The Steam Deck is by far one of the best handheld gaming consoles out there, but it is not without its flaws. One of the biggest flaws of the Steam Deck is that it offers very little information to users new to its ecosystem. There is little to no handholding, so much so that many Steam Deck owners don't know how to access the on-screen keyboard when the need arises.

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Accessing the on-screen keyboard on the Steam Deck is pretty straightforward. This guide will cover everything you need to know about it, along with other useful information.

How To Bring Up The On-Screen Keyboard On Steam Deck

Steam Deck Keyboard Overview

If you want to learn how to bring up the virtual keyboard on the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode and Desktop mode, here is what you need to do:

How To Bring Up The Virtual Keyboard On Steam Deck In Gaming Mode

  1. Access an app or game that supports the on-screen keyboard.
  2. Press and hold the Steam button with the X button.
  3. The virtual keyboard will pop up.
  4. Select the Move button to hide the virtual keyboard once you are done.

How To Bring Up The Virtual Keyboard On Steam Deck In Desktop Mode

The Steam Deck virtual keyboard can be accessed at any time in Desktop Mode by pressing and holding the Steam button with the X button.

If you want to enter text in a specific field, you will need to select it via the touchscreen or the trackpad before you bring up the virtual keyboard.

The virtual keyboard will not work if you exit the Steam app in Desktop Mode. To access it in Desktop Mode, make sure the Steam app is active.

If you are unable to make full use of the virtual keyboard on the Steam Deck, you always have the option to connect a mouse and keyboard.

Virtual Keyboard Shortcuts For Steam Deck

While using the virtual keyboard on the Steam Deck, here are a couple of shortcuts to keep in mind:

  • Escape: Steam button + left on the D-pad.
  • Enter: Steam button + right on the D-pad.
  • Tab: Steam button + down on the D-pad.
  • Exit virtual keyboard: B button.

Now that you know how to access the virtual keyboard in Game Mode and Desktop Mode on the Steam Deck, make the most of this information, especially during those times when you need to input texts when you don’t have a keyboard or mouse near you.

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Steam Deck Console
Steam Deck
Display card main info widget
4K Capabilities
Yes
Screen
7" diagonal 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio) 60Hz
Display card main info widget end

Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Storage
64 GB - 512 GB
CPU
AMD APU Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz
Battery
40Whr battery. 2 - 8 hours of gameplay
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0 and Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Ports
1x USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode support; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, 1x USB 3.2,1x Micro SD slot, 1x 3.5 audio jack
Dimensions
298mm x 117mm x 49mm
Weight
Approx. 669 grams
Audio
Stereo with embedded DSP for an immersive listening experience and Dual Microphone Array