I also play on PS3. I hooked up my USB keyboard to the system. Works beautifully. I would recommend you do that. It magnificent for chat.

Your keyboard may have a PS/2 connector (it's purple I think... kinda circular, old-school connection). If that's the case, you'll need to purchase a keyboard... and that may sound upsetting but they really aren't that expensive. Still, I feel your pain with the interface. Shortcuts on the PS3 have saved me lots of time. The ones that help are:

L1 + Select = Remove HUD info/Put it back (Good for screen shots)
L1 + Start = Screenshot
L1 + R3 (I believe) = Mouse mode. <- That will make it like you're on the computer.