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#1
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troubleshootting question about keyboard
I have a MS ergonomic keyboard (PS/2) I've been using for quite a few
years now. Until a few days ago, it worked as expected. However, now the OS (Win 8.1 Pro 64-bit) does not recognize it. I have not changed my hardware nor have I added/removed any software. My USB mouse works. When I enter BIOS during the boot up procedures, the keyboard works. I can move around BIOS. I searched my BIOS settings looking for legacy devices and did not find anything. Once my OS starts, the keyboard is not seen. For example, I've tried typing, function keys, using Ctrl+, and so on. Nothing happens. What I've done so far: 1. use Device Manager to remove and then re-install the driver 2. unplugged the keyboard, turned off the pc, booted up, shut down, plug the keyboard back in and boot up 3. scavenge a PS/2 keyboard from another computer to see if that would work. It did not. Is the problem hardware related? If so, the mobo or the keyboard? I've thought about buying a PS/2 to USB adapter to use for the keyboard, but I don't know if that would work. I'd like to keep using the existing keyboard (the ergonomic design does make a difference to me) if the problem is with the PS/2 connector on the mobo. But if the pc recognizes the keyboard (when I'm in BIOS), it doesn't seem like it's the mobo PS/2 connector. FWIW, I've connected a wireless keyboard from my other pc till I get this problem fixed. Thanks, John |
#2
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troubleshootting question about keyboard
On 3/28/2018 11:23 PM, Yes wrote:
I have a MS ergonomic keyboard (PS/2) I've been using for quite a few years now. Until a few days ago, it worked as expected. However, now the OS (Win 8.1 Pro 64-bit) does not recognize it. I have not changed my hardware nor have I added/removed any software. My USB mouse works. When I enter BIOS during the boot up procedures, the keyboard works. I can move around BIOS. I searched my BIOS settings looking for legacy devices and did not find anything. Once my OS starts, the keyboard is not seen. For example, I've tried typing, function keys, using Ctrl+, and so on. Nothing happens. What I've done so far: 1. use Device Manager to remove and then re-install the driver 2. unplugged the keyboard, turned off the pc, booted up, shut down, plug the keyboard back in and boot up 3. scavenge a PS/2 keyboard from another computer to see if that would work. It did not. Is the problem hardware related? If so, the mobo or the keyboard? I've thought about buying a PS/2 to USB adapter to use for the keyboard, but I don't know if that would work. I'd like to keep using the existing keyboard (the ergonomic design does make a difference to me) if the problem is with the PS/2 connector on the mobo. But if the pc recognizes the keyboard (when I'm in BIOS), it doesn't seem like it's the mobo PS/2 connector. FWIW, I've connected a wireless keyboard from my other pc till I get this problem fixed. Thanks, John Visit a local thrift shop and purchase an old PS/2 keyboard to test with. In my neighborhood used keyboards can be had from 2.99 on up at the two thrift shops that I visit, Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill. If it works properly then it is time to look into your problem keyboard. It could be something as simple as a bent pin on the plug to broken connection where the wire goes into the plug to actual wiring problems in the keyboard. Since you are working with a USB wireless keyboard for now if the replacement keyboard works from a thrift shop I would personally try to swap keyboard cables. A little soldering or if you are extremely lucky a matching plug at the keyboard end and you might be back in business. If swapping the keyboard cable does not fix things it sounds like time to visit Ebay and see if you can find the same keyboard on the cheap or else purchase something modern in the same format. |
#3
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troubleshootting question about keyboard
GlowingBlueMist wrote:
On 3/28/2018 11:23 PM, Yes wrote: I have a MS ergonomic keyboard (PS/2) I've been using for quite a few years now. Until a few days ago, it worked as expected. However, now the OS (Win 8.1 Pro 64-bit) does not recognize it. I have not changed my hardware nor have I added/removed any software. My USB mouse works. When I enter BIOS during the boot up procedures, the keyboard works. I can move around BIOS. I searched my BIOS settings looking for legacy devices and did not find anything. Once my OS starts, the keyboard is not seen. For example, I've tried typing, function keys, using Ctrl+, and so on. Nothing happens. What I've done so far: 1. use Device Manager to remove and then re-install the driver 2. unplugged the keyboard, turned off the pc, booted up, shut down, plug the keyboard back in and boot up 3. scavenge a PS/2 keyboard from another computer to see if that would work. It did not. Is the problem hardware related? If