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Summary
The current SteamOS virtual keyboard does not provide access to essential keys such as the Escape key and Function keys (F1–F12). This limits usability in Desktop Mode, terminal applications, emulators, development tools, and many PC applications that rely on these keys.
Problem
When using SteamOS without a physical keyboard (for example on handheld devices like the ROG Ally, Steam Deck, or other SteamOS installations), the built-in virtual keyboard is missing:
Escape (Esc) key
Function keys (F1–F12)
Some additional modifier or utility keys commonly required in desktop environments
This creates usability issues in scenarios such as:
Using terminal applications (Esc is essential in tools like vim, nano, etc.)
Using emulators (many use Esc or function keys for menus or hotkeys)
Desktop productivity applications
BIOS-like menus or configuration tools
Remote desktop or development workflows
Expected behavior
The SteamOS virtual keyboard should include:
A visible Esc key
A way to access F1–F12 keys (either as a dedicated row, toggle layer, or modifier mode)
Ideally a "Full keyboard" toggle mode with a complete standard keyboard layout
Current behavior
The SteamOS virtual keyboard provides a limited layout without Esc or function keys, and there is no obvious way to access them.
Suggested solutions
Any of the following would resolve the issue:
Add a toggle button to switch between "Compact" and "Full" keyboard layouts
Add a function key layer (Fn toggle) to access F1–F12
Add Esc key to the main layout
Provide an optional "Desktop Mode full keyboard" layout optimized for power users
Use case example
On handheld devices running SteamOS (such as ROG Ally running SteamOS), users often rely entirely on the virtual keyboard. Without Esc or F-keys, many desktop applications and emulators cannot be used properly without connecting an external keyboard.
Environment:
Device: ROG Ally (also applicable to Steam Deck and other SteamOS devices)
Mode: Desktop Mode
Input: SteamOS virtual keyboard
SteamOS version: [insert version here]
Additional context
This would significantly improve usability for power users, developers, emulator users, and anyone using Desktop Mode without a physical keyboard.
Your system information
Summary
The current SteamOS virtual keyboard does not provide access to essential keys such as the Escape key and Function keys (F1–F12). This limits usability in Desktop Mode, terminal applications, emulators, development tools, and many PC applications that rely on these keys.
Problem
When using SteamOS without a physical keyboard (for example on handheld devices like the ROG Ally, Steam Deck, or other SteamOS installations), the built-in virtual keyboard is missing:
Escape (Esc) key
Function keys (F1–F12)
Some additional modifier or utility keys commonly required in desktop environments
This creates usability issues in scenarios such as:
Using terminal applications (Esc is essential in tools like vim, nano, etc.)
Using emulators (many use Esc or function keys for menus or hotkeys)
Desktop productivity applications
BIOS-like menus or configuration tools
Remote desktop or development workflows
Expected behavior
The SteamOS virtual keyboard should include:
A visible Esc key
A way to access F1–F12 keys (either as a dedicated row, toggle layer, or modifier mode)
Ideally a "Full keyboard" toggle mode with a complete standard keyboard layout
Current behavior
The SteamOS virtual keyboard provides a limited layout without Esc or function keys, and there is no obvious way to access them.
Suggested solutions
Any of the following would resolve the issue:
Add a toggle button to switch between "Compact" and "Full" keyboard layouts
Add a function key layer (Fn toggle) to access F1–F12
Add Esc key to the main layout
Provide an optional "Desktop Mode full keyboard" layout optimized for power users
Use case example
On handheld devices running SteamOS (such as ROG Ally running SteamOS), users often rely entirely on the virtual keyboard. Without Esc or F-keys, many desktop applications and emulators cannot be used properly without connecting an external keyboard.
Environment:
Device: ROG Ally (also applicable to Steam Deck and other SteamOS devices)
Mode: Desktop Mode
Input: SteamOS virtual keyboard
SteamOS version: [insert version here]
Additional context
This would significantly improve usability for power users, developers, emulator users, and anyone using Desktop Mode without a physical keyboard.