How to Use Keyboard and Mouse on Ps4?
How to Use Keyboard and Mouse on Ps4?
4 Answers

Using a keyboard and mouse on your PS4 can really level up your gaming, especially if you’re a PC gamer at heart. Here’s the lowdown on how to get it set up:
Why Bother With a Keyboard and Mouse on PS4
- Precision and Accuracy: A mouse just nails it for pinpoint aiming and smooth moves—way better than a controller’s analog stick, especially for first-person shooters.
- Comfort and Familiarity: If you’re used to PC gaming, this setup feels like home. You won’t need to rewire your brain for a controller.
- More Functionality: Games like MMORPGs and strategy titles shine with a keyboard and mouse. All those extra buttons and shortcuts make your life easier.
How to Hook Up Your Keyboard and Mouse
Wired Connection:
- Find the USB ports on your PS4, usually chilling on the front or back.
- Plug your keyboard and mouse into those USB ports. If your keyboard has a built-in trackpad, it might need an extra port.
- The PS4 should recognize them instantly. Type something, or move the mouse to confirm they’re working.
Wireless Connection:
- Check if your wireless keyboard and mouse play nice with PS4. Most Bluetooth ones should.
- Fire up your PS4, head to “Settings” > “Devices” > “Bluetooth Devices.”
- Put your keyboard and mouse in pairing mode (check the manual if you’re lost).
- When your PS4 finds them, select and pair each one.
- Once paired, type or move the mouse to test.
Playing PS4 Games with Keyboard and Mouse
- Check Game Compatibility: Not all games are cool with keyboard and mouse. Some just use the keyboard for text chat, while others fully support these peripherals. Games like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Overwatch are on board.
- In-Game Configuration: For games that do support these inputs, go into the settings to tweak key mappings and sensitivity to your liking.
Customizing Your Setup
- Mouse Settings: Hit “Settings” > “Devices” on the PS4 homepage. You can switch your mouse from righty to lefty and adjust the pointer speed (“Slow,” “Normal,” or “Fast”).
- Keyboard Settings: In “Keyboard” settings, you can change the language or mess with the “Key Repeat (Delay)” and “Key Repeat (Rate)” for how the PS4 handles key presses.
Handy Tips
- USB Hub: Running out of USB ports? Grab a USB hub to connect multiple devices.
- Firmware Updates: Keep your keyboard and mouse firmware fresh for the best performance.
- Third-Party Adapters and Remote Play: If your devices aren’t playing nice directly, you can use adapters or get the Remote Play app on your PC and hook up your keyboard and mouse that way.
There you go! Now you’re all set to game like a pro.

So, you want to hook up a keyboard and mouse to your PS4? Let’s jump right in and see how to get that sorted with both wired and wireless connections, plus a few tweaks and what to expect from games you’re itching to play.
Plugging In a Wired Keyboard and Mouse
- Scout Out Those USB Ports: Your PS4 has got a couple of USB ports sitting on its front. Planning to use both a keyboard and mouse? Guess what, you’ll need both ports or maybe invest in a nifty USB hub if you’re multitasking.
- Get Those Gadgets Plugged: Just slip your wired keyboard and/or mouse into those USB ports, front and center. Your PS4 should pick them up without a hitch.
- Celebrate the Connection: Once you plug them in, there should be some icons popping up on your screen that say, “Yep, we’re good to go!”
- USB Hub Saves the Day (if you need more slots): Maybe you need a couple more USB ports? Hook up a USB hub and voilà—you can charge controllers while typing and clicking away.
Hooking Up a Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
- Get Your Gear Ready: Make sure your wireless keyboard and mouse are alive and kickin’. Flip through their manuals to get them into pairing mode—gotta be ready for the PS4.
- Dive into PS4 Settings:
- Fire up your PS4, log in.
- Head into “Settings” from the main menu.
- Click on “Devices” under settings.
- Pair Your Bluetooth Buddies:
- Hit “Bluetooth Devices.” Your PS4 will start hunting for nearby devices.
- Spot your keyboard or mouse in the list? Punch it up with the X button.
- Got a code prompt? Type “0000”—it’s like the universal handshake for Bluetooth.
- Easy Peasy Reconnection: Now that they’re buddies, your keyboard and mouse should link up automatically every time they’re switched on.
Tweaking Keyboard and Mouse Settings
Now, you might wanna fiddle with the keyboard and mouse settings to get them just the way you like:
- Messing with Keyboard Settings:
- Jump back into “Settings” > “Devices.”
- Under “Keyboard,” you can tweak the language or adjust those key repeat settings (delay, rate—you name it).
- Playing Around with Mouse Settings:
- Under “Devices,” head to “Mouse” settings.
- You can set it for lefties or righties, and fiddle with the pointer speed (slow, normal, fast—whatever’s your jam).
Game Compatibility
Heads up—not all games are ready to roll with keyboard and mouse inputs. Some real gems like Fortnite, Final Fantasy XIV, and DC Universe Online have got you covered though. For those that aren’t onboard:
- Consider grabbing an adapter like Xim4 that morphs keyboard/mouse signals to mimic controller inputs. Watch out though, doing this in competitive gaming can be risky territory—some might give you the boot for an unfair edge.
And there you have it! Connecting a keyboard and mouse to your PS4 is a breeze whether you go for USB or Bluetooth; tweak those settings a little to make it personal, and just be mindful of game compatibility when you’re setting up a session.