so, the mobo or the keyboard? I've thought about buying a PS/2 to USB adapter to use for the keyboard, but I don't know if that would work. I'd like to keep using the existing keyboard (the ergonomic design does make a difference to me) if the problem is with the PS/2 connector on the mobo. But if the pc recognizes the keyboard (when I'm in BIOS), it doesn't seem like it's the mobo PS/2 connector. FWIW, I've connected a wireless keyboard from my other pc till I get this problem fixed. Thanks, John Visit a local thrift shop and purchase an old PS/2 keyboard to test with. In my neighborhood used keyboards can be had from 2.99 on up at the two thrift shops that I visit, Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill. If it works properly then it is time to look into your problem keyboard. It could be something as simple as a bent pin on the plug to broken connection where the wire goes into the plug to actual wiring problems in the keyboard. Since you are working with a USB wireless keyboard for now if the replacement keyboard works from a thrift shop I would personally try to swap keyboard cables. A little soldering or if you are extremely lucky a matching plug at the keyboard end and you might be back in business. If swapping the keyboard cable does not fix things it sounds like time to visit Ebay and see if you can find the same keyboard on the cheap or else purchase something modern in the same format. I already tried another PS/2 keyboard and had the same results as with the MS keyboard. I'll probably end up buying a new USB wired keyboard to replace my existing PS/2 k/b. Just want to cover the bases before going that route. Reading the reviews of some PS/2 to USB adapters at newegg was rather interesting. I discovered that not all adapters will work with any k/b - something about the circuitry and OS. Thanks, John |
#4
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troubleshootting question about keyboard
Yes wrote:
GlowingBlueMist wrote: On 3/28/2018 11:23 PM, Yes wrote: I have a MS ergonomic keyboard (PS/2) I've been using for quite a few years now. Until a few days ago, it worked as expected. However, now the OS (Win 8.1 Pro 64-bit) does not recognize it. I have not changed my hardware nor have I added/removed any software. My USB mouse works. When I enter BIOS during the boot up procedures, the keyboard works. I can move around BIOS. I searched my BIOS settings looking for legacy devices and did not find anything. Once my OS starts, the keyboard is not seen. For example, I've tried typing, function keys, using Ctrl+, and so on. Nothing happens. What I've done so far: 1. use Device Manager to remove and then re-install the driver 2. unplugged the keyboard, turned off the pc, booted up, shut down, plug the keyboard back in and boot up 3. scavenge a PS/2 keyboard from another computer to see if that would work. It did not. Is the problem hardware related? If so, the mobo or the keyboard? I've thought about buying a PS/2 to USB adapter to use for the keyboard, but I don't know if that would work. I'd like to keep using the existing keyboard (the ergonomic design does make a difference to me) if the problem is with the PS/2 connector on the mobo. But if the pc recognizes the keyboard (when I'm in BIOS), it doesn't seem like it's the mobo PS/2 connector. FWIW, I've connected a wireless keyboard from my other pc till I get this problem fixed. Thanks, John Visit a local thrift shop and purchase an old PS/2 keyboard to test with. In my neighborhood used keyboards can be had from 2.99 on up at the two thrift shops that I visit, Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill. If it works properly then it is time to look into your problem keyboard. It could be something as simple as a bent pin on the plug to broken connection where the wire goes into the plug to actual wiring problems in the keyboard. Since you are working with a USB wireless keyboard for now if the replacement keyboard works from a thrift shop I would personally try to swap keyboard cables. A little soldering or if you are extremely lucky a matching plug at the keyboard end and you might be back in business. If swapping the keyboard cable does not fix things it sounds like time to visit Ebay and see if you can find the same keyboard on the cheap or else purchase something modern in the same format. I already tried another PS/2 keyboard and had the same results as with the MS keyboard. I'll probably end up buying a new USB wired keyboard to replace my existing PS/2 k/b. Just want to cover the bases before going that route. Reading the reviews of some PS/2 to USB adapters at newegg was rather interesting. I discovered that not all adapters will work with any k/b - something about the circuitry and OS. Thanks, John Check out your Filter keys or Sticky keys settings. https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...4-498ab5f05496 In some cases, you might have to turn it on, then turn it off again, in the settings, to get it to "take". It's possible an update turned it on. ******* You could try booting an alternate OS, or try entering the BIOS with the keyboard, to check that it's not actually the keyboard that's blown. Paul |
