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Keyboard Tester
Keyboard Tester

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How to Use a Keyboard and Mouse on Xbox One Without an Adapter

Whether you are playing games with your PC friend or navigating the Xbox One menu quickly, a keyboard and a mouse are a must for such situations.

However,connecting a keyboard and mouse to an Xbox One is not that easy. In most cases, you will need an adapter called XIM4.

But what if you don’t have that? Then you must be asking- How to use a keyboard and mouse on Xbox One without an adapter?

Can You Connect A Mouse And Keyboard To Your Xbox One Without Using Any Adapter?

In short- yes, you can. Xbox One supports both wired as well as wireless USB devices.

So you can use a USB-supported mouse and keyboard with the console.

Know that you need to plug in the mouse and keyboard to the Xbox one’s port to start using them.

The console will then automatically recognize the two devices so you can use them right away.

However, it would help if you kept in mind that the console isn’t compatible with third-party Bluetooth mice and keyboards.

If you are planning on buying a keyboard and mouse to use with your Xbox one, then opt for Razer Turret.

This wireless mouse and keyboard combo comes with an Xbox key that will allow you to access the console’s dashboard.

Apart from this, the Razer Turret has Xbox dynamic mousepad and lighting that makes accessing the keyboard easier and more fun.

Can You Use A Keyboard and Mouse Combo In All Games?

The short answer is that it depends. Microsoft is pretty okay with their Xbox one users using a mouse and keyboard.

But know that they will only work if the game’s developer allows for keyboard and mouse compatibility.

So it is only then that you will be able to use it without any issues.

However, we should mention that most games do allow for text input through the keyboard. But sadly, this isn’t true for the mouse.

However, if the application you are using does support the mouse, you can configure it by heading to the “Setting” option and then selecting the “Kinect and Devices” function.

Here you will be able to change everything from the pointer speed to the functions of the first and second buttons.

What Games Support Mouse And Keyboard?

Some examples of games that support the mouse and keyboard combination is-

  • Ark:Survival Evolved
  • Bomber Crew
  • Fortnite
  • Roblox
  • Children Of Morta
  • Moonlighter
  • Halo:The Master Chief Collection
  • Gears of War 5
  • Surviving Mars
  • Day-Z
  • Gears Tactics
  • Warface
  • Vigor
  • Warhammer:Vermintide 2
  • Minecraft
  • Sea of Thieves
  • The Sims 4
  • Strange Brigade
  • Surviving Mars
  • War Thunder
  • Warframe

What To do If You Are Playing A Game That Doesn’t Support A Keyboard And Mouse?

Know that legally you can only pair a keyboard and mouse with a game if the developer allows that facility.

But there are other ways to go around this. Note that third-party tools will let you use the mouse and keyboard with any game.

These tools do this by making the Xbox one think that it’s a controller.

However, note that these tools are known as adapters, and the one I mentioned in the introduction- XIM4 is one of them.

Now, XIM4 is one of the costlier adapters on the market at $125.

But there are other adapters which come cheaper.

So if you can invest in them just once, then you will be able to use them for your entire lifetime.

Adapters are costly, but if you want to play any game on your Xbox One with a mouse and keyboard, that’s the only option.

After all, otherwise, you will have only to play the games that allow full mouse and keyboard compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does this work with any keyboard/mouse?

No. Most wired keyboards and mice should work with your Xbox One.

However, some wireless keyboards might not work correctly, as the Xbox One sometimes drops the sync between the keyboard/mouse and console.

2. Does this work on all Xbox One models?

Yes. You should be able to connect the same types of keyboards and mice to all Xbox One models as long as you have an available USB port.

3. Will all games support a keyboard/mouse?

No. There is still limited support among Xbox One games, as they simply weren’t designed with keyboard/mouse control in mind.

Even on games where they are supported, you may still encounter glitches or only one of the two accessories working correctly.

4. Can I use Bluetooth?

No. The Xbox One does not include Bluetooth support.

Even the Xbox 360 only supports Bluetooth for the controllers themselves.

5. Do I need a keyboard adapter for Xbox one?

Playing console games with a keyboard and mouse is possible, but you need to have a proper adapter to do it.

6. How do I connect my keyboard and mouse to my Xbox?

Connecting a Mouse or Keyboard to Your Xbox
The easiest way of connecting a mouse or keyboard to your console is to use a wired USB connection.

You can plug the mouse or keyboard into the USB ports on the front or back of the console.

7. How do I connect my gaming keyboard and mouse to my Xbox one?

How to use the mouse and keyboard on Xbox One

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the panel.
Click on “Profile and system”, then “Settings” and then “Devices and connections” Press "Mouse".

You will see options for cursor speed and switching of primary and secondary buttons.

8. Why isn't my keyboard working on my Xbox?

First, make sure KeyMander is connected to a rear USB port on the Xbox One console.

The front and side USB ports do not have enough power to reliably run the KeyMander with lighted keyboards/mice connected.

Next, troubleshoot the micro USB cable as noted here.

9. Does Cold War support a mouse and keyboard Xbox One?

Keyboard & Mouse vs Controller: Which is better for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War?

The good news is that Xbox, PS4, and PC all give you the option of using a controller or keyboard and mouse.

So regardless of which platform you are on, you have the choice over which input type you want to use.

10. Can you play keyboard and mouse on GTA Xbox?

Can you play GTA V with the keyboard and mouse?

Funnily enough, yes! Get a wireless keyboard and mouse set (the one where the USB nub works with both pieces) then plug the USB nub into the slot in the front of the console!

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ambertonedward profile image
Edward Amberton

Here is good article too on this theme - xboxreviewer.com/how-to-use-a-keyb...