Called the “Surface Keyboard,” the feature has no connection to Microsoft’s Surface lineup. Instead, it lets Quest 3 users type and navigate by using a desk or table as a virtual input area inside VR. The tool is currently being tested in Horizon OS v85 via the Public Test Channel and is exclusive to the Meta Quest 3. It won’t work on the Quest 3S or other Meta headsets.
While VR headsets are often associated with gaming, the Quest 3 has steadily become more useful for productivity. It supports Windows 11 integration, allowing users to extend their PC into multiple virtual displays, and it can also stream Windows 365 through the cloud. That makes working in VR possible - but input has always been the weak point.
On-screen virtual keyboards exist, but they’re far from ideal. Typing in midair is slow, inaccurate, and physically tiring, making long work sessions uncomfortable. Movies make it look effortless, but in reality, keeping your hands raised quickly becomes impractical.
A physical keyboard still offers the best experience thanks to proper feedback and ergonomics. That said, Meta’s Surface Keyboard sits somewhere between a real keyboard and a floating digital one, offering a more usable alternative when a physical keyboard isn’t available.
The touchpad aspect may be the real standout. Navigating websites or virtual desktops by pinching or waving your hands can be frustrating, especially for precise tasks. In a video shared by Yoon Park, a principal designer at Meta Reality Labs, the virtual touchpad enables smooth scrolling and easy navigation within apps like Microsoft Word.
Overall, while it won’t replace traditional hardware, Meta’s new Surface Keyboard and touchpad could make working in VR feel far more practical - especially for users who want a cleaner, cable-free setup.
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