#5
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troubleshootting question about keyboard
Yes wrote:
I have a MS ergonomic keyboard (PS/2) I've been using for quite a few years now. Until a few days ago, it worked as expected. However, now the OS (Win 8.1 Pro 64-bit) does not recognize it. I have not changed my hardware nor have I added/removed any software. My USB mouse works. How is Windows Update configured for updates? Automatic or or notify only? You've been using the keyboard for years. You did not say how long you have been using that keyboard with Windows 8.1 x64. When I enter BIOS during the boot up procedures, the keyboard works. I can move around BIOS. I searched my BIOS settings looking for legacy devices and did not find anything. Can you hit F8 *before* the OS loads to have the OS go into its recovery boot menu? Once my OS starts, the keyboard is not seen. For example, I've tried typing, function keys, using Ctrl+, and so on. Nothing happens. What happens if you use the boot menu to go into Window's safe mode? What I've done so far: 1. use Device Manager to remove and then re-install the driver 2. unplugged the keyboard, turned off the pc, booted up, shut down, plug the keyboard back in and boot up 3. scavenge a PS/2 keyboard from another computer to see if that would work. It did not. Is the problem hardware related? If so, the mobo or the keyboard? Since the mouse still works and you can still get into Device Manager, have you tried uninstalling the old PS/2 device and running a new hardware scan to redetect the PS/2 mouse and reinstall the driver (well, the driver or INF file is still there so "installing" just adds the .inf defintion for the "new" device). I don't think "remove" is the same as "uninstall" in Device Manager. In Windows 7, there is no "remove" option when right-clicking on a device, just "uninstall". Did your "remove" mean "uninstall"? After uninstalling the device (which doesn't remove the driver, just the definition of the device), did you either perform a rescan (to detect new hardware) or reboot Windows? Since you removed/uninstalled the PS/2 pointing device in Device Manager means you could see it. When it reappears after uninstalling and scanning for new hardware, whose driver is listed for that device? Did you install any Microsoft-specific software for that keyboard, like Intellipoint, Setpoint, or Mouse and Keyboard Center, or something else? Get rid (uninstall) the ancilliary software that came with the keyboard as it is not required for basic functionality, only to add more features, like macros to assign to function keys or special buttons. You want to use the PS/2 driver (well, INF file) that comes with Windows to first see that the keyboard works as a basic PS/2 keyboard, not with a bunch of glitz atop of PS/2 functionality. From what I see at: https://www.microsoft.com/accessorie...hspecs-connect and for Windows 8.1 x64, the "Mouse and Keyboard Center" (MKC) ancilliary software package is at version 3.2. Is that what you have? If not, first revert to just a basic PS/2 device using the embedded driver in Windows and after that works then install 3.2 of the MKC software (if you really need it). You don't need that software to get the keyboard to function as a PS/2 device. The device that I found is for the USB ergonomic 4000 keyboard. It's the only ergonomic model they currently list on their site. I found an circa 2007 model being sold online that says it supports USB and PS/2 (it has the inbuilt detect and hardware protocol circuitry). You didn't give a model number for yours. I've thought about buying a PS/2 to USB adapter to use for the keyboard, but I don't know if that would work. I'd like to keep using the existing keyboard (the ergonomic design does make a difference to me) if the problem is with the PS/2 connector on the mobo. But if the pc recognizes the keyboard (when I'm in BIOS), it doesn't seem like it's the mobo PS/2 connector. USB to PS/2 or (PS/2 to USB) requires a hardware protocol conversion. Either the logic must be built into the keyboard (it says it supports both PS/2 and USB) to use a passive adapter dongle or the dongle must be an *active* converter. There is no simple rewiring of the cable to get the USB protocol to convert to the PS/2 protocol. Passive dongles do not perform hardware protocol conversion. Easiest is to get a USB+PS2 keyboard that already detects the hardware protocol to select which logic it uses from the keyboard's PCB. |
#6
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troubleshootting question about keyboard
On Thu, 29 Mar 2018 04:23:55 -0000 (UTC), "Yes"
