long range wireless mouse and keyboard needed for couch gaming. can't use wired due to room layout.

[jak_2456]

Kinda seems like the keyboard OP has is bad. I have a Logitech K400+ (the exact same one @Lost_Troll has) and the range is huge; I was able to walk to other rooms in the house and the computer was still registering inputs. I have also found that Logitech's other Unifying devices perform the same.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Sadly, I think some here are not taking a minute to read and understand your problem.

It is line of sight and ~5 to 6 feet between keyboard & mouse and the dongle.
There are fresh batteries.
Same problem exists in her office.

The fact the same problem exists in your office suggests the problem is NOT due to interference from the TV or other large electronic or metal objects in your living room.

You say, "it cuts out". What is "it"? Are you saying the problem is with both the keyboard and the mouse? If that is the case, that would suggest the problem is with the dongle and not the keyboard and mouse since it is unlikely both the keyboard and mouse would be faulty at the same time.

One problem with dongles is they typically don't have a true "omnidirectional" antenna inside their tiny cases. So you might try something simple like rotating the dongle (the hub) 90°. But again, that does not account for the problem in the office too.

You also said it "often" cuts out? What does "often" mean? Every few minutes? A couple times a day? A couple times a week?

For testing purposes, I suggest you try a wired keyboard and mouse and see if they cut out. I would hate to see you spend money on a new wireless set only to discover they cut out too.

I don't know why these companies claim up to 33 ft range and they can't even work 5 ft away!! Ugh

It is like ISPs and broadband speeds. They always say "up to" some grand value instead of guaranteeing some minimum value.

 

[Lost_Troll]

it even gets crappy range in my office with the same dongle.

Sadly, I think some here are not taking a minute to read and understand your problem.

I took it as they used same keyboard and dongle in their office and had the same issue. Which tells me it is an issue with the keyboard/mouse or the dongle is bad.

Now, Logitech uses the 2.4GHz band for their communication which can be interfered by high gain WIFI access point, and can be look at with a RF sniffer phone app.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I took it as they used same keyboard and dongle in their office and had the same issue. Which tells me it is an issue with the keyboard/mouse or the dongle is bad.

Could be. That's why I suggested testing with wired devices.

Logitech uses the 2.4GHz band

This is not exclusive to Logitech. All Bluetooth uses the 2.4GHz band. So do most RF devices like RF (non-BT) keyboards and mice, remote controls, some cordless phones, even microwave ovens - not to mention 2.4GHz wifi. It can be very crowded.

 

[bug]

Haven't done wireless peripherals in a while. But back when I did, I remember there was a channel switch, in case something else was using the same RF. If you have such a switch, maybe that will fix your range problem. (Disregard if this was suggested already, no time to read the whole thread, sorry.)

 

[nomdeplume]

Second thought here, could be driver or faulty transmitter/receiver. Have spent plenty of time troubleshooting both.
In some instances SFF on desktop with kb/m less than a foot from USB transmitter on front panel.
Overheating is a flaw with many of these mini-USB.

 

[remixedcat]

Here's what the situation looks like

And it's not that far away

reciver is on a new usb header and expansion on the front of the case too in case it was the built in ones on the case and mobo

 

[jak_2456]

Here's what the situation looks like

And it's not that far away

View attachment 364559

I'm calling it a bad receiver or a bad keyboard. That should not pose a problem

 

[ty_ger]

Sorry for the reply without reading all the comments. This is just my experience; take it or leave it.
1) If spread spectrum is disabled on the PC, re-enabling (usually default) spread spectrum can make a big difference in connectivity.
2) If the wireless router is in the same room, it can wreak havoc. Try to move it further away, or check the router settings to see if it has a bluetooth compatibility/stability setting that reduces interference, and/or disable the 2.4 GHz radio on the wireless router if you can afford to. Sometimes a PC's wireless receiver even has a bluetooth compatibility setting which tries to reduce interference. Disabling the router's 2.4 GHz band can help a lot and is usually inconsequential unless you need the range or have an IOT device that doesn't support 5 GHz.

