Introduction:

The Steam Deck, Valve’s handheld gaming device, has been making waves in the gaming world for its impressive performance and versatility. While it comes with an excellent set of built-in controls, some users may prefer using a traditional mouse and keyboard for certain games or added comfort. In this article, we’ll discuss how to connect a mouse and keyboard to your Steam Deck, enhancing your gaming experience even further.

Requirements:

1. A Steam Deck device.

2. A USB-C hub with multiple USB ports.

3. A wired or wireless mouse.

4. A wired or wireless keyboard.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Gear

Before you can connect your mouse and keyboard to the Steam Deck, you’ll need the necessary equipment mentioned above. Make sure you have a USB-C hub with enough ports to accommodate both devices.

Step 2: Connect USB-C Hub

Plug the USB-C hub into the USB-C port found on the top side of your Steam Deck – this port is primarily used for charging but also supports data transfer and other accessories.

Step 3: Turn Off Any Active Bluetooth Devices

If you’re connecting a wireless mouse and keyboard, make sure to turn off any nearby Bluetooth devices that might interfere with the connection.

Step 4: Connect Mouse and Keyboard

If you’re using wired peripherals, plug the mouse and keyboard cables into available USB ports on the hub. If you have wireless peripherals that use a USB dongle, simply plug the dongle(s) into open USB ports on the hub.

For Bluetooth mouse and keyboard users, first ensure that they are charged and ready to use. Press the pairing button (usually located on the bottom of each device) until an LED starts blinking. Then navigate to your Steam Deck’s settings menu, select “Bluetooth & Other Devices,” click “Add Bluetooth Device,” and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your peripherals with the Steam Deck.

Step 5: Configure Your Settings

Once your devices are connected and detected by the Steam Deck, you may need to adjust some settings to optimize your gameplay experience. Visit the Steam Controller Configuration in Steam Input settings and follow guidelines to customize each game based on your preferred control layout.

Conclusion:

Connecting a mouse and keyboard to your Steam Deck is a quick and straightforward process that can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Whether you’re looking for increased accuracy for FPS games or just prefer traditional controls for certain genres, the flexible nature of the Steam Deck allows for customization tailored to each user. Happy gaming!