See How The PS3 Keypad Fits In Real Hands

Stephen Totilo from MTV Multiplayer writes: "At a meeting I had with Sony executives today in Manhattan, I saw a PS3 controller with the keypad attached. I asked to pick it up, to try it and to snap photos."

[accukrak]

Having said that, it would eliminate the need for my wireless keyboard. But we need more detailed info as to its functionality and ergonomics.

[Monchichi025]

Seriously, what bright person designed this??? Don’t they know people text with there thumbs!!! To use this thing a person has to take there hands off the control altogether!!!

[Blakzhuk]

They just copied Microsoft's keypad add-on. Nothing to see here.

[Daver]

@1.1

loll are you serious saying that?

w/e how it is place on your controller you cant play and type at the same time..

[TLSBill]

They didn't copy Microsoft, they directly ripped off MadCatz. They had the keyboard in the same place & released it in April of '07....

[Nintendo Rep]

Out of all places why on top of the controller? I know the slots are there but might as well not have the attachment, it's terrible. Even the 360's keypad is better for the sole fact its near the joysticks and buttons.

[Rusted]

what other places? the sides?

That thing need to be on the top or the bottom of the controller. Period.

[Nintendo Rep]

Well if they only have 2 choices, Bottom or Top, THEY REALLY CHOSE THE WORST ONE.

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

You echo my sentiment exactly.

What moron would put it on top, especially considering the freaken Xbox version has been out for a while. Perhaps Sony should learn from Microsoft's ability to copy others ideas. Don't try to be different unless it is going to be better, just copy and improve. Gheeeeez.....

edit: The only logical answer I have, is because the PS3 controller is too darn small. Sticking something between the 'handles' don't allow for comfortable holding.

[Pika-pie]

Not the best design but it does the job. If I have to move my hands up the controller its no big deal, i mean its not like you can type and play at the same time anyway...

Will deffinatly pick one up

[Delive]

Sure it could have been better, but what is perfect about any console or controller? The statements about needing to release the controller to type are silly because you have to set it down completely to type with an actual keyboard. Your options:
Give this a go and learn to master it.
Stick with your wireless/USB/BT keyboard.
Or enjoy your Xbox chatpad and be happy.
These are games folks. Play on.

[juuken]

...I don't see anything wrong with it?

[Agent VX]

WOW, Sony is directly ripping of MS yet again. It's amazing how much these two rip each other off. Sony has been the biggest rip off artist this gen though.

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

Why are people disagreeing with TLSBill? He is right. Not either Sony or MS was the first, Mad Catz have it in 2007. Sony specifically copyed even the design/positioning from Mad Catz. All of them sucks.

Even the 360 one, you can type in your normal handling indeed, but you have to took your thumbs away from sticks anyway so you still can't play while playing... So it, in the better case, suck less. Still suck.

If you have to stop anyway, a normal keyboard is cheaper.

[Blades08]

I'm not sure if you know this but I don't know of any game that you need to type in on the 360 outside of Phantasy Star and you have to stop moving or playing to do that. You use voice chat while playing.

[Bnet343]

Yeah .... that looks bad ......

[Megatron08]

you be better off just pluging a keyboard into the ps3

[GameOn]

I'm not convinced. on the other hand it doesn't really matter to me any way.

[PS360WII]

Looks better than I first thought. I would still like it on the bottom more but that's just a personal preference really

[chrisnick]

guess its not for ppl with small hands.

[Karum]

I have the mad catz one that fits on the same way and it's really not a discomfort or an annoyance but this one looks like it's a big improvement on the mad catz version which I bought like a year ago.

The position it sits in isn't hard to type with at all in my experience.

[Raoh]

which one do you have?

i might stop by a local gamestop, they may let me play with a used one just to get a feel in store.

oh and this was a terrible article.. it just says hey look at my hands.. now look at his hands.. cool huh

nothing of value to make me want or not want this device.

[PimpHandStrong]

im going to need a key board soon with HOME coming!

i already type alot of emails to ppl asking them about what they are playing. I just keep it short because the controler is a bit clumsy to type

thanks Sony for this and that new BLUE TOOTH head set

[aesmith1988]

what a suck up

[RSX]

What a pointless post

[Nintendo Rep]

no u

[Captain Tuttle]

Those pictures of the guys typing make it look really awkward. They should have put it on the bottom of the controller in my opinion.