So, you want to connect a keyboard and mouse to your PS4? Well, it’s not rocket science, but let’s walk through it step by step so you can breeze through your gaming or typing needs.
Bringing Your Keyboard and Mouse to the PS4 Party
The PS4 is cool with keyboards and mice, but with some caveats. Here’s the lowdown:
-
Wired Connection
- Pop the USB from your keyboard/mouse into the PS4. Easy-peasy.
- Give it a sec—the PS4 should recognize them without breaking a sweat.
- See if they work in the menu or in games that give the nod to keyboards.
-
Going Wireless with Bluetooth
- Head over to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices.
- Fire up pairing mode on your keyboard/mouse (check their manuals for backup).
- Pick your device from the list and get them synced up.
Heads up: Not every game will shake hands with a keyboard/mouse combo. Games like Call of Duty: Warzone are down with it, while others like Apex Legends aren’t so flexible.
Making Magic with Third-Party Gear
If you’re hitting a wall with a game that won’t play nice, there’s always the adapter squad like XIM Apex or HORI Tac Pro. They can mimic controller inputs:
- Get the adapter plugged into the PS4.
- Connect your keyboard/mouse into the adapter—simple as that.
- Follow the adapter’s trail to map out buttons and movements.
A couple of things to ponder: these adapters can cause a bit of lag. Also, online games might put a ban on these gadgets for a fair game. Always good to check the rules!
Tackling Troubles Head-On
Trust me, things can get finicky sometimes:
Device Not Playing Ball
- Could be a bum USB port, mismatched hardware, or outdated PS4 software.
- Solutions:
- Try your devices with a PC to see if they’re alive and kicking.
- Switch up USB ports or grab a powered USB hub.
- Give PS4 software a refresh via Settings > System Software Update.
Solved Input Lag Mysteries
- What’s the deal? Maybe wireless interference or a weak battery.
- Solutions:
- Opt for wired devices for less drama.
- Replace battery or juice up those wireless gadgets.
- If you’ve got an adapter, update its firmware and clean up Bluetooth noise.
Only Halfway Functional?
- Reasons? Could be game/app restrictions or adapter hiccups.
- Solutions:
- Have a look at the game’s official documentation for keyboard/mouse backup.
- Adjust adapter settings to fit the game’s groove.
Game Compatibility Quiz
- Yays: Games like Fortnite, Final Fantasy XIV, and Minecraft when you fiddle with settings.
- Nays: Not a lot of love from Sony’s crown jewel games like God of War.
For games that fly under the “not supported” radar, adapters might be your saving grace. Just keep a clear head about competitive fairness before diving in.
Counting the Ups and Downs
- Good Stuff: Quick text entry, better aim in strategy or FPS games, plus a breath of fresh air for those who struggle with controllers.
- Not-So-Good Stuff: Limited support from the PS4 community, potential adapter expense, and making peace with game bans.
Final Thoughts
- If you’re just skimming menus and browsers, a native USB/Bluetooth setup will do fine.
- Into game action? Make sure to know what’s cool and what’s not before springing for adapters.
- Sticking to wired devices means fewer headaches with lag or connection hiccups.
Hopefully, these tips will give you the knack for using a keyboard and mouse on your PS4 without hitting too many snags.

Ready to dive into using a keyboard and mouse on your PS4? Let’s kick things off with the basics for wired devices. First up, just plug your keyboard and mouse into the PS4’s USB ports—simple as that! You should see a quick notification that says they’re connected. Once you’re good to go, try using the arrow keys and mouse cursor to scroll through the PS4 menu.
Now, if you’re dealing with the wireless kind, you’ll need Bluetooth capability. Make sure your keyboard and mouse can connect via Bluetooth, or grab a USB Bluetooth adapter if they can’t. Head over to the “Settings” section on your PS4’s home screen, then tap on “Devices” and “Bluetooth Devices.” Follow the instructions to set your devices in pairing mode and watch as your PS4 sniffs them out. Select them, and boom, you’re connected.
Next, play around with your input methods by going to “Settings” > “Devices” > “External Keyboard” where you can tweak key repeat rates. Heads up though, not all games are on board with keyboard and mouse inputs. Double-check the game’s settings for what works.
When it comes to more features, you can adjust game settings to make the keyboard and mouse just right for you, like switching up sensitivity settings. And forget fumbling with text—it’s way easier to chat and navigate through menus with a keyboard.
These steps will help amp up your gaming on the PS4 with a keyboard and mouse. Browse official PlayStation resources or user manuals if you need more info too. Enjoy the game!