https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/1ifltyc/use_your_trackpads_on_the_steam_deck/
created by IrAppe on 02/02/2025 at 01:23 UTC
540 upvotes, 121 top-level comments (showing 25)
I've seen a lot of reviews now, that don't really know what to make out of the trackpads, find them unnecessary or just taking space. I also started like this, but when I eventually got to try them out more, I understood that it's actually the unique defining feature of the Steam Deck controls.
I want to convince you guys to try them out. At first it might feel unusual, but they're really much more precise when you are aiming for shooting or fighting. Yesterday I tested installing Minecraft, just to see if and how it works on the Deck. Joystick control feels great, but when fighting, I had a much harder time than on PC. I don't know why, but I just started to use the trackpad in these situations instead. Just switch to them while fighting, and - my fingers already know what to do. I am locking onto enemies automatically and intuitively and fight them down with incredible precision. It just takes doing it once or twice, and it becomes second nature.
The second big reason for trackpads is their configurability. It's incredible what they can do in all kinds of other games, that use a keyboard mainly for shortcuts to bring up features. If you've never tried a touch menu, either the circle one or the numpad-like one, you have to try out one game with it. It works so amazingly, almost as quick as finding a letter on your keyboard to quickly select an option.
And then there are just point&click games, where the mouse functionality, man, the haptics are so great. I get to the position on the screen immediately and with 100% precision, like I have a real mouse in my hands. Try out FTL (Faster than Light) on the Steam Deck, it shows how incredible such games work. And: It's incredible how I even prefer the Trackpads to the Touch Screen in those situation, which makes no sense since these are destined for that. But when using you realize that it takes more energy to touch the screen, than move your finger a few mm, and then apply the tiniest pressure to have the click.
Since I completely searched out the functionality of the trackpads on the Steam Deck, I understand how that is THE defining feature, how mouse & keyboard games on PC translate to the Deck incredibly well. The Steam Deck really is a PC emulating device, and the trackpads are the reason, why it works so great.
I use it for about 40% of my games right now, and I couldn't imagine buying another handheld without at least one sizable trackpad like one the Steam Deck now. It's a comfort I don't want to miss.
Comment by thegreatboto at 02/02/2025 at 02:23 UTC
425 upvotes, 7 direct replies
Trackpads are the killer feature, imo. They enable so many unique and versatile controls.
Comment by digitalnoises at 02/02/2025 at 03:00 UTC
68 upvotes, 3 direct replies
Best thing i learned in this subreddit.: Trackball mode!
Comment by whitemamba83 at 02/02/2025 at 03:16 UTC
26 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I just love using them as virtual menus that I can set to use any keyboard shortcuts. So useful in RPGs when I want to be able to quickly pull up the map, journal, character menu, etc.
Comment by TexVik at 02/02/2025 at 02:55 UTC
49 upvotes, 7 direct replies
I guess I haven't seen the light yet. I've only tried them as mouse in desktop mode, and they are so sensitive I can never aim and click correctly. Am I doing something wrong, and will the trackball setting change this?
Comment by Billcosby49 at 02/02/2025 at 04:41 UTC
9 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I play mostly city builders and I LOVE the track pads. I like to assign cameras to the joysticks, use the right track pad as a mouse and all the buttons are menu shortcuts. It works so well.
Comment by ScherisMarie at 02/02/2025 at 03:00 UTC
9 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I created a custom setup for the Etrian Odyssey HD remasters using the right trackpad and the right bumper to simulate mouse clicks.
Not as perfect as the DS stylus was, but surprisingly close enough and leagues better than trying to play it on the Switch.
Comment by bigcuce at 02/02/2025 at 03:04 UTC
7 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I’ve been using a steam controller for some time with my pc, so i was already used to it. played through Wolfenstein and new colosus with the track pads and it’s been awesome.
