Best Keyboards for Steam Deck

The Steam Deck offers a compelling way to enjoy PC games, and the on-screen keyboard works great for the majority of gaming-related tasks. But under the hood, the Deck is much more than just a gaming handheld; it’s a full-fledged Linux PC. Dropping to desktop mode gives you the option to do just about everything you would on a normal PC, including word processing and installing third-party software.

Unfortunately, this is where the on-screen keyboard shows its flaws. Even with the recently added typing options, getting any real work done using the on-screen keyboard can be a pain when typing more than a few words. And since the Deck has no standard USB A port, plugging in a 2.4GHz keyboard that you have lying around requires a dongle. Thankfully there are plenty of options in the Bluetooth keyboard space that not only provide a great typing experience but would work well if you delve into PC games that require a keyboard on your Deck.

Pauroty 60% Wireless

This mechanical keyboard from Pauroty has three modes: Bluetooth, USB Type-C, and 2.4GHz. This means it’s a great companion for your Deck, but it also has enough functionality to get used elsewhere using the mode switch on the side. The small footprint means that it’s easy to toss in a bag with your Deck, and it has full RGB support for customization. The built-in 1600 mAh battery charges via the USB Type-C port, and claims to offer up to 360 hours of standby time with a 10-minute auto-sleep function to save battery. And the best part is the price tag: the Pauroty is just a tad over $30. Just a few short years ago a wireless mechanical keyboard in this price range was completely unheard of, but thanks to the prevalence and availability of Cherry MX clones you can get a great feeling keyboard for an even greater price.

Related: Best Steam Deck Expandable Storage

Redragon K618 Horus

If you’re looking to really get some work done on your Deck—or maybe just have a pension for old-school PC games—that really make use of the entire keyboard, then the K618 will have everything you need. It’s a triple mode wireless Bluetooth keyboard with a full 104 key layout, media keys, built-in RGB lighting, and a scroll wheel above the number pad.

The real draw here is the low-profile design. It uses super low-profile mechanical keyswitches to maintain that mechanical feel without the bulk and height required of a normal mechanical keyboard. This means it will easily slip into the laptop compartment of a bag without eating up all your travel space. It comes with a 1900 mAh battery, 20 macro keys, and support for up to five separate Bluetooth connections that can be easily swapped between.

RK Royal Kludge RK61

Royal Kludge has a decent reputation in the mechanical keyboard world as one of the better third-party manufacturers if you’re looking to get a great keyboard while still saving a few bucks. The RK61 packs a lot of features into a very small package: three connection modes, full RGB, full programmability, and hot-swappable keyswitches all come standard. It uses USB Type-C for the wired connection as well as charging and comes with keycap and keyswitch pullers in the box for customization. It uses Gateron clone switches, which are well-regarded and provide a solid tactile feel at a reasonable price.

Related: Best Controller for the Steam Deck

Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard

While mechanical keyboards are nice to type on, they can sound obnoxious when using one with your Deck in a crowded or quiet space. The Microsoft Designer Compact keyboard takes queues from Apple’s Magic Keyboard to deliver a slim, quiet, travel-friendly keyboard for half the price of Apple’s version. It features laptop-style chiclet keys, an emoji key, and a slim enough profile to fit it into any bag. There’s not a lot going on in the way of features, but it does exactly what it’s supposed to in a travel-friendly design that won’t hurt your wallet (or your co-worker’s ears).

Getting actual work done or playing a full-keyboard space sim on the Deck is a breeze when you have the right input options available to you, and Bluetooth means no bothersome wires to wrangle when you’re getting things done. Upgrading from pecking away at the on-screen keyboard to a real physical keyboard just takes the proper hardware and a few seconds.

For more hardware guides check out Best Wireless Gaming Keyboards and Best Keyboard and Mouse for the PS5 on Pro Game Guides.

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