Many manufacturers of equipment and electronics are increasingly equipping devices with smart hardware. This allows you to control devices using applications and even voice assistants.
At first, the ability to control a TV, audio system or air conditioner from a smartphone seems cool and innovative. Later you realize that everything is not working as smoothly as you would like.
Apps often freeze or have glitches, you need to always have your smartphone handy, and voice assistants still struggle to control home appliances.
Try launching Siri, Alice, or unlocking your smartphone every time you adjust the volume, switch channels, or rewind a video.
On the side of remote controls is convenience, ergonomics and the ability to perform most actions without looking at the buttons.
As a result, we return to the old, but familiar set of several remote controls. The easiest way in this situation is to get one universal remote control for all the equipment in the house.
What types of remote controls are there?
There are three main types of remote controls: infrared, radio and Bluetooth.
Infrared remote controls have been familiar to many of us since childhood. Such control elements operate in a line-of-sight zone, and particularly powerful models can “look around corners.”
A little later, feedback appeared in similar remote controls so that the user could see the current operating parameters of the device. Many air conditioner models are equipped with IR remote controls with feedback, which allows you to display the current operating mode and set temperature on the screen.
Bluetooth remote controls appeared as this standard evolved. Technology has learned to transmit signals at higher speeds and over greater distances. The modules now consume minimal energy, and reconnection does not require user action and takes a couple of seconds.
Modern devices often cannot cope with a large number of Bluetooth-connected devices. So every now and then remote controls, keyboards, wireless headphones or smartphones “fall off” from televisions.
Other types of control panels are usually combined into the category of radio remote controls . They transmit a signal from a transmitter to a receiver at a specific frequency.
Most often, such remote controls have a maximum range, but require a special receiver, which is made in the form of a miniature USB flash drive.
The indisputable advantage of such solutions is simplicity. Everything works right out of the box, plug in the receiver and the remote is ready to go straight away with no pairing or setup required.
Many modern universal remote controls combine several technologies for convenient communication with different gadgets.
List of wireless mice for Smart TV in 2021
The category of mouse remote control for Smart TV includes the following devices:
- Logitech B170 Black USB
- Defender Safari MM-675 Blue USB
- Redragon Shark Black/Red USB
- Genius DX-120 Black USB
- Logitech M310 Black/Silver USB
- CBR CM-420 Gray USB.
What does error code 302 mean in OKKO: reasons, what to do?
Before purchasing a device, check out the characteristics of the mice.
Logitech B170 Black USB
The accessory has a laconic design and fits comfortably in the hand. Has a plastic wheel. Does not require additional settings. Activated when connected to a PC, set-top box and TV.
Defender Safari MM-675 Blue USB
The next option is suitable for all devices. Easy to use, connects in a few minutes. Large wireless range. The nanochip remains in the laptop connector. Included in the category of budget brands.
Redragon Shark Black/Red USB
A popular gaming mouse with an unusual design for gamers. It has highly sensitive sensors that activate the desired option at the slightest finger touch. The main disadvantage is the cost.
Genius DX-120 Black USB
An optical device with a minimalist design. Symmetrical structure, plastic wheel and two identical keys. Customizable to suit your needs. Suitable for two-handed operation.
Logitech M310 Black/Silver USB
Another option with an ergonomic design. The device has rubber inserts for two-handed operation. A small receiver that stays in your computer or laptop. Smooth and accurate tracking.
What features should a modern remote control have?
It's best to choose a remote control that combines a couple of common technologies. It can be a combination of Bluetooth + IR or radio remote control + IR.
At the same time, the infrared module can learn commands in order to replace other remote controls in the house. On such models, you can reassign 5-10 buttons to duplicate functions from standard remote controls.
Some models are equipped with a built-in microphone . This will allow you to use voice input on some TVs or set-top boxes. The easiest way to get this to work is on AndroidTV; you will have to tinker a little to connect the chip to TV boxes from Xiaomi.
Don't forget about the feature called Air Mouse . Nowadays, most set-top boxes and smart TVs support this option.
With its help, you can move the cursor on the screen by changing the location of the remote control in space. Initially, this control is very annoying and seems quite abrupt, but after a couple of days you get used to it and moving the cursor with smooth movements becomes easier than endlessly scrolling through the menu with arrows.
The last important option for the remote control is the presence of a qwerty keyboard . With it you can quickly search for the necessary data on a TV or set-top box, enter commands or use a browser.
It is not advisable to hold a full-size wireless keyboard for this; it is better to be able to sometimes enter text from the remote control.
I often use the remote control in conjunction with a single board Raspberry Pi . KODI shell installed, the device turns into a multimedia omnivorous processor with IPTV.
Even for initial setup and installation, it is convenient to connect a remote control with a mouse and a qwerty keyboard. You can enter several necessary commands without having to look for a wired keyboard.
Inexpensive keyboards with touchpad
HARPER KBT-570 - 1950 rubles.
