Can I Use Keyboard And Mouse On Steam Deck

Can You Use a Keyboard and Mouse on Steam Deck? A Complete Guide

The Steam Deck by Valve is a powerful handheld gaming device that lets you play your favorite PC games on the go. But what if you want a more traditional gaming experience? Can you connect a Keyboard And Mouse to the Steam Deck?

The answer is yes! The Steam Deck supports both wired and wireless keyboards and mice, making it a versatile gaming machine. In this guide, we’ll explain how to connect them, the best setups, and some tips for the best gaming experience.

Why Use a Keyboard and Mouse on Steam Deck?

While the Steam Deck’s built-in controls are great for most games, some players prefer the precision and speed of a keyboard and mouse, especially for:

First-Person Shooters (FPS) like Call of Duty or Counter-Strike

Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games like StarCraft or Age of Empires

MMOs like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV

Typing-heavy games or productivity apps

Using a keyboard and mouse can make these games feel more natural and responsive.

How to Connect a Keyboard and Mouse to Steam Deck

You have three main ways to connect a keyboard and mouse to your Steam Deck:

USB-C Hub or Dock (Wired Connection)

If you want a wired keyboard and mouse, you’ll need a USB-C hub or docking station. Here’s how:

Plug the USB-C hub into your Steam Deck.

Connect your USB keyboard and mouse to the hub.

The Steam Deck should recognize them automatically.

Pro Tip: If your keyboard has RGB lighting, some models may not light up due to power limits.

Bluetooth (Wireless Connection)

For a wireless setup, you can use Bluetooth keyboards and mice:

Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your Steam Deck.

Put your keyboard/mouse in pairing mode.

Select the device from the list and connect.

Note: Some Bluetooth devices may have slight input lag. For competitive gaming, wired is better.

USB Wireless Dongle (2.4GHz Connection)

If your keyboard/mouse uses a USB wireless dongle, plug it into a USB-C hub or Steam Deck Dock. The Deck should detect it instantly.

Best Keyboards and Mice for Steam Deck

Not all keyboards and mice work perfectly with the Steam Deck. Here are some recommended options:

Best Keyboards:

Logitech K380 (Compact, Bluetooth)

Razer Huntsman Mini (Mechanical, Wired)

Anne Pro 2 (Bluetooth, 60% Layout)

Best Mice:

Logitech G Pro X Superlight (Lightweight, Wireless)

Razer DeathAdder V2 (Ergonomic, Wired)

SteelSeries Rival 3 (Budget-Friendly, Wireless)

How to Configure Keyboard & Mouse in SteamOS

Once connected, you may need to adjust settings:

Go to Steam > Settings > Controller

Check "Enable Mouse & Keyboard"

For specific games, go to Controller Layout and select "Keyboard & Mouse"

Some games may need manual keybind adjustments in their settings.

Can You Use Keyboard & Mouse in Desktop Mode?

Yes! The Steam Deck’s Desktop Mode works like a regular Linux PC. Your keyboard and mouse will function normally for:

Web browsing

Typing documents

Using apps like Discord or Chrome

Potential Issues & Fixes

Keyboard/Mouse Not Detected? Try restarting the Steam Deck.

Input Lag? Use a wired connection or check Bluetooth interference.

Game Not Recognizing Input? Switch to Desktop Mode and launch the game there.

Final Verdict: Should You Use Keyboard & Mouse on Steam Deck?

If you prefer precision and speed, especially in FPS or RTS games, a keyboard and mouse can greatly improve your Steam Deck experience. The setup is easy, and you have multiple connection options.

For casual gaming, the built-in controls are great, but for competitive or PC-style gaming, a keyboard and mouse are a fantastic addition.