How to Use a Keyboard And Mouse on PS4 and PS5?

Playing games on PS4 and PS5 through the controller is the default way to get the most out of the games. However, gamers now tend to play PlayStation games using a keyboard and mouse. It allows them to switch from the PC to the PlayStation environment easily. However, many people opt for these options to get a competitive edge over the opponent.

Connecting the keyboard and mouse with the PS4 and PS5 is not challenging. To get the connectivity done, you need to plug them into the USB ports or the wireless adapter. If you have an incompatible keyboard and mouse, you can use the adapter too. In this article, we will explain the connecting and configuring part in detail so you can use them for your favorite games.

Do you need to Use a keyboard and mouse for PS4 and PS5?

Using a controller to type and browse the web on your PS4 and PS5 can get tedious as it does not allow for a quick input mechanism. You may consider purchasing a keyboard and mouse for more comfortable interaction with your console. These devices make navigating the dashboard, using media apps, and typing text messages much faster and easier for you.

Sony has made it easier to connect the keyboard and mouse with the PS4 and PS5 by officially making them compatible. It is a huge relief for the users as they don’t have to work around with third-party software to connect this hardware. Even PS4 games allow using the keyboard and mouse through backward compatibility on PS5, a great advantage.

Not all the games available on the PS4 and PS5 let you play with the keyboard and mouse. Few titles allow this functionality. Most games available on these platforms don’t allow a keyboard and mouse due to the fair play policy, as players can get better control using these devices than the traditional PS4 or PS5 controller. Therefore many developers remove this competitive advantage and don’t provide keyboard and mouse gaming on PlayStation.

In that case, you can use the keyboard and mouse to navigate the system menus. They offer a quick search in the web browser and add to the overall user experience. It is especially helpful if you use the PlayStation for computer replacement or use it for streaming apps. This way, you can get better control over the system and apps.

Related: How to Use a Keyboard And Mouse on Xbox One?

How to Connect a Gaming Keyboard and Mouse On PS4 and PS5?

Both PS4 and PS5 support a variety of keyboards and mice. However, there are some compatibility issues that you can face when connecting the hardware. Well, talk about that later in the article.

There are separate requirements for connecting a USB or wireless keyboard and mouse. We will cover them separately in the following lines.

Related: How to Change Color of Gaming Keyboard?

How to Connect Wired Keyboard and Mouse with PS4 and PS5

Connecting Wired Keyboard and Mouse With PS4 and PS5

Connecting a keyboard and mouse to your PS4 and PS5 is the best way to get started if you want to save time. The easiest way to do this is by connecting a wired keyboard and mouse to the USB ports at the back of the console. Alternatively, you can plug in a USB hub or multiple hubs instead, then connect your keyboard and mouse to that device after plugging it into one of your PS4/PS5’s USB ports.

Here is the simple step-by-step breakdown of the procedure for connecting keyboard and mouse with PS4 and PS5:

  1. Connect the keyboard and mouse to your console’s USB ports or USB hub.
  2. The console will automatically detect the hardware after a few seconds.
  3. Let the hardware be detected, and then you can proceed with the customizations.
  4. You will require to open Settings and then go to Devices to customize the connected keyboard and mouse.
  5. Map your keys or assign them new binds in the customization window.
  6. Save the changes and close the settings.
  7. Your hardware is ready for use in the games and operating the navigation of the PlayStation.

Step 1: Open Settings and then go to Devices to customize the connected keyboard and mouse.

Guide to Connect keyboard and mouse with PS4 and PS5 - Step 1
Step 1

Step 2: In Devices menu, click on the external keyboard option and check if the keyboard and mouse are connected.

Guide to Connect keyboard and mouse with PS4 and PS5 - step 2

Related: How to Connect PS4 Controller to PC?

Connecting Wireless Keyboard and Mouse With PS4 and PS5

If you don’t want to hook the USB cables of the keyboard and mouse with the PS4 and PS5, you can use the wireless option. It is the best choice for a cleaner look while providing you with the functionality you can achieve with the USB version.

Here are the steps to connect the wireless keyboard and mouse with PS4 or PS5:

  • Turn the keyboard and mouse on and put it into the pairing mode.
  • Now go to the console and head to the Settings.
  • Inside the Settings, scroll down and open Accessories.
  • Select Bluetooth Accessories in the General section of the menu.
  • The console will detect the devices and let them connect.