wrote: Is the problem hardware related? If so, the mobo or the keyboard? I've thought about buying a PS/2 to USB adapter to use for the keyboard, but I don't know if that would work. I'd like to keep using the existing keyboard (the ergonomic design does make a difference to me) if the problem is with the PS/2 connector on the mobo. But if the pc recognizes the keyboard (when I'm in BIOS), it doesn't seem like it's the mobo PS/2 connector. FWIW, I've connected a wireless keyboard from my other pc till I get this problem fixed. PS/2 is too dated for today's USB connections. They may work, depending, although not in the magnitude of keyboards with a USB expectancy;- obviously, MS didn't account that contingency in your case, so far as the OS update. The adaptor sounds like a good idea for a fix, although you've already run into references that it may not. Not something I'd buy, or at least expect priced considerately unless directly from the Chinese market. Ebay item for a buck, and some time for the international shipping. Or buy it locally for a $10 markup and a chance to see if it actually works. I bought a "real keyboard" not long ago: Chinese make but genuine mechanical switches with individual keys illuminated from a 7-row LED color layout. Quite the beauty so far, attractive in an unlit room and as well useful in natural lighting. It's all the latest and difficult to procure from a solid deal, such as only Amazon offers. There are jerk-around Chinese merchants on Ebay for this type of item: You want this keyboard in the AT-style with 101 keys and not the smaller 89-key layout that's cramped to type on. Everything about a keyboard practically imaginable for $20, which is the mechanical-keyswitch precept. I paid more, although a week or two ago I saw Amazon selling mine for the $20 price on a special sale. Such sales can roll-over or be depleted quickly, so you have to monitor them regularly from the bargain-deal websites and act quickly. I wouldn't touch a Microsoft keyboard, even with your barge-pole. Then again I paid the $150 for my first mechanical keyboard. Neither would a good many other people;- mechanicals are like that: it's about precision in typing nothing less can quite match. Quite amazing, actually, that for $20 that degree discernment is now available for a mass commodity item. |
#7
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troubleshootting question about keyboard
Paul wrote:
Yes wrote: GlowingBlueMist wrote: On 3/28/2018 11:23 PM, Yes wrote: I have a MS ergonomic keyboard (PS/2) I've been using for quite a few years now. Until a few days ago, it worked as expected. However, now the OS (Win 8.1 Pro 64-bit) does not recognize it. I have not changed my hardware nor have I added/removed any software. My USB mouse works. When I enter BIOS during the boot up procedures, the keyboard works. I can move around BIOS. I searched my BIOS settings looking for legacy devices and did not find anything. Once my OS starts, the keyboard is not seen. For example, I've tried typing, function keys, using Ctrl+, and so on. Nothing happens. What I've done so far: 1. use Device Manager to remove and then re-install the driver 2. unplugged the keyboard, turned off the pc, booted up, shut down, plug the keyboard back in and boot up 3. scavenge a PS/2 keyboard from another computer to see if that would work. It did not. Is the problem hardware related? If so, the mobo or the keyboard? I've thought about buying a PS/2 to USB adapter to use for the keyboard, but I don't know if that would work. I'd like to keep using the existing keyboard (the ergonomic design does make a difference to me) if the problem is with the PS/2 connector on the mobo. But if the pc recognizes the keyboard (when I'm in BIOS), it doesn't seem like it's the mobo PS/2 connector. FWIW, I've connected a wireless keyboard from my other pc till I get this problem fixed. Thanks, John Visit a local thrift shop and purchase an old PS/2 keyboard to test with. In my neighborhood used keyboards can be had from 2.99 on up at the two thrift shops that I visit, Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill. If it works properly then it is time to look into your problem keyboard. It could be something as simple as a bent pin on the plug to broken connection where the wire goes into the plug to actual wiring problems in the keyboard. Since you are working with a USB wireless keyboard for now if the replacement keyboard works from a thrift shop I would personally try to swap keyboard cables. A little soldering or if you are extremely lucky a matching plug at the keyboard end and you might be back in business. If swapping the keyboard cable does not fix things it sounds like time to visit Ebay and see if you can find the same keyboard on the cheap or else purchase something modern in the same format. I already tried another PS/2 keyboard and had the same results as with the MS keyboard. I'll probably end up buying a new USB wired keyboard to replace my existing PS/2 k/b. Just want to cover the bases before going that route. Reading the reviews of some PS/2 to USB adapters at newegg was rather interesting. I discovered that not all adapters will work with any k/b - something about the circuitry and OS. Thanks, John Check out your Filter keys or Sticky keys settings. https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...4-498ab5f05496 In some cases, you might have to turn it on, then turn it off again, in the settings, to get it to "take". It's possible an update turned it on. ******* You could try booting an alternate OS, or try entering the BIOS with the keyboard, to check that it's not actually the keyboard that's blown. Paul As noted, the k/b works when I'm in BIOS. I'll have to check if it works if I boot up in another OS. John |
