Play PS5 Remote Play with a keyboard and mouse
PS5 games are made for a controller, so Remote Play apps turn your keys and mouse into controller buttons and sticks. How far that goes differs a lot between apps: some only map keys, and few let the mouse aim. This page compares what they document, checked on 24 October 2026.
What the PS5 itself supports
Sony says you can connect a keyboard to the PS5 for “a faster way to enter text” and a mouse to “select items on your screen”, adding that “not all devices work with your console”. Games decide whether they accept a keyboard or mouse at all; most expect a controller.
How the Remote Play apps compare
| App | Keyboard as controller | Change keys | Mouse | Mouse aiming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS Remote Play (Sony) | Only in games that support hardware keyboards | Not documented | Shows the app’s controls | Not documented |
| chiaki-ng | Yes | Yes | Touchpad | Requested, not available |
| PXPlay | Yes (PC) | Yes | Interface mode | Not documented |
| Orbit Play | Yes | Yes, up to three keys per input | Buttons | Yes, optional (new in 0.4.0) |
- Sony: keyboard keys work “in games that support hardware keyboards”, “as if they are using a hardware keyboard connected directly to their PS4 or PS5 console”. On Windows, moving the mouse over the stream shows the app’s control panel.
- chiaki-ng: its Keys settings include Keyboard as controller, key mapping and Reset All Keys, and the mouse can act as the touchpad: “Clicking the mouse Right Button instead of the T key would have the same effect” (controlling guide). Mouse aiming is an open request: issue 724 notes “there is no option to map mouse movement to the right analog stick”.
- PXPlay: offers keyboard support (PC only), touchpad gestures in the keyboard mapping, and keyboard mappings for the microphone and exiting the stream.
Tips for playing with keys
- Map what you press most to keys you can hold together, such as sprint and jump on Shift and Space, so movement keys stay free.
- Keep menu keys simple. Arrow keys, Enter and Esc work well for the PS5’s menus.
- For aiming, lower the mouse sensitivity first. A controller stick has a top speed, so mouse aiming feels best when small movements stay small.
- Expect some games to be harder. Games tuned for analog sticks and aim assist can feel different with keys and a mouse.
With Orbit Play
Orbit Play has a full default layout (WASD for the left stick, I J K L for the right, Enter for Cross, Esc for Circle). In 0.4.0, the Controls screen lets you change any key or mouse button, up to three per PS5 input, and Aim with the mouse moves the right stick with your mouse: click the video to start and press F2 to release it. See change your keys and aim with the mouse.
Sources
- Sony: keyboard and mouse on PS5, Remote Play overview and PS Remote Play for Windows.
- chiaki-ng: controlling, settings and issue 724.
- PXPlay: README and release notes.