Can I Use Keyboard And Mouse In VR?

By Alex Mercer

February 23, 2022


Virtual Reality has changed the gaming scene for the better. While console and PC games are more inclined to make the graphics attractive, VR technology takes it to a different level.

But most gamers have years of experience using a keyboard and mouse combo or a gaming console. So, as a gaming enthusiast, have you ever asked yourself – can I use a keyboard and mouse in VR?

With the latest Oculus VR headset lineup, the Oculus Quest 2, you can use a keyboard and mouse. Although the Quest 2 can support Bluetooth mice and keyboards, it is recommended that you use the Logitech K380. 

The VR experience has improved by leaps and bounds in the past couple of years. It is no longer necessary to have VR controllers to navigate the pseudo-reality. So let’s dive into how you can also use your keyboard and mouse in VR.

Can I Type In VR?

Virtual Reality has completely revolutionized the possibilities of a profound gaming experience. But it is still very lackluster in terms of typing. It is not only slow and excruciating but also utterly pointless and frustrating.

There is no sophisticated method for typing in VR, at least not with the controllers solely. VR owners can choose to type by using the VR interface. This allows the user to access a virtual keyboard that they can use to type.

The only way to type with the VR interface is by using the controller as a pointing device. The controller acts as a laser pointer to target each letter the user wants to type. It is done just like how games are operated on the VR headset.

Although this method is enough for smaller actions in games, it is an infuriating process nonetheless. Not only is it annoying, but it is also highly inefficient too. This drawback reduces the usability of the VR headset.

Can I Use Keyboard And Mouse In VR?

I’m sure you had days when you wanted to throw your VR away when you attempted to write a message or type in a long URL. The virtual keyboards, albeit functional, are extremely repulsive and frustrating to use.

So, if you have ever asked yourself, “Can I use a keyboard and mouse in VR?” The short answer is yes.

Firstly, keyboard and mouse support are only available to the latest addition to the Oculus family, the Oculus Quest 2 or Meta Quest 2. So if you have the original Quest, you should upgrade. The Quest 2 is quite affordable, so it shouldn’t burn your pockets if typing in VR is important to you.

The update has made it possible to use keyboards and mice is the April v28 Oculus Quest update. After installing the update, many features get added to your device, especially the tracking support for the Logitech K830.

How Do I Use VR On My Keyboard?

To use your mouse and keyboard with your Oculus VR headset, you first need to pair them with your device. The steps are pretty simple, basic, and more apparent than you might think. The process is demonstrated in detail as follows:

  1. The first thing you need to do is go to the Oculus Quest settings. It is located on the right side of the Universal Home menu. On the left side menu, you will find an option called the Experimental Features Section.
  2. You need to select the Experimental Features Section. After selecting, keep an eye out for the option for pairing your Bluetooth device.
  3. After choosing the Bluetooth Pairing option, tap on the pair button to start connecting your device.
  4. Make sure that your device is also turned on to pair with your Oculus.
  5. You should also have your Hand Tracking turned on. If you do not know where it is, you can find it under the general settings of the menu.
  6. Once this is done, your devices should show up on the menu of your Oculus Quest 2. It will be like a ghostly graphic rendered on top of the main Oculus menu.
  7. Select your Bluetooth devices from the menu displaying all the available devices.
  8. If the above steps don’t work for you, try resetting the Experimental Features back to default and try again. Restarting your Oculus Quest 2 can help in this regard as well.

What Keyboards Are Compatible With Oculus?

The best thing about this experimental feature is that the Oculus Quest 2 supports all Bluetooth-supporting devices. However, not all keyboards will support the number of features that the Quest 2 offers a user.

It needs to be mentioned that this feature is only available for Oculus Quest 2. So if you have the original Quest, you cannot avail this attribute of using keyboards with your VR headset. 

Your Bluetooth keyboard is likely to be compatible with the Oculus. Yet, I recommend pairing your VR with the Logitech K830 for the ultimate typing experience. 

With other Bluetooth keyboards, you cannot see your keyboard while wearing the VR headset. It means that although you can use your keyboard, it will not be nearly as effective as you presumed.

But the Logitech K380 is the only keyboard on the market that will show up inside your VR interface. You can see your keys being tracked in real-time as you press them.

Not only that, but it also shows your hands as a ghost-like shadowy render as you hover over them. The added advantage is the trackpad, which reduces the need for another mouse.

Should You Use Keyboard and Mouse With VR? 

Well, I’ve answered whether or not you can use a mouse and keyboard with VR. Also, how to do it. But, should you do it? Well, that can be a different story. 

Sure, if you have a good idea of where all the keycaps are, using your keyboard with a VR set on your head would not be an issue. But, when you are gaming, playing with a VR on with a mouse and keyboard might not be the best decision. 

When you’re sitting down, you won’t be able to use the full motion of your body to turn and look around. So, you’ll be stuck with the mouse. But why is that a problem?

You see, VR is great at fooling the brain and making it think it receives light from real-life 3D objects. But when you move your mouse, your head will be still, yet your visual inputs will change. And that will confuse your brain as seeing new things when our heads are still stationary is not normal. So, you will feel nauseated. 

I’m not saying everyone will feel nauseous if they use a mouse and keyboard with their VR. But, a lot of people will. So, the best course of action would be to stand up, put your VR headset on and use VR controllers. 

Conclusion

VR is exciting and new. But it is so different from the traditional way we have been gaming for a while that some of our old habits need to be changed to use this technology to the full extent. I know that you are used to your mouse and keyboard.

But, with a bit of getting used to, you’ll also find the VR controllers fun as well.   I hope I have answered your question – can I use a keyboard and mouse in VR? Even though you could, maybe going with VR controllers would be the best option for you.

About the author

Hey There! My Name is Alex and I run Get Hyped Sports. I created this platform to help people find their love for sports and gaming.

Our work has been featured on platforms like Mashable.com, SVG.com, and XXL.com.

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