 

[remixedcat]

I just said eff it and bought this for my hubby since lenovo is decent brand. I'll report back when it gets here and he uses it for a while.

the reson I got them seperatly was because some people say that some recivers can't cope with 2 devices off the same one and they run into problems.

 

[micropage7]

could be from placement, the dongle, any interference or have you tried using usb extension so the receiver could be place closer to your position?

 

[eidairaman1]

I just said eff it and bought this for my hubby since lenovo is decent brand. I'll report back when it gets here and he uses it for a while.

the reson I got them seperatly was because some people say that some recivers can't cope with 2 devices off the same one and they run into problems.
View attachment 364562

The only other solution would be another receiver but anywho...

 

[remixedcat]

could be from placement, the dongle, any interference or have you tried using usb extension so the receiver could be place closer to your position?

6 feet is supposed to be an acceptable range and shouldn't be a problem...

I had an old microsoft wireless keyboard back in the late 00s and it was so good with range I wish I had a pic so I can find it again... but microsoft I think quit making those

 

[de.das.dude]

OP something is not right. Try placing the reciever so that it faces towards the couch. I have the almost same wireless keyboard(MK230) and my range is HUGE. i can even make it work from my living room across walls.

I use it easily from 10ft away from my bed for movies. Still on its original batteries from 3 years ago lol.

 

[remixedcat]

OP something is not right. Try placing the reciever so that it faces towards the couch. I have the almost same wireless keyboard(MK230) and my range is HUGE. i can even make it work from my living room across walls.

I use it easily from 10ft away from my bed for movies. Still on its original batteries from 3 years ago lol.

It is facing towards the couch it's at the front of the case as pictured in my above post

 

[A Computer Guy]

That would end up being pricier than a wireless mouse and keyboard and more effort

I'm simply wanting a wireless mouse and keyboard that works at least to 15 ft without cutting out its not a huge ask from a hardware manufacturer...

It's gotta be under 60 bucks and not much effort

Get a USB extension cable. Route along wall from device closer to where you need it and/or to clear obstacles for line of sight. Plug wireless dongle into the end of it. I have to do this with a Logitech combo in one of the rooms of my house. I guess having a piano between the PC and keyboard & mouse was too much of an obstacle and a simple extension cable solved it.

I believe there is an issue with USB3 interfering with radio signals (this has been a problem with routers that have USB3 for example). Using the USB cable to get the receiver away from USB ports might help even if it's a few feet above your PC..

 

[Bill_Bright]

reciver is on a new usb header

"New" USB header?

I know you bought a new mouse and keyboard so the point may be moot, but did you have this problem with the "old" USB header?

I had an old microsoft wireless keyboard back in the late 00s and it was so good with range I wish I had a pic so I can find it again... but microsoft I think quit making those

Yeah, I don't know what company was the OEM for MS mice and keyboards, but I agree, they were great. I have several Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5050 combo sets here and love them. When I heard Microsoft was going to stop selling mice and keyboards, I bought the last one from Amazon just to keep on hand for the future.

These have great wireless range as I indicated earlier. The batteries last almost 6 months with 4 - 5 hours of use every day. I am right handed but use my mouse with my left hand so I really like the ambidextrous design of the mouse. The curved design of the keyboard is fantastic as it allows my hands and wrists to approach the keys at the perfect angle without having to bend my wrists or dig my elbows into my ribs.

Note, however, these are NOT marketed as "gaming" devices. That said, I have not noticed any delays or latency issues.

However, as suggested, Microsoft sold off that production and is now partnering with Incase to make "Designed by Microsoft" keyboards and mice. It does appear they will continue with the Comfort Desktop 5050 combo set. I have no clue if the quality will remain the same. I hope so. That said, it does not seem they are for sale yet. Hopefully soon. They say "later this year" but are running out of time.