Add keyboard input support

[bsolar17]

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
Some games support keyboard input. E.g. Final Fantasy XIV: by connecting a keyboard to the Playstation, it's possible to use it to e.g. type in chat directly without having to resort to the clunky software keyboard.

The official PS Remote Play App supports using the local computer keyboard as keyboard input for the game, e.g. in FFXIV running in PS Remote Play, being able to type on the keyboard of the computer to have text written in the in-game chat.

Describe the solution you'd like
I'd like keyboard input support to be added to chiaki-ng. This will add a missing feature currently available on the official App to chiaki-ng and greatly improve the gaming experience in those games where keyboard input support is beneficial.

This would likely require being able to disable controller input via keyboard keypresses as I don't see how both features can work at the same time, but this is not an issue if the game is being played through an actual controller or if the switch can be made on the fly e.g. via key combination.

Describe alternatives you've considered
The only alternatives I can think of is not using chiaki-ng and use the official App instead, or use a bluetooth keyboard connected to the Playstation. The former alternative would mean forfeiting chiaki-ng's superior streaming options, the latter is only feasible if the Playstation is in close vicinity and a bluetooth keyboard is available and paired to it, meaning not paired to the computer.

Both alternatives are not really appealing.

[streetpea]

@bsolar17 do you have more examples of games that have this functionality so I can test it. I don't play multiplayer games for the most part.

[bsolar17]

@streetpea, there is this list available for PS4 games, not sure how much up-to-date, but note that I don't think you even need a game at all to test this: the keyboard is recognized by the OS too and can be used in any input field.

I think the easiest way is likely from the Playstation Home, go to the top-right and enter the search (magnifying glass): the keyboard can be used to type directly in the search input field without having to use the software keyboard.

I can provide a video if you need it.

[streetpea]

@bsolar17 thanks for the list. I’ll start with the home menu keyboard and then see if it’s any different for in game.

[nonplayer]

I wanted take a moment and add my own support to this request. I was using chiaki-ng to play my PS5 installation of Fallout 76 and tried to use my keyboard to rename a weapon, then was surprised that I couldn't. It would be a handy feature to have, so thanks for looking into it!

[cjdw94]

Would also like to add my support for this request as well - I recently started streaming FFXIV to my PC from my PS5 Pro and the official Remote Play app is inferior in every way, except for native Windows hardware keyboard support. It would be a major boon to be able to type in-game from the keyboard that's directly in front of me at my workstation.

Thanks so much for looking into this.

[SixelAlexiS90]

Hi! I just want to add that, if you are going to support this, please do not remove the current functionality to emulate the pad with the keyboard but make a separate setting to either use the native keyboard support of the game or the pad emulation, thanks!

[streetpea]

@SixelAlexiS90 If this is implemented it would be an option with the default being controller emulation. Checking the option would enable keyboard support.