Hands-on pics of the Xbox 360 QWERTY keyboard

by Christopher Grant { Apr 9th 2007 at 1:55PM }

Don't worry. Even though it doesn't have a price, a release date, or even a name, the QWERTY thumb keyboard that Microsoft has taken to calling the "text input device" is very much real (not just a rendering), as evidenced by these shots posted at Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog. It wraps around the handles and attaches to the gamepad using the headset connector; unfortunately, as confirmed by Engadget, the device does not enable pass-through of the headset and will instead ship with its own unique headset.

Gallery: Xbox 360 QWERTY keyboard

Tags: keyboard, SpringDashboard, TID

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

LongshotX @ Apr 9th 2007 1:59PM

Microsoft can't keep secrets for shit. But I like the idea behind this...good work Microsoft!

plr2005 @ Apr 9th 2007 2:06PM

Since I message quite a bit this is a must have for someone like me

Poisoned Al @ Apr 9th 2007 2:08PM

"Unique headset?" Bluetooth maybe?

Scott @ Apr 9th 2007 2:08PM

Sounds good dont fuck me over with a high price

C. Grant @ Apr 9th 2007 2:12PM

Poisoned Al: Nope, it has a headset port on the bottom -- it's just different than the one on the bottom of the controller.

Billy @ Apr 9th 2007 2:13PM

I'm not that excited about this product, but I would consider it if the price was ok. However, knowing M$, I am expecting $49.99 minimum - especially since it comes with a new headset as well - which is complete BS. Would it really be that hard to use pass through? No.

ChuckSteak0331 @ Apr 9th 2007 9:27PM

This product has crap written all over it. Who is texting that much in game, or that much during a movie that they would need this? And if you are constantly texting try xbox.com. You can send messages from there. Or oooo, how about buying a 19 dollar keyboard!

jadenguy @ Apr 9th 2007 8:04PM

it might be interesting to use as a pc device, since you now have access to a full~ish keyboard and multiple directional movements, so you can replace the lapboard concievably. great for htpc possibly? then again, i'm not a fan of thumboards usually. but i was gonna pay 100 for a wireless keyboard/mouse anyhow, this might be better due to size and whatnot. i'm torn, but i'm hopeful.

Adam @ Apr 9th 2007 2:25PM

Actually, a $50 price doesn't sound that bad for such a device. Seems worth it to me.

Jon @ Apr 9th 2007 3:14PM

Who cares about this thing...the big news is new Codec support for H.264, MPEG-4, and WMV PlaysForSure

http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/09/xbox-360-now-with-h-264-mpeg-4-playsforsure/

samfish @ Apr 9th 2007 2:31PM

That controller/keyboard mock up yesterday was cool.

This thing...looks like a clunky, uncomfortable piece of cheap crap.

Yuck.

Ken @ Apr 9th 2007 2:31PM

I'm worried about the weight of the controller when you have this keyboard attached. Does anyone know how much it will weigh?(Probably not, because it doesn't even have a name, but worth a shot at asking.

It think the controller looks a lot more awkward with the keyboard attachment.

I may pick it up (if it's around $20, but expecting it at a higher price) and return it if it's too much for me.

Meloche @ Apr 9th 2007 4:20PM

I think it looks pretty cool. I hope (for XBOX 360's user) that it'll not cost too much...

ScreamingSkull @ Apr 9th 2007 2:34PM

This might be awesome for deaf players. If you could have a text stream in a game..

dvdguy @ Apr 9th 2007 2:39PM

I hope the keyboard rumbles like the SIXAXIS.

Intentless @ Apr 9th 2007 2:48PM

I hope they come out with a black one to go with the black 360... Tax returns are sooooo nice....

Patrick @ Apr 9th 2007 2:49PM

@8, its the same feckin thing?!

@11, wtf?

this is cool and all, but ill probably stick to good ol keyboard

Mr Khan @ Apr 9th 2007 2:49PM

I think it looks nice, held properly in conjunction with the controller, it would make for incredibly easy access for quick typing

Question: Will they allow this for chat with other players during online play? Or do they still want players to use (shudder) voice chat...

