I’ve tried all kinds of alternative keyboards for Android.
When you need speed, “thumb typing” isn’t enough.
With an adapter calledUSB On-the-Go (OTG), which comes in several shapes and sizes.
Not sure which one you need?
Learn all about thedifferent USB cable typesandhow to identify USB-C cables.
We recommendPosdou’s USB 2.0 Micro USB Male to USB Female OTG AdapterorBasesailor USB-to-USB-C OTG Adapter.
The screenshots above are for Google Pixel series phones running Android 13.
The steps may look slightly different for you depending on your rig manufacturer, model, and Android version.
Seeing as how touchscreen keyboard apps aren’t one-to-one replications, I didn’t think this would be true.
For example, theHome,End,Page Up,Page Down, andDeletekeys work just fine.
This is so useful when typing long form, such as when taking notes or writing up a paper.
TheEnterkey also works as expected, inserting new lines or submitting forms as appropriate to the context.
Print Screenalso works, which triggers the screenshot action at the operating system level.
On my Google Pixel 6a, it brings up Google Assistant.
Media keysare hit or miss.
Image Credit: Jhet Borja
When I plug in my generic mechanical keyboard, the keys for volume control and playback control are functional.
But when I plug in my Apple Magic Keyboard, none of the special keys register.
That might be an Apple-only issue, and I fully expect most keyboard media keys to work fine.
We’ve encountered two downsides to using a USB keyboard with an Android rig.
Why Not Just Use a Laptop?
You probably have a laptop that you love and use daily.
you’re free to alsocontrol Android using your machine’s mouse and keyboard.
Still not sold on the idea of using a USB keyboard with Android?
See otherways to bang out on an Android phone.
Image Credit: Jhet Borja
If you need faster typing speeds, using an external keyboard is one of the best options.