Comment by popohum at 02/02/2025 at 02:17 UTC
7 upvotes, 2 direct replies
I need to try them again. Was debating trying out civ 4 and seeing how easy/hard it was to do with the trackpads
Comment by Level_Coast8005 at 02/02/2025 at 02:22 UTC
11 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Civ 6 is so much better with trackpads, in my experience at least. I think I downloaded a communituly layout for it. Also prefer Balatro with the trackpads over joysticks. No other games come to mind right now where I actually use them.
I don't think I would be able to get used to using them for any fps games for looking around though.
Comment by No_Dig_7017 at 02/02/2025 at 15:11 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Can't agree more. Haven't upgraded to any of the competitors because of the trackpads. Aiming with them is infinitely more precise than joysticks. To the point where I find FPS games not fun with the joysticks because I feel being ripped off whereas with the trackpads it's almost as good as a mouse. I set acceleration to low and trackball friction to high and I can get both fast sweeping and precise short scale motions.
Comment by Optimal-Rooster7805 at 02/02/2025 at 22:53 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The number one reason I'm not even looking at other portable pcs is the lack of double trackpads and four back buttons all in one device (to my limited knowledge). I use my double trackpads and the back buttons constantly. Trackpads for strat games like x-com 2, it's PERFECT. Not to mention adventure games and desktop mode. Those back buttons I IMMEDIATELY map to R3 and L3 in action adventure games, and usually put whatever the heal button is to a third back button for easy access. I LOVE this hardware.
In an IDEAL world, I would be able to buy new internals and replace them with an upgrade arises.
Comment by Regular_Damage_23 at 02/02/2025 at 02:08 UTC
10 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The track pads are fantastic for strategy games or other simulation type games.
Comment by farguc at 02/02/2025 at 02:43 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I play a lot of Wow and have played other mmos (ff14,nw,tnl,albion) on my steam deck.
Trackpad is what makes it possible for me.
Wow + ConsolePort + Touchpads for precise targetting and you are good to go.
People say WOW with a controller is doable when you get used to it, well it's easy to get use to it when you have a trackpad to help you precise aim.
Comment by Chuyahaga at 02/02/2025 at 02:47 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I love using trackpads on my steam deck, specifically on games such as Plague Inc: Evolved!
Comment by King_HartOG at 02/02/2025 at 08:23 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
RTS games are epic with track pads
Comment by KaoticSanity at 02/02/2025 at 11:11 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The trackpads are essential for the Deck. Without them, there are so many types of games that wouldn't be viable to play.
If you aren't using them, you aren't using your Deck to its fullest potential, plain and simple.
Comment by YSNBsleep at 02/02/2025 at 11:13 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Really? I use them constantly. Great for custom configs and mouse emulation. My dragon age origins control schemes have so much on the tracks (function menu tied to the left for example) I honestly prefer it to M&K.
Comment by FordonGreeman742 at 02/02/2025 at 12:33 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Wait until you figure out gyro controls! that's the real game-changer.
Comment by Necessary-Bit-7183 at 02/02/2025 at 14:49 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I don't understand you people. How do you even navigate your desktop, or play any mouse based games like strategy, city builder, fps? I can't even imagine playing anything without trackpads just to be very clunky and fiddly. The pads are the main reason there is no handheld competitor, not even close.
Comment by dookieshoes97 at 02/02/2025 at 14:58 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
One problem is that a lot of people, myself included, received units with malfunctioning trackpads and just assumed they were trash. Since I reassembled mine and the trackpad rattle is gone, they've been great.
Comment by msbr_ at 02/02/2025 at 17:24 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Steamdeck trackpad is absolutely brilliant.
Comment by hortathecaptain at 02/02/2025 at 18:47 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Trackpads are amazing. I wish there was a controller with joysticks and trackpads so I can play docked on my tv and still have the trackpads
Comment by robot_ranger at 02/02/2025 at 20:07 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Ya I am never going to buy another handheld unless it has dual trackpads and the same level of integration
Comment by GyroZeppelix at 02/02/2025 at 20:29 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Honestly steamdeck wouldnt be steamdeck without the trackpads. IMO best feature on it
Comment by mousers21 at 02/02/2025 at 21:23 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
track pads and gyro aiming makes the steamdeck my favorite fps gaming machine