Scott @ Apr 9th 2007 3:34PM

I'll give them credit for one thing, that keyboard blends in seamlessly with the controller when attached.

makeseven @ Apr 9th 2007 3:05PM

why cant they just do a passthrough for the headset?

the only REAL problem i see with this device is that since a regular headset wont plug into it and they are shipping it WITH a headset that means the price will be high.

as i was reading on teamxbox yesterday most people said that they would buy it if it were between 20 and 30 dollars. but with a headset then there is NO CHANCE it will cost that much.

cool idea, but i am still thinking i want a wireless USB keyboard.

Neal @ Apr 9th 2007 3:02PM

This will probably be about 40 bucks. Which is lame.

I wonder if M$ is going to charge you a price for text messaging...

bastards.

Jonathan Tran @ Apr 9th 2007 3:42PM

wait a second, it all makes sense,

there is no pass through on the headset because

THERE IS BUILT IN MOTION CONTROL

yes ladies and gents, the 360 now has motion control, at the low low price of $99.99

sketcher @ Apr 9th 2007 3:50PM

I'm expecting it to be in the $50 dollar range. I think It's a good idea aswell. I'm looking forward to chatting with my friends online and not having to keep switching private voice chat between them. The only thing that worries me is the fact that it is slightly higher than the normal controller. I think my palms are going to keep texting random crap during intense fire battles on Rainbow Six.

A @ Apr 9th 2007 3:14PM

another proprietary headset? that is utter BS.

Al @ Apr 9th 2007 3:18PM

Oh Neal, your ignorance can almost match the hate you have for Microsoft.

Messaging is free on Xbox Live. Maybe you should try things before bashing it.

I bet you'd bash sex and think it's overrated compared to your hand.

MaulerX @ Apr 9th 2007 3:21PM

1. "Microsoft can't keep secrets for shit. But I like the idea behind this...good work Microsoft!"

This info was at XBOX.com since yesterday.
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0408-im.htm?WText.camp=TS1-InstantMessaging&WText.campSrc=Home

Microsoft were the ones that released the initial pics.

Fazer @ Apr 9th 2007 3:53PM

I keep getting more and more excited about this thing on every post. I expect it to be at least 39.99 in Canada and i'm not to worried about the headset cause i use their wireless one anyways.
Wouldn't it make sense if they released this at the same time as the update? So people like me without a USB keyboard could not have to use the virtual keyboard.

Bwana @ Apr 9th 2007 3:53PM

"another proprietary headset? that is utter BS."

Yet, this will be glossed over as usual. Give MS all your money.

Xvalue @ Apr 9th 2007 4:13PM

I would imagine that the new headset port will be a standardized port that cellphones use. They would have to include a new headset if this is the case, and that would mean a revision to the existing controller down the line (maybe when the Elite comes out)

If this is true, then you will be able to use any headset, and it will be cheaper for MS to include them in the kit as they dont have to make them, just buy them from some generic company and slap their TM on it.

Vidikron @ Apr 9th 2007 4:00PM

@26

The keyboard comes with the required headset. Wait till the actual price is announced before condemning this thing.

Otis Whitaker @ Apr 9th 2007 4:16PM

...My god, you people DO know you can and have been able, since DAY ONE, to use USB keyboards of just about any kind on the 360, right? About ANY price for this is too much.

Lord Chako @ Apr 9th 2007 4:42PM

I am pretty sure you would be able to use the headset that comes with the keyboard, even without the keyboard. What would stop you from plugging it in directly to the controller? If that is the case, you could just trash your old head set (since it was free) and use the new one, which will probably be better.
If there is one thing MS is really good at, it is improving their designs for better use/comfort.

