How to Connect a Mouse and Keyboard to Steam Deck

You will need a USB hub or to use Bluetooth devices.

Quick Answer:
How to Connect a Mouse and Keyboard to Steam Deck
  • Bluetooth in game mode: Plug your USB-C dock or hub into your computer, and then connect your USB mouse and keyboard to the dock or hub.
  • Bluetooth in game mode: Press the Steam Button > Settings. Place your device in pairing mode and tap it. Press the A button.
  • Bluetooth in desktop mode: The Bluetooth icon on your taskbar lets you add new devices. To do this, put your device into pairing mode and select it on your computer. Then, tap the “Next” button.

This article explains how to connect a mouse and keyboard to a Steam Deck.

How to Use Steam Deck With a Mouse and Keyboard

The Steam Deck can connect to a variety of peripherals via USB or Bluetooth.Since the Steam Deck only has a single USB-C port, you’ll need to use a USB-C dock or hub to connect both a mouse and keyboard. However, the system does have built-in Bluetooth, so you can connect a wireless mouse and keyboard that use Bluetooth – as long as they don’t use a proprietary 2.4GHz system.

The connection process for a mouse and keyboard to your Steam Deck via Bluetooth is different depending on if you are connecting in game mode or desktop mode.Just connect your Bluetooth device to any Linux computer in desktop mode, but you’ll need to adjust the Steam Deck’s settings menu in game mode.

How to Connect a USB Mouse and Keyboard to a Steam Deck

If you have a USB-C hub or dock, you can connect a USB mouse and keyboard to your Steam Deck.The hub or dock must have enough ports to connect both the mouse and keyboard.

If you want to be able to use your keyboard and mouse for long periods of time, you should get a powered USB-C hub. This is because the USB-C port that you use to connect your peripherals like your mouse and keyboard is also the port that you use to charge your device.

  1. Connect a USB-C hub or dock to your Steam Deck.
  2. Plug your mouse and keyboard into the hub or dock.
  3. Your Steam Deck will automatically detect and configure your mouse and keyboard for gaming. You can start using them right away.

To connect a USB mouse and keyboard to your Steam Deck, simply follow these steps: Steps with images.

1. Connect a USB-C hub or dock to your Steam Deck.

Connect a USB-C hub or dock to your Steam Deck.

2. Plug your mouse and keyboard into the hub or dock.

Plug your mouse and keyboard into the hub or dock.
3. Your Steam Deck will automatically detect and configure your mouse and keyboard for gaming. You can start using them right away.

How to Connect a Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard in Game Mode

Here’s how to connect a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to a Steam Deck in game mode:

  1. Push the Steam Button.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Select Bluetooth.
  4. Make sure your Bluetooth toggle is on, and if it isn’t, tap it to turn it on. Then, put your mouse in pairing mode.
  5. Choose the mouse from the list of available devices.
  6. To connect your keyboard, put it into pairing mode and select it from the list of available devices.

The Steam Deck also supports wireless connections for your mouse and keyboard via Bluetooth, so you can keep your desk nice and tidy.

There are two ways to connect your devices – game mode and desktop mode. Both modes will keep your devices connected.

Important

This procedure only works for Bluetooth devices. If your devices use a USB dongle to connect, that may or may not work with your Steam Deck. You may need to consult the documentation for your devices to determine if they are compatible.The dongle is compatible with Linux, so you’ll need to switch to desktop mode to plug it into a USB-C hub. You may also need to install any software required by the manufacturer of your device.

Here’s how to connect a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to a Steam Deck in game mode: Steps with images.

  1. Push the Steam Button.
    Push the Steam Button.
  2. Select Settings.
    Select Settings
  3. Select Bluetooth.
    Bluetooth Setting
  4. Make sure your Bluetooth toggle is on, and if it isn’t, tap it to turn it on. Then, put your mouse in pairing mode.
    Bluetooth Toggle
  5. Choose the mouse from the list of available devices.
  6. To connect your keyboard, put it into pairing mode and select it from the list of available devices.Keyboard option

How to Connect a Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard in Desktop Mode

You can connect a mouse and keyboard in game mode, and they will remain paired and continue working when you switch to desktop mode.It’s a bit more difficult to connect a mouse and keyboard directly from desktop mode, but you can do it if you prefer. You just have to use the touch screen to tap the tiny Bluetooth icon on the taskbar.

Here’s how to connect a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to a Steam Deck in desktop mode:

  1. Press the Steam Button, and select Power
  2. Select Switch to Desktop
  3. Tap the Bluetooth icon on the lower right part of the task bar when you’re on the desktop
  4. Tap Add New Device.
  5. To put your mouse in pairing mode, select it from the list and tap Next.
  6. Tap or click the + in the Bluetooth menu.
  7. To connect your keyboard, first put it into pairing mode. Then, select it from the list and tap or click Next.
  8. Type the provided PIN on your keyboard and press enter.

Here’s how to connect a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to a Steam Deck in desktop mode: Steps with images

1. Press the Steam Button, and select Power.

Press the Steam Button, and select Power

2. Select Switch to Desktop

Select Switch to Desktop

3. Tap the Bluetooth icon on the lower right part of the task bar when you’re on the desktop.

Bluetooth icon

4. Tap Add New Device.

Add new devices

If you don’t see the “Bluetooth” option, click or tap “+” instead.

5. To put your mouse in pairing mode, select it from the list and tap Next.
mouse in pairing mode

6. Tap or click the + in the Bluetooth menu.

Tap or click the + in the Bluetooth menu

7. To connect your keyboard, first put it into pairing mode. Then, select it from the list and tap or click Next.

8. Type the provided PIN on your keyboard and press enter.

type the provided PIN using your keyboard then press enter.

Why Connect a Mouse and Keyboard to Steam Deck?

Although the Steam Deck comes with a set of controls that are great for many games, they may not be suitable for all games.
The Steam Deck allows you to customize the functionality of the analog sticks, buttons, triggers, paddles, and touchpads, but some games just require a mouse and keyboard.
You’re trying to play one of those games, or you just prefer a mouse and keyboard over a controller, so you’ll want to connect these peripherals to your Steam Deck.

The other reason to connect a mouse and keyboard to a Steam Deck is the setting called desktop mode. This mode gives you access to your full computer desktop, making it easy to do things like browse the web or chat with friends while you’re gaming.

While the touchscreen can be used in place of a mouse to navigate desktop mode and the on-screen keyboard can be used to type, this isn’t very efficient.It can be difficult to tap on some icons using the touchscreen and various other functions are all easier with a mouse and keyboard. Heck, dragging and dropping is problematic.

A keyboard and mouse are essential if you want to connect your Steam Deck to a monitor and use it for word processing, web surfing, or gaming.

The on-screen keyboard is good enough for basic tasks, but it doesn’t work well for anything more involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I bring up the keyboard on my Steam Deck?

To bring up the on-screen keyboard on the Steam Deck, press the Steam+X buttons. To close the virtual keyboard, press the same key combination.

How do I connect my Steam Deck to my TV?

You’ll need an HDMI to USB-C adapter to connect your Steam Deck to a TV. Just plug an HDMI cable into your TV or monitor, then plug the adapter into the USB-C port on your Steam Deck. Attach the HDMI cable to the HDMI end of the adapter, and you’re all set.

How do I connect Airpods to my Steam Deck?

To pair your AirPods, place them in their case and open the lid. Tap the button on the case until the status light starts blinking. Then, go to Steam > Settings > Bluetooth and choose them in the list of available devices.

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