Steam Deck does have Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C port for keyboard and mouse connection. It won’t work with USB dongles out-of-the-box though, for that you will need something like MAYFLASH MAGIC-NS adapter. And if you have a dock then it will be much easier to connect any keyboard or mouse to the Steam Deck.
Okay, but if you want to use a keyboard and mouse at the same time without using any adapters and dongles then your best bet is using a wireless Bluetooth keyboard + Bluetooth mouse or USB-C wired mouse. Technically you can connect up to 11 devices to Steam Deck’s Bluetooth, but some users have experienced issues with two or more. I have had no issues with both Bluetooth keyboard + mouse though. My current setup is:
- NuPhy Air75 V2 mechanical keyboard connected to Bluetooth wirelessly (it can even wake up the Deck)
- Microsoft Surface Mobile Mouse connected to Bluetooth too
Edit: as of February 2024 I went with 60% keyboard and tested both Nuphy Air60 and Keychron K7.
If you want something cheaper, here’s a great wireless keyboard and mouse combo for $35 that works well too:
- Broad Compatibility: Use with all there major operating systems supporting Bluetooth (Windows, Android and Mac OS), including Computer, Desktop, PC, Laptop, Android Tablets Windows, etc.
- Cable-Free: Bluetooth Connection with your mobile devices such as tablets and mobile phones. Bring you more convenience when you need to type. Operating distance up to 10 meters.
- Ergonomic Design: Stainless steel keyboard material gives heavy duty feeling, low-profile keys offer comfortable typing. Ergonomic mouse reduce stress and use more comfortably.
- Long Life Rechargeable Battery: Rechargeable lithium battery with an industry-high capacity lasts for 6 months for the keyboard and 4 months for the mouse with single charge (based on 2 hours non-stop use per day).
- What You Get: Arteck HB086 Bluetooth Keyboard, MB158 Bluetooth Mouse, USB charging cable, welcome guide, our 24-months warranty and friendly customer service.
And for something even more portable there’s Invensic DeckTop attachment for the Steam Deck, but more on that later.
What to look in a keyboard for Steam Deck?
Having a compatible keyboard can significantly enhance your gaming experience on the Steam Deck. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing the best keyboard:
- Portability: The Steam Deck’s main selling point is its portability, so it only makes sense to pair it with a keyboard that shares this quality. Compact and travel-friendly keyboards, often without the num pad (also known as tenkeyless or TKL keyboards), can significantly cut down on bag space.
- Integrated Touchpad: Keyboards with an integrated touchpad can be more “couch-friendly,” offering the convenience of a mouse and keyboard in one device. This dual functionality can be especially handy for navigation within the Steam Deck’s interface or when using desktop mode.
- Bluetooth Capability: A keyboard with Bluetooth functionality is an excellent match for the Steam Deck. Bluetooth eliminates the need for cables, freeing up your USB-C port for other devices or charging.
- Battery Life: Since you’ll likely be on the move with your Steam Deck, consider keyboards with long-lasting battery life.
Is there a Steam Deck detachable keyboard?
Detachable keyboard for Steam Deck would be fantastic if done right, but as of 2023 there’s no such thing.
The Best Keyboard for Steam Deck
Taking into account the points above, one keyboard that stands out is the Rii 4 Mini. It’s compact and lightweight, with an integrated touchpad for easy navigation. It connects to the Steam Deck via Bluetooth, freeing up your USB-C port. Even though the keyboard might occasionally miss keystrokes when typing fast, it’s perfectly suitable for navigating the desktop mode, browsing, and light typing tasks. For more intensive tasks, such as coding or extensive typing, you might consider bringing along a more robust mechanical keyboard.
Keyboard attachment for Steam Deck
- Responsive gaming control – Enhance your Steam Deck experience with this keyboard accessory featuring a built-in trackpad and responsive keys, perfect for advanced gaming and navigation.
- Customizable RGB backlighting – Tailor your gaming ambiance with customizable RGB lighting on the DeckTop, matching your style or setting the mood for intense gaming sessions.
- Seamlessly compatible – Designed specifically for the Steam Deck, Steam Deck OLED, Killswitch, ROG Ally, Legion Go, and various cases, this accessory provides a perfect fit and easy integration with your gaming device.
