For text chat you need to dedicate a key in the chat section in options. I use the "Enter" key as it is a default in most games.
The window that displays information like planes shot down and engine damage is your chat window by default.
Text chating is then as simple as hiting your "enter" key. Note you must not be in mouselook mode "F10" when using your chat key.
Lets hope they simplify the whole chat process in an upcoming patch.
It need not be rocket science?
