Logitech K400, very handy compact keyboard with touchpad.
I think there is a newer version of this though - I recommended this to a friend and when I saw it I noticed the F# keys are switched:
Instead of mine, which has F1-F12 normal and you have to hold [Fn]+[F#] to access the media features, the newer versions have the F1-F12 keys as the[Fn] alternative and the top row is by default the media keys.
This is very handy since the kids keep hitting wrong buttons, and I can't remember what it is but I think it's F8 and XBMC gets muted, and there is another button that toggles fullscreen and that keeps getting hit after I get it back to fullscreen.
On the newer version you don't have to worry about that because you would have to hit [Fn]+[F8] to actually get F8. So it's a perfect HTPC keyboard now if you buy one.
I currently have a Logitech K400, but I don't much care for having a surface without a spot for a mouse. I've used a spare wooden board from some cheap shelves to suffice. What are your thoughts? Useful for your set-up? Or just another Razer flop?
So I can use this to stream videos from my PC to the TV?
Yes!
You just either need a controller or keyboard+mouse for the Link OR start the videos from the other room, from your PC
Actually I use a bluetooth keyboard with touchpad for the Link
https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Multi-Touch-Touchpad/dp/B005DKZTMG
No experience myself but theoretically this should work as Hivemind is based on Kodi: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.xbmc.kore&hl=en
Might need some SW changes but is likely doable.
Personally I use desktop mode and one of these guys for my input depending on how much I need to type:
http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Multimedia-Remote-Keyboard-N5901/dp/B0036VO67I
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Multi-Touch-Touchpad/dp/B005DKZTMG
You can also use any Media Center compatible remotes, and kodi can support just about anything: http://kodi.wiki/view/Remote_controls
I installed the Netflix Windows 8 application and XBMC.
I then installed OblyTile and created a custom large button at the Start menu/tile interface for XBMC (needed to customize the tile with the XBMC logo, but wasn't tough). I also added the Netflix tile right next to it, large as well.
I installed Chrome (browser of choice) and created two smaller tiles that were links to bookmarks in Chrome, YouTube and Google Music.
Change the background of the Start/tile interface to something dark with a little bit of a pattern. Looks very clean and crisp.
I use a Logitech K400 right now. I have a Logitech 650 and Flirc I want to finish setting up, but I haven't had the chance to tinker with that aspect yet.
Overall, Windows 8.1 and XBMC + Netflix works really well. The Netflix app is stellar and XBMC keeping XBMC full screen (hitting "\") and just hitting the Windows button to get out of it/go to Netflix is very smooth and user friendly. I prefer it over the Apple TV and my Ouya by far.
And I built it with the very affordable [Intel NUC DN2820FYK](ark.intel.com/products/78953/Intel-NUC-Kit-DN2820FYK), which accepts 2.5" HDs.
This is what you're after. By far the best HTPC input.
Have you tried a wireless keyboard with touchpad? That is my next attempt at the perfect solution.
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Built-In-Multi-Touch/dp/B005DKZTMG