Keyboard Tester Pro

Symptoms:

When you press a key once, it registers multiple times or continues to repeat.

Solutions:

1. Adjust keyboard repeat settings:
   • On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Keyboard > Speed tab. Adjust the "Repeat delay" slider to a longer setting.
   • On Mac: Go to System Preferences > Keyboard. Adjust the "Key Repeat" slider to a slower setting or turn it off.
2. For mechanical keyboards:
   • This could be a switch debounce issue. Some mechanical keyboard software allows adjusting debounce settings.
   • If available, update your keyboard's firmware.
3. Clean contacts:
   • For mechanical keyboards, remove keycaps and clean switches with compressed air.
   • For membrane keyboards, this issue often indicates internal damage that may require replacement.

Symptoms:

Your computer doesn't recognize the keyboard at all. No keys work.

Solutions:

1. Check physical connections:
   • Ensure the keyboard is properly connected to your computer.
   • Try different USB ports, preferably directly on the computer (not through a hub).
   • Check for visible damage to the cable.
2. For wireless keyboards:
   • Replace batteries or charge the keyboard.
   • Re-pair the keyboard with its receiver or Bluetooth connection.
   • Check for interference from other wireless devices.
3. Reset USB controllers:
   • On Windows: Open Device Manager, expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers," right-click on each USB Root Hub, and select "Uninstall device." Then restart your computer.
   • On Mac: Reset the SMC (System Management Controller) by shutting down, holding Shift+Control+Option and the power button for 10 seconds, then restart.

Immediate Actions:

1. Act quickly:
   • Immediately disconnect the keyboard from your computer.
   • Turn the keyboard upside down to drain excess liquid.
   • If using a laptop, shut it down immediately and disconnect the battery if possible.
2. Clean and dry:
   • Gently pat (don't rub) with absorbent paper towels.
   • For mechanical keyboards, remove keycaps to dry underneath.
   • Allow the keyboard to dry completely for at least 48 hours before reconnecting.

For Sugary or Sticky Liquids:

If you spilled soda, coffee with sugar, or other sticky liquids:

1. Follow the immediate actions above.
2. For mechanical keyboards, remove all keycaps and clean switches with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher).
3. For membrane keyboards, you may need to disassemble it (if you're comfortable doing so) to clean the membrane with isopropyl alcohol.

Symptoms:

Your wireless keyboard disconnects frequently, has input lag, or won't connect at all.

Solutions:

1. Check power issues:
   • Replace batteries or recharge the keyboard.
   • Make sure the power switch is in the ON position.
   • Some keyboards have battery indicators—check if battery level is low.
2. For Bluetooth keyboards:
   • Remove the keyboard from your device's Bluetooth list and re-pair it.
   • Update Bluetooth drivers on your computer.
   • Make sure you're within the recommended range (usually 30 feet/10 meters).
3. For RF (wireless with USB dongle) keyboards:
   • Try reconnecting the dongle to a different USB port.
   • Re-sync the keyboard with the dongle (refer to your keyboard's manual for the specific procedure).
   • Position the dongle closer to the keyboard using a USB extension cable.
4. Address interference:
   • Move away from other wireless devices that might cause interference.
   • Keep the keyboard away from metal objects and electrical appliances.
   • If using a USB 3.0 port, try using a USB 2.0 port instead, as USB 3.0 can sometimes cause RF interference.

Symptoms:

When you type certain keys, different characters appear than the ones labeled on your keyboard.

Solutions:

1. Check keyboard layout:
   • On Windows: Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language. Check if the correct language/keyboard layout is selected.
   • On Mac: Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources. Ensure the correct keyboard layout is selected.
   • Look for keyboard layout indicators in your system tray/menu bar.
2. Check for keyboard shortcuts:
   • Some keyboard shortcuts (like Alt+Shift on Windows) can accidentally switch layouts.
   • Make sure Num Lock is toggled correctly if using the numeric keypad.
3. Check for third-party software:
   • Text expanders, macro programs, or custom keyboard software could change your input.
   • Some malware can also remap keyboard inputs—run a malware scan.