Sony gets its own gamepad keyboard, care of MadCatz

by Ross Miller { Apr 25th 2007 at 10:25PM }

First Microsoft unveils its gamepad-keyboard peripheral, then Nintendo is rumored to have interest in its own console keyboard. Now Sony, whose PlayStation 3 already allows for USB and Bluetooth keyboards, will have its own mini-keyboard attachable to the Sixaxis controller.

MadCatz's wireless thumbpad for PS3 is available to order at their website. The product page lauds its ergonomic design, but we question the pad's position on the top of the controller. Of course, we can't pass judgment based on display alone, but for $30 we'll stick to having a full-sized keyboard resting on our laps.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Tags: keyboard, sixaxis

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Mr.Meat @ Apr 25th 2007 10:34PM

oh noes! O_O' They copied the XBox!!!!!11111!11 >_>

Ken @ Apr 25th 2007 10:38PM

But why? I plugged in my USB keyboard the day I installed FFXI on my PS3 and it has worked just fine. I have no desire to purchase a product that seems like it would be far more cumbersome to use.

Titus Miles @ Apr 25th 2007 10:41PM

Lame.

Moe @ Apr 25th 2007 10:42PM

damn! i was hoping the console and controllers were included!

Moe @ Apr 25th 2007 10:56PM

after looking at it i realized that this thing isnt even easy to use! these madcatz guys are smoking some mad stuff.

sheppy @ Apr 25th 2007 11:00PM

Why does everything Mad Catz designs look like ass?

bearattack79 @ Apr 25th 2007 11:12PM

@#3

No its a lamepad!

BPM @ Apr 25th 2007 11:15PM

Sheppy, because they're mad and they're catz. You don't trust household felines that suffer from dementia to design video game peripherals. ESPECIALLY if they think it's "cool" to spell the plural form of a word with a "z" instead of a "s."

Dustin @ Apr 25th 2007 11:18PM

Meh. until Ureal 3 comes out, I'm using this to text.
I just plug in the USB part. some 2nd function buttons don't work though like @ and !

Dave @ Apr 25th 2007 11:50PM

After looking at the 360 version, I'd have to say this version looks less likely to get in the way while trying to play a game. I think it might make the controller top-heavy, though.

Azorean @ Apr 26th 2007 12:10AM

the 360 one looks like it's part of the controller unlike this crap

Negativecool @ Apr 26th 2007 12:19AM

What clever name did they give that? In order to be marketably compatible with something as stupidly named as the SIXAXIS it would really have to be named the QWERTY.

Darkiewonder @ Apr 26th 2007 12:20AM

lol. eww. As a ps3 and 360 owner, I'm happy with the design of the 360's keyboard. I tried to imagine how it would feel using that and it's not good.

Tadioku @ Apr 26th 2007 12:20AM

this PS3 controller extension made by MadCatz looks like its part of the controller unlike that 360 crap

wackychan @ Apr 26th 2007 12:21AM

HAHAHAHA. No rumble and this ass licking fingerboard for the win! Lets hope it wont throw your 6 axis off balance. XD

Sidepocket @ Apr 26th 2007 12:26AM

That looks mighty uncomfrotable.

Besides, why not use a USB keyboard. Infact, scratch that, why need a keyboard on 360 or PS3 when you have VOICE CHAT!!!

Its not 1999 anymore people!

Yeef @ Apr 26th 2007 12:33AM

We've had this at Best Buy for like a week now. Seems pretty pointless when a cheapo usb keyboard goes for a lot less and is far less cumbersome,

jimjo @ Apr 26th 2007 12:33AM

@8

ROFL

hurt @ Apr 26th 2007 12:57AM

If this works with out the controller (which from the giant usb dongle I would guess) I am getting one for freevo!

NoNo @ Apr 26th 2007 1:41AM

Saw it at Best Buy, go Sony.

DrXym @ Apr 26th 2007 5:17AM

The PS3 has had keyboards for quite some time. It uses Bluetooth so any Bluetooth keyboard works just fine. That's the advantage of using an industry standard for your peripherals. And mice. And headsets.

I already had a Freedom Mini Keyboard before buying a PS3. It works just fine with the PS3 and its small enough to fit in my pocket. It's form factor is slightly too large (as in a few mm) to clip onto a controller, but I can easily see a whole cottage industry of keyboards that do.

hooha @ Apr 26th 2007 7:52AM

this thing is awesome. perfect for using the browser and talking smack. (that's all i need it for frankly). the position above actually totally works for the controller, btw. something about the shape of 6axis allows for more play in how you hold it, so it totally works. (as, at least from what i can tell about the rumored 360 version, below makes more sense for that controller.) anyway, totally pleased as i am (one of the few, i guess) that prefers not having a full size board while sitting on my couch.