If you want to get the most out of your NVIDIA Shield TV, pair it with a keyboard. It can greatly simplify web browsing, searching, app navigation, and other tasks. Although the Shield’s remote is convenient, I think that a keyboard for NVIDIA Shield provides a much more precise and intuitive way to interact with the device.
A wireless keyboard is a great option if you are looking for smooth navigation. Streamers and gamers will definitely appreciate such an addition to their setup. Most keyboards feature backlighting, touchpads, and customizable keys, which make the use of the NVIDIA Shield TV even more convenient.
As an active user of the NVIDIA Shield TV, I decided it was time to hunt for the perfect keyboard. I scoured tons of Amazon reviews, dug through user experiences on Reddit, and asked my colleagues to share their input. Together, we personally tested over 50 keyboards for the NVIDIA Shield TV to find the absolute best ones.
Amazon: 8K+ bought in past month
B&H: 100K+ sold in the past year
Adorama: 70K+ sold in the past year
Connectivity tech: Wireless (USB dongle) | Number of keys: 84 | Backlighting: No
The Logitech K400 Plus offered a surprisingly smooth experience. There is an integrated touchpad that makes gliding through menus and web pages easy. Besides, the media controls are logically located, providing quick access to my favorite streaming apps. Generally, Logitech designed this keyboard with streaming devices like the Shield in mind.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this keyboard with touchpad, considering that the cost is rather low. The left mouse button is located in the top-left corner, which simplifies navigation greatly. This small detail makes a big difference, especially when controlling my Shield TV with just one hand.
The battery life on this keyboard for the NVIDIA Shield TV is incredibly long. Logitech states it can last up to 18 months. While I haven’t reached that point yet, this is a nice perk. The only thing missing for me is backlit keys. They are definitely great for late-night typing, but considering the price, it’s a minor quibble.
Amazon: 500+ bought in past month
eBay: 6K+ sold in the past year
Connectivity tech: Wireless (USB dongle) | Number of keys: 73 | Backlighting: Yes
If you opt for the REIIE H9+ Mini keyboard, you actually receive a remote and a gamepad rolled into one. While chilling on the couch, you can easily browse the NVIDIA Shield or search on YouTube. The backlit keys are a great feature, especially for late-night use.
The touchpad is tiny but surprisingly responsive and perfect for scrolling or navigating. The battery life is great – I used this keyboard for the NVIDIA Shield TV for several days charging. I love the multi-finger gestures too. For instance, the two-finger scrolling makes navigation much easier. I am very pleased that the developer made this small, slim keyboard so functional.
The only downside is that the touchpad can be a bit finicky with programs that aren’t designed for mouse use. However, this is a small drawback when you consider the affordable price and how well it works with the NVIDIA Shield.
Amazon: 1K+ bought in past month
RiiTek: 14K+ sold in the past year
Connectivity tech: Wireless (USB dongle) | Number of keys: 92 | Backlighting: RGB (8 colors)
Upgrading the NVIDIA Shield TV with the Rii X8 mini keyboard can be a terrific choice. The keyboard offers customizable RGB lighting, so you can create a stylish and colorful setup. Another reason to opt for this keyboard remote for NVIDIA Shield is its user-friendliness. The connection process boils down to a simple plug-and-play operation.
I’m impressed with the accuracy of the touchpad and the convenience of the built-in scroll wheel. The design is quite gaming-focused, so extended use isn’t a problem. The replaceable BL-5B battery is a great bonus. You can use the keyboard without interruptions.
Still, I’m a bit disappointed with the sleep mode. The keyboard automatically powers down to conserve battery, and you need to physically press the button to wake up. A touchpad tap won’t do. Nonetheless, the Rii X8 Mini’s small form factor, sturdy connection, and colorful backlight make it a fantastic accessory for NVIDIA Shield owners.
Amazon: 1K+ bought in past month
Fosmos: 70K+ sold in the past year
Connectivity tech: Wireless (Bluetooth) | Number of keys: 69 | Backlighting: White
The Fosmon Mini is a small but mighty keyboard. The QWERTY layout is familiar to many users. The embedded touchpad offers smooth and precise navigation. I’ve been using it for different tasks, including streaming movies on Netflix and gaming on my NVIDIA Shield and other TVs for streaming. It has been a reliable companion in every scenario.
This model has backlit keys, which are great for late-night typing. However, the lighting isn’t completely uniform, with some keys being dimmer than others. If you think that the best keyboard for NVIDIA Shield should occupy little space, the Fosmon Mini can fit the bill. It is incredibly portable, but for users with larger hands, the smaller key layout may feel a bit constricting.
