Keyboard Control
Using a USB keyboard to control GhostESP
ESP32-S3 devices can use USB Host mode to accept input from a USB keyboard.
Requirements
- ESP32-S3 based device (Cardputer ADV, T-Deck, etc.)
- USB OTG adapter (Type-C to USB-A)
- USB keyboard
- CONFIG_USE_USB_KEYBOARD enabled in build config
Enabling USB Host Mode
USB Host mode can be enabled in two ways:
Via Settings Menu
- Navigate to Settings → System & Hardware
- Find USB Host Mode
- Toggle to On
Via Command
usbkbd on
To disable:
usbkbd off
To check status:
usbkbd status
Keyboard Controls
Once enabled, the following keys control navigation:
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| ↑ Arrow | Navigate up |
| ↓ Arrow | Navigate down |
| ← Arrow | Back / Left |
| → Arrow | Right |
| Enter | Select |
| ESC | Back / Exit |
All other keys work as normal keyboard input for text fields.
Remote Keyboard
When two GhostESP devices are connected via Dual Comm, keyboard events are transmitted between them. This allows one device with a USB keyboard to control another device remotely.
Important Notes
- CDC Console: USB console is unavailable while in Host mode (port switches from Device to Host).
- Flashing: You must disable USB Host mode (or reboot) to flash new firmware via USB
- Not Persistent: The USB Host mode setting is runtime-only and resets on reboot