Live Text Messenger Kit Chatpad / Keyboard for Xbox 360 $9.99

i'm sure it works fine but that looks a little different than the one I got when they first came out. on mine the background plastic around the keys is the same color as the keys instead of white. probably not authentic especially coming from meritline but i've gotten other things from them that worked fine.

Here is a pic of the Microsoft brand messenger kit. You'll notice that in addition to color differences, there is a lip at the bottom of the Meritline version where the headset jack is. If you are using an older Xbox headset or a some Turtle Beach versions with an adapter, I don't know that your headset will be compatible with this keypad (their connections are shown in the second pic). Just a word of warning. I own both the aforementioned headsets and a messenger pad and they snap on pretty tight so as to have a secure connection. That lip my be a big design issue.

*Per the item description
"This is not branded by Microsoft, but is compatible with the Xbox360 gaming system"

Yeah, most people have moved on from the older headsets with the volume control on the part that connects to the controller. Even Microsoft has moved on, and they moved on because of the official chatpad.

I have the official Microsoft chatpad (the black one) that came with the Xbox Live starter kit. And I love it. It's staying permanently attached to the controller. But being official Microsoft doesn't always mean high quality. My "u" key is kind of flaky so I have to look at the screen to make sure the "u" registered and you'd be surprised how often the letter "u" is used! My friend's chatpad has a couple flaky keys.

So paying more for an official Microsoft chatpad is not worth it unless it's part of the starter kit which is worth it because you can get deals where you have a year of Gold, a chatpad, a headset, and 400 Microsoft points.

If you want to save money, just use a USB keyboard. When I'm in a pinch, that's what I use. Yes, you have a long USB cord to deal with. But it works and you can type much much faster with a real keyboard (if you know how to type).

Quote from dirtyvu : If you want to save money, just use a USB keyboard. When I'm in a pinch, that's what I use. Yes, you have a long USB cord to deal with. But it works and you can type much much faster with a real keyboard (if you know how to type).

Or better yet, just use a wireless USB keyboard. Typically not as cheap as its wired brethren but way more convenient.