Xbox Chatpad or Usb Keyboard?

Ok, so it may have just been me but i didn't realise you could just plug a usb keyboard into you xbox 360 and start typing...

Pictured here is Microsoft's chatpad that makes up the Messenger Kit. I was thinkin why would i buy this when my keyboard works, but after researching the product I'm more convinced to just buy one of these.

Ok so it's for chatting online through Messenger on your xbox360, I think any online membership (silver or gold) but to send private messages to a user (that's offline) then you need a gold subscription.

Right onto the product in hand. Firstly you get the Chatpad which fits perfectly onto the controller, it plugs into the bottom of the controller and plastic plugs fit tightly into the controller screw holes ensuring it isn't gona fall apart as you game.

You also get a headset in the box. This is slightly different to the one bundled with your xbox, mainly because the chatpad is taking up that port. The new headset is the only headset that will plug into the chat pad and can be used with the chatpad engaged. They've also moved the volume and mic mute switch half way up the cable.

The headset appears to be the only disadvantage. The keypad itself is amazing! With back-lit buttons Shift/Caps and two colour function buttons (green and orange) allowing you access to all the symbols and characters you can normally find.

There's also a messenger shortcut button, allowing instant access to the messenger blade (nice)

During chat you also get the option of using the messenger button to jump between different conversations on screen.

The chatpad normally retails at £25, which including the headset isn't bad.

Luckily I've hunted around and found it slightly cheaper for you. 

Buy from Gameplay cheapest £19.99 (free p+p)

Other than that i was please to find i could just plug my existing usb wireless keyboard into my xbox and start typing. This has made chatting and inputting codes, renaming tracks etc. so much easier.

These flexible keyboards may seem more attractive to you, especially if you have big thumbs and would struggle with the small chatpad keys, you can find these for under a tenner on ebay.