How to Use Keyboard and Mouse on Xbox Series X or S

This article explains how to connect a keyboard and mouse to your Xbox Series X or S games console and addresses any limitations involved. 

How to Connect a Keyboard and Mouse to Your Xbox Series X or S

Wondering how to connect a keyboard and mouse to your new games console? It's super simple and takes mere seconds. Here's how to do it.

1. Get a keyboard and mouse.

   You don't need both in certain situations with one or the other working just as well alongside the Xbox Series X or S controller.

2. Plug the devices or their wireless adaptors into the USB ports of the Xbox Series X or S.

3. Start using the keyboard and mouse instead of the games controller.

What Keyboards and Mice Are Compatible With the Xbox Series X or S?

There's no need to buy a dedicated Xbox Series X keyboard and mouse. The Xbox Series X or S is compatible with pretty much all keyboards and mice. You can easily plug in either wired or wireless keyboard and mouse combinations without any trouble. 

The only issue that may arise is that if both devices share a single transmitter, there may be occasional issues with how the Xbox Series X or S responds to the input. In which case, a dedicated wireless gaming mouse or keyboard may be a better option as they have separate transmitters. 

Alternatively, if you're keen to use a wired solution, there are no issues with simply plugging them in and using them immediately. 

What Can I Do With a Keyboard and Mouse on Xbox Series X or S?

Mostly everything that you can do with a games controller. You can navigate the dashboard by moving the mouse around and using the arrow keys on the keyboard. 

One big advantage is that you can use the keyboard to type messages in Xbox Live Chat, meaning it's often useful to have a keyboard available so you can converse with others via text quickly. 

It's also possible to play games with a mouse and keyboard combination, although if you choose to go online, the Xbox Series X or S detects your controller use and will matchmake you with PC players rather than other Xbox Series X or S players. 

What Limitations Are There to Using a Keyboard and Mouse?

The key one is that you won't be able to play with other console players online. Instead, you're matched up with PC players which can put you at a disadvantage. 

There are also issues with how much room you have for a keyboard and mouse. By plugging them in or using wireless adaptors, you're taking up valuable USB ports, and the Xbox Series X or S doesn't have many. This can be solved by buying a USB hub, but it's an extra expense and takes up further space in your gaming setup. 

It's not quite a limitation, but if you prefer using a mouse and keyboard, then a gaming console might not be for you, and you may fare better with a gaming PC or laptop instead.