You got keyboard on my SIXAXIS! You got SIXAXIS on my keyboard!
by Ed Stasick 
{ Apr 24th 2007 at 9:30PM }
Like peanut butter and chocolate, they're two great tastes that go great together. It was only a matter of time before some evil genius (i.e. Mad Catz) combined the PS3's SIXAXIS controller with a keyboard for easy data-entry and web surfing. It seems like a no-brainer, though we've got to question some of the design choices... is the top of the contoller the must logical place for a thumb-pad? Here are the specs:
- Functional 61 key QWERTY interface
- Enhances in-game messaging capabilities
- Convenient clip-on design
- Fully compatible with PS3's web browsing functions
- Plug and play technology
- All PS3 controller buttons still accessible
- Removable clamp increases versatility
[Thanks John]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kingofwale @ Apr 24th 2007 9:43PM
if this is out now.. we can claim that Microsoft is copying US. LMAO
but hey, at least we have a webbroswer to surf
yeah, i'm not getting it. I like my wireless keyboard + mouse just fine.
massive_98 @ Apr 24th 2007 9:47PM
This looks too small for a keyboard. Just like those qwerty keyboard phones.
I supose some people might enjoy this.
massive_98 @ Apr 24th 2007 9:49PM
I love how at the bottom of this picture it says console not included. Some people are so stupid.
Juney @ Apr 25th 2007 7:09PM
I dont see this as a full time typing thing i think its agreat idea and when games like Warhawk come out i can destroy ya plane and then quickly move to the lil sixaxis keyboard and tpye "hey i just dertoyed ya plane" lolz its a cool lil addon i wouldnt pay more than 25 for this though
Stef Geiger @ Apr 24th 2007 10:02PM
WHAT? The console ISN'T included? WTF! You would think that for 30 bucks they'd throw in the PS3! This is clearly a scam.
John @ Apr 24th 2007 10:39PM
3,4, hilarious.
I agree with Ed, the 360's keyboard below the controller seems better, but this controller looks like it's easier to thumb.
It looks pretty dang sweet, I will probably buy this after checking reviews, it's so nice and small and most people have commented that they don't use their console for 'serious' surfing anyway.
I'm assuming it can be plugged and unplugged hot, so if you need to enter text you can just plug, enter, unplug, play.
Guynextdoor @ Apr 24th 2007 10:47PM
LOL @ the "Enhances In game messaging capabilities"
THERE ARE NO IN GAME MESSAGING CAPABILITIES. yet!
John @ Apr 24th 2007 10:50PM
Plug and Play, isn't Microsoft going to sue them for that?
Colin @ Apr 24th 2007 10:58PM
Whoa, alright I'll bite too.
Mad catz is a solid enough company.
-Colin
a2 @ Apr 24th 2007 11:04PM
This looks beyond lame being above the sixaxis
Scott Solak @ Apr 24th 2007 11:18PM
Picked this up today at Best Buy. Didn't use it on the PS3 but pluged it into the computer and seemed to work fine.
Ghost @ Apr 25th 2007 3:03AM
Spacebar???
Between the sticks looks and possibly works better.
Zta @ Apr 25th 2007 4:27AM
I'd like to know how the keyboard communicates with the PS3. Aparrently you need to connect a dongle in the PS3 for it work. In the best case, this uses radio signals. But it just might be infrared, and then the keyboard needs to have the PS3 in sight which is bad =(
Or perhaps it IS bluetooth and the dongle is just for recharging the keyboard.
Also, how is battery life? How much does the keyboard it weight?
Did anyone buy this? How is it?
PETE @ Apr 25th 2007 5:57AM
YOUR MOM IS A DONGLE!
hoos30 @ Apr 25th 2007 8:46AM
Okay, so when you thumb this thing, don't your palms go crazy on the controller buttons and sticks? Why couldn't they put it on the bottom?
