Thursday, March 28, 2024

Can you play PS4 games using a mouse and keyboard?

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Best answer: To a certain extent. You can use a keyboard and mouse to navigate the system’s menus and internet, but native support while playing games is almost non-existent.

  • Limited support: Logitech MK120 USB Mouse and Keyboard Combo ($15 at Amazon)
  • The most precision: HORI PS4 TAC Pro Type M2 Keypad and Mouse ($138 at Amazon)

Why can’t I use a keyboard and mouse on all games?

There doesn’t appear to be technical limitations on a hardware level preventing keyboards and mice from being used in games. It’s mostly up to developers whether they want to implement that support. Doing so, especially for competitive multiplayer titles, is a lot of work, so some studios find it is not worth it. Support in multiplayer titles like popular first-person shooters needs to be handled correctly, or else those playing with a keyboard and mouse would have a significant advantage over those using DualShock controllers, which can’t emulate the precision of a mouse.

To mitigate this, some companies have separate matchmaking pools depending on what form of input you are using, but many don’t even bother with keyboard and mouse support on consoles in the first place.

Which games support keyboard and mouse on PS4?

Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of games that currently feature native keyboard and mouse support on PlayStation 4. Of the handful, the biggest games are Final Fantasy XIV, Paragon and War Thunder.

Are there any accessories that can emulate a keyboard and mouse experience that work with all PS4 games?

While it is possible to use XIM keyboard adapters that trick your console into thinking you’re using a controller when in actuality, you’re using a keyboard and mouse, these come with risks. The biggest of which is that if you’re caught using an adapter, you may be banned from your favorite game. Epic Games notoriously did this to Fortnite cheaters.

If you don’t want to risk a ban, there’s also an officially licensed keypad and mouse from Hori that works with the PS4.

Simple choice

Logitech MK120 USB Mouse and Keyboard Combo

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$15 at Amazon

For your basic keyboard needs

If you’re just looking to browse the internet or other apps, you don’t need an expensive keyboard to do so. A simple wired keyboard and mouse bundle will do just fine

Next level

HORI PS4 TAC Pro Type M2 Keypad and Mouse

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$138 at Amazon

Gaming with precision

If you genuinely want the most out of your games, the PS4 TAC Pro Type M2 Keypad and Mouse is the way to go since it is officially licensed by Sony. The downside is its exorbitant cost.

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