MadCatz brings portable keyboard with Thumbpad

by Andrew Yoon { Jan 19th 2008 at 11:30PM }

We have to admit that this peripheral by MadCatz looks like a winner. It reminds us a lot of Xbox 360's chatpad -- this device plugs into the PS3 controller and allows you to type at a whim. Supposedly, the device was released all the way back in May, but it seemingly has fallen out of our grasp.

This seems rather ingenious, but user reviews have been negative for one key reason -- apparently, it doesn't work with PS2 games. Final Fantasy XI fans were quite disappointed. But, those of you that enjoy using the web browser and the XMB messaging system may find this $30 peripheral a neat addition to your gadgets collection. See a video, after the cut.

[Via PSP GadgetZ]

Tags: keyboard, madcatz, thumbpad

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Tom @ Jan 19th 2008 11:49PM

Ya, I think Gamespot had these last year. At least in my town they did. Looked kinda interesting, but I didn't really have any real need for it at the time.

ViagraFiend @ Jan 21st 2008 11:27AM

I bought this a while back. Do not buy it. This thing is a piece of crap. You will never use it.

IseWise @ Jan 19th 2008 11:50PM

Slow news day, move along nothing to see here...

DrunkRaba @ Jan 20th 2008 12:04AM

that looks like a horrible placement for the keyboard. on top of the controller? i bet thats comfortable.

Mein Bratwurst @ Jan 20th 2008 12:47AM

My thoughts exactly.. then I realized I wouldn't be typing and playing at the same time. Atleast it beats putting down the controller and picking up the keyboard every few seconds.

Tim Parsons @ Jan 20th 2008 1:08AM

bottom between the arms would have been better,. but yeah it's better then a full size keyboard that carries a cord,. and cheaper then a wireless keyboard

jayman007 @ Jan 20th 2008 12:11AM

"looks like a winner..." Are you serious!? It's super ugly, and inconveniently placed.

"...reminds us a lot of Xbox 360's chatpad." Because it has the alphabet on it? It's nothing like the chatpad...

If you want a real keyboard for the PS3 get the Logitech. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16879212008&ATT=79-212-008&CMP=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-PS3+Accessories-_-Logitech+Inc.-_-79212008

PETEJOZ @ Jan 20th 2008 12:14AM

Oh my god...Thank you so much for showing me this keyboard.

Kspraydad @ Jan 20th 2008 8:54AM

Wireless: check
Attaches to controller: check
Works with console machine out of box: check

Yes...is DOES seem like the Xbox Chatpad.

Don't be a douche.

Jay @ Jan 20th 2008 10:48AM

Er, that Logitech keyboard is crap, let me assure you. There is a better - Pro - version, but even that misses the mark. (Doesn't replicate all the keys on the SIXAXIS, which is very lame. Don't wnat to have to use both at the same time, now, do I!)

Now, Logi are bringing out a mini diNovo Edge with a hidden PC / PS3 switch.......

Jay @ Jan 20th 2008 12:21PM

http://kotaku.com/341741/sexy-dinovo-mini-controller-works-with-ps3

B1gC72 - PSN: KillaKornbread @ Jan 21st 2008 4:53PM

@ Jay

wow that diNovo Mini pad you linked you is absolutely perfect for what i was look for in a keyboard. i use my PS3 and PC for media playback and this would consistantly streamline the whole thing. i was looking for a PS3 keyboard but wanted a mini one and something that could control a PC media center as well. i think $200 is way on the pricey side but i will certainly keep an eye out for this one as it seems perfect for my needs.

leiwei @ Jan 20th 2008 12:41AM

Yea seen these in Fry's for the longest time but never really heard about em on the web.

Dehshizknight @ Jan 20th 2008 12:59AM

If only Warhawk supported text-chat...

Oh well, that's what the PlayStation Eye is for.

mint400 @ Jan 20th 2008 1:12PM

that what BT headsets are for

Tim Parsons @ Jan 20th 2008 1:10AM

I spent the last few days trying to find one of these in Canada,. no luck,. no place i've found it online ships to canada

Kspraydad @ Jan 20th 2008 8:52AM

These guys ship to Canada:

http://www.wirelesshut.com/0/10379602.html

Tim Parsons @ Jan 21st 2008 11:41AM

sweet thanks Kspraydad ,. Damn I would have gotten my DualShock3 for $10 cheaper had I known about that site their prices are cheap,. thanks again

John @ Jan 20th 2008 2:14AM

That is horrendous! Clearly there shouldn't be a keypad on the ps3 controller. Its sony's fault for not redesigning their controller so that peripherals such as a keypad can fit well. Anyways, your better off using your keyboard than that thing in the picture. It hurts the eyes to see that picture...lol

Tim Parsons @ Jan 21st 2008 11:48AM

i wouldnt even have it on the SIXAXIS i'd have it sitting on the coffee table till when I wanted to use it,.

Nichelo @ Jan 20th 2008 3:23AM

I didnt even know you could type in games? what use would this be?

