Version: 2.0
Last updated: 2026-03-19
Overview
This specification document is divided into two sections:
Minimum requirements describe the criteria for a peripheral category to be compatible with ChromeOS.
Additional requirements describe the criteria for certification.
Legend
| Product Verb | Development Action |
|---|---|
| "MUST" | Mandatory product requirement |
| "SHOULD" | Optional recommendation |
| "MAY" | Nice to have |
Glossary
Function keys: Numbered Fn keys like F1, F2, ....
Navigation keys: Up, Down, Left, Right.
Six-pack: In extended layout, the two rows of three keys sitting above Navigation keys.
Dongle: A small port adapter that provides communication with an accessory in a format not supported natively by the ChromeOS device. A dongle often contains an RF receiver.
RF: Radio Frequency. The most common form of wireless communication.
Modal keys: Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock; Keys that change the behavior of the keyboard and continue to have effect after they are released.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Generic peripheral Specifications
- The peripheral MUST meet the minimum requirements defined in the Generic peripheral specifications.
Key Behavior
HID Codes
The keyboard MUST be compliant to HID v1.11.
All keys MUST send HID codes or combination of HID codes mapped to KEY_ or BTN_ code by the linux kernel.
Combination keys
- If the keyboard has an AI Key, then the keyboard MUST send Meta + Shift + f23
Function Keys
If the keyboards have keys with a secondary behavior as Function Keys, the keyboard MUST have a Fn key.
If a key with secondary behavior as a Function Key is pressed simultaneously with a Fn key, the keyboard MUST send a Function Key HID code.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Along with the Minimum requirements, a peripheral MUST meet below mandatory requirements to achieve certification.
Generic peripheral Specifications
- The peripheral MUST meet the additional requirements defined in the Generic peripheral specifications.
Key Behavior
Function Keys
[Optional] Keys MAY have a secondary behavior as Function keys.
[Optional] The keyboard MAY have dedicated Function keys.
Battery and Power
[Mandatory] If the keyboard contains a battery, then the keyboard firmware MUST report battery level via HID.
[Mandatory] If the device is bundled with a USB-C charger, then the charger MUST be USB-IF certified for power delivery.
Low power mode
- [Optional] When the keyboard experiences a period of no activity, the keyboard SHOULD go into a lower power mode.