Yes, you can use keyboard and mouse on PS5! Sony designed the PlayStation 5 to work with both wired and wireless keyboards and mice. This feature makes gaming easier and opens up new ways to play your favorite games.
Many players don’t know about this option. They stick to controllers when a keyboard and mouse could make their gaming much better. Let’s explore how to set this up and why you might want to try it.
Why Use Keyboard and Mouse on PS5?
Using a keyboard and mouse on your PS5 brings several benefits. First, you get better control in certain games. Shooting games become more accurate. Strategy games feel more natural. Typing messages to friends becomes much faster too.
Some games work better with keyboard controls. Games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Final Fantasy XIV feel different with a keyboard and mouse. You can aim better and move around maps more smoothly.
Plus, if you’re used to PC gaming, this setup feels familiar. You don’t have to learn new controls. Your muscle memory works the same way.
Better Accuracy in Games
A mouse gives you much better aim than a controller stick. You can make tiny movements for precise shots. This helps a lot in competitive games where every shot counts.
Many professional gamers prefer mouse aiming. It’s faster and more natural for most people. Your hand moves the same way it does when you use a computer.
Faster Navigation
Keyboards make menu navigation quicker. You can use shortcuts instead of clicking through menus. Typing in search bars or chat messages becomes instant instead of slow controller typing.
Web browsing on PS5 also works much better with a keyboard and mouse. You can scroll, click links, and type just like on a computer.
How to Connect Keyboard and Mouse to PS5
Connecting your keyboard and mouse is simple. The PS5 supports both USB and Bluetooth connections. Most keyboards and mice work without any special setup.
Wired Connection Method
For wired devices, just plug them into the PS5’s USB ports. The console has multiple USB ports on the front and back. Your keyboard and mouse should work right away.
Here’s what to do:
- Turn on your PS5
- Plug your keyboard into a USB port
- Plug your mouse into another USB port
- Wait a few seconds for recognition
- Start using them immediately
Most wired devices work instantly. You don’t need to install drivers or change settings. The PS5 recognizes them automatically.
Wireless Connection Method
Wireless keyboards and mice need Bluetooth pairing. This process takes a few more steps but isn’t complicated.
Follow these steps:
- Go to PS5 Settings
- Select “Accessories”
- Choose “Bluetooth Accessories”
- Put your keyboard or mouse in pairing mode
- Select the device when it appears
- Follow any on-screen instructions
Some wireless devices might need you to press a pairing button. Check your device’s manual if you’re not sure how to enter pairing mode.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Sometimes keyboards and mice don’t connect properly. Don’t worry – most issues have simple fixes. Let’s look at the most common problems and solutions.
Device Not Recognized
If your PS5 doesn’t see your keyboard or mouse, try these steps:
- Unplug and reconnect USB devices
- Try different USB ports
- Restart your PS5
- Check if the device works on a computer
Sometimes the USB port isn’t working properly. Moving to a different port often solves the problem. If you’re having ongoing issues with device connections, you might find our guide on troubleshooting keyboard connection problems helpful for similar situations.
Bluetooth Pairing Problems
Wireless devices can be trickier to connect. If Bluetooth pairing fails, try these solutions:
- Make sure the device is in pairing mode
- Move closer to the PS5
- Remove the device from paired devices and try again
- Reset the device’s Bluetooth settings
Distance matters with Bluetooth. Stay within 10 feet of your PS5 during pairing. Walls and other devices can interfere with the signal too.
Keys Not Working Properly
If some keys don’t work as expected, the issue might be with key mapping or stuck keys. Games sometimes use different key layouts than you expect. You can often change these in the game’s settings menu.
For physical key problems, our guide on fixing stuck or unresponsive keys can help you resolve hardware issues that might affect your gaming experience.
Which Games Support Keyboard and Mouse on PS5?
Not every PS5 game supports keyboard and mouse controls. Game developers decide whether to include this feature. Here are some popular games that do support it.
