Is it possible to use a Vizio remote as a sort of "keyboard" for a computer?

Do a search for EventGhost. It's a freeware program that will allow you to map any IR remote commands to a keyboard, mouse, or windows function so it can control any app on your HTPC with a compatible IR receiver. There are other similar apps available like Girder (commercial and costs $$), HIP, and a few others that do basically the same thing but I think EventGhost is probably the easiest to install and set up.

One word of advice - if the PC you're trying to control is connected to the Vizio TV then you should consider getting an inexpensive universal remote. You should configure the PC as a separate device so the commands don't interfere with the TV's operation.

+1 on that.

Seems worth bumping the thread instead of just starting another one.

But I think the EventGhost route is not what we would be looking for bc it works with IR instead of BlueTooth.

I'd be looking for a BlueTooth implementation - since the new Razor remotes do BlueTooth and a BlueTooth dongle for a PC is easy to get.

Using the remote with the TV, I can appreciate how much more convenient it is not to have to point the IR at the TV while working the remote's keyboard.

I missed this thread previously but:

The Vizio TV remotes are multidevice and there is a DVD mode button. There is a programming code for Microsoft or Media Center (I can't remember which it's called) for that mode button. Assign it and then use HIP/EventGhost/Intelliremote/etc to assign the functions you want to the keys.