A keyboard with a pointing device built in does the work of a keyboard and a mouse in the space of one. It suits places where a mouse has nowhere to go: a server rack, a workshop bench, a kiosk, a standing desk, or a sofa in front of the TV. The choice comes down to the kind of pointer, the size of the keyboard and the connection.
Trackball or touchpad
| Trackball | Touchpad | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | You roll a ball with a finger or thumb; the keyboard stays still | You slide a finger across a flat surface, as on a laptop |
| Strength | Fine, steady cursor control without lifting your hand | Familiar gestures such as two-finger scrolling and zooming |
| Typical use | Control rooms, industrial and medical equipment, CAD | Office work, presentations, media PCs |
Mini keyboards with a trackball
These are 11.2 inches wide, about two thirds the width of a full-size keyboard, with quiet scissor keys.
- PERIBOARD-526: wired USB, the standard model.
- PERIBOARD-427 H: the same size with white and red backlighting for dim rooms.
Mini keyboards with a touchpad
- PERIBOARD-525: wired USB, with a 2.48 × 1.85 inch touchpad that supports pointing, scrolling and zooming.
- PERIBOARD-725: wireless, by Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz USB receiver.
- PERIBOARD-716 III: a slim wireless keyboard with a large touchpad, made for a laptop, a PC or a smart TV. It runs on two AAA batteries.
Full-size keyboards
If you need a number pad as well, these keep everything in one piece.
- PERIBOARD-313: wired and backlit, with a touchpad and extra USB ports.
- PERIBOARD-322: a mechanical keyboard with a built-in trackball, backlighting and extra USB ports.
Before you order
These keyboards are sold in the US layout; the PERIBOARD-525 is also offered with a Spanish layout. If you want a small keyboard without a pointer, see our guide to choosing a mini keyboard.
Frequently asked questions
Is a trackball or a touchpad better?
Neither is better in general. Choose a trackball for precise, steady pointing, and a touchpad if you rely on scrolling and zooming gestures or already use a laptop touchpad comfortably.
Is there a wireless keyboard with a touchpad?
Yes. The PERIBOARD-725 connects by Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz receiver, and the PERIBOARD-716 III uses a 2.4 GHz receiver.
Can I use one of these keyboards with a smart TV?
The PERIBOARD-716 III is designed for that: it is wireless, slim and has a large touchpad for navigating from the sofa. Whether a keyboard works depends on the TV accepting USB keyboards and mice.
Which layouts are available?
All of them are sold in the US layout. The PERIBOARD-525 is also offered with a Spanish layout. The product page lists what is in stock.