- Portable and robust – Constructed with high-quality materials, the DeckTop is both durable for everyday use and lightweight enough to carry along with your Steam Deck anywhere you go.
- Easy installation – Comes complete with drywall-anchored screws for a stable and straightforward setup, making it perfect for any gamer’s home or office.
Invensic’s DeckTop is a keyboard accessory designed for the Steam Deck. It allows you to mount your Steam Deck to a Bluetooth keyboard with features such as a built-in trackpad, low-latency keys for portable gaming, and a 360° swivel for flexible positioning. The accessory also includes dual cinch straps on the back for attaching a battery pack. Additionally, the multicolor keyboard offers fully customizable RGB lighting for a personalized gaming experience.
It’s quite expensive at $90, but there are really any other keyboards for the Deck which can be mounted.
One handed keyboard
This is a perfect option if you don’t care for a full sized keyboard, but just a gaming controls for FPS and action games.
- 【All Keys Anti-gosting with 2 Macro Recording Keys】’FN+F1′ and ‘FN+F2’ are two sets of macro recording keys. Macro recording method: 1.Press FN+ESC until the backlit flashes to start recording; 2.Enter what you need to record; 3.Press ‘FN+F1’ or ‘FN+F2’ to end recording. The macro recording has been completed, press ‘FN+F1’ or ‘FN+F2’, the corresponding content will be output.
- 【Portable and Ergonomic Design】The keyboard uses a portable design, its small size makes it not only easy to carry but also saves you space. The big wrist-res t and ergonomic design provide you with a relaxing gaming experience.
- 【RGB Backlight and Side Light】The RGB backlit supports breath mode and static mode, there are 7 colors to choose, the cool lighting effect will bring you more fun for game.
- 【6400 DPI and 4 Polling Rate Mouse】The gaming mouse with 6400 DPI is easily adjust to instantly match mouse speed to different games. 4 polling rate is adjustable: 125Hz/250Hz/500Hz/1000Hz, polling rate ensures smooth and high-speed movement.
- 【Breathing Backlit Ergonomic Mouse】7 colors breathing light brings more fun to your game, lights off / on：Mid button + DPI+ , The surface of the mouse is soft and comfortable, the ergonomic design makes your hand fit the mouse perfectly, and the non-slip design on the side ensures that the mouse will not get out of your control during fast movement.
Very portable keyboard
- Support Bluetooth 4.0 and 2.4GHz RF connections: no extra clutter because it has Bluetooth built in (No dongle required). just pair the Bluetooth keyboard with your computer and ready for use immediately.Press fn+tab then switch to Bluetooth mode.
- UPGRADED wireless keyboard: built-in Rechargeable lithium-ion battery control it in your home theater(xbmc media center) wireless remotely on your couch input The text/surf the internet/play games without several Remotes make life more easier and enjoyable
- Superior compatibility: Bluetooth wireless keyboard with 2.4G dongle for fire stick new Fire TV Box Apple iOS iPad Pro Mini 4 iPhone x Android Tablets (Galaxy Tab) Windows Mac OS 6.0 and later
- Perfect size and rechargeable battery: convenient and lightweight pocket sized Dual mode Mini Wireless Bluetooth keyboard perfect for gaming and travel
Here’s a video example of a Youtuber using the Rii 4 Mini with his Steam Deck:
For gamers leaning more towards performance and less concerned about space, the BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed by Razer is an excellent choice. Despite its small size, it offers the performance of a full-size mechanical keyboard, including a fast actuation speed and satisfying tactile feedback. It also features Razer’s Hyperspeed wireless technology for lag-free input, essential for games where timing is everything.
Super cheap option
This is the extermely cheap option of a portable keyboard with mouse which will work with Steam Deck.
- Wide Compatibility – This bluetooth keyboard and mouse combo is compatible with ipad 10.2/ipad mini/ipad air/ipad pro. Note: The system needs to be updated to ipadOS 13 and above.
