How To Bring Up Keyboard On Steam Deck

Introduction

The Steam Deck is a highly anticipated handheld gaming device developed by Valve Corporation. With its powerful hardware and extensive library of games, it offers a unique gaming experience on the go. However, one question that often arises is how to bring up the keyboard on the Steam Deck. Whether you need to chat with friends, enter text in-game, or browse the web, having access to a keyboard is essential.

In this article, we will explore three different methods to bring up the keyboard on the Steam Deck. Each method offers its own advantages and can be used in various scenarios. Whether you prefer using the on-screen button, the built-in controllers, or an external keyboard, we will guide you through the process so that you can easily type and interact with the Steam Deck.

So, if you’re ready to enhance your gaming experience and unlock the full potential of the Steam Deck, let’s dive into the different methods of bringing up the keyboard!

Method 1: Using the On-Screen Button

One of the easiest ways to bring up the keyboard on the Steam Deck is by using the on-screen button. This method allows you to access a virtual keyboard directly on the device’s screen, eliminating the need for any external peripherals.

To use the on-screen button, follow these simple steps:

1. Launch the game or application that requires the keyboard input on your Steam Deck.
2. When the need to enter text arises, locate the on-screen button that resembles a keyboard icon.
3. Tap on the keyboard icon to bring up the virtual keyboard on your screen.
4. Using the touch controls or the Steam Deck’s trackpads, you can then type your desired text into the input field.
5. Once you have completed entering the text, you can either close the keyboard by tapping the close button or continue using the app or game.

This method provides a convenient and accessible way to type and interact with the Steam Deck without requiring any additional hardware. It’s especially helpful for situations where you don’t have access to an external keyboard or prefer the simplicity of the on-screen option.

However, it’s worth noting that the on-screen keyboard may not be as efficient or comfortable to use for extended periods. If you find yourself frequently needing to type or enter text, you might want to consider using the built-in controllers or connecting an external keyboard for a more seamless experience.

Method 2: Using the Built-in Controllers

Another method to bring up the keyboard on the Steam Deck is by utilizing the built-in controllers. The Steam Deck features a set of controls, including buttons, thumbsticks, and trackpads, that can be used to navigate and input text in various applications and games.

Here are the steps to use the built-in controllers to bring up the keyboard:

1. Launch the game or application that requires text input on your Steam Deck.
2. When prompted to enter text, navigate to the text input field using the thumbsticks or trackpads on the device.
3. Select the text input field by pressing the corresponding button on the built-in controllers.
4. Once the text input field is selected, a virtual keyboard will automatically appear on the screen.
5. Use the thumbsticks or trackpads to navigate through the virtual keyboard and select the desired letters, numbers, or symbols.
6. Press the desired button on the controllers to input the selected character into the text field.
7. Continue typing the remaining text using the same process.
8. Once you have finished entering the text, you can either close the keyboard or continue using the app or game.

Using the built-in controllers provides a convenient and familiar way to input text on the Steam Deck. It allows for more precise control and can be especially helpful when playing games that require typing or chatting with other players.

However, keep in mind that typing with the built-in controllers may take some practice to become proficient and may not be as efficient as using a physical keyboard. If you regularly need to enter lengthy texts or engage in extensive communication, using an external keyboard might be a better option.

Method 3: Using an External Keyboard

If you prefer a more traditional and comfortable typing experience, using an external keyboard with the Steam Deck is an excellent option. Connecting a physical keyboard to the device allows for faster and more accurate typing, making it ideal for tasks that require extensive text input.

To use an external keyboard with the Steam Deck, follow these steps:

1. Connect your external keyboard to the Steam Deck using a USB-C or Bluetooth connection, depending on the type of keyboard you have.
2. Ensure that the keyboard is recognized by the Steam Deck and that it is functioning correctly.
3. Launch the game or application that requires text input.
4. When prompted to enter text, use the connected keyboard to type directly into the input field.
5. Once you have finished entering the text, you can simply continue using the app or game without any additional steps.

Using an external keyboard offers several advantages, including a more familiar typing experience and improved typing speed. It is particularly useful when communicating in chat platforms, typing long messages, or performing tasks that require extensive text input.

Additionally, using an external keyboard frees up the Steam Deck’s screen space, allowing for a clearer view of the game or application you are using. This can greatly enhance your overall gaming experience and productivity.

However, it’s important to note that carrying an extra keyboard can be less portable and convenient compared to the on-screen button or built-in controllers. If portability is a key factor for you, consider using the other methods we discussed earlier or opt for a compact, portable keyboard specifically designed for mobile gaming.

Conclusion

Bringing up the keyboard on the Steam Deck is essential for tasks such as chatting with friends, entering text in games, or browsing the web. In this article, we explored three different methods to conveniently access the keyboard on the Steam Deck.

The first method is utilizing the on-screen button, which provides a virtual keyboard directly on the device’s screen. This method is simple and accessible, especially when you don’t have access to an external keyboard.

The second method involves using the built-in controllers on the Steam Deck. This option allows for precise navigation and input of text, making it ideal for gaming scenarios that require typing or chatting with other players.

The third method is connecting an external keyboard to the Steam Deck. This method offers a familiar and comfortable typing experience, particularly useful for tasks that require extensive text input, such as typing long messages or engaging in chat platforms.

Ultimately, the choice of method depends on your preferences and the specific circumstances in which you are using the Steam Deck. It’s important to consider factors such as portability, typing comfort, and the nature of the task at hand when deciding on the most suitable method.

By utilizing these methods, you can easily bring up the keyboard on your Steam Deck and take full advantage of its capabilities for enhanced gaming and productivity. So, whether you opt for the on-screen button, the built-in controllers, or an external keyboard, have fun exploring the vast world of gaming and enjoy your time with the Steam Deck!