How do you mouse/keyboard from couch?

I don't do it often (play games on my HTPC) but when I do I just put the keyboard on my lap and the mouse on the couch beside me.

^^^ Same here.

I use a Logitech K800 Illuminated Wireless keyboard and my trusty MX 518 mouse (USB extension cable). KB on my lap, mouse on the lip of the couch and I'm all set.

For Gaming:
Logitech G13 gamepad ($25!) on armrest, mouse is on a pillow that has a hard surface on one side, meant as a crappy solution for writing while sitting on a couch, works well for my purpose.

For regular use though, keyboard on lap, mouse in same position.

Can't complain, much more comfortable than leaning over and using my old laptop on an ottoman.

Honestly, I've given in and almost all of my PC gaming is almost exclusively done with a 360 controller. I don't play too many FPS though, and when I do I don't usually play online, so that helps.

It doesn't have to be either/or. I play games on my PC and PS3 comfortably from my couch in front of a 60" HDTV. You can do both!

I play with keyboard on the lap and mouse on the couch. My body seems to be telling me this is not a very ergonomic solution though.

I just use a controller.

Couple pillows behind me to "hunch" over the coffee table. It's not really that comfortable and I don't recommend it. My body has just gotten used to it for the most part.

May want to look into lapdesks. There is a neat product that lets you sit your m/kb on your lap.

Using the 360 controller more and more. Other then that, apple BT aluminum kb because it's small and it's BT is really strong. I have been through a few kb's and mice, you would be surprised what big names suck on the couch at some distance. Ie. I have a logitech performance mouse, $$$ mouse that will not work worth a dime on a couch at the distance I need, but a cheap ms 5000 laptop BT mouse works fine. I use a small circular table alongside the arm of the couch for the mouse, comfortable as can be.

recliner + M570 + bluetooth keyboard

+1 for the K800. My home theater room is totally light controlled, so I like having the illuminated keyboard. Depending on the gaming i'm doing I use a wireless mouse or trackball I like the trackball because I don't have to move my arm as much. But, I'm not as adept at using it, so if I'm playing something more "twitchy", then I'll use my mouse.

Cmon guys! There has to be a better solution. I plan to put some serious hours into gaming on my HTPC/Bigscreen in a few months and I don't want to have to deal with a sore back or wrist. Surely there is a solution to this... some sort of swivel wall extension.... something.

the problem is, there is no one fix. You really have to take your living room, the couch, the height of the couch, the way you like to sit, the distance to PC etc all into account and kinda rig something up. I don't find the laptop trays work well for me, they just aren't wide enough and I do not tend to sit straight up on a couch. My setup is extrememly comfortable now but I had to try a few things to get there.

I have to agree, this thread is pitiful. I have no advice either but I was coming to find something fancier than I USE MY LAP AND EAT DORITOS AND BEER

Wireless? I have been looking for a good wireless controller that's PC compatible. I'm currently using the Saitek P2900's for my emulator box. I like the layout with the 6 buttons on the right hand because it makes it easy to map N64 & Sega games.. but they are a little cheap and they get wireless fade sometimes. Any suggestions?

What a dumb response. People will do what's comfortable and effective for them, and leaning back on a couch with the rather small and light wireless K800 keyboard on the lap is comfortable and effective for some of us.

My 518 mouse works beautifully on the lip of my couch so I have no need for a firmer surface or a mat. For example, I'm often top 3 in TF2 when playing as the twitchy Scout or using the Demoman's Loch 'n Load skill weapon.

It may not be the method for you, but no need to criticize those of us who are having fun with the arrangement.

Honestly, these days the controller with the best support is the 360 controller, and I don't see that changing any time soon.

I'm using the mouse less and less these days. Fact is the 360 controller has become the standard controller on PC these days. Is it better then a mouse? No, but is it better then a mouse not working well from a couch...yes

Why wouldn't a mouse work well from a couch? I have the Logitech MX5500 combo and they seem to work fine for web browsing, however I haven't tried them for gaming yet.

Laptopdesk.net seems to have some different options, however none of them seem wide enough for a full size keyboard and mouse. Most are made for a laptop, which isn't as wide.

I may have to just go cut myself a peice of plywood. =P

http://www.laptopdesk.net/gamers-desk.html

I have not tried this myself and am not recommending/endorsing this. I just remember coming across it.

I use a logitech lapdesk that I bought at Target, and I'd recommend something similar if you can find it. Though I still prefer to use the wireless xbox360 controller for most games.

I use a huge plywood lapdesk I built myself. I have a corded Logitech G15 and G9 mouse into a usb->ethernet 4 port extender. It weighs a bit when you pick it up but I have a pillow underneath and sitting on a reclining couch it's awesome.

Like this:



It's the Dave from Ikea and it slides comfortably over my lap whilst I sit on the couch.

I like the look of that. I'm not sure if it is wide enough for me though. I use a corded keyboard and mouse and don't see myself using the mouse in front of the keyboard the way you show it.

the dave is a way better response htan joeblow came up with. putting the mouse or keyboard on your lap is ridiculous. i know they have gyroscopic mice, but get real, this is AVS.

Not nearly wide enough.

I agree. This setup wouldn't be ideal for certain types of gaming. However, if we could find a wider surface it could work very well.

The lapdesk link that krimson posted would seem to work well. It would be nice if it was attached to a fixture that could be raised and lowered so that it didn't always have to rest on my lap.