Unless you're doing playing PVP content, really any wireless keyboard is going to be fine. I use a fullsize (I did the smaller keyboards when I first ditched desk PC gaming, but the thin, but fullsize, form factor is the way to go) and we just put it on the coffee table or a side-pouch on the Lay-Z-Boy. Same with mouse; only thing wired are controllers, but those run under a rug.
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Looking for tips from couch PC gamers
- Thread starter The Infectious Paradox
- Start date
Unless you're doing playing PVP content, really any wireless keyboard is going to be fine. I use a fullsize (I did the smaller keyboards when I first ditched desk PC gaming, but the thin, but fullsize, form factor is the way to go) and we just put it on the coffee table or a side-pouch on the Lay-Z-Boy. Same with mouse; only thing wired are controllers, but those run under a rug.
The Infectious Paradox
Gold Member
I guess I more mean for quality. Like durability, etc
mayham2199
Member
Yea I was more referring to when you're already in a game. I've had issues with it where sometimes I can't get out of big picture mode. Sometimes my game will freeze, etc. When you're not in a game yet then yea that keyboard can work perfectly.
mayham2199
Member
Works as you said, I have it up and running now
But is there a way to get Game Pass games into Steam Big Picture Mode?
I don’t currently subscribe but want to know my options when Hellblade 2 comes out.
From what I remember it's a bit difficult to do. If you want to go that route than use a program called Playnite. Similar to steam big picture mode but will allow you to import games from Steam, Epic, game pass, etc.
I use the Logitech K540 and it is easily the most solid (while also being very light) wireless I've used. Good key-travel (or whatever metric they use for how well it feels to type on) and it's been stepped and spilled on and still goes strong.
darrylgorn
Member
Set up moonlight and sunshine to stream games from your PC.
The Infectious Paradox
Gold Member
This? Super affordable if so. I don't think I need anything crazy bc I'll mostly be on controller.
Kataploom
Gold Member
I get what you say, but fortunately those issues are way too rare imo, never get them these days, also I'm the type of person that just turn PC on, play for a while, then close the game and Turn PC off from the Steam Big Picture, hell I don't even turn PC off completely, just suspend it so it gets in the game in mere seconds, I don't get out of SBP, no need to
A.Romero
Member
Personally I only game on Couch PC with a controller. Xbox is my go to with the wireless receiver. Whatever requires KB&M is probably best on the desk.
I use Android's Unified Remote to control the basics of my PC through the network to click out of splash screens and Windows configs.
I use Android's Unified Remote to control the basics of my PC through the network to click out of splash screens and Windows configs.
The Infectious Paradox
Gold Member
Interesting. Maybe controller is more accessible than I thought
Vargavinter
Member
Invest in a quality HDMI cable that can handle all the signals.
ResilientBanana
Member
Mini-ITX are cool
Fess
Member
Can you boot it into Playnite and only use controller?
For me it’s the scenarios where a keyboard or mouse is needed that breaks the living room equation for me.
1. I currently need to pick out a wireless keyboard with touch pad just to click with a mouse cursor on a login button after waking it up from sleep mode.
Super annoying. It makes sleep mode unusable.
Can that login be deactivated?
Or can you somehow get control of the mouse cursor in Windows with a controller?
2. When I power it off completely it can boot directly into Steam Big Picture mode and no Windows login. great!
But wait! When powering it off it sometimes mess up the RPG in the case at start and I ”need to” pick up the keyboard with touch pad to go into MSI center and fix the rgb.
Sigh.
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Shtef
Member
Yes, that is how I am using it. It boots directly in big screen mode and i use only xbox controller.
Fess
Member
Nice that’s how I want it
Will try when I get Gamepass again.I ended up buying this from aliexpress and it's been quite good! The backlight comes in handy and has great battery life. wouldn't use it for gaming but for navigation.
After that use moonlight, I have a small pc where my TV is that connects to main pc in other room. You will need ethernet for it to work pretty much flawlessly. I have a rocatt sova but I don't use it, if I want to play with mouse I'll go where the desk is
After that use moonlight, I have a small pc where my TV is that connects to main pc in other room. You will need ethernet for it to work pretty much flawlessly. I have a rocatt sova but I don't use it, if I want to play with mouse I'll go where the desk is
TrebleShot
Member
Mind sharing your mini pc and specs?
I’ve been using a docked steam deck for this use and it’s amazing but I have to choose 4k60 or 1440p120 which looks fine (better than all performance modes on ps5) but I really want to push 4k120 to max it out.
The Infectious Paradox
Gold Member
Got a specific suggestion I can look into?
Fess
Member
After two weeks of living room PC usage I’d say being able to pull out a mouse or keyboard is essential.
Like last night when starting Horizon Forbidden West (great port!) there was a pop up saying there was a new nvidia driver that would improve the game. Needed to press an OK box with a mouse cursor to continue launching the game. So I pulled out my keyboard/mouse to click the box, then quit the game after the intro, minimized Steam, installed the driver, restarted the computer, then started the game again.
THEN I could put away the keyboard/mouse and use the controller and start playing.
Scenarios like that is where PC gaming stumbles in the living room for me. But this is all new to me. Idk maybe it’s possible to use the Dualsense touch pad to control the mouse cursor or something like that. Right now I use the Xbox Series controller and a keyboard with an integrated touch pad.
The upsides of having great framerates without worse visuals plus mods makes up for any annoyances though. I love it tbh, this is probably the biggest boost for my gaming hobby I’ve ever felt.
Like last night when starting Horizon Forbidden West (great port!) there was a pop up saying there was a new nvidia driver that would improve the game. Needed to press an OK box with a mouse cursor to continue launching the game. So I pulled out my keyboard/mouse to click the box, then quit the game after the intro, minimized Steam, installed the driver, restarted the computer, then started the game again.
THEN I could put away the keyboard/mouse and use the controller and start playing.
Scenarios like that is where PC gaming stumbles in the living room for me. But this is all new to me. Idk maybe it’s possible to use the Dualsense touch pad to control the mouse cursor or something like that. Right now I use the Xbox Series controller and a keyboard with an integrated touch pad.
The upsides of having great framerates without worse visuals plus mods makes up for any annoyances though. I love it tbh, this is probably the biggest boost for my gaming hobby I’ve ever felt.