[EastCoastSB]

since the USB port is on the top. But I do agree with you.

[Captain Tuttle]

Run a wire or something underneath the controller so it could plug in to the USB. Sony's got some of the best engineers in the world. Figure it out guys. This thing looks terrible.

[njr]

What is there to say to one another during combat, or in the middle of a race? there's enough time to type when you die.

[mindedone]

I thought it was supposed to be bluetooth. They said it could be used standalone, which would mean it had it's own battery, as well as work without being connected to the controller. I could be wrong though.

[Captain Tuttle]

If that's true then it's just a horrible design choice.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Wireless keyboard.

[Rockstar]

Better yet, blue tooth.

[Cenobia]

@ Rockstar - I don't see why you'd pay extra for bluetooth. USB works just fine and is cheaper. Plus you need a USB keyboard if you plan to install Linux (even though its just for the installation).

[spandexxking]

also its supposed to be a touch/track pad if i remember correctly.

[Rockstar]

I'm just saying that a blue tooth keyboard is better then a wireless.

I bought a Logitech Laser Refurb keyboard/mouse for 60 bucks and it works like a charm and I'm saving a USB port for other things.

[GiantEnemyLobster]

For some reason, this keypad looks strikingly similar to that of the Xbox 360. Hmm... interesting.

Oh but instead, Sony put it on top of the controller instead of the bottom. Very original sony. Which is actually extremely stupid, since you type with your thumbs which are at the BOTTOM of the controller. LOL, sony can't even copy correctly!! what a bunch of MORONS working there.

[OmarJA]

Well what do u expect from a retarded xbot

[air1]

very true.. that thing looks so stup!d on the top

[PopEmUp]

why even bother buying this when you can used a keyboard, well probably to big for the living but this just stupid

[UnwanteDreamz]

As many have said in the Game Zone XBOX ripped off Madcatz. So who is the copier? Madcatz released theirs in 07. Fanboy?

[DJ]

They should've gone the 360 route. I wouldn't have minded a small wire occupying the USB mini port.

[GameOn]

For once, I agree with you.
I think they should of had it clip onto the back of the pad then wrap around the bottom.
Lot's of people seem to think it looks fine how it is though, So it can't be all that bad.

[Andras84]

I hate it. I'm not going to buy this...it looks like crap. Try to type with this and tell me if this is comfortable.

[Daver]

stop complaining... never happy heh?

Anyway i prefer this over my wireless keyboard, im getting one as soon as its available

[PeterGriffinSays]

Right now, I grabbed my DS3 and pretended to have the Text Keyboard attached. I moved my hands into the position that would be needed and, needless to say, its actually quite comfortable. They're not going to sell this without some private feedback and testing at the company, I can assure you.

[Adamalicious]

Right - that's the first thing I did when they announced the thing. It's not uncomfortable for me at all and I don't have huge hands.

[Cenobia]

I think more people should have tried that before complaining. It's much more comfortable at the top then at the bottom (at least for me). Plus I think putting it at the bottom would have changed the way I hold the controller.

I still prefer a standard keyboard, but I don't see why this would be such an awful alternative. It looks pretty solid for something that attaches to your controller too.

[Sitdown]

To be honest...I think at the top is worst than at the bottom. I have long fingers, and even with that......it is just awkward, and forces you to shift the controller for it to be functional...where as with the one for the 360 your hands a thumbs are in a more natural position. In order to use the one for the ps3 you have to shift the bulk of the controller into the palm over your hand........where as with the 360 controller you can continue to hold it in the manner in which you play games. Then in the manner in which you hold the ps3 controller, the bottom part of my thumb hits and presses the face buttons.

[ASSASSYN 36o]

I see two flaws one that is obvious it is on top of the controller. The second assuming the controller is turned on due too the red l.e.d. light in the picture is the keys do not light up like the 360 chat pad does. I hope you sony kids are good at typing in the dark.

[spandexxking]

how can you tell they dont light up? really you've only got one reason but its fine because you dont play playstation so it shouldnt bother you anyway.

[Blades08]

From the picture it looks like the sticks and buttons will get in the way of typing (you might accidently hit or lean or the sticks or buttons while typing).

