What are some good peripherals for turning my steam deck into a "laptop"?

[Assburgers]

Lets say that I want the "laptop experience" using my steam deck because reasons (i.e. portable pc on the go, easier desktop mode navigation, keyboard + mouse controls, etc.) What are some good peripherals do you guys recommend?

Right now I don't have a docking station. I use a USB hub and a cheap plastic smartphone holder I got off from a street fair. Assuming I want to get a docking station, do you guys recommend the one Valve is officially selling or a third-party product?

For keyboards, what kind should I get if I want something that's small enough to fit in a laptop bag or a school backpack? Assume my bag isn't big enough to fit in a standard-size keyboard. I recently discovered that foldable keyboards are a thing but I have some questions about them: how durable are they? do they have wired options instead of wireless? can they withstand intense gaming sessions?
Optional, but preferred: wired, has numpad, mechanical keys.

As for the mouse I'm not too concerned, but namedrop me any products that you know that are good/reliable, wired, and has two side buttons (so I can go back and forth browser pages). My current desktop gaming mouse has a double-clicking issue, and I wanna see if there are any you guys want to recommend.
Optional: ergonomic, programmable buttons, side buttons can withstand lots of clicking before wearing out.

Yes, I know this seems kinda silly and strange when compared to having a gaming laptop (or even a smartphone), but let's say it's a "cheaper alternative with handheld features".

[ReBoot]

Something line Nexdock may fit the bill.

[Yoko'Tsuno]

For keyboard, altought it's not as comfortable as a dedicated physical keyboard, i use kde connect on my phone. So my phone can controle my steamdeck as a mouse, a keyboard or a telecomand. It can also share files.

It can connect to bluetooth but it's a little tricky. however when steamdeck and the phone are on the same network, it does wonder. i recommend it with any computer, when you watch a movie you can stop it or raise volume. When doing a talk with slideshow you can change picture with your phone.

[strykerpsg]

I have gone down this path. I found searching for "best steam deck accessories" to be very helpful. Not only are there tons of articles but also tons of videos.

I opted for:

1. Jsaux dock. Its wide enough to fit the gel skin i also bought from jsaux. They also have docks with an HDD port too, up to 2TB of storage

2. Jsaux protective rubber case

3. Aerox wireless mouse. Very lightweight and bluetooth connectivity

4. Razer huntsman 60% wireless keyboard. Its also mechanical and very low profile

5. Asus zen screen 15.6 IPS portable monitor. Has its own protective case that also serves as a stand. It has a built-in battery too.

Working on a back pack to carry all plus my work laptop. But, so far, nice play laptop replacement.

[bean]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Moka:

For keyboard, altought it's not as comfortable as a dedicated physical keyboard, i use kde connect on my phone. So my phone can controle my steamdeck as a mouse, a keyboard or a telecomand. It can also share files.

It can connect to bluetooth but it's a little tricky. however when steamdeck and the phone are on the same network, it does wonder. i recommend it with any computer, when you watch a movie you can stop it or raise volume. When doing a talk with slideshow you can change picture with your phone.

^ this route is great, but not for everyone ^
(i thought it was great but my ex HATED it)

I am not a keyboard enthusiast/hobbyist. I am a temperamental faceroller. I type heavily, much loud, much fast. much regerts.

I use a logitech k480 as my travel kb because I prefer the chiclet-style keys and hardware profile switch (phys toggle for OS switch, sounds useless but super clutch). It is a laptop-sized layout (no num keys) and is nice and light for a 'quality'* build keyboard.

It is battery powered (two AAA) and Bluetooth only (without needing dongles). However, the battery life is pretty good (for 2xAAA batterises ).

It works quite well with the steam deck and is very pack-able. I took the top of a box and made a sleeve for the kb and wev extra cables... not that the kb needs cables... but you know...
cables.

I feel stupid saying this on steam, but I use my keyboards ALL THE TIME. For work and play. like 97.3% of ppl on steam. However, trust that I beat the poop out of these things.

This thing has worked well for me and while not as cheap as amz sellers, it is certainly not expensive and FAR more reliable.

tldr
I say all this so you keep in mind that there are good options out there if you look.

[Yoko'Tsuno]

Ahah i know it's not for everyone, sorry, but it's an awesome app. i can work on phone, than send my file to SD and continu my work where i left., i control my tv/pc with my phone. So while it's not a perfect solution, that tool is too good that i over exagerate. i type a lot on my phone, and i don't need to bring any KB nor mouse. There is also syncthing for automated file sync accross all devices. :)

i saw the logitech keyboard and it's very cool, you can put the phone there. Can you do the same thing for the deck ?

[[KAMI] RedWyvern]

Just saw Gaming on Linux post this, they might report later what laptop dock they are showing here.
https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxuLtncoWp7fG2X4AXLdQ78GX-ey7wjUkF
It sure looks interesting for this usecase.

I use mine as a tablet more and just practiced with the onscreen keyboard, with Trigger Clicks enabled it can become quite consistent and fast, for a virtual keyboard.
But without accessories you need a lot of workarounds and a good Desktop Layout, even then it's slower than a real keyboard.

My dock only gets used for things like quickly setting it up as a media player, how I would use my Linux laptop before.
Other than that, only accessory I use are headphones, besides ofc the case and chargers.

[Righteousnuts]

Is there anyway to extend the battery life? Any recommendation on an external plugin battery?

[[KAMI] RedWyvern]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Righteousnuts:

Is there anyway to extend the battery life? Any recommendation on an external plugin battery?

And powerbank with USB-C PD rated 45W or higher should work.
While a powerbank that delivers less power would function too, it would wear the Steam Deck's own battery more.

When a 45W or higher power source (powerbank, charger, dock) is connected, the Deck will disconnect it's own battery and run on external power only when it's fully charged.
This reduces wear on the internal battery, but if the power source can not supply enough Watt, the Deck has to keep relying on it's own battery.