I probably won't get it though, seeing as how I don't do that much texting, but I do like the option.
Like others have mentioned, you can use wired and wireless keyboards with the 360. So why all the hate?

juanotejano @ Apr 9th 2007 4:43PM

The only reason microsoft will not use the pass through for the mic port is because they want to be able to jack the price up on this by including a worthless mic, encourage people to buy their wireless headset because of their shitty keyboard design, and sell replacement keyboard-style mics alongside the regular replacement mics.

There is no reason why MS can't round and put two rectangular holes on the bottom of it so you can use the regular mic that everyone has had to buy atleast once (probably more times because they break all the time and MS bundles them with everything, shows how much they are worth)... They don't even need to do anything but put two holes because the current mic doesn't require the other ports for anything as the other male ports on the mic are just plastic.

Somebody from MS really needs to either acknowledge the design flaw and fix it or make up some BS about how this is more and better choice for consumers because I can't believe that MS would try and screw the consumer like this without even pretending it was for any other reason than money...

me 2 @ Apr 30th 2007 9:03PM

you guys are slow....

the REAL question is

WHY DO YOU NEED A KEYBOARD AND A HEADSET.

You plan talking and typing?????
the only other usage i see for this is creating profiles in games and for any money....is it even worth it????

Intentless @ Apr 9th 2007 4:45PM

I would prefer this little thing as opposed to going out and buying a keyboard that would have to be wired so I'd have to be within a certain range of the 360.. I'm looking forward to this.... as long as it isn't too much more than 30...

Vidikron @ Apr 9th 2007 5:02PM

@29

What's your point? The convenience of this thing makes it completely different than a standard USB keyboard. Not everyone wants a full size keyboard sitting in their lap or even one anywhere in their entertainment center. If you prefer a full size keyboard then by all means use one. This is for everyone that prefers something less clumsy than a full size keyboard, yet easier than using the on-screen keyboard. It definitely has its place.

juanotejano @ Apr 9th 2007 5:06PM

@ Lord Chako

Dude I can't even believe your ignorance... If there is one thing MS is really good at, it is improving their designs for better screwing the customer and making them buy as much shit as possible. I don't know where you got this free head set you talked about because I'm damn sure that MS charged me for every one of the terribly designed head sets that has either broken or has been forced down my throat when wanting to buy a different accessory like the camera or something. As for throwing away the head set I bought in the past to use the freshly bought one all the time, that doesn't sound like an optimum situation, I would much rather have had MS decide on what they want to do with their headset port options before they start selling them to me because just putting out a new one whenever you want and making the old one obsolete kinda fucks over your marketing strategy and consumer trust.

Yes you can use just about any keyboard and that is a viable option for some or most but I would have to buy a new keyboard for the 360 as I don't have an extra and I would need it to be wireless so you are talking atleast 30-40 dollars for a big keyboard sitting on your lap, so not ideal. This keyboard attachment should have been able to been cheaply produced and sold and would have fit a lot of peoples needs perfectly but MS is as I said above only looking to increase sales of other accessories, like the now 3 types of replacement headsets they would need to sell, and to increase the perceived value of this keyboard/mic bundle so that they can mark it up to their greedy hearts content because every knows that when you put a mic in the bundle it makes what was worth $40, or whatever you wanna assume they would have put this keyboard out without the mic, now $70. And they will be able to get away with it too because with the mic and keyboard this shit get big packaging and a big price of no less than $69.99, mark my words... mark 'em.

Justin U @ Apr 9th 2007 5:16PM

Why is it unfortunate that it doesn't allow the old headset to work? It'd be one thing if it didn't come with a headset, but as Joystiq states CLEARLY above, it DOES come with a headset.

What's so unfortunate about a NEW headset, nevermind that its free?

Martez @ Apr 9th 2007 5:53PM

I'd rather buy a USB keyboard for $9. Or a wireless one for $30-40.

Brian @ Apr 9th 2007 6:03PM

THE FUCKING MUTE BUTTON IS ON THE KEYBOARD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

juanotejano @ Apr 9th 2007 6:03PM

@ Justin U

The fact that it isn't free and it will cost you money you fool... If you can't see the blatant greed and shady marketing in this then you never will so just try and not procreate.

