So it looks like, for whatever reason, my Bluetooth woes were limited to the two specific devices I was trying to use: a Logitech M720 mouse and a K780 keyboard: I was able to connect both of them to the TP-Link M500 USB Bluetooth adapter, but for love or money, neither would stay connected for more than a few minutes.
The problem did not show up when I tried another distro (elementaryOS 8.1) and after searching around a little, I began to suspect that it might have something to do with the Linux kernel in Debian 13 having a few Bluetooth-related gremlins. While I know that you can change the kernel for just such occasions, it really seemed overwhelming.
Since my new keyboard arrived yesterday morning, after falling deeply in love with it while using the wired attachment, I decided to give the Bluetooth connection a try. It would at least confirm for me whether I would stick with the cabled connection (and use Bluetooth for connecting to my Windows 11 work computer), or whether I could live the wire-free life.
And the answer surprised me: this keyboard has been entirely stable and unremarkable while connected to my computer through Bluetooth. No drops and reconnects while using it. Just smooth and responsive typing that provides some of the most satisfying sounds, and that doesn't come at the cost of half of my desk. A real dream!
The only disconnect notification that I have received with this keyboard was this morning after the computer had been sleeping for the evening. I was able to wake it up with the mouse and the keyboard reconnected then, but I will see whether or not I have to come up with a new habit or if there is a UEFI/BIOS setting I can use.
January 7, 2026