Keep in mind that you can further improve the connectivity and tweak the options by going into the Keyboard or Mouse section within the Accessories menu. Playing around with the settings inside the menu lets you set the delay rates or key repeat settings.

You can tweak the mouse input and select the pointer speed depending on your game and playing styles. Furthermore, you can select the mouse direction as right-handed or left-handed to let the settings tweak the performance and functions.

One thing here is worth noting is that the wireless mouse and keyboard performance may seem lacking compared to the USB versions. You can solve the issue by buying the keyboard and mouse with the least possible latency.

Buying a 2.5GHz wireless dingle or compatible mouse and keyboard can solve the issue too. You can prefer the Logitech keyboard and mouse due to its low latency Logitech USB Unifying Receiver. It lets you connect several compatible hardware with a single dongle, saving time and money.

Related: Xbox Series X Vs. PS5

Does Using the Keyboard and Mouse on PS4 and PS5 have any Drawbacks?

While most games support mouse and keyboard as input methods standalone, most games with cross-platform play won’t allow mouse users to compete against controller users. If you’re playing with PC gamers and using a console controller to do it, you’ll be at a disadvantage on more than one occasion.

Nearly all PS5 shooter titles can detect which type of device you’re using as your input method, and you will be separated from the console matchmaking pool once you plug in a keyboard and mouse. However, this doesn’t have to be viewed as a disadvantage. The PS5 is powerful enough to run any game at smooth frame rates. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to enjoy the same level of responsiveness when it comes down to comparing frame rates on PC if you’re competing with other players at a very high level.

Read: PS4 Pro review

Things to Consider While Using a mouse and keyboard with PS4 and PS5

The keyboard and mouse have constraints while working on PS4 and PS5. There are some known issues like compatibility and game support. We will discuss these aspects briefly to let you know what you need to consider when using the mouse and keyboard with PS4 and PS5.

Supported Games

Not all games support keyboard and mouse input on the PS4 and PS5. It is a known issue with the game developers and Sony as they ruled out the use of both hardware in most of the titles. So, when you plan to connect the keyboard and mouse to play your favorite game on PS4 and PS5, keep an eye on the supported game list.

Compatible Hardware

After the supported game issue, compatible hardware is another thing that can affect your overall experience on the PS4 and PS5. When using the keyboard and mouse with consoles, remember that all the hardware does not come in the supported devices. To avoid any inconvenience, it is better to invest in the keyboard and mouse from known hardware manufacturers like Logitech, Razer, and Corsair.

Which Games Support Keyboard and Mouse on PS4 and PS5?

We have already discussed that the supported games list is not vast due to less interest of developers and Sony in making the games compatible with the PS4 and PS5. Some games from PS4 support backward compatibility with PS5 as they are not supported natively on PS5.

Here is the list of games that allow keyboard and mouse connectivity and usage on the PS4 and PS5:

  • Call of Duty: Warzone
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
  • Overwatch
  • Elder Scrolls Online (keyboard only)
  • Final Fantasy XIV
  • DC Universe Online (you can only use the keyboard)
  • They Are Billions
  • DayZ
  • Neverwinter (keyboard only)
  • War Thunder
  • Paragon

There are few options for playing games on PS4 and PS5 using a keyboard and mouse so that some workaround can do the trick. You can use an adapter to get the required support without affecting your game and its progress.

PS4 and PS5 Adapters For Keyboard And Mouse

The adapter can do the trick if you want to connect the keyboard and mouse with the PlayStation. There are plenty of good-quality adapters available in the market to let you connect and program the keyboard and mouse wirelessly to the console.

These adapters allow you to play the games as you want on a PC version. You won’t feel any less than playing on PC when playing on PlayStation using the adapter. We recommend using Xim 4 adapter for playing on PS4 and PS5.

It is one of the highest precision adapters for keyboard and mouse. You can have unlimited fun while connecting using the adapter and playing your favorite games. It is worth noting that PS4 and PS5 natively support DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers. It becomes challenging to get the same performance from the keyboard and mouse as you get from these controllers in a few circumstances.

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Mathew Bradford

Hey! Mathew Bradford Here, A proud member of GamingExpert Team. I love playing games with new gaming gadgets. Our team is here to help you find the best gaming products, reviews of videos games and to help you decide which one is best for your. You can contact me if you need further assistance.