steam controller on-screen keyboard doesn't input to Linux apps

steamclosed reviewedSteam controller

ValveSoftware/steam-for-linux#4353 · opened 2016-03-12 by LiamDawe · updated 2025-07-26 · 9 comments · github

LLiamDawe 2016-03-12 github

I am sure Valve are aware, but I've not seen any mentions of this in changelogs.

The Steam Controller on-screen keyboard doesn't actually input anything into Linux apps, making it useless.

I imagine because the Window it brings up has total focus?

Ttenthmile 2016-03-21 github

I've had problems with non US keyboard letters like §üöä.

TTele42 2016-03-21 github

@tenthmile, this issue report is unrelated to your issue, maybe #2122?

AactuallySIG 2017-11-12 github

I'm using Ubuntu 16.04 and I'm still experiencing this.

There's an excellent thread on the issue here: https://steamcommunity.com/app/353370/discussions/0/412449508278650766/

RRicardoEPRodrigues 2017-12-01 github

I'm also affected by this issue. Ubuntu 17.10 under GNOME.

AAaronBottegal 2017-12-30 github

Arch Linux and GNOME here. Hard crash after selecting the first letter nearly always, 100% cpu usage. Responds to window closing gracefully it seems. Doesn't input anything into applications. US Keyboard layout. I'll test whatever is needed. I have 3 controllers, and many PC's.

AactuallySIG 2019-02-08 github

I've been trying to use the OSK again recently, and the issue is still present.

I've noticed that after opening and closing the OSK, Steam no longer receives any input from the Steam Controller. This happens regardless if you type anything in the OSK or not. Steam needs to be restarted in order for input to be received again.

TTechnichalDoge 2019-03-05 github

Same for Kubuntu 18.10

MManagor 2025-06-09 github

I'm not able to reproduce this with the modern OSK

Kkisak-valve maintainer 2025-07-26 github

Closing per the last comment.

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