[FantasyStar]

Judging from the guy's hands in the pictures, I know for a fact that my thumbs will smash at least 2 keys with me even trying. I wish the buttons would be more bigger for people like me with big hands.

[PeterGriffinSays]

Monster azz dude.

[cl63AMG]

does anyone know how this thing affects L1, L2, R1, R2?

[Daver]

i think its in front of l1 l2 r1 r2,they are behind the keypad, nothing will

[chinesesoldier]

dosent affect

[Blademask]

1. does anyone know how this thing affects L1, L2, R1, R2?

Those keys are under it.. Behind it in the photo.

2. its easy to type, you dont use yourindex fingers. Just imagine rotating the controller in yourhand so you can use your thumbs. Rotate it towards you so the usb port at the top comes closer to get an idea.

It wouldn't be made if no one could use it. Think next time people.

[Nintendo Rep]

Correction: They would still make it regardless if it didn't work.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[Voulnet]

Why would anyone go through the trouble of defending that abortion of a keypad? It's just terrible, man. Accept it.
Of course we know why some defend it with their blood and sweat ;)

I think Sony should really rethink that keypad design, especially with Home knocking on the door, they don't need any new deterrent to Home now, do they?

[PotNoodle]

I do think it is a bit strange it being on the top of the controller but it looks nice and that mouse trackpad thing they are going on about seems good.

I too just picked up my ps3 controller to see what it would feel like then thought to myself "This will be hard when i'm playing a game", but i thought i wouldn't be playing it at that moment if i am typing something out.

So yeah, it doesn't seem that bad and i could easily get used to it.

[TLSBill]

For all the people complaining about how small it is, get a combo keyboard from BTC or someone else. I'm using the 9019 now & it works great in the browser & in Home.

[King Me]

First and foremost,remember;Controller attachments have been around for years now.

Second,the Xbox 360 controller is bigger than the Sixaxis/dualshock 3,so reaching with your thumbs to type with the sony keypad isn't going to be a difficult task at all(unless your hands are really really REALLY small))

What I do think sony should do is give it more style,some extra glossy on the corners/silver trimming would make it look stylish imo.

[heroman711]

The device is scheduled to ship in November and is listed at online retailers for between $40 and $50.

ARE U KIDDING ME! 40 - 50 dollars?! 360 keypad comes with a headset and it is a total of 30 dollars

[wetowel]

really? damn you sony

[Adamalicious]

Are YOU kidding ME? It's $40 and it's a standalone, bluetooth, PS3 dedicated keyboard etc. - it's really not a bad deal. Compare the the diNovo Mini which costs $125 and isn't made for the PS3 and tell me again what a bad deal it is.

[TJ Crucial]

This is Bluetooth too?

Maybe this is a dumb question, but if it's Bluetooth, why do you have to connect it to the controller?

[Cat]

@TJ - you don't have to connect it to the controller, it's just an option (presumably for convenience?).

[TJ Crucial]

...at first, but so did the 360 version.

I couldn't live without the 360 version now, it saves so much time. Also, it's really rock solid on a 360 controller, doesn't wiggle or move when you use it. Hopefully Sony's works out well too. Seems a tad pricey tho'.

Does anybody know if it lights up? IMO, that would be the most crucial detail, not where it sits on the controller.

[jerethdagryphon]

i tihnk it has a pasthrough usb port and the usb just holds it on

[Maxned]

Ive seen the chatpad on another controller before. Can't put my finger on it..

[Karum]

"This is Bluetooth too?

Maybe this is a dumb question, but if it's Bluetooth, why do you have to connect it to the controller?"

I don't think there is anything official saying it connects to that USB port. People are simply ASSUMING this because it sits on top.

A third party called Mad Catz already released a chatpad for the ps3 controller and it sits on the controller just fine and isn't any inconvenience ot use. It does look like it would be I agree but most people saying that would probably change their mind unless they are unreasonably fussy.

http://www.myps3.com.au/img...

[himdeel]

...since it's bluetooth you shouldn't have to connect it to the control pad at all.

[Karum]

You won't have to connect it to anything, the only association it has with the controller is that it clips onto it. It communicates with the PS3 console via bluetooth in the same way the headset does and your DS3 does.