Fully Supported Games
These games work completely with keyboard and mouse:
- Fortnite
- Call of Duty series
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Warframe
- Overwatch 2
- Minecraft
These games let you play just like on PC. All controls work properly. You can customize key bindings in most of them too.
Partially Supported Games
Some games only support keyboard and mouse for certain features:
- Web browsers
- Text input in any game
- Menu navigation in most games
- Media apps like Netflix
Even if a game doesn’t support mouse aiming, you can often use the keyboard for typing. This makes chatting with friends much easier.
Games Without Support
Many single-player games don’t support keyboard and mouse. These games were designed for controllers only. Examples include:
- Most racing games
- Sports games like FIFA
- Many adventure games
- Platform games
You’ll need to use a controller for these games. The keyboard and mouse simply won’t work for gameplay.
Best Keyboard and Mouse Options for PS5
Any standard keyboard and mouse should work with PS5. But some options work better than others for gaming.
Recommended Keyboards
Look for keyboards with these features:
- Anti-ghosting for multiple key presses
- Backlit keys for dark room gaming
- Programmable keys for shortcuts
- Comfortable key spacing
Mechanical keyboards often feel better for gaming. They’re more responsive and last longer. However, they cost more than regular keyboards.
If you want to enhance your gaming setup further, learning about keyboard backlighting options can help you game comfortably in any lighting condition.
Recommended Mice
Good gaming mice have these qualities:
- High DPI for precise movement
- Multiple buttons for shortcuts
- Comfortable grip for long sessions
- Good sensor accuracy
Wired mice often have less input delay than wireless ones. But wireless mice offer more freedom of movement. Choose based on your preferences.
Tips for Better Gaming with Keyboard and Mouse
Using keyboard and mouse on PS5 takes some getting used to. Here are tips to improve your experience.
Adjust Your Settings
Most games let you change sensitivity settings. Start with lower sensitivity and increase it slowly. This helps you build accuracy before speed.
Change key bindings to match your preferences. Put important actions on easy-to-reach keys. This makes gameplay smoother and more natural.
Practice in Training Modes
Use training modes to get comfortable with controls. Practice aiming and movement before jumping into competitive games. This builds muscle memory.
Many games have aim trainers or practice ranges. Spend time there when you first switch to keyboard and mouse.
Optimize Your Setup
Your physical setup matters too. Use a proper mouse pad for smooth movement. Position your keyboard at a comfortable angle. Make sure you have enough desk space.
Good lighting helps you see keys clearly. Consider a keyboard with backlighting for dark rooms. Understanding different keyboard layouts and their benefits can also help you choose the most comfortable setup for extended gaming sessions.
Limitations and Considerations
While keyboard and mouse support is great, it has some limitations on PS5.
Game Compatibility
The biggest limitation is game support. Many games simply don’t work with keyboard and mouse. Always check before buying a game if this feature matters to you.
Some games support it but don’t advertise it clearly. You might need to check online forums or try it yourself.
Competitive Balance
In online games, keyboard and mouse can give advantages over controller players. Some games separate players by input method. Others allow mixed lobbies.
Be aware that some players consider keyboard and mouse unfair in console gaming. Respect game communities and their preferences.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Couch gaming with keyboard and mouse isn’t always comfortable. You need a flat surface for the mouse. A lap desk or coffee table helps.
Consider your gaming setup before committing to keyboard and mouse. Make sure you have a comfortable way to use them.
Conclusion
You absolutely can use keyboard and mouse on PS5, and it opens up new gaming possibilities. The setup process is straightforward for both wired and wireless devices. While not every game supports this feature, many popular titles do.
Whether you choose keyboard and mouse depends on your gaming style and preferences. They offer better accuracy and speed in supported games. But controllers remain better for many game types.
Try both options and see what works best for you. The PS5’s flexibility lets you switch between input methods easily. This gives you the best of both worlds – console convenience with PC-style controls when you want them.
