Type-ahead keypad input is described. In an embodiment, keypad inputs that are entered as characters of a search term on a keypad of an input device, such as a television remote control, are received by a television-based client device. A user interface displays the keypad inputs as they are received, and displays an alphanumeric keypad as a representation of the keypad of the input device. The keypad representation of the input device has input keys that include a display of characters, any of which can change after each keypad input is received.