Most gaming enthusiasts are accustomed to using a keyboard to play their favorite games on PC, but can the same keyboard be used to play games on the PlayStation 4? The answer is yes, you can use a gaming keyboard on your PS4, although it will not be able to provide the same level of control you get with a dedicated PlayStation 4 gamepad.
A gaming keyboard is typically used to assign various shortcuts and macros to particular keys on the keyboard, thus providing the user with an improved gaming experience. Those same benefits are still available on the PlayStation 4 – albeit in limited form – as the keyboard can be used to enter text and access certain menus. However, a keyboard cannot be used to control game-play actions with the same responsiveness as a controller.
In addition, not all gaming keyboards support the PS4 directly. Some may require the use of a dongle or some type of adapter to be connected to the console in order for it to function properly. Others may even require the use of a separate software in order for it to be compatible with the PlayStation 4. Furthermore, some keyboards may not even work on the PlayStation 4 at all.
That said, there are some gaming keyboards that are designed specifically for the PlayStation 4, such as the SteelSeries Apex Pro. These specialized keyboards can provide the same levels of control as a gaming controller but they often come with an additional price tag. For those on a budget, it may be worth looking into the various third-party options that are available.
In short, while it is possible to use a gaming keyboard on your PlayStation 4, you should consider the various pros and cons before deciding to invest in one. If a keyboard is what you’re after, be sure to get one that is compatible with your system and don’t forget to take a look at the various third-party options available.
PC Gaming Keyboards
Gaming keyboards used for PC gaming generally come with a host of features that Playstation 4 keyboards lack. Since the PC gaming environment is much more complex than gaming on PS4, keyboard designers must build in additional features to accommodate custom control schemes, macros, and other features. For example, PC gaming keyboards often come with a wide range of special keys and buttons for media control and special shortcuts.
The benefit of using a PC gaming keyboard is the flexibility in how it can be customized to the particular game being played. Those same features are not available when using a gaming keyboard on the Playstation 4. Generally, the most you can do to customize a PS4 keyboard is assign some shortcuts or macros to certain keys.
For those who play mostly on PC and occasionally use their gaming keyboard on the Playstation 4, it would probably be more efficient to stick to the PC gaming keyboard instead. Skip the Playstation 4-specific models and pick up a PC gaming keyboard instead, as the extra features will not be of use anyway.
It’s also worth noting that PC gaming keyboards offer more options when it comes to mechanical switches, keycaps, backlighting, and other features. Playstation 4-specific keyboards are usually limited to the same ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.
Tying Everything Together
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use a gaming keyboard on your Playstation 4 comes down to personal preference and how much you are willing to spend. If you primarily play on PC and only game on the Playstation 4 occasionally, then it would probably be easier and more cost-effective to just stick to your PC gaming keyboard.
On the other hand, if you are a PlayStation 4 gamer and want to experience the same level of control you’d get from a gaming controller, then investing in a dedicated Playstation 4 gaming keyboard might be the right choice. Be sure to look for one that doesn’t require a dongle or adapter, as well as any software that needs to be installed in order to get the best performance from your keyboard.
Compatibility with PS4 and PC Games
When it comes to the compatibility of gaming keyboards with the Playstation 4 and PC, it must be noted that they are separate platforms and use different technologies. That means that Playstation 4 gaming keyboards won’t necessarily work with PC games and vice versa. Although most keyboards are compatible with both platforms, there are times when some keys and/or functions may not work as expected.
It’s also important to consider the types of games you plan on playing. Some types of games such as first-person shooters (FPS) are more compatible with gaming keyboards, while other types such as role-playing games (RPGs) may require some additional configuration to get the full functionality from a keyboard. Most of the time, the developer of the game will list the specific controls available for their game, so it is important to research that information before investing in a gaming keyboard.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the limitations of gaming keyboards on the Playstation 4. As mentioned earlier, you won’t be able to enjoy the same level of control as you would with a dedicated Playstation 4 gamepad, as the keyboard won’t be able to provide the same level of response. This is why researching the compatibility of the keyboard and the game before investing in it will make sure you get the most out of your purchase.
How to Connect a Gaming Keyboard to a PS4
Connecting a gaming keyboard to a Playstation 4 is relatively straightforward. If the keyboard has a USB port, simply plug it in to one of the available USB ports on the console and it should be detected automatically. It is also possible to connect a gaming keyboard via Bluetooth, although this will require the user to enter into the console’s settings and manually pair the device.
Although most gaming keyboards are plug-and-play devices, there are times when additional steps may need to be taken in order for the keyboard to properly function with the console. So be sure to consult the documentation that came with the device before getting started.
Once the device is connected, the user should check to make sure that the keyboard is registered with the console and can be used with the game they are playing. More often than not, this should be done automatically, however it is always best to check before attempting to play using the keyboard.
Most gaming keyboards come with a software suite that will allow the user to customize the various keys and macros. This can be especially useful for those who are playing an FPS or other type of game, as it will allow the user to create custom control schemes that can provide a more enjoyable gaming experience. Once again, the documentation that came with the keyboard will provide instructions on how to get the most out of the software.
Getting the Most Out of Your Keyboard
When using a gaming keyboard on the Playstation 4, there are several steps that users can take to maximize their experience. For starters, it is important to be aware of the limitations of a gaming keyboard when compared to using a dedicated gamepad. Remember that the keyboard won’t be able to provide the same level of control, so the user should adjust their expectations accordingly.
It is also important to make use of any macros and shortcuts that are available on the keyboard, as this can make using the keyboard more efficient. For example, if you are playing an FPS, you may want to assign certain keys to special actions, such as reloading or switching weapons. Assigning these actions to specific keys can make the game more enjoyable, as the user won’t need to keep fumbling around with multiple keys.
Finally, be sure to make use of the software that comes with the keyboard, as this can be a great way to customize the various keys and shortcuts. Although most keyboards come with basic customization options, some of the higher-end models offer more advanced features such as macro recording and even surface tracking, which can make a big difference in how the player interacts with the game.