Surprisingly, the Fosmon battery has impressive staying power. It can last a few days with normal usage. Despite its quick sleep function, it reactivates almost immediately. This makes it a versatile option, not just for the NVIDIA Shield but also as a travel keyboard.
Amazon: 500+ bought in past month
eBay: 8K+ sold in the past year
Connectivity tech: Wireless (USB dongle) | Number of keys: 92 | Backlighting: RGB (7 colors)
The BL mini-keyboard is a lightweight budget keyboard. The integrated touchpad and compact design offer precise control for web surfing and app management. You can connect the keyboard to your NVIDIA Shield TV in seconds using a 2.4GHz USB dongle.
The keyboard brags about multi-finger touchpad gestures that offer impressive accuracy. Besides, there are well-thought-out hotkeys for efficient navigation. As for weak points, the build quality leaves something to be desired, reflecting its budget-friendly price point.
One of my favorite things about this wireless keyboard for NVIDIA Shield is the customizable 7-color backlight. It’s great for working in dark environments. The BL-5C battery offers a much longer battery life than similar keyboards. The auto-sleep feature is a nice energy-saving touch. However, I have noticed that keys sometimes fail to respond.
Amazon: 50+ bought in past month
RiiTek: 700+ sold in the past year
Connectivity tech: Wireless (USB dongle) | Number of keys: 62 | Backlighting: White
If you are looking for a multi-functional Bluetooth keyboard for the NVIDIA Shield TV, the Rii RK707 is worth considering. Using this model, transforming from a keyboard to a touchpad or a game controller is possible at the touch of a button. I think this all-in-one device is perfect for anyone who wants to level up their experience on the NVIDIA Shield.
Navigating my Shield was easy thanks to the integrated touchpad. Moreover, there are sensitivity options, which I used to adjust the settings just the way I liked. The controller mode is another advantage. It includes responsive buttons and fun features like Turbo and Vibration.
The controller’s design, while not as sleek as premium options, offered a sturdy build and a comfortable layout. I did experience some occasional signal interference, but they were easily fixed by moving the USB receiver.
Amazon: 200+ bought in past month
eBay: 3K+ sold in the past year
Connectivity tech: Wireless (USB dongle) | Number of keys: 45 | Backlighting: No
Despite its compact size, the WeChip W1 keyboard exceeded my expectations. The Alt+Fn shortcut combination streamlined access to punctuation and symbols. Generally, I managed to navigate apps and input text swiftly on my NVIDIA Shield TV.
The manufacturer added a 6-axis inertial sensor, which is helpful for motion-based gaming and apps. Installation is straightforward, no matter whether you use NVIDIA Shield or other devices. The process involves just plugging and playing the keyboard, which is easy even for inexperienced users.
Despite the W1’s many strengths, certain factors can impact its use. For instance, the model’s small size can be a drawback for some people. Users with larger hands may experience difficulties when typing. Furthermore, the absence of backlighting can make it difficult to see the keys in dimly lit environments.
To make sure my NVIDIA Shield keyboard recommendations are based on real living room experience rather than just Amazon reviews and spec sheets, I conducted hands-on testing together with my FixThePhoto team.
While I led the entire process from sourcing devices to long-term usage tracking, my colleagues helped by stress-testing each keyboard in scenarios they specialize in: streaming, casual gaming, text input, and couch navigation.
Over the course of three weeks, we tested keyboards across different formats, including full-size models with touchpads, mini handheld remotes, and hybrid gamepad-style keyboards. Some models impressed at first glance, but didn’t survive daily use on the couch:
We tested each keyboard using the following criteria:
This testing process involved hundreds of real-world interactions from movie nights and YouTube browsing to late-night Reddit scrolling. By the end, I was confident that the models featured in my top list aren’t just technically compatible with the NVIDIA Shield – they’re the ones that genuinely improve the Shield TV experience.
It depends on your specific needs and setup. USB keyboards offer a direct and generally more stable connection. Bluetooth keyboards, on the other hand, provide wireless convenience but can sometimes experience minor connection hiccups.
You have two main options - using the USB wireless receiver or pairing it via Bluetooth. Connect the receiver or pair the keyboard in your Shield’s device settings, and you should be good to go.
Mini keyboards are great for saving desk space and quick tasks. However, they may not be the most comfortable option for extended typing sessions. Full-sized or ergonomic keyboards often provide a more natural typing position and can help reduce strain.
Yes. A keyboard can offer more precise and customizable control compared to a gamepad. This is particularly important for gamers, who need specific key combinations or precise aiming.
Not all keyboards can. To use voice search, you have to use a keyboard with a microphone or one compatible with the Shield’s voice command system.
