Keyboard for console chat

lokesgard · August 2016

Being not tech savvy at all, what types of keyboard can I get? Is there anything that won't work? And how do I set it up?
Thanks for any help

shadelon · August 2016

That depends on what platform you're on. I know both consoles can use usb keyboards but i'm not sure if xbox works with bluetooth, whereas i know ps4 does.

Really you should probably stick with a usb keyboard. They're cheap and pretty much any one will do.

lokesgard · August 2016

I'm on Xbox. Also not sure if keyboard or chat pad thingy would be better for on the go typing. Also seen some people mentioning smart glass which I already use for live chat but not sure how that would work in game?

shadelon · August 2016

I don't know. On ps4 we have the ps app which can do the same thing. But i know nothing about xbox.

As for the keyboard vs chat pad thing, personally i don't trust any third party video game accessory. Keyboards are another matter entirely, and i would trust them over the chat pad, but that's just me.

BalticBlues · August 2016

If you play on PS4, be sure to use a Bluetooth keyboard.
This works conveniently without any cable, as with your PS4 controller.

For Bluetooth keyboards on PS4, I prefer Logitech keyboards.
Just search for "logitech bluetooth keyboard".
If you have a good smartphone, you can use your bluetooth keyboard for it as well.

The PS4 manual tells you how to setup a bluetooth keyboard on PS4:
manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps4/settings/bluetooth.html

Rex-Umbra · August 2016

I use a wireless one on xbox.

shadelon · August 2016

A wireless usb keyboard will do the same thing but meh lol. I have a bluetooth keyboard simply because my head set takes up a usb already. Of course you could always just get a usb hub.

Edit: thing is bluetooth keyboards are way more expensive than usb. Even wireless usb are way cheaper. My bluetooth keyboard was $90. The cheapest i've seen is $70. By comparison, the cheapest wireless usb keyboard i've seen is $20.

Khairiah · August 2016

You can get one for PS4 that plugs into your controller. Dont know how it works tho.

shadelon · August 2016

Again like i said, all those chat pads are third party produced and i wouldn't trust it as far as i can throw it. I've looked at the reviews on those and all of them pretty much confirm my suspicions: all garbage. Go for a standard usb keyboard. Way better by a wide margin. Those chat pads are all garbage.

Marktoneth3 · August 2016

I want ZOS to improve "Gamepad beta mode" on pc version

TequilaFire · August 2016

Nothing is more comfortable than a full sized USB keyboard which can be purchased for as low as $15.00 corded.
I have a $20.00 USB hub that looks just like my PS4 that attaches directly to the front and expands it to 5 USB 3.0 hubs.
So I have my controller charge cable, usb keyboard, wireless headset dongle and a 64G flash drive plugged into that with a port left over.

lokesgard · August 2016

I've got one usb space left on my Xbox and I've seen a very cheap rock candy usb one in funky colours so may go for that:)
Thanks for help people

AverageJo3Gam3r · August 2016

You can also use the smart glass app on your phone. It lets you type on your phone keyboard whenever there's a text prompt on the Xbox.

Serjustin19 · August 2016

shadelon wrote: »

I don't know. On ps4 we have the ps app which can do the same thing. But i know nothing about xbox.

As for the keyboard vs chat pad thing, personally i don't trust any third party video game accessory. Keyboards are another matter entirely, and i would trust them over the chat pad, but that's just me.

I learned something new.... Looks at his razer mechanic heavy gaming keyboard. Looks at his tablet. Puts heavy razer mechanic keyboard down. Starts downloading ps app. He can't wait to use.

Takes-No-Prisoner · August 2016

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IICMUWS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Works for my Laptop and PS4. If it works on my laptop, it should probably work on my XB1.

GreenhaloX · August 2016

shadelon wrote: »

A wireless usb keyboard will do the same thing but meh lol. I have a bluetooth keyboard simply because my head set takes up a usb already. Of course you could always just get a usb hub.

Edit: thing is bluetooth keyboards are way more expensive than usb. Even wireless usb are way cheaper. My bluetooth keyboard was $90. The cheapest i've seen is $70. By comparison, the cheapest wireless usb keyboard i've seen is $20.

I'm looking into getting a separate keyboard, really not for use for text chat (I don't think it's for me), but for typing in-game emails and guild messages as well as PSN messages, which I recently realized I have been getting. Yes, I'm old school, but working on becoming a bit more tech savvy. Using the controller for typing is just brutal.

So, @shadelon, with that said, are you referring to Xbox or PS4? I'm not sure if Xbox has more USB slots than PS4. Cause for a PS4, there are only 2 USB slots in the front of the console, that I can see. There is something in back of the console, but it is not the same shape as the USB slots in the front. For the 2 front ones, one is for the controller, and I have my headset/mic in the other USB slot. So, even for a blue tooth keyboard, you would need to plug one piece of the blue tooth into an USB slot, unless there is a Bluetooth that doesn't need a USB slot. Unfortunately, it will still a headache to get both the headset/mic and keyboard to get working on a PS4. I had bought a headset/mic that plugs right into that little hole in the controller, and it worked for a few seconds, but somehow zapped out and has not been working since. So, I had to purchase the other headset/mic that plugs into the USB slot next to the controller. I'm out of slot to either plug in an USB keyboard or the blue tooth, for this PS4. Dang it!

