How to use a keyboard and mouse on your PS4 to play certain games with more precision
- You can use a keyboard and mouse on your PS4, but not every game supports it.
- To use a keyboard and mouse on your PS4, connect them to the USB ports or use Bluetooth.
- Some companies make keyboards and mouses specifically for the PlayStation.
Every game on your PlayStation 4 is built to be played with the default controller, called the Dualshock 4. It's a well-made controller, and for most games it's a great option.
But if you're used to playing PC games, you might miss the precision of a keyboard and mouse. Luckily, you don't have to leave that feeling behind.
Can you use a keyboard and mouse with your PS4?
The PS4 does support keyboard and mouse controls — sometimes.
Some games can be played with a keyboard and mouse, but many don't allow it. In fact, most won't — some will even ban you from multiplayer if you use them, because a keyboard and mouse give you competitive advantage over players using a controller.
Few games natively support keyboard and mouse, but you will be able to use them to navigate the system menus and use the PS4's web browser. This is useful if you're using your console for its streaming apps or as a computer replacement, rather than a dedicated gaming console.
So which PS4 games do support keyboard and mouse? This isn't a complete list, but here are some of the most popular games that you can play on your PS4 with a keyboard and mouse.
- Overwatch
- Fortnite
- DayZ
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
- Minecraft
- Warframe
Before you buy a game to play with a keyboard and mouse, check the manual to see if the game supports it.
How to connect a keyboard and mouse to your PS4
The steps to connect a keyboard and mouse with USB wires are a bit different than using Bluetooth to connect wirelessly.
USB keyboard and mouse
To connect a wired controller and mouse to your PS4, simply plug them into one of the available USB ports on the front. You'll still be able to use a standard PlayStation controller wirelessly when you do.
When you plug the keyboard and mouse in, your PS4 will ask which profile you want to use the device with — choose whichever profile you'll be using.
If you're out of spare USB ports, the Playstation also supports USB hubs like the Anker USB 10-Port Hub, which lets you plug in nearly a dozen devices using only one port.
Many keyboard manufacturers such as Logitech provide USB ports in their keyboards themselves too, meaning you can plug your mouse into your keyboard, and then the keyboard into the console.
Wireless keyboard and mouse
The Playstation also supports Bluetooth. While logged into a profile, go to the Settings menu, select Devices, and then Bluetooth Devices. If your keyboard or mouse is in pairing mode, you should see the device waiting to be connected. If not, put it into pairing mode first.
Best keyboard and mouse for PS4
In general, the best keyboard and mouse combo to use with your PlayStation 4 is whatever combo you're using on your computer. Nothing beats a well made gaming mouse and keyboard.
If you're interested in picking up something new, check out our recommendations for the best mouse you can buy, as well as the best keyboards.
Otherwise, there are also certain keyboard and mouse combinations built specifically for the PlayStation 4. One of these is the HORI Programmable Keypad and Mouse. Instead of letters or numbers, its keys are designed to let you control games and move around menus.
There are also products out there, called keyboard and mouse adaptors, that let you use your keyboard and mouse for games that wouldn't normally accept them. But some games count these adaptors as cheating, and they can be much more expensive than a new controller. The XIM APEX, for instance, is priced at around $100.
Best keyboard and mouse for gaming
We test and review the best gaming keyboard and best gaming mouse. Check out a few of our favorites:
- Best gaming keyboard overall: Corsair K100 RGB, $189.99 on Amazon
- Best gaming keyboard for less than $50: Corsair K55 RGB, $48.17 on Amazon
- Best gaming mouse overall: Razer Viper Ultimate, $69.99 on Amazon
- Best budget wireless gaming mouse: Logitech G305 Lightspeed, $29.99 on Amazon