There are a myriad of options to control your HTPC from the comfort of your couch. If you don't want to spend additional cash and you have a smartphone, you can go the easy way and install one of the free apps such as Kore or Yatse, which turn your mobile into a remote control for your HTPC. However, if you want a dedicated device, with a full QWERTY keyboard and the precision that a trackpad will offer, you surely will be thinking about purchasing a wireless HTPC keyboard. There are many options you can choose from; however, in this HausBell H7 review, we tell you why this small keyboard might just be the thing your media center needs. [Read:Quick Logitech K400 Plus Review: a compact HTPC keyboard]
The Hausbell H7 Has A Compact Size And An Ergonomic Form Factor.
In our HausBell H7 review, we will take a look at a keyboard and mouse combo with interesting and convenient features. A full-QWERTY keyboard easy to operate with your thumbs, and shoulder buttons that let you click while using the trackpad in a natural and effortless way, are just the beginning in the list of features that this small device brings to your HTPC. Comfort and convenience will accompany you while you take a look at the 10 best sports addons for Kodi or browse your media on Emby or Plex. Does this device offer a good value? Keep reading with us, and let's find out.
HausBell H7 review: sensitive, ergonomic and cheap
The first thing you will notice in our HausBell h7 review about this small HTPC remote with keyboard is its equally small price tag. For just under 14 bucks, you can take this device home. Hold it like you would a portable game console, and type away. Searches on the YouTube Kodi addon become painless and finding a movie on the Genesis Kodi addon gets way easier with its keys, soft to the touch but very responsive. Holding it doesn't turn out to be cumbersome after a while, because of its ergonomic form factor, which is always a plus. However, as good as everything sounds so far, this doesn't tells us anything about its technical specifications, right? Fear not, here they are:
Hausbell H7 review: technical specifications
Product size:5.8*3.2*0.5inches.
Weight:105g.
Remote control distance:20 meters.
Working current:10mA.
The standby current:6mA.
Dormancy current:0.01mA.
InPut:5V 300mA.
Operating Voltage:3.3V.
The Receiver Can Be Stored Away In A Compartment Below The Keyboard. Ideal For Travelling!
As you can see, the HausBell H7 it is a very light device, with a good range, and very low current consumption while it is on its dormancy status, which ultimately translates on lower power consumption and better battery life. The battery is rechargeable and the receiver can be stored away in a little compartment below the device itself, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Some customers have criticized the trackpad because of its textured finish; which apparently makes scrolling and pointing at things with it less smooth than completely flat models. This might be a huge annoyance or a minor inconvenience, or even be pleasant for you, depending on personal preference and perhaps also on the texture of your thumb. Still, most of the good points in this HausBell H7 review would make up for this small detail, if you wish to purchase this keyboard and mouse combo. [Read:Quick Lynec C120 review: great air mouse for your HTPC]
Should I buy the HausBell keyboard for HTPC?
Heres A Look At The Controls On The Hausbell H7. Note You Have A Trackpad And A Directional Pad On This Device.
Well, we saw in our HausBell H7 review, that this device is certainly a great alternative for its price, and if you're looking for a keyboard for your setup, it might very well do the trick. Being able to use it with almost any device, from an NVIDIA SHIELD TV to a Quantum Byte, only requiring an USB port to use it, make possible for it to land on your living room and for you to end up being one of the satisfied customers who praise this little piece of hardware. However, if you are looking for a higher-end experience with your HTPC, I wouldn't recommend this device for you. Not because the device is bad itself (it is actually a very good keyboard) but because of the fact you would most likely be satisfied with a bigger keyboard with back illumination such as the Logitech K830, a tougher competitor out of the league (and price range) of this small, yet helpful device.
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.