B1gC72 - PSN: KillaKornbread @ Jan 21st 2008 5:12PM

the web browser and sending messages from the XMB mostly. some games have you input stuff on setup an stuff (like names of your multiplayer match, etc.) but its never really that much inside of games per say.

Fraser JK @ Jan 20th 2008 7:20AM

Don't really know about this one... I think I'll pass tho!

ClarkyCat @ Jan 20th 2008 8:38AM

I really hope this post was written in sarcasm. That attachment is quite possibly the ugliest peripheral that has ever made its way past a drunken MadCatz exec who probably wanted to get fired. I don't know how a PS3 based blog could miss it either, it was all over the web months ago. Thanks for re-opening new wounds.

Eddie @ Jan 20th 2008 8:41AM

it's actually not a bad keyboard. The range is pretty decent. As far as it being hideous, attaching it to the controller is optional. I just keep mine on the coffee table.

Definitely not worth 30 bucks, but if you get a deal on it you should grab it.

ClarkyCat @ Jan 20th 2008 8:50AM

http://playstation.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/you-got-keyboard-on-my-sixaxis-you-got-sixaxis-on-my-keyboard/
5 seconds of searching gave me that, congratulations.

The Aggie CEO @ Jan 20th 2008 10:57AM

I would agree with you if those looked exactly the same...........

different model maybe??

Brucie B @ Jan 20th 2008 9:41AM

That's FUGLY!

Lobodestroyo @ Jan 20th 2008 10:03AM

I got one for Christmas. Its not anything more than a wireless USB keyboard complete with a dongle. Just is smaller and has a plastic clip that runs around the controller. 360 Chatpad's ability to connect via the controllers wireless connection beats this eye sore hands down. I'd hold off for an official one if I where you.

shea.martin @ Jan 20th 2008 10:03AM

I would prefer it didn't attach to the controller. I would like a small keyboard like that to just set on coffe-table, to use on the odd occassion I need it. I hate typing with the OS-keyboard.

I almost bought one of these way back when it came out, but the fact that it has a dongle turned me off. If it used the PS3's built in bluetooth I would have got one. I hate my GH3's dongle enough, I don't want another.

~S

John @ Jan 20th 2008 2:44PM

I was interested in this until commentors mentioned the idea of having a small extra peripheral with bluetooth I could place on the coffeetable (er... floor). With that idea in mind, I'll wait, knowing that a simple keyboard is less than the price of this.

Boso @ Jan 20th 2008 3:36PM

I've got one of these, works very well without getting in your way. Very very good.

MrFuNKy76 @ Jan 21st 2008 8:11AM

At least when I think Mad Catz, I think quality accessories! :-\

brianjcarroll @ Jan 21st 2008 9:45AM

I love how everyone trashes this thing without even trying it to see if it works and/or if it's placement makes it functional. I got this for $15 at my local gamestop over the summer when I picked up my ps3. I admit, it's not as pretty as the 360 chatpad, but who fucking cares???? Sure maybe if you're a fag who needs everything to "look pretty" then you can care, but it's a $15 keyboard controller, not a Mercedes. Also, it actually works rather well, just as well as the chatpad. It's placement works fine and doesn't seem awkward either. Either evaluate the hardware and make an INFORMED decision, or just stfu.

lobodestroyo @ Jan 21st 2008 1:24PM

calm down Mr. INFORMED. I have one of these and I wasn't impressed. I also have the 360 chatpad and don't think its fair to compare the two mainly due to the dongle thats needed to run this thing, Yes the chatpad is prettier, but like you said not everyone cares about aesthetics (just fags right?). As far as the pricing goes I have never seen this guy for $15 and I work at GameStop. I'm sure deals are out there and you apparently found one, but quit taking offense for the thing when people arn't as enthused about it at you are. Makes you sound like an idiot.

brianjcarroll @ Jan 21st 2008 1:44PM

So this unit has a dongle, big friggin deal. If you actually read my post I said it functions just as well as the 360 counterpart, which I also own. This means using it with the system. it doesn't require setup or anything, it's just plug and play and gets the job done. I'm not taking offense to people insulting it, I'm saying people seem more interested in something looking pretty rather than it being a functional device. That goes for any piece of hardware, I just happened to post it on this thread. Don't get your panties in a bunch man. And anyways, I'd rather look foolish defending something that is the functional equivalent of another piece of hardware, rather than stupidly say that they aren't comparable because one uses a dongle. Now THAT makes someone look like an idiot.

B1gC72 - PSN: KillaKornbread @ Jan 21st 2008 5:07PM

i honestly think something more similar to the 360 Chatpad would be the ideal solution. i often use the web browser when i wake up in the morning and dont feel like getting out of the bed just yet so i would love to have a small keyboard on my controller. id also rather not have a full keyboard in the bed with me either. it could easily be molded to fit between the handles below the analog sticks and have a small wire that plugs into the usb port on the controller (assuming thats how this one works). im surprised Nyko and Logitech havent jumped on something like this cause i would certainly welcome a mini-keyboard to my PS3 arsenal.