KBT-570 is a universal keyboard for controlling Smart TV, various media devices, laptops, and computers. The touchpad and mechanical keys underneath serve as a mouse. The keyboard is an island membrane with a scissor mechanism. The layout is familiar, suitable for touch typing. Additional “Android keys” and three volume control keys located above the touchpad will help you control Android and Linux devices.
The keyboard runs on two AAA batteries and interfaces with devices via radio. A USB transmitter is included in the kit and is mounted under the battery compartment cover. The case is thin, but quite strong.
TV keyboard Harper KBT-570 for Smart TV - marketplace sbermegamarket.ru
TV keyboard Harper KBT-570 for Smart TV at sbermegamarket.ru. Marketplace SberMegaMarket – it’s good to have a choice!
sbermegamarket.ru
Alternative options
Oklick 830ST - similar in characteristics, but without additional control keys.
Wireless keyboard OKLICK 830ST Black - marketplace sbermegamarket.ru
Wireless keyboard OKLICK 830ST Black on sbermegamarket.ru. Marketplace SberMegaMarket – it’s good to have a choice!
sbermegamarket.ru
Logitech K400 Plus is a classic budget membrane with large key travel and noisy clicking of them against each other.
Wireless keyboard Logitech K400 Plus Black (920-007147) - marketplace sbermegamarket.ru
Wireless keyboard Logitech K400 Plus Black (920-007147) at sbermegamarket.ru. Marketplace SberMegaMarket – it’s good to have a choice!
sbermegamarket.ru
Which remote control did I choose and why?
I decided on the combined radio/IR remote control MX3 . The solution is the most universal and easy to use.
The remote control operates on a radio frequency and communicates with a small USB receiver. It's not as convenient as Bluetooth and doesn't work with most devices out of the box.
This way the receiver connects to macOS, Windows, Linux and even Raspbian (the operating system for the Raspberry Pi) without the need to install drivers or additional programs. You can control both the mouse cursor and enter commands from the keyboard.
There's a perfectly usable QWERTY keyboard on the back of the MX3. Russian letters are applied, which can be switched using the Alt button. It works fine on Smart-TV, but for TV set-top boxes on Android you will need to install applications that support the Russian language.
The remote control can block the buttons that are located on the bottom edge. While working with control buttons, the keyboard is locked and vice versa.
The backlight turns on when you press the buttons and goes out after 3 seconds
There is a backlight. It works for a few seconds after pressing or is completely turned off by a special key.
The MX3 remote has 5 programmable buttons. The procedure for this is as follows:
1. We place the original and programmable remote controls opposite each other, combining their IR transmitters.
2. Press the TV button to enter the programming mode (the red LED will start flashing).
3. Press the programmable button on the original remote control.
4. Select one of the available buttons on the smart remote control (you can program the main power button and the four colored keys below).
5. Confirm saving the settings by pressing the TV button again.
On the one hand, it seems that five keys are not enough, but in most cases this is enough.
I tied the main power button to turn on the TV, and allocated one of the color buttons for switching inputs on the TV. The remaining three were programmed to turn on/off the air conditioner, increase and decrease the temperature.
So, in most cases, you can get by with a universal remote control to control the cooling, turn on the TV and control the TV set-top box. It is to this that the radio receiver is connected.
Air mice without keyboard
G20BTSPLUS - about 800 rubles
G20BTSPLUS has the most balanced set of characteristics: the ability to connect both via the included USB dongle at a 2.4 GHz radio frequency and via Bluetooth 5.0; switchable backlight; voice dialing; 2 learnable IR buttons; quality materials.
Find out the price of G20BTSPLUS.
When compared with G20BTSPLUS, then:
- all air mice connect to target devices in one of two ways: either via radio frequency or via Bluetooth;
- G10S, G10N, G20S, G21S, G30S, G40S and G50S - that is, models with a single postfix "S" or "N" in the name - do not have backlighting;
- The G10 fits in the hand better than others. The downside to superior ergonomics is instability on surfaces;
- G21S has problems with the battery compartment;
- The G30S has 33 trainable IR buttons, but you need to change your grip to reach the control ring;
- G40S has pre-configured profiles for Apple TV, Visio, Roku and 33 customizable IR buttons;
- The G50S has matte plastic that is pleasant to the touch, but the playback control buttons are located in an unusual way.
| Model | G10N | G10S | G10SPro | G10BTS |
| RF 2.4GHz | Eat | Eat | Eat | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No | No | Eat |
| Gyroscope | No | Eat | Eat | Eat |
| Voice search | Eat | Eat | Eat | No |
| Backlight | No | No | Eat | No |
| USB receiver | Eat | Eat | Eat | No |
| IR training | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat |
| Model | G20S | G20BTS | G20SPro | G20BTSPLUS |
| RF 2.4GHz | Eat | No | Eat | Eat |
| Bluetooth | No | Eat | No | Eat |
| Gyroscope | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat |
| Voice search | Eat | No | Eat | Eat |
| Backlight | No | No | Eat | Eat |
| USB receiver | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat |
| IR training | Yes (Power) | Yes (Power) | Yes (Power+Mute) | Yes (Power+Mute) |
| Model | G21S | Q7/G21PRO | G30S | G40S | G50S |
| RF 2.4GHz | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat |
| Bluetooth | No | No | No | No | No |
| Gyroscope | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat |
| Voice search | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat |
| Backlight | No | Eat | No | No | No |
| USB receiver | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat |
| IR training | Yes (Power) | Yes (Power) | Yes (33 buttons) | Yes (33 buttons) | Yes (Power) |
Find out the price of the G10 series.