- 7-Color Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard – This backlit bluetooth keyboard has 7 switchable backlight colors, It helps you to type easily in the absence of light. The bluetooth keyboard adopts a scissors switch design, which allows you to have a comfortable and quiet typing experience and enhance your work or entertainment experience and fun.
- Adjustable DPI Silent Bluetooth Mouse – The bluetooth mouse adopts a silent design and has three adjustable DPI levels of 800/1200/1600. You can use it in a quiet office environment or late at night without worrying that noise will attract the attention of others. Have a better mouse operation experience in office and entertainment.
- Ultra-thin and Lightweight Design – Ultra-thin wireless keyboard and mouse combo, you can put the keyboard and mouse in your briefcase, handbag or backpack at will. It can still be used easily in the smallest desk and has your own space.
- Built-in Rechargeable Battery – Rechargeable bluetooth keyboard built-in 400mAh lithium battery, which can work for 40 hours without backlight or stand by for more than 3 months on a single charge, making you forget the trouble of replacing the battery of the bluetooth keyboard and mouse. (No need to purchase another battery, and equipped with a USB cable)
What about a Mouse?
When it comes to choosing a mouse for your Steam Deck, it’s critical to consider ergonomics, sensitivity, battery life, and, most importantly, wireless capability. Here are some key aspects to consider when selecting a mouse:
- Wireless Capability: Similar to the keyboard, a wireless mouse makes for a cleaner, more manageable setup, especially when gaming on the go.
- Sensitivity: For precise control in games, you’ll want a mouse with high DPI (dots per inch) sensitivity.
- Ergonomics: A comfortable grip can make all the difference during extended gaming sessions.
The Best Mouse for Steam Deck
For a mouse that checks all these boxes, the Razer Viper Ultimate stands out, but it requires a dongle, so it will only work when docked. This mouse offers a high-precision 20,000 DPI sensor, ensuring smooth and accurate tracking. It also uses Razer’s Hyperseed wireless technology, which minimizes latency and guarantees a reliable, fast connection. The ergonomic design ensures comfort even during long gaming sessions, and the extended battery life ensures you won’t be left in the lurch during a critical gaming moment.
- 25% Quicker Than Competing Wireless Mice: Razer HyperSpeed wireless technology brings together extreme low-latency and interference reduction for true wireless freedom
- Lightweight, Zero-Compromise Wireless Esports Gaming Mouse at 74g: The Razer Viper Ultimate includes a 20K DPI optical sensor befitting the most serious gamers and achieves its weight without the need for drilled holes
- Faster Than Traditional Mechanical Switches: New Razer optical mouse switches uses light beam-based actuation, registering button presses at the speed of light
- Ambidextrous Design: Created for left and right-handed users with accessible, programmable buttons on both sides
- The #1 Best-Selling Gaming Peripherals Manufacturer in the US: Source – The NPD Group, Inc., U.S. Retail Tracking Service, Keyboards, Mice, PC Headset, PC Microphone, Gaming Designed, Based on dollar sales, Jan. 2017- Mar. 2020 combined.
- 25% Quicker Than Competing Wireless Mice: Razer HyperSpeed wireless technology brings together extreme low-latency and interference reduction for true wireless freedom
- The Lightest, Zero-Compromise Wireless Esports Gaming Mouse at 74g: The Razer Viper Ultimate includes a 20K DPI optical sensor befitting the most serious gamers without the need for drilled holes
- Faster Than Traditional Mechanical Switches: New Razer optical mouse switches uses light beam-based actuation, registering button presses at the speed of light
Integration and Docking
An interesting setup that some gamers are considering involves the use of a USB hub. This device would connect the keyboard, mouse, and even an additional SSD via a single USB receiver, minimizing cable clutter and improving organization. This setup is ideal when using the Steam Deck in “docked” mode, transforming it into a desktop gaming setup.
Additionally, some innovative uses are on the horizon, such as connecting the Steam Deck to an iPad Pro 12.9 via USB-C, effectively using the iPad as a monitor. This opens up a whole new avenue of portability and functionality, letting you take your high-performance gaming setup wherever you go.
I love testing and writing about new tech. I focus on keyboards and controllers. I'm also a gamer and an engineer. Check out my Twitter for keyboard and controller news and reviews.