Update: Oh man, I just realized, after my 'doh moment passed, I can plug the USB keyboard or Bluetooth keyboard into the USB slot of the console first, then plug in the headset/mic into the USB slot of the keyboard. Hope that works. I need some coffee. Lol!

Takes-No-Prisoner · August 2016

GreenhaloX wrote: »

Cause for a PS4, there are only 2 USB slots

You can get an extender for that.

I have one on my PS4. Works fine, tricky to install so you can't be forceful with it.

I don't recommend using the Audio Jack on the controller. It's finicky like you already mentioned. Get a Bluetooth PS4 headset and plug the receiver into the USB port.

pecheckler · August 2016

Takes-No-Prisoner wrote: »

GreenhaloX wrote: »

Cause for a PS4, there are only 2 USB slots

You can get an extender for that.

I have one on my PS4. Works fine, tricky to install so you can't be forceful with it.

unpowered USB hubs can cause problems with controllers charging

Takes-No-Prisoner · August 2016

pecheckler wrote: »

Takes-No-Prisoner wrote: »

GreenhaloX wrote: »

Cause for a PS4, there are only 2 USB slots

You can get an extender for that.

I have one on my PS4. Works fine, tricky to install so you can't be forceful with it.

unpowered USB hubs can cause problems with controllers charging

It receives power. It has a light that comes one when the console is turned on. I have had 0 problems charging my PS4 headset and controller using this device.

sluice · August 2016

I'm using a Logitech k380 on my PS4. It's bluetooth, not expensive and can work on 3 devices with the simple press of a button. I like it.

pecheckler · August 2016

Takes-No-Prisoner wrote: »

pecheckler wrote: »

Takes-No-Prisoner wrote: »

GreenhaloX wrote: »

Cause for a PS4, there are only 2 USB slots

You can get an extender for that.

I have one on my PS4. Works fine, tricky to install so you can't be forceful with it.

unpowered USB hubs can cause problems with controllers charging

It receives power. It has a light that comes one when the console is turned on. I have had 0 problems charging my PS4 headset and controller using this device.

Trying plugging in enough devices to exceed 500mA power draw and you'll see the issue.

shadelon · August 2016

GreenhaloX wrote: »

shadelon wrote: »

A wireless usb keyboard will do the same thing but meh lol. I have a bluetooth keyboard simply because my head set takes up a usb already. Of course you could always just get a usb hub.

Edit: thing is bluetooth keyboards are way more expensive than usb. Even wireless usb are way cheaper. My bluetooth keyboard was $90. The cheapest i've seen is $70. By comparison, the cheapest wireless usb keyboard i've seen is $20.

I'm looking into getting a separate keyboard, really not for use for text chat (I don't think it's for me), but for typing in-game emails and guild messages as well as PSN messages, which I recently realized I have been getting. Yes, I'm old school, but working on becoming a bit more tech savvy. Using the controller for typing is just brutal.

So, @shadelon, with that said, are you referring to Xbox or PS4? I'm not sure if Xbox has more USB slots than PS4. Cause for a PS4, there are only 2 USB slots in the front of the console, that I can see. There is something in back of the console, but it is not the same shape as the USB slots in the front. For the 2 front ones, one is for the controller, and I have my headset/mic in the other USB slot. So, even for a blue tooth keyboard, you would need to plug one piece of the blue tooth into an USB slot, unless there is a Bluetooth that doesn't need a USB slot. Unfortunately, it will still a headache to get both the headset/mic and keyboard to get working on a PS4. I had bought a headset/mic that plugs right into that little hole in the controller, and it worked for a few seconds, but somehow zapped out and has not been working since. So, I had to purchase the other headset/mic that plugs into the USB slot next to the controller. I'm out of slot to either plug in an USB keyboard or the blue tooth, for this PS4. Dang it!

Update: Oh man, I just realized, after my 'doh moment passed, I can plug the USB keyboard or Bluetooth keyboard into the USB slot of the console first, then plug in the headset/mic into the USB slot of the keyboard. Hope that works. I need some coffee. Lol!

Bluetooth does not plug into usb ports at all. It connects completely wirelessly. Wireless usb is an entirely different thing, which uses a usb dongle that plugs into the console. However there is a way to get more usb ports. Look on amazon for a usb hub. These devices plug into your console and gives you more usb ports instantly.

As far as i know, xbox only has 2 usb ports as well.

UltimaJoe777 · August 2016

I use a USB Keyboard that plugs directly into my PS4, and the PS4 identifies it and works fine.

NewBlacksmurf · August 2016

If you're on Xbox one....just buy the chat pad.

Anything else is just silly IMO unless you want to try and use whatever else you have