KDE Connect Remote Keyboard

I recently stumbled into this cool little feature with KDE Conenct, the ability to use your desktop Linux machine as your keyboard input to your Android device. I tested this on my Samsung Galaxy S5, Moto X and HP TouchPad running Android. Assuming you have given KDE Connect a try, you may or may not have used this feature. If you haven’t tried it, you may want to see how it works for you.

I am not a fan of the touch input on tablets and phones, the input is just too slow and cumbersome, so I tend to use a laptop for just about everything. There are unfortunately a few applications that will only work on mobile devices. I do have a Bluetooth keyboard that I have connected from time to time to more efficiently use the mobile device but I don’t need another keyboard on my desktop that I would use intermittently, at best. Being able to type from my Desktop Linux machine right into my Android powered phone or tablet whenever needed is a welcome feature and far better than using the screen to touch or swipe type.

For instructions on setting up KDE Connect in openSUSE, follow this link or here for everyone else.

On the Linux Desktop side, make sure you have selected Remote keyboard from the Desktop

For your Android device(s):

Go into your Settings menu. Search for Language and input > Set up Input Method (Might be under “Default” on some Android devices)

You will then see several options, check KDE Connect Remote Keyboard to activate it as an available keyboard.

The notification drop down on the Android device, There is an option to “Select keyboard”. Assuming that the Android device is working properly, you will be able to select the input keyboard.

The Keyboard switcher is either in the in the notification drop down of which I see on my Samsung Galaxy S5, and my HP TouchPad. On my Moto X, I have an option in the global keys along the bottom to select my Input Keyboard.

It appears that my Samsung Galaxy notification on the keyboard doesn’t actually do anything when selected but the HP TouchPad works like one would expect. I find that the Moto X method to be the best demonstration of exposing the keyboard input selection.

Now, back on KDE Plasma (I can’t speak for any other desktop), you can input into the Mobile Device clicking on the KDE Connect icon in the System Tray and enter text next to Remote Keyboard.

As you type in this dialog, you will see the text immediately display on the connected device. I find it strangle pleasurable to type on my computer to input text on the tablet, or SmartPhone. I spent several minutes sending messages thru Telegram even though I have a Telegram client for Linux Desktop, realizing that was a bit silly, I opened the SMS app on my phone to send messages to those friends that I know wouldn’t care at all or just fire off a few pejorative comments regarding my excitement for this newly discovered feature.

I have used it several times and find this feature to be very stable, reliable and for the few days I have been using it, I can count on it to work as expected. All around, this is a great feature that is built right into KDE Plasma.

Final Thoughts

I am not sure how often I will use this feature but I am certainly appreciative to have it available. I do tend to avoid any services that lock me to a “mobile device” for communication but there are a few that unfortunately have me locked, for now. Thankfully, the hard working folks of the KDE Connect Community have been working hard to make life a bit better for those that prefer keyboards to touchscreens.

Further Reading

KDE Connect Desktop Mobile Convergence

openSUSE wiki installation and configuration of KDE Connect

KDE Connect Community Site

Albert Vaca’s blog about KDE and KDE Connect