Zamfir @ Apr 9th 2007 6:05PM

I'd rather type on my full size Bluetooth keyboard, much faster.

Brian @ Apr 9th 2007 6:07PM

THAT IS WHY IT COMES WITH A HEADSET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lord Chako @ Apr 9th 2007 6:12PM

@juanotejano

"If there is one thing MS is really good at, it is improving their designs for better screwing the customer and making them buy as much shit as possible."

That is your opinion.
How many companies get things perfect the first time around? Was the orginal ps controller perfect? Why did the n64 need an expansion pack for certain games? Why didn't the ps2 have a built in modem? Why did sony charge me $25 for a vertical stand for my ps2? Not to mention that network adapter I had to pay extra for with my launch ps2.
Why wasn't dual analog, and dual shock included from the git go? Why do I have to buy a bluetooth external remote for my ps3, instead of using my logitech universal remote? Why wasn't the Nintendo DS backlit to begin with? The GBA was. Why can't I replace the batteries in my ps3 controller when they officially die? Why did my ps3 come with composite cables? Why do I have to purchase component cables for the wii? Why do I have to buy a sd card to store games? Why doesn't my ps2 memory card work with my ps3? Why do I have to buy a transfer kit?

Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are all in the same boat. There isn't one super company that does everything right.

"I don't know where you got this free head set you talked about because I'm damn sure that MS charged me for every one of the terribly designed head sets that has either broken or has been forced down my throat when wanting to buy a different accessory like the camera or something."

Considering there are two different versions of the camera, one with the headset, and one without, your argument doesnt really hold much water. Not to mention, the headset came FREE with the premium 360.

"I would much rather have had MS decide on what they want to do with their headset port options before they start selling them to me because just putting out a new one whenever you want and making the old one obsolete kinda fucks over your marketing strategy and consumer trust."

Yeah well, I would much rather have Sony decide what they want to do with their universal remote before they start selling me bluetooth specific remotes for the ps3. Not too mention I would much rather have nintendo decide what they want to do with their old gamecube memory cards, before they start selling me sd cards.
See how that works?

"Yes you can use just about any keyboard and that is a viable option for some or most but I would have to buy a new keyboard for the 360 as I don't have an extra and I would need it to be wireless so you are talking atleast 30-40 dollars for a big keyboard sitting on your lap, so not ideal."

So because YOU would need it to be wireless, that is somehow microsofts fault? Noone says you cant buy your average wireless keyboard and use it on your computer and 360 when needed.
Plus, wired keyboards are very cheap, like $5 at your local electronics wholesaler. Pick up a usb extension cable ($5) to go with it, and you are set. Or is it microsofts fault that you are also poor?

"This keyboard attachment should have been able to been cheaply produced..."

Blah blah blah. Get a job, or a wired keyboard, and stop bitching. Or you can just unplug your computer's keyboard when you are typing on your 360. Sure it's ghetto, but if you don't have $30 to spend on a wireless keyboard, you should make do with what you have.

"mark my words... mark 'em."

Okay, you're cheapass who cant afford another keyboard for your 360 when you want to text messages to your friends on live. Your words have been marked.

AssemblyLineHuman @ Apr 9th 2007 6:35PM

Lord Chako: Jesus, do you work for Microsoft or something? No one said Sony and Nintendo are perfect. When I think Microsoft does something stupid in an article about Microsoft, am I required to point out Sony's and Nintendo's failings as well, just so I don't look like I'm being unfair. Come on, man. Microsoft charges an unnecessary $50 for a controller, $100 dollars for a 20GB hard drive, $100+ dollars for a Wi-Fi adapter, etc. What makes you think they won't overcharge for this as well?

