Can Steam Deck Use Keyboard And Mouse

Can Steam Deck Use Keyboard and Mouse? A Complete Guide

The Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming device developed by Valve, allowing gamers to play their favorite PC games on the go. But what if you want a more traditional gaming experience? Can the Steam Deck use a Keyboard And Mouse?

The short answer is yes! The Steam Deck supports both keyboard and mouse input, making it a versatile gaming machine. Whether you're playing first-person shooters (FPS), real-time strategy (RTS), or just browsing the web, connecting a keyboard and mouse can enhance your experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

How to Connect a Keyboard & Mouse to Steam Deck

Best Keyboard & Mouse Options for Steam Deck

Optimizing Controls for Different Games

Wireless vs. Wired: Which is Better?

Common Issues & Fixes

Let’s dive in!

How to Connect a Keyboard & Mouse to Steam Deck

Connecting a keyboard and mouse to your Steam Deck is simple. You have three main options:

USB-C Hub or Dock

Since the Steam Deck has a USB-C port, you can use a hub or docking station to connect wired peripherals. 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 instantly.

Bluetooth Keyboard & Mouse

For a wireless setup:

Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your Steam Deck.

Put your keyboard/mouse in pairing mode.

Select the device from the list and connect.

USB-C to USB-A Adapter

If you don’t have a hub, a simple USB-C to USB-A adapter will let you plug in wired accessories directly.

Best Keyboard & Mouse Options for Steam Deck

Not all keyboards and mice work perfectly with the Steam Deck, so here are some recommended choices:

Best Keyboards:

Logitech K380 (Bluetooth, compact)

Razer BlackWidow Lite (Wired, mechanical)

Keychron K6 (Wireless, mechanical)

Best Mice:

Logitech G305 (Wireless, lightweight)

Razer DeathAdder V2 (Wired, ergonomic)

SteelSeries Aerox 3 (Bluetooth, great for gaming)

For portability, a small Bluetooth keyboard + gaming mouse is ideal.

Optimizing Controls for Different Games

Some games work better with keyboard & mouse (KB/M), while others are best with a controller. Here’s how to optimize:

For FPS Games (Like CS:GO, Call of Duty)

Keyboard & Mouse is better for precision aiming.

Go to Steam Input Settings and disable controller support if needed.

For RPGs & Adventure Games (Like Skyrim, Elden Ring)

A controller may feel better, but KB/M works too.

Adjust key bindings in the game settings.

For Strategy Games (Like Civilization VI, Age of Empires)

KB/M is highly recommended for better control.

Wireless vs. Wired: Which is Better?

Feature Wireless (Bluetooth) Wired (USB)

Latency Slight delay Instant

Portability Best (no cables) Less portable

Battery Needs charging No battery

Compatibility Works with most KB/M Universal

For competitive gaming, wired is better for zero lag. For casual use, Bluetooth is more convenient.

Common Issues & Fixes

Keyboard/Mouse Not Detected?

Restart the Steam Deck.

Check Bluetooth pairing (for wireless).

Try a different USB port (for wired).

Input Lag in Games?

Use a wired connection for faster response.

Close background apps to free up system resources.

Wrong Key Bindings?

Go to Steam > Controller Settings and remap keys.

Final Verdict: Should You Use KB/M on Steam Deck?

Yes! The Steam Deck works great with a keyboard and mouse, especially for:

FPS & strategy games

Desktop mode (browsing, typing)

Better precision than controller

If you want a PC-like experience, connecting a keyboard and mouse is a fantastic option.