encounter any problems with it.
Alejandro is an electrical engineer, working as a software developer and part-time writer. He has a passion for technology, languages and games, and has been around the web since 2004.