Find out the price of the G20 series.
Find out the price of G21(Q7).
Find out the price of G30S.
Find out the price of G40S.
Find out the price of G50S.
Expensive keyboards with touchpad
Prestigio Click&Touch 2 — 6000-8000 rubles
Click&Touch 2 is the second generation of an innovative keyboard-touchpad in which manufacturers took into account the wishes of users and added functionality. The keyboard still automatically detects whether you want it to be a touchpad or a keyboard and can pair with up to 4 devices simultaneously via Bluetooth and wire.
The annoying mode indicator above the top row of keys has disappeared. Mechanical mouse buttons appeared under the space bar. The dimensions of the model have slightly decreased and the inclination to the surface plane has almost disappeared. The key travel is now shorter, which results in a positive change in the typing experience. The keyboard "added". It is also noticeable that manufacturers listen to the wishes of users.
The presses are noisy and do not always work correctly, but this is apparently a matter of skill. Supports 5 simultaneous connections via Bluetooth, radio and USB-C. The model won in four categories of the prestigious Reddot Design Award: innovative product, smart product, TV and home entertainment, computers and IT.
Find out the price of Prestigio Click&Touch 2.
Alternative options
Corsair K83 is one of the most successful attempts to make a universal keyboard. You can play, print, and manage multimedia entertainment.
The keyboard has everything you need: an anodized aluminum body; backlit ergonomic keys with scissor mechanism; the required set of indicators; joystick; volume control; touchpad with full support for Windows gestures; mouse keys under the touchpad and on the back side; iCUE software for customizing almost everything; Anti-Ghosting system and 20 simultaneous clicks; input encryption. There is no keyboard itself, the keyboard is almost impossible to find in stores. Cost about 10,000 rubles.
Keyboard Corsair Gaming Gaming K83 Wireless Entertainment Black (CH-9268046-RU) - marketplace sbermegamarket.ru
Keyboard Corsair Gaming Gaming K83 Wireless Entertainment Black (CH-9268046-RU) on sbermegamarket.ru. Marketplace SberMegaMarket – it’s good to have a choice!
sbermegamarket.ru
Prestigio Click&Touch , on the one hand, fell in price by half with the release of its second version, on the other hand, all the shortcomings that were eliminated in the second version have not disappeared. Clicks are noisy and do not always work correctly, the indicator in the dark leaves a “mark on the retina,” and there are no mechanical mouse keys. The price is about 3000 rubles.
Keyboard Prestigio Click&Touch Black - marketplace sbermegamarket.ru
Keyboard Prestigio Click&Touch Black on sbermegamarket.ru. Marketplace SberMegaMarket – it’s good to have a choice!
sbermegamarket.ru
Keyboards with touchpad at an average price
HARPER KBT-330 Bluetooth 5.0 — 3199 rubles
The KBT-330 is a good keyboard with instant switching between three paired devices, one via radio and two via Bluetooth 5.0. To the 79 main ones, 19 additional multimedia keys have been added to control entertainment systems. The IR button can be configured to act as a TV remote control.
The keyboard keys are rounded. Back, Enter and right Shift are smaller than we would like, however, as are the “arrows”. To the right of the main layout is an oval touchpad, below it are the right and left mouse buttons, and a control ring.
Wireless keyboard Harper KBT-330 Black - marketplace sbermegamarket.ru
Wireless keyboard Harper KBT-330 Black on sbermegamarket.ru. Marketplace SberMegaMarket – it’s good to have a choice!
sbermegamarket.ru
Alternative options
Trust Thesa with monochrome backlight and battery. If we exclude the backlight from the comparison, then the keyboard is the most ordinary: connection via radio channel, via a USB transmitter; in the top row there are low multimedia keys; there are no additional keys; touchpad with physical mouse keys; The power indicator is combined with a battery charge indicator.
Trust Theza Keyboard for SmartTV | Buy from the Trust store
Trust Theza keyboard buy with delivery in Moscow and Russia. Official guarantee 2 years! Reviews and characteristics
Trust Official Store
The Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard is functionally closer to inexpensive keyboards with a touchpad, but costs thousands more. Comparing this model with others, it seems that the Microsoft brand hides a keyboard with excellent quality characteristics, but it has everything like everyone else and nothing special.
Wireless keyboard Microsoft All-in-One Media Black - marketplace sbermegamarket.ru
Wireless keyboard Microsoft All-in-One Media Black at sbermegamarket.ru. Marketplace SberMegaMarket – it’s good to have a choice!
sbermegamarket.ru