Now I'll make your argument for you (I know, it's tacky, but I can't stick around to respond to everything).
"Listen, Microsoft is losing money on every Xbox 360 they sell. They have to make their money back somehow, so they're doing it through peripherals. You don't HAVE to buy an extra controller or an extra headset or an extra hard drive. It's not required to play the games. If you think these optional add-ons are too expensive, don't buy them!"

Then I say,
I'm not buying them! But that doesn't mean I shouldn't be critical of Microsoft for over-pricing their stuff. If there isn't an outcry amongst the potential user-base, Microsoft has no way of knowing that people think their stuff is too expensive.

After that response, I feel that it is sufficient to express all that I want to express and that if you still disagree, there is no use in trying to argue my point.

juanotejano @ Apr 9th 2007 7:04PM

@Lord Chako

"That is your opinion.
How many companies get things perfect the first time around? Was the orginal ps controller perfect? Why did the n64 need an expansion pack for certain games? Why didn't the ps2 have a built in modem?...."

These are all good points and along the same lines of what I was saying when I said that the companies should think things out before just selling them. And while no company is perfect or should be expected to be perfect I think that the flaw in the design of this keypad (not being compatible with the current mic) is done more out of greed than lack of forethought because there is no reason why the keyboard can not accommodate the mic that was included "free" (nothing is free somebody is paying for it whether you recognize it or not, and in this case it is you the consumer not MS) in the premium console or the camera, which you are right about but doesn't change my feeling that this is only being included because it is a cheap device that boosts the perceived value of the bundle by much more than it costs to include.

"Yeah well, I would much rather have Sony decide what they want to do with their universal remote before they start selling me bluetooth specific remotes for the ps3. Not too mention I would much rather have nintendo decide what they want to do with their old gamecube memory cards, before they start selling me sd cards."

Me too! I wish all these companies would think ahead more often, but nintendo's and sony's mistakes don't affect me as personally because I don't own either of their consoles and, while I don't have much experience with them, seem to be actual mistakes or changes in direction at a bad time in a cycle, not conscious decisions to take as much money as possible.

"So because YOU would need it to be wireless, that is somehow microsofts fault?..."

I just said that to point out that the alternatives to the keypad aren't viable for everyone and that even though the 360 can use just about any usb keyboard that the small keypad still fills a need and it's flaws shouldn't be overlooked and dismissed just becuase their are other alternatives.

But the main point here is that MS could very easily use the mic that everyone already has and are not doing so only because: 1. It will help sales of the 3 forms of replacement mic that they will have to sell after the release of the keypad and 2. To jack up the price of this thing because of it having (due to their design flaw) to include it's own mic which is very cheap to produce and has a very high profit margin for them thereby increasing their profit of what would have otherwise been a potentially difficult keypad to market, at a price that would make them turn a profit, because the price of say $50 for just a keypad would be hard to explain to most consumers but by throwing in a mic and charging $20 or shit maybe even $10 more then it is easier to justify the price tag, that's the whole perceived value thing I was talking about...

Oh and I'm not poor and don't have any qualms or problems about giving massive amounts of money to MS, as I have done it way too many times in the past, but I don't like to see them being this greedy and so I will voice my concerns with the hope that they may be heard and addressed (as this is a pretty egregious flaw) because I'm sure I'm not the only one that this is a big enough problem for to warrant not buying the product. Which I would have bought at just about any price so long as I felt that the price was not deceivingly inflated just to pad MS pocket's.

Nick Spacek @ Apr 9th 2007 7:07PM

Drill your own holes in the bottom. And if you don't suck it just might look fine.

Lord Chako @ Apr 9th 2007 7:19PM

Assemblylinehuman.

I don't know what your beef is, but whatever. I own all three consoles, which I thought I made apparent, but apparently not.

"When I think Microsoft does something stupid in an article about Microsoft, am I required to point out Sony's and Nintendo's failings as well, just so I don't look like I'm being unfair."

No, it's called not holding certain companies to higher expectations than others. All I was saying was that EVERY company is guilty of gouging in one way or another. Microsoft is no better, no worse.
Fact of the matter is, we don't even know what ms will charge for the keyboard, but you kids are already accusing them of gouging, and persecuting them for it.

