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Steam Deck gets a small update to add more keyboard layouts

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Continuing to improve the typing experience with the Steam Deck on-screen keyboard, Valve has released a new Steam Deck Client update with additions. This comes shortly after adding in support for other languages too.

There's now the option to use English Dvorak and Colemak keyboard layouts, if you prefer them. To change them, go into the Settings menu (press the Steam button) and then down to Keyboard and tap where it says Edit next to Active Keyboards.

Here's how they look:

Additionally a miscellaneous crash was fixed that snuck its way into the previous update.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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10 comments

WorMzy May 3, 2022
\o/

Wasn't able to find any info about what layouts were supported previously, so it's good to see dvorak added, although it's disappointing it wasn't available from day one. Hopefully you can specify different varients -- for myself, UK dvorak would be preferable to US dvorak, for example.
Ehvis May 3, 2022
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It's good to have options. Even though I've been typing dvorak on my desktop for over 20 years, I'm not going to use it on my deck. For me dvorak is for blind tying, something I can't do on the deck. For tablets and phones I'm still using qwerty.
Raaben May 3, 2022
Now that is a Steam color scheme that takes me back..
KROM May 3, 2022
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Is it just me, or is the keyboard pretty unresponsive? It always misses touch inputs and therefore it's a chore to write chat and discord messages with it. That there is no dictionary, doesn't make it any better. Maybe the first issue is theme related?
MayeulC May 3, 2022
Just got to order mine (64GB, France).

If that helps your estimate, I initially preordered a 256GB kit (on 16th july), but decided to go for a cheaper SKU and upgrade when HW prices are less crazy. the store was having issues, so I got back in on the 18th at 3am.

Regarding keyboard layouts, how are external keyboards handled?

Also: again, why staggered layouts? >:( Grid layouts work much better on touchscreen (and also on physical devices) IME.


Last edited by MayeulC on 4 May 2022 at 2:07 pm UTC
slaapliedje May 3, 2022
Quoting: KROMIs it just me, or is the keyboard pretty unresponsive? It always misses touch inputs and therefore it's a chore to write chat and discord messages with it. That there is no dictionary, doesn't make it any better. Maybe the first issue is theme related?
I have had mine... I guess 'through click' on me. (Where I use the touch screen to type and it selects something on the window behind it. This was in Desktop mode.
KROM May 4, 2022
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What's also very bad is, that it gives me haptic feedback for my keypress, even when it ignores my input.
For desktop mode I've installed an alternative keyboard which works really well. I really do hope that Valve will make the Steam keyboard more enjoyable.
slaapliedje May 4, 2022
Quoting: KROMWhat's also very bad is, that it gives me haptic feedback for my keypress, even when it ignores my input.
For desktop mode I've installed an alternative keyboard which works really well. I really do hope that Valve will make the Steam keyboard more enjoyable.

Yeah. You want to have some 'joy'? Try to reply to a discussion on Steam while in 'Deck Mode'. That's where I found if you use the touch screen, you click behind the keyboard. It usually is smart enough to pop up or down on the screen based on where your cursor is, but seems to be broken on this particular function, so the keyboard was covering up my reply box. I ended up replying on my desktop system instead.

Edit: I too have had the haptic feedback without the actual input working. Like a lot.


Last edited by slaapliedje on 4 May 2022 at 5:44 pm UTC
MisterPaytwick May 7, 2022
Quoting: RaabenNow that is a Steam color scheme that takes me back..

That what brought me here.

And I sit wondering if I enjoy truly the palette or my nostalgia is...

On the other hand, after getting into gruvbox and tons of themes, left and right, I do truly believe this is a great base and going for more pastel colors could simply result in one of my favorite theme ever.

Theme nerding aside: Does the keyboard support orthogonal layouts? such as this bépo layout? I guess it doesn't (yet?), but it'd be awesome (yet very niche): a great way to workaround the issue of the price (orthogonal bépo layout is at least 250€+ from the top of my head). Speaking of this, fdroid most likely have AnySoftKeyboard which should support that, got to check that out.

Out of curiosity (and laziness, let's be honest), is there a way to get an ETA of Steam Deck shipment?
slaapliedje May 7, 2022
Quoting: MisterPaytwickOut of curiosity (and laziness, let's be honest), is there a way to get an ETA of Steam Deck shipment?
After purchase I think it took them 4 days to ship for mine. But then it showed up on Saturday instead of Monday like the initial estimate. All in, I paid on Thursday, and got it the next week on Saturday.

One thing I noticed yesterday... no Control on the keyboard?
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