I mean did anyone that comes up with that kind of crap assumption even read the PS blog entry after this was announced? It can be used with smart phones etc. why would it have any need to be plugged into the DS3 when it is perfectly capable of connecting with any bluetooth enabled device. It even said it can be paired with the PS3 lol.

http://blog.us.playstation....

People are simply assuming this is why it's placed on top of the controller and as people should know, assumptions are often very very wrong.

[Rourker]

not as good as the 360 one, though I don't use these add-ons so I don't really care.

[Bren86]

They should of just copied the 360 one and put it at the bottom of the controller. Failed.

[testerg35]

Eeek... how the hell can you type with that? Did the design engineers bypass input from people who actually type and just go directly to production?

[Sir_Ken_Kutaragi]

The xBox 360 one Looks SH*T!!! ;-D

THE END!;)

[Knightofelemia]

Honestly is looks ok but typing on it will be a pain. For the price just buy a keyboard and a mouse save the cash i am not purchasing this keypad my keyboard works very well

[darthv72]

Wasnt this out last year? I dont know if it was sony's but I do remember seeing this at my Fry's store the other day. I have the 360 one and I like how it is placed and fits in my hands. Now if MS would make a browser it would be perfect for strolling around on the web.

This one looks cool and I hope it isnt obstructive for playing and typing. I like that the 360 one isnt either.

[xionpunk]

Looks fine to me, I don't know what everyone is bi+chin' about. I don't think it would feel right on the bottom, at least for the dualshock. Besides, anythings better than those damn on-screen keyboards.

[Sitdown]

"dear lord, did you use teen wolf as the hand model?" mtvjames

Hahaha

[juuken]

I don't see anything wrong with it.

[testerg35]

I think the problem is that most people, with these keypads (ie: blackberry, sidekick, ...), type with their thumbs. With this thing, you would have to type with your index finger.

[cantfindaname08]

Microsoft would have sued sony if they put it at the bottom so everybody shut up. There are things called patent laws.

[kewlkat007]

I have the 360 model and it doesn't get in the way at all. Makes the controller bottom heavy, thats about it.

Meh..

[kenshin22up]

You guys have obviously never used the 360 chatpad. I have one, and even though it seems like the logical design and is better than the ps3's design.. it really isn't. They are the same. You mention people will lose their grip when trying to type with the PS3 chatpad, that's bull. All they have to do is shift their hands a bit to the top and start typing away with their thumbs. This is something you ALSO have to do with the 360 chatpad. Your thumbs are naturally placed at the two analog sticks and to reach the 360 chatpad to type with your thumbs without shifting your grip downwards is impossible. When I say impossible I'm not saying it can't be done, but it would be very uncomfortable and inefficient. Imagine typing on your keyboard with your fingers placed at F6,F7,F8,F9, and 6 instead of jkl; and space bar..yah that's how it'd be like if you don't shift your grip on the 360 chatpad to type. So the fanboys that are spewing crap about Sony, do you even own a 360, or a 360 chatpad? If not, just stfu please.

[equax]

I agree with you my man. I'll give it a shot when this product comes out. Who wants to have a large keyboard laying around while playing the PS3?

[cherrypie]

Hey, SONY, its called E-R-G-O-N-O-M-I-C-S.

Look into it. That controller, and the keyboard attachment especially is EPIC fail.

For those interested, lookup "anthropomorphic resting state" to understand why the thumbstick is wrong (and in the correct place on the Xbox 360) and why this keyboard is *extra* wrong.

Wow, how could they make it any worse.

[Yamato]

what a bunch of MORONS working??? what you say about microsoft the xbox is a toaster,the bill of microsoft is 990 millions by shipping xboxs to be repare (RROD)

Thats what I call a Bunch of MORONS working

[Mutley416]

Yah, umm SuperMan USB KeyBoard... 9.99$ @ ebay.com with shipping-

Sony gives you options- typing does not=gaming

Gamers use in game mics or TeamSpeak to communicate... not mickey mouse accessories.

ummm Mad Catz... Fail...

[laid2rest]

i reckon it looks great cant wait to try it out, gonna be a lot more convient then whats round now

[poeo]

maybe microsoft has a patent for the keyboard to be on the bottom of the controller.. lolz