Copyright © 2010 XBox 360 & PS 3 Video Game Reviews. Snowblind theme by c.bavota & Juan Gordillo. Powered by WordPress.
- Chat on Xbox LIVE with ease featuring dedicated keys for letters and characters
- Backlit buttons allow you to accurately type words even in dimly lit environments
- Xbox 360 Chatpad attaches seamlessly to your Xbox 360 Controller
- Xbox 360 Wired Headset for the ultimate communication bundle
Product Description
Chatting with friends and family on Xbox LIVE and Windows-based PCs is easy using the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit. This device easily connects to any Xbox 360 controller and provides easy-to-use chat capabilities while maintaining gameplay functionality in one easy-to-hold device. The Messenger Kit includes a Chatpad and Xbox 360 Headset…. More >>
11/13/2009 at 8:16 pm
The 360 chatpad is a much-needed relief from the thumbstick method of typing messages on Xbox Live.
I have larger hands, so leaving it attached to the controller doesn’t bother me while I play games. If you have smaller hands or the chat pad bothers you while playing, you can simply detach or leave detached until you need it to type.
Since it takes up the space on the controller normally allocated to the Xbox Live headset, MS has included a new headset that works with the chatpad.
I found it very easy to type with the chatpad, and overall I think it is a must-have accessory for anyone with a friends list!
The keys light up for easy use in the dark, and there is a one-press MSN button for those that want to chat in between gaming sessions. MS has really outdone themselves on this one. The 360 chatpad is an exceptional accessory for less than the price of a new game!
Rating: 5 / 5
11/13/2009 at 11:13 pm
I love the tactile feel and backlighting on this keypad and recommend it heartily. The only problem I have with it is if you are wanting to use a different headset (I have the turtle beach 5.1 surround with mic) the connection is not the standard one you’ll find on the controllers… so they won’t just plug in. I ended up having to splice the new (included) headset’s cable onto my old headsets’ cable. A hack job – but it worked. But really, this should have been taken care of in the initial design.
Rating: 4 / 5
11/14/2009 at 12:21 am
PROS
- Back lit Keyboard for typing in the dark
- Click feedback on keys
- Very very light adds almost no weight to the controller
- comfortable
- solid construction
CONS
- you almost have to force it on the controller
- only has 1/8 jack for headset it removes the power pins. I have a Turtle Beach Earforce X3 headset that requires the 3 connections and I cannot use it with this device attached. This would have gotten 5 stars IF they included all connectors on the back end of this device.
Rating: 4 / 5
11/14/2009 at 1:55 am
This keyboard has a myriad of problems and could have been much better if they had just spent a bit more time thinking about it.
Problems if you are used to thumbboards:
1. The keyboard layout doesn’t match any other thumb-board out there. They have Windows Mobile 6 devices with thumbboards, and their layout is much more logical than the one on this keyboard. Or they could use the blackberry keyboard layout which a lot of people already have a lot of familiarity with. Plus there is no reason, since there is a ton of space on the keyboard.
2. the keys are really far apart. Really far apart. If you have huge hands, it is okay, but why not just use standard spacing of other mobile devices? It makes it harder to touch type.
Poor design decisions. These affect everyone, not just people used to thumbboards.
1. The snapping onto the bottom of the controller makes it unwieldy. It adds a decent amount of bulk and it is not like you are going to play a game and type at the same time, so why do it this way?
2. The fact that they didn’t even mold the bottom to use the same headset means you have another piece of equipment just lying around which seems unnecessary.
If they had done these things correctly, it would be worth four stars.
The final issue and the fifth star?
1. They should have made it its own wireless device. I would have paid $15 more to have it just work wirelessly as a controller on its own. And it would be worth a final fifth star.
Rating: 3 / 5
11/14/2009 at 3:11 am
This texting pad is very useful for me, because you can use both the texting pad and the headset at the same time. Once I got this, I loved to text messages to people instead of sending voice messages. The messages are so much clearer, and you can type them in only a few seconds.
I have it on my controller at all times, and at first it is hard to get used to playing with it on, but you get used to it VERY quickly. Very good if you stay active with your friends and send them a lot of messages.
Rating: 5 / 5