How to Use and Customize the Virtual Keyboard on Your Steam Deck

Last Updated: Feb 10, 2024 by

The Steam Deck is a highly anticipated handheld gaming device that allows users to play their favorite PC games on the go. One of the unique features of the Steam Deck is its virtual keyboard, which can be used for typing and navigating the device. In this article, we will discuss how to use and customize the virtual keyboard on your Steam Deck.

Using the Virtual Keyboard

The virtual keyboard on the Steam Deck can be accessed by tapping on the keyboard icon on the bottom right corner of the screen. This will bring up the keyboard, which can be used for typing in text fields or navigating the device. The keyboard is similar to a standard QWERTY keyboard, with additional buttons for special characters and symbols.

To type on the virtual keyboard, simply tap on the desired keys. You can also use the directional pad or the analog stick to navigate through the keys. To delete a character, use the backspace button or press and hold the backspace button to delete multiple characters at once. To switch between uppercase and lowercase letters, use the shift button.

Customizing the Virtual Keyboard

The virtual keyboard on the Steam Deck can be customized to suit your preferences. To access the keyboard settings, go to the Steam Deck’s main menu and select “Settings.” From there, go to “Virtual Keyboard” and you will see a variety of options to customize your keyboard.

Layout

The first option in the virtual keyboard settings is the layout. You can choose between QWERTY, AZERTY, and QWERTZ layouts, depending on your preference. You can also choose to have a split keyboard, which can be useful for typing with your thumbs.

Size and Position

You can also adjust the size and position of the virtual keyboard. This is especially useful if you have larger or smaller hands and need to adjust the keyboard accordingly. You can also choose to have the keyboard centered or aligned to the left or right side of the screen.

Haptic Feedback

The Steam Deck also offers haptic feedback for the virtual keyboard. This means that the device will vibrate when you press a key, giving you a tactile response. You can adjust the intensity of the haptic feedback in the virtual keyboard settings.

Custom Keys

One of the most exciting features of the virtual keyboard on the Steam Deck is the ability to add custom keys. This allows you to add shortcuts for your favorite games or apps, making it easier to access them while using the virtual keyboard. To add a custom key, simply go to the “Custom Keys” section in the virtual keyboard settings and select the desired key. You can then assign a function or shortcut to that key.

By using and customizing the virtual keyboard on your Steam Deck, you can enhance your gaming and browsing experience on the device. Have you tried any of these customization options? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.