How to Use a Keyboard and Mouse for Xbox Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming has become an affordable way to access large libraries of titles on PCs, consoles, and smartphones. Unfortunately, some users still find it a second-rate gaming experience due to clumsy controls and latency concerns. Previously limited to gaming controllers, Xbox Cloud Gaming is trying to convert skeptics by introducing keyboard and mouse support.

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In March, Microsoft allowed Xbox Insiders to experiment with keyboards and mice when streaming games. Now, this new Xbox Cloud Gaming feature is available to anyone subscribing to Game Pass Ultimate on PCs. With a rapidly growing collection of titles, players can more fully appreciate games not originally designed for controllers. Game Rant checked out what was involved with implementing Xbox Cloud Gaming keyboard and mouse support.

Why Use a Keyboard and Mouse for Xbox Cloud Gaming?

Many of the PC and Xbox titles on Xbox Cloud Gaming work equally well with gaming controllers and keyboards. Even though some games like Cities: Skylines have received console versions, most gamers feel more comfortable using keyboard and mouse duos. In some cases, it comes down to personal preference, where players prefer the extra buttons on a keyboard and the precision of a mouse.

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Games with a large arsenal of commands, like RTSs and MMORPGs, thrive on keyboards, which allow gamers easy access to attacks and spells. There are even MMO gaming mice with dozens of buttons that become dangerous weapons without keyboards. In FPS titles, gamers can often lock onto targets more quickly with mice than controllers. Realistically, most esports pros won't be competing through Xbox Cloud Gaming because of the higher latency. Still, the lineup of shooters continues to grow, with Quake and Halo: Infinite now supporting keyboards and mice.

What Do You Need to Use a Keyboard and Mouse Over the Cloud?

The good news is that using a keyboard and mouse in Xbox Cloud Gaming requires virtually no setup. If gamers already have these peripherals working on Windows, they should function in supported titles.

Currently, the feature is limited to PCs using browsers (Chrome or Edge) or the Xbox app. If using Xbox Cloud Gaming on gaming smartphones or smart TVs, your best bet is to invest in a mobile gaming controller for an improved experience. Hopefully, keyboard and mouse support will be expanded to other platforms in the future.

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Games That Support This New Cloud Gaming Feature

If using a browser, Microsoft has a page with listings for compatible games that welcome keyboards and mice. Similarly, gamers can find a section devoted to these same games in the Xbox PC app. Supported titles will also be marked with mouse icons to easily spot games to test out. The catalog currently consists of:

The number of keyboard and mouse-supported games currently stands at 32, with hopes that the list will continue to expand. Many titles, like Quake, have PC roots, so gamers should enjoy more authentic retro gaming with keyboards and mice.

How Well Do Keyboards and Mice Work on the Cloud?

Users should find commands labeled with keyboard icons when loading a game with newly supported control schemes. Gamers may briefly see controller button icons in certain titles before keyboards and mice are recognized.

In general, the feature works well but is not without its quirks. Mouse movements on menu screens tend to feel laggy, but motions feel much more fluid during gameplay. In Doom 64 and Quake 2, targeting enemies was a bit easier than with an Xbox-style PC controller. W-A-S-D keys responded instantly and guided characters safely away from danger.

In Cities: Skylines, some more annoying issues surfaced, like when the A key refused to pan the camera left. Fortunately, there is a workaround thanks to the edge scrolling option, which enables mice to change views by moving to the limits of screens. These sorts of problems will likely persist as Microsoft irons out Xbox Cloud Gaming keyboard and mouse support.

Switching back and forth between controller and keyboard/mouse modes is also seamless after pressing F9. Although full-screen mode is required when playing games on a browser, this was not the case when using the Xbox PC app.

The Best Xbox Cloud Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combos

Gamers don't need specific keyboards and mice to enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, some choices are better equipped to handle connectivity on multiple platforms as the service evolves.

Many Corsair keyboards are compatible with PCs and Xbox consoles, and gamers can easily switch between them. Despite being a well-built, full-sized mechanical keyboard, the slim K100 Air is especially ideal for living room setups. With a reliable and long-range wireless RF connection, the K100 Air won't add additional latency when streaming games on Xbox Cloud Gaming. Low-profile keys register inputs as fast or faster than any gaming controller while making all commands on a hotbar accessible.

If you seek enhanced precision in Xbox Cloud FPS titles, the Razer Viper V2 Pro is the best wireless mouse for the job. At just 58 grams, the Viper V2 Pro flies around mousepads at speeds that analog sticks on controllers simply can't keep pace with. The mouse also maintains reliable tracking on any surface, so gamers can use it on lapboards when not sitting directly behind monitors.

Wireless gaming keyboards and mice can be quite expensive, which is why the MSI Vigor GK30 Combo is so enticing. Buyers won't have the convenience of cord-free peripherals, but the wired Vigor GK30 keyboard and Clutch GM11 mouse perform flawlessly during cloud gaming. The Vigor GK30 is a budget keyboard that benefits from a hybrid mechanical and membrane switch design. Similarly, the Clutch GM11 performs like far more expensive mice with a symmetrical design that gives it mainstream appeal.

FAQ

Q: Is it possible to use the Xbox with a keyboard and mouse?

The majority of wired USB keyboards and mice are compatible with Xbox consoles. The situation becomes murkier with wireless peripherals since only some cordless keyboards and mice connect to these gaming systems. The Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One don't support most Bluetooth accessories, and only some USB RF dongles are recognized.

Q: What internet speed do I need for cloud gaming?

The required bandwidth for a smooth cloud gaming experience varies depending on the service. In most cases, gamers need at least 10 to 15 Mbps internet speeds to reduce buffering. The majority of cloud gaming happens at lower than 4K resolutions, but sometimes, a faster internet plan may be necessary.