Even if you use a remote to control your HTPC, it is good to have a keyboard and mouse combo available in the TV cabinet in case you need it.
I’ve been using Logitech K400 and slightly more stylish K830 keyboards for quite some time now, and I really like their compact size and shape.
Logitech K400 (and the latest K400 Plus model) and K830 both have a touchpad mouse, so you will not need a separate mouse.
The downside of the keyboard is that it does not fit into one hand like a remote, and it can easily look “out of the place” in the living room.
Even if you use a remote to control your system, is a good idea to keep a keyboard/mouse combo for example inside a TV cabinet, because there will be situations when you will need it.