Xbox 360 Messenger Keyboard

Xbox 360 Messenger Kit (Xbox 360)

Strengths: Compact design, good keyclick feel, very useful for text typing

Weakness: Increases controller weight a bit too much, requires use of included headset or wireless headset, comes only in white

The Xbox 360 Messenger kit is an add-on keyboard for the Xbox 360 wireless controller. It adds in text input capabilities wirelessly with the controller, so the need to plug in a wired keyboard isn't needed. The keyboard feels good to do text input, though adds a bit of bulk to the controller. It's somewhat easy to attach and remove, though as it blocks the headset port with its own port, it...

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Useful if you like to chat

Strengths: Compact Good key design

Weakness: Hard to attach/detach quickly Games that require typing do not use it

This is a very useful device if you plan to use the IM feature frequently on Xbox Live. I don't IM on Live so it has limited usefulness to me. It feels like its designed to always leave attached to your controller, it doesn't pop-in and out very easily. I don't like having it attached when I'm not using it. There are a few games where this would be a really useful device, unfortunately it does...

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Does its job well, with a few minor issues

Strengths: Very fast way to type in information and send messages, fits snugly on controller, light up keyboard for those late night gaming sessions, quick buttons to immediately access messenger.

Weakness: Makes controller a bit more bulky, color scheme only in white (a pain for elite owners), forces use of included headset due to port change, seems to drain wireless controllers' batteries faster.

I have always hated having to use the on-screen keyboard, but thanks to this those horrific slow days are over. The Xbox 360 Messenger Kit completely speeds up the process. Now I can actually make use of the Live messaging service and enjoy it rather than it be a pain. Highly recommended to everyone who owns an Xbox 360.

Great for chatboards and MSN chats on Xbox Live

Strengths: A great one-stop shop for chatting and texting while playing games via XBOX Live. Super convenient and handy. Raised buttons that light up when touched. Great for dark rooms!

Weakness: Adds some weight to the wireless controller -- also, no color options - I have a 360 Elite Unit which is all black and black controllers but the messenger kit only comes in original xbox gray color!

2K Sports games like NBA 2K8 on XBOX 360 Live have game lobbies where you camp out scouting for competition. People are always chatting there and its clumsy to plug in a usb keyboard to respond. Now there's no need to swap between controller and keyboard. I can get it all done in one piece. The keypad snaps smoothly into the wireless controller. Great pickup! Highly recommended for all gamers....

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Texting

Strengths: Faster message sending Easier use on msn Messenger while on games

Weakness: Builky Gets in the way

I find this both a blessing but also bothersome. It is very good for messaging people instead of talking to them during a game. For example if you are playing halo 3 and rather message someone in another game than voice message him. However it is also a totally difference feel than the controller without it. However, when I adjusted to the feel I have learned that I love having it on