"Come on, man. Microsoft charges an unnecessary $50 for a controller"

How much is the wii controller, with wiimote (god that still sounds lame) and nunchuck? $60, $40 for the wiimote, $20 for the nunchuck. Sony's sixaxis? $50. How can you hold ms to higher standards than the other two? For all three companies, the price for a controller ranges $50-60. But why is it microsoft is the only one charging an "unnecessary $50 for a controller"?

"$100 dollars for a 20GB hard drive"

I'll give you that.
It is a little high. But considering is came out in 11/05, and it is a 2.5" sata, it's hardly unreasonable. Not to mention we don't know what the transfer rate is. If it's 5400 rpm, it's more than expected, but if it is 7200 rpm it's not that unreasonable, given the time it was released.

"$100+ dollars for a Wi-Fi adapter

Find me a wifi adapter, that came out in 11/05 or prior, that encompassed all bands A/B/G, for less than $70. As a matter of fact, find me one now.
By a reputable company, none the less. I am not saying ms does everything right, but it is hardly unreasonable.

"What makes you think they won't overcharge for this as well?"

I try to keep an open mind.

As for the rest of your "arguement", I'm not exactly sure where you are going with it. Are you speaking for me? I'm not sure why, because I am perfectly capable of speaking for myself. All I was saying (regardless of how you may have interpreted it), is that all three companies, microsoft, nintendo, and sony, are guilty of the same. However, given the circumstances, I really don't think mircosoft is any more out of line than nintendo or sony.

Lord Chako @ Apr 9th 2007 7:50PM

@juan
Please don't backtrack on what you said.

"when I said that the companies should think things out before just selling them."

"If there is one thing MS is really good at, it is improving their designs for better screwing the customer and making them buy as much shit as possible."

"I think that the flaw in the design of this keypad (not being compatible with the current mic) is done more out of greed than lack of forethought"

Once again, that is your opinion. Considering we don't know what the price is, I wouldn't be so quick to jump to conclusions. For all you know, it could be $20, which would render your opinion moot. Why not wait for the price, before jumping to such conclusions?

"but doesn't change my feeling that this is only being included because it is a cheap device that boosts the perceived value of the bundle by much more than it costs to include."

That's your opinion, and I'm not going to argue with it. Since you have already made up your mind. All I am saying, is that why don't you try waiting until you know what the price is, before forming an opinion? All you are going on is speculation.

"Me too! I wish all these companies would think ahead more often"

Like I said, don't backtrack on your own statements. No where in your previous comments, did you mention "these companies". Only microsoft.

"but nintendo's and sony's mistakes don't affect me as personally because I don't own either of their consoles"

So because YOU personally never owned one of them, they are immune to the same criticisms? Hardly a fair comparison. If you are going to hold one company to such high standards, shouldn't you hold all companies to the same standard? (Which you didn't in your original post)

"I just said that to point out that the alternatives to the keypad aren't viable for everyone"

People can speak for themselves. Don't try and speak for them. The only person you are capable of speaking for, is yourself. (Take note, assemblylinehuman).

"But the main point here is that..."

Like I said, wait until they announce a price, before jumping to such conclusions. How can you base your argument on pure speculation?

"I will voice my concerns with the hope that they may be heard and addressed"

One, if you are going to voice your concerns, why not directly to mircosoft? I am sure you would get a much better response contacting microsoft directly, than posting on joystiq. Two, you are voicing your concerns, based on pure speculation. How can you be concerned, unless you know for sure?

Kritz @ Apr 9th 2007 11:02PM

Eh.

Might as well buy a wireless USB keyboard if that's the case.

Though, I'm getting fairly fast at the on-screen keyboard. Too bad there isn't an option to switch it to QWERTY.

Fun fact: It took me five seconds to figure out how to type "QWERTY" on my keyboard. Heh.

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