Now that Microsoft has added full keyboard and mouse support to its Xbox version of Microsoft Edge (the company's browser), you might be interested in learning how to connect them. This will allow you to get the most out of everything the console has to offer, as it increasingly resembles a PC.
Keyboard and mouse for Xbox Series X/S
There are many reasons to use a keyboard and mouse with your Xbox Series X/S , but since full support for Microsoft Edge was added, it's become much more appealing. Thanks to Edge's support for accessing services like Google Stadia, console users can greatly expand the already generous catalog offered by Microsoft through services like Xbox Game Pass.
So we encourage you to do it. But before launching into it, let us tell you some details that you should know to avoid wasting time or possible disappointment later if you see that there are things that do not work as you might expect.
First, the Xbox Series X/S offers several USB Type-A ports compatible with the USB 3.1 standard . You can connect various accessories to these ports, such as external storage drives and the aforementioned keyboard and mouse.
When you connect a wired keyboard or mouse to one of the USB ports in a matter of seconds they should have been recognized and you could start using them. Although, yes, only the keyboard can be used to navigate through the operating system of the console using the arrow keys.
The mouse for its part will only be activated when accessing a menu, game or application that is enabled for it. For example, there are many games and applications would be the aforementioned Microsoft Edge.
If you're using keyboards and mice with their own wireless receivers, you can also use them, as the receiver shouldn't have any problems being recognized and controlling both accessories wirelessly. Once you have them, there are a few details to consider.
How to connect a mouse to the xbox
To use a mouse with your Xbox, simply connect a wired or wireless mouse with a USB adapter. Once you have done it, you do have to know that there are some configuration adjustments that you can make. To do this do the following:
- Turn on your Xbox console and pick up the controller
- Press the button on the controller to open the guide
- Now go to Profile & system option and there scroll to Settings > Devices & connections
- Once inside this section, select Mouse and you will see that once it is connected you will be able to access a series of additional options to configure the experience a little more to your liking. And it is that you can vary aspects such as the speed of movement or configuration of main and secondary click
How to connect a keyboard to the Xbox
Connecting a keyboard to the Xbox is also a very simple process and similar to the previous one for the mouse. Then, once connected, you can go to the settings to adjust some details. For that follow this step by step:
- Turn on your Xbox console
- On the remote press the button to open the guide
- Go to Profile and System > Settings > Devices and connections
- Review the options and adjust what you think is necessary
Okay, easy, right? Well, now you should also know that you can use the keyboard to navigate the system, as we mentioned before. In addition, there are a number of actions or shortcuts depending on the key or key combinations pressed. These are the ones you should know:
- Windows key opens guide
- The space bar or Enter/enter key is used as a Select button
- Windows key + Backspace or ESC performs the action of going back
- The Y key opens the browser
- Windows key + M opens the menu
- Windows key + I opens settings
- Windows key + X
- Windows key + V toggles view
- Tab moves to the next element
- Tab + Backspace to previous element
- Directional arrows allow you to navigate through the system
Why you should use a keyboard and mouse on your Xbox
Using a game console with a keyboard and mouse can sound a bit strange and even make no sense to the vast majority. Because, why do something like that with how comfortable it is to play with a gamepad and even more so with one like the one included in Microsoft consoles.
Well, it's true that a controller like the Xbox controller is very satisfying to use. It also allows you to use it practically anywhere because you don't need a surface to rest the keyboard or mouse on. And that's an important and appreciated feature. Furthermore, most games are designed for this type of controller… but not all.
Regular PC gamers know that a gamepad offers advantages, but also that it falls short compared to using a keyboard and mouse in certain titles . This is because FPS (First Person Shooter) games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, Overwatch, Valorant, etc., are much more precise when played with these accessories than with a gamepad.
That's where the real interest lies, because now that many titles offer cross-play, if you want to be competitive against a PC player you have to use their same controls. What's more, there were even those who at the time connected a keyboard and mouse to a mobile to have an advantage.
In addition to all this, the recent support for Stadia by Microsoft's Edge browser makes it also interesting to be able to enjoy games from this platform on your Xbox with a keyboard and mouse.
So now you know, in the end it's all a matter of choosing which option makes you feel more comfortable, but it's always important to know all the ones that are available. Only then can you fully enjoy products as attractive as the new Xbox Series X and S from Microsoft.