Can I use a wireless keyboard and mouse when first installing Ubuntu?

Question

I have Intel NUC Skull Canyon coming in a week and other stuff like a bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

How can I install the Ubuntu/ Xubuntu with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse?

This is the bt keyboard.

I only have the experience in installing Ubuntu on my laptop but never did it on this kind of case before. Did anyone install Ubuntu/ Xubuntu with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse before? Please give some advice and and tips.

Or maybe better off using the wired keyboard and mouse??

Solution

As explained in the comments, if there are drivers for your wireless keyboard in default installation, it will work. Otherwise, no drivers - won't work.

According to one of the question on the Amazon page you linked, that keyboard doesn't work with Linux. Source:

https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx2ZBAUN8RZULG0/?source=allQuestionsPage

Although, according to the seller, it works in Android, so that answer isnt 100% reputable, I'd say.

Wired keyboards, particularly USB ones, are supported fully, so I would recommend you use that if you are unsure. Then after installation try testing your Bluetooth keyboard, maybe it'll work

Comments

[Pilot6]

You can if they work from LiveUSB. But this is not always the case.

[Run]

@Pilot6 what is the LiveUSB?

[Pilot6]

It is the device you install Ubuntu from.

[Sergiy Kolodyazhnyy]

LiveUSB is the USB drive with Ubuntu installer. I personally use wireless Logitech k400r keyboard when installing and it works, so yeah - that one is supported for sure

[Run]

@Serg thanks . so not all bt keyboards work with Linux then?

[Sergiy Kolodyazhnyy]

@teelou If drivers for keyboard come with the default system, they will work. If there's no drivers - they won't. Simple as that. Same as in Windows. You have drivers, windows will like it, if not - it won't. Linux or not, idea is the same

[Run]

@Serg what do u mean by 'drivers'? the software for the bt keyboard?

[R5w2ii33HhLSq]

Keep in mind that if you want to get to the bios update with F2 or F7, before installing an OS even from a Linux LiveImage USB drive, you'll need a wired USB keyboard. My Logitech Wireless Keyboard Mouse does not work until the OS is up and drivers are running. On my Skull Canyon, Fedora 25 would not some up; Ubuntu, no issues.

[Run]

Thanks for the answer but what do u mean by 'drivers'? the software for the bt keyboard?

[Sergiy Kolodyazhnyy]

Yes, the software.

[Run]

I have never thought that a bt keyboard has a driver. But I know some bt keywords come with receivers. Are receivers = software?

[Sergiy Kolodyazhnyy]

No, receiver is typically a physical device. For example, the keyboard i mentioned, logitech k400r , has a tiny usb receiver which plugs into computer, and that's how keyboard and computer communicate - through that tiny device.

[Run]

so if the bt keyboard has no usb receiver, like the one in my question, then it won't work?

[Sergiy Kolodyazhnyy]

@teelou see small update i made to the answer

[Run]

Thanks for the update. Although, according to the seller, it works in Android, so that answer isnt 100% reputable, I'd say. - yes I doubt too.

[Sergiy Kolodyazhnyy]

@teelou yes, essentially, if there's no device that can receive bluetooth signal , it will not work. In my case, my laptop has WiFi card that has bluetooth receiver chip on it, built-in. My other laptop has no such thing, so I would probably need a Bluetooth receiver that plugs into USB port

[Run]

I think I will use a wired keyboard as a backup. Thanks!

[Sergiy Kolodyazhnyy]

Always welcome ! Hope your installation goes smoothly. Have fun with Ubuntu !

[Run]

Thanks. Will update my question if I have a good result :-)