I posted about this a while back, on a similar thread about remotes. I myself didn't think the original remote was worth $30 dollars, particularly because I found its size a disadvantage. I am sure to lose or break something so small, particularly on the field. The fact that it fits in the grip is great should I want to keep it in there and use it once in a while, not likely in my situation.
Instead of going on ebay and risking an untested remote plus paying more for shipping than the remote itself, I went to a local discount medium-box store (Big Lots) and picked up a small Universal GE remote that worked like a charm. Had it not worked, I would have returned it the same day, perhaps tried another one, without the grief of mailing back items.
In the original thread you can see Strattman's image of how small the remote is, as he took a picture of it laying on his hand.
GE universal remote (RM24948)
Remote code 0256
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-accessories/7128-remote-pentax-k10d-3.html
Why this shape and not a flat one like those sold on e-bay? Not ergonomic at all and those bubble buttons will not last with frequent use and abuse. My remote is so ergonomic I don't even have to look at it to figure out which way it goes and which button to press (more than one button works to activate the shutter). Think of shooting in the dead of night, fireworks, moon, other night-time activities
.
And since there are no numbers, it doesn't scream TV remote anyway, and even the color scheme matches my K10D
As far as functionality, I have to set the menu option to AF before firing if I want the camera to focus before firing when using the IR remote. When doing fireworks or long exposure I focus manually. The only reason I want AF before firing is when let's say the camera is pointing at a bird-feeder or nest and I want to make sure it AF on the subject as it moves about.
Because the remote uses 2xAAA batteries, it is quite powerful except on very sunny conditions, which is to be expected. I can even bounce off other objects. Also, I use rechargeable AAAs, so no worries about cell batteries that don't last or can't be bought anywhere.
And lastly, the remote has an auto-shutoff feature, should the remote buttons get jammed in your bag, it will shut off the remote and prevent battery drain.