ANTOnline.com - Madcatz MOV088290/04/1 Playstation 3 Mad Catz Thumbpad

Customer Reviews

Reviewed on 2008-04-24

Not bad, using it for PS3, but works with PC too
It's got a couple weird key positions. For example, the space bar is really the "BACK" button on the bottom, so for a back space you press and hold the "SYMB" button then press the "BACK" button. The "SYMB" button acts like a "SHIFT" key. There are two letters/numbers/symbols on each button (besides the bottom three), one is white and the other orange, all the whites are used by holding the "SYMB" button (SHIFT).

It fits on the controller OK (if you drop it from 5 feet it might come off, but not break, unless it's on concrete or something, but not carpet, well, unless you throw it from 5 feet) It's a bit bulky (it puts some weight on, but not much). I was excited to see that the keyboard doesn't block the USB port on the controller, it'd be dumb if it did. It's pretty easy to get it on & off the controller, some people would think thats a good thing, but if you're a hardcore gamer that tilts and shakes a lot while playing, then I wouldn't be surprised if it comes off. But you can always keep it off while playing a game, then after the match is over you can slip it right back on and start typing, It's pretty convenient. I wasn't aware of this until I actually got it, but it not only comes with a typical PS3 SIXAXIS clip on, but another clip on for controllers that has the PS button in the exact middle of the Select & Start button. Even if you dont do a lot a texting on the PS3, you'll still find it pretty handy at times. There are always some sord of text fields that you can fill out in some games, like when you create your own server and have to put in the name & description ect... So yes, I would recommend it to anyone. Thank you.

Reviewed on 2008-01-31

Fine mini-keyboard
(Preamble to my review: unlike the other reviewers I'm using it for my HTPC not a PS3)

Nice little find and fine for what it is: a mini thumb keyboard. Detected immediately in windows xp, good range (through walls at least ~20 feet; my apt's not big enough to test farther). Missing many keys that would be handy on a PC (eg ESC, ctrl, etc...) but they can apparently be scripted in with an external program. Keys are a little spongy, and missing the solid tactile feel of PDA thumb keyboards, but it d/n affect typing speed.

As another review noted, the receiver's red LED does flash (~1-2 Hz) but only when the kbd is in sleep mode. This could potentially be annoying, but you could just cover it up with some electrical tape. Another potential concern is the USB charging: if the battery runs out, you can't just the change batteries; you'll need to recharge. Not sure if it works while charging, but that sort of defeats the point.

Filling such a niche market, I wasn't expecting too much, but was pleasantly surprised, esp. for the entirely reasonable price.

Reviewed on 2008-01-06

Great Product!
This product has worked perfectly for me ever since I bought it. Before we got this, we tried to use a wireless USB keyboard, but the range was horrible. The range on this is great, and it works flawlessly with the PS3. All you have to do is plug it in right out of the box and it works! You can also take it off of the controller and just use it by itself too. The only bad thing about this product is that it fits above the controller. It is a little bit awkward typing this way. The best place would have been below the analog sticks, since it would be more comfortable to type this way. I would have given this product a 4 star review because of this, if not for the fact that this little keyboard will work with computers too. I plugged it into the computer just out of curiosity, and it worked right away! It might be useful with a computer if you want to control music or anything else from a distance away. Also, I have heard that it works with an XBOX 360 as well. I don't know for sure though, since I don't own one, but I'm pretty sure that if it works with a computer, it will work with a 360. The Symbol button worked flawlessly when backspacing, typing numbers and punctuation, or when using the arrow keys and caps lock. The F1 - F10 buttons are used by holding down the Function button instead of the Symbol button. Absolutely no key was wasted when this product was designed. This is good, since it needs to be small enough to fit onto the controller.

Overall, this product is great, and I would highly recommend this product to anyone who owns a Playstation 3. For the $30 I paid for it, this product is a steal compared to the money you would have to pay for a wireless keyboard with a good range.

Reviewed on 2007-11-19

Purchase with caution
The USB light never turned green (which should indicate that it's charging). It never stops flashing red (which indicates that it's searching for a receiver). It never syncs with the thumbpad. Be careful when purchasing this item. Some have claimed success, others have not. Unfortunately for me, I'm in the "have not" category.

Reviewed on 2007-08-06

Works fine for me
I've had this mini keyboard for about 6 months now and it works consistently without incident. Granted I only use it with the web browser and to chat in RFOM. I just plugged it in and it worked. It does make the controller front heavy and I do get a bit nervous shaking off bullseye tags without feeling like I'm going to send it flying. Although, to date this hasn't happened. The size is a huge pro. My wife wouldn't stand for a full size keyboard in the living room. The only reason I am giving it four stars is that I wish it was bluetooth.

Computer & Video Games » PlayStation 3 » Hardware » Controllers

Playstation 3 Mad Catz Thumbpad

$22.55

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