Sam Hobbs

Sam Hobbs

  • 51
  • 29.1k
  • 2m

USB keyboard and mouse

Jan 7 2015 6:55 PM

Does anyone have experience with the use of a USB keyboard and mouse with Android through a hub that provides separate power for the USB keyboard and mouse?

This is not a programming question. This is about using a USB keyboard and mouse in an Android system.

First, I need to say that it is possible to use a USB (not Bluetooth) keyboard and mouse with Android. I know that is possible. The things that are complicated are things like OTG and the power used for the keyboard and mouse.

Obviously if we are going to use both a keyboard and a mouse then we need a hub. Also the power for a USB keyboard and mouse usually come from the computer system (usually a desktop system). An Android system however is usually a smartphone or tablet that has limited power. Assuming there is a power source, it would be better to get the power for the keyboard and mouse from the other power source, not the smartphone or tablet. I know that some hubs are powered but I am unclear of the details of how that works.

Does anyone have experience with the use of a USB keyboard and mouse with Android through a hub that provides separate power for the USB keyboard and mouse?

I also read about OTG but it is not clear whether there is a difference between OTG cables/hubs and non-OTG ones.

If you have experience with the use of a USB keyboard and mouse with Android through a hub that provides separate power for the USB keyboard and mouse then I am interested in what you have done.


Answers (2)