ShadowHawk01 @ Apr 25th 2007 9:20AM
I think I like the Microsoft design much better than this. This Mad Catz keyboard does not look as sturdy. This keyboard looks like it would be cumbersome to use efficiently since there is no where to grasp and secure the controller while you type. I may have to try it out before making a judgment, but it looks like Mad Catz has put no thought into this product other than to be the first one to the market.
spamsphen @ Apr 25th 2007 9:38AM
that thing looks ugly. and u have to plug in a separate usb thing? gay... microsofts new keyboard for their controller wins this one...
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/08/rumored-xbox-360-keyboard-controller-attachment-voltron-jealous/
OrganicShadow @ Apr 25th 2007 12:41PM
@7
Indeed there are, just through the specific game being played rather than the XMB/PSN. Just because it's not going through the PSN doesn't mean there isn't in-game messaging.
Most people I hear only complain about the lack of CROSS-GAME-MESSAGING, not the lack of PSN messaging altogether.
$30 seems steep to me though, and I wouldn't ever use it for the web browser- only for when im playing a game and need to type something real fast. The Logitech wireless keyboard is too pricey as well, so looks like I play the waiting game and just use my mic until then.
Andir3.0 @ Apr 25th 2007 10:09AM
The amazing part about it though...
You don't have to go to Microsoft to by your keyboard and other companies can compete to produce a more efficient and ergonomic version.
mccomber @ Apr 25th 2007 11:03AM
Love the "they're copying MS!" stuff. Too bad reality is this was being worked on before Microsoft revealed theirs, considering this is actually already for sale. Products aren't created and brought to market that quickly... just one of those cases of two very similar products being developed at the same time.
Looking forward to hearing what people think about this thing. Looks like a good idea overall, but I'm not sure about it in the end. If you're controlling your plane with the sixaxis, having an attachment that likely weighs more than the controller hanging off the end seems like it wouldn't be too great for motion controls. Might be cool to just have sitting on the coffee table to pick up and use separately though, it's nicely sized... but why no dedicated spacebar? Or am I just overlooking it?
It does look better than this at least... http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-NetPlay-Controller-Sony-Playstation/dp/B00006SKJ4
Edge of Blade @ Apr 25th 2007 1:32PM
This is nice for PS3. I know this is going to sound like I'm a 360 fanboy...and I am...but I would prefer to have the keyboard at the bottom. Of course, the ergonomics of the Sixaxis vs 360 controller are different. With the Sixaxis' shallow handles, it might work better for them on top.
Itaintrite @ Apr 25th 2007 2:07PM
Reminds me of the addon that was supposed to be released for the PSP :)
andres @ Apr 25th 2007 1:49PM
question. Why was it when the 360 version was announced everyone ps3 fanboy was ridiculing. HOWEVER now that the PS3 has one people are practically rounding the block to get it.
Andir3.0 @ Apr 25th 2007 3:54PM
@andres: The only people I heard ridiculing it was 360 owners...
johnxmzzhang @ Apr 25th 2007 6:58PM
I think that the idea is amazing... The only problem is is that the keyboard needs a seperate wireless USB attachment which will take up an empty slot, yet it blocks the mini USB plug on the top of the controller making it so that we would have to unplug it to recharge the controller.... They should have made it so that it can plug into the wireless controller top and use the controller's battery when typing because that would at least put the little controller usb port to use instead of blocking it.
JamesP @ Apr 25th 2007 8:24PM
Picked this up yesterday and was surprised at how well it works for casual browsing. I tried some other keyboards but even the smaller ones were just too big, clunky and undesirable in a living room for me.
Yeah the keyboard over top of the pad takes a little bit of getting used to, but it's small and when you see it, there's no way it would have fit below like the 360 one.
Also, as a real bonus you get to use the sticks still on the pad and those I find very useful for browsing. The zoom and scroll on the right stick is better than a mouse IMHO.
JB @ May 11th 2007 4:46PM
What are some of you morons talking about? First of all this MadCatz accessory was already in stores.
Second, neither keyboard could be considered attractive. They both look ugly. By a Dinovo Logitech if your looking for a pretty keyboard. Otherwise STFU.