Benefits of Using a Keyboard and Mouse with Your PS4
If you’ve ever tried the laborious method of inputting text on a DualShock 4 controller, there’s a good chance you can already think of why a keyboard would be beneficial. A keyboard enables the user to type messages to friends faster and easier. While the PS4 is first and foremost a gaming console, it excels as a multimedia machine. The use of a keyboard and mouse makes things like navigating the system’s menus and browsing the web much easier.
Furthermore, there are even some games that support the use of a keyboard and mouse. MMO’s like Final Fantasy XIV often have tons of things happening on screen at any given time. Trying to manage the chaos with a standard controller can test a gamer’s patience and resolve. Swapping the DualShock 4 for a keyboard and mouse can make things much more enjoyable.
Connecting a Keyboard and Mouse to a PS4
The Playstation 4 supports three types of keyboards and mice: wired USB, wireless and Bluetooth. Regardless of which type you choose, connecting them to a PS4 is straightforward and painless. Furthermore, because the PS4 utilizes the standard Bluetooth protocol, virtually any keyboard and mouse will work with the PS4. You don’t have to spend a small fortune on peripherals that market themselves as “made for the PS4.”
If you’re using a wired keyboard or a wireless keyboard with a USB dongle, plug the keyboard into one of the two USB ports on the front of the PS4 console. These are the same USB ports that are used to charge the DualShock 4 controllers. After plugging in the USB cable or wireless USB dongle, wait a moment, and the PS4 should recognize your keyboard and mouse automatically. The PS4 will then ask which profile you would like to associate the keyboard and mouse with. Once you’ve made your selection, you’ll be able to use the keyboard and mouse with your PS4.
If you are using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, navigate to the PS4 Settings menu. From there, head to “Devices -> Bluetooth Devices.” The PS4 will then automatically search for nearby Bluetooth peripherals. At this point make your Bluetooth keyboard and mouse discoverable by putting them into pairing mode. If you do not know how to do this, consult the instruction manual of your Bluetooth device. The PS4 should then “see” your Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and ask which profile is going to be using the devices. Once you choose a profile, you will be able to use the Bluetooth keyboard with the PS4 console.
Change Keyboard and Mouse Settings
If you want to adjust the pointer speed of your mouse or change the language of your keyboard, you can do so in the PS4’s Settings menu. Head to “Settings -> Devices -> External Keyboard (and/or) Mouse.” Here you’ll be able to tweak the behavior of your connected devices.
Games that Support a Keyboard and Mouse
Unfortunately, the list of Playstation 4 games that officially support a keyboard and mouse is very short. That being said, using a keyboard and mouse with these titles can significantly improve your game.
Final Fantasy XIV Air Combat Simulation War Thunder Paragon Elder Scrolls Online* Neverwinter* DC Universe Online*
*Note: these titles only support the use of a keyboard.
While the list of games that officially support the use of a mouse and keyboard is limited, there are ways to use a keyboard and mouse with your favorite game. Third-party products such as the Xim 4 Adapter and the Xim Apex Adapter will allow you to use a mouse and keyboard for virtually any game. However, before you buy, a word of caution: the use of a keyboard and mouse on games that don’t support them can result in your account being banned. This is because the use of a mouse and keyboard can be an unfair advantage over players using a controller. You’ve been warned. Do you use a keyboard and mouse with your Playstation 4? If so, what are your favorite games to play? Do you use a third party adapter, like those manufactured by Xim? Let us know in the comments!