#8
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troubleshootting question about keyboard
VanguardLH wrote:
Yes wrote: I have a MS ergonomic keyboard (PS/2) I've been using for quite a few years now. Until a few days ago, it worked as expected. However, now the OS (Win 8.1 Pro 64-bit) does not recognize it. I have not changed my hardware nor have I added/removed any software. My USB mouse works. How is Windows Update configured for updates? Automatic or or notify only? You've been using the keyboard for years. You did not say how long you have been using that keyboard with Windows 8.1 x64. When I enter BIOS during the boot up procedures, the keyboard works. I can move around BIOS. I searched my BIOS settings looking for legacy devices and did not find anything. Can you hit F8 before the OS loads to have the OS go into its recovery boot menu? Once my OS starts, the keyboard is not seen. For example, I've tried typing, function keys, using Ctrl+, and so on. Nothing happens. What happens if you use the boot menu to go into Window's safe mode? What I've done so far: 1. use Device Manager to remove and then re-install the driver 2. unplugged the keyboard, turned off the pc, booted up, shut down, plug the keyboard back in and boot up 3. scavenge a PS/2 keyboard from another computer to see if that would work. It did not. Is the problem hardware related? If so, the mobo or the keyboard? Since the mouse still works and you can still get into Device Manager, have you tried uninstalling the old PS/2 device and running a new hardware scan to redetect the PS/2 mouse and reinstall the driver (well, the driver or INF file is still there so "installing" just adds the .inf defintion for the "new" device). I don't think "remove" is the same as "uninstall" in Device Manager. In Windows 7, there is no "remove" option when right-clicking on a device, just "uninstall". Did your "remove" mean "uninstall"? After uninstalling the device (which doesn't remove the driver, just the definition of the device), did you either perform a rescan (to detect new hardware) or reboot Windows? Since you removed/uninstalled the PS/2 pointing device in Device Manager means you could see it. When it reappears after uninstalling and scanning for new hardware, whose driver is listed for that device? Did you install any Microsoft-specific software for that keyboard, like Intellipoint, Setpoint, or Mouse and Keyboard Center, or something else? Get rid (uninstall) the ancilliary software that came with the keyboard as it is not required for basic functionality, only to add more features, like macros to assign to function keys or special buttons. You want to use the PS/2 driver (well, INF file) that comes with Windows to first see that the keyboard works as a basic PS/2 keyboard, not with a bunch of glitz atop of PS/2 functionality. From what I see at: https://www.microsoft.com/accessorie...hspecs-connect and for Windows 8.1 x64, the "Mouse and Keyboard Center" (MKC) ancilliary software package is at version 3.2. Is that what you have? If not, first revert to just a basic PS/2 device using the embedded driver in Windows and after that works then install 3.2 of the MKC software (if you really need it). You don't need that software to get the keyboard to function as a PS/2 device. The device that I found is for the USB ergonomic 4000 keyboard. It's the only ergonomic model they currently list on their site. I found an circa 2007 model being sold online that says it supports USB and PS/2 (it has the inbuilt detect and hardware protocol circuitry). You didn't give a model number for yours. I've thought about buying a PS/2 to USB adapter to use for the keyboard, but I don't know if that would work. I'd like to keep using the existing keyboard (the ergonomic design does make a difference to me) if the problem is with the PS/2 connector on the mobo. But if the pc recognizes the keyboard (when I'm in BIOS), it doesn't seem like it's the mobo PS/2 connector. USB to PS/2 or (PS/2 to USB) requires a hardware protocol conversion. Either the logic must be built into the keyboard (it says it supports both PS/2 and USB) to use a passive adapter dongle or the dongle must be an active converter. There is no simple rewiring of the cable to get the USB protocol to convert to the PS/2 protocol. Passive dongles do not perform hardware protocol conversion. Easiest is to get a USB+PS2 keyboard that already detects the hardware protocol to select which logic it uses from the keyboard's PCB. I have windows update configured to notify me of updates and install them manually. I've been using the k/b so long that I don't remember exactly When I bought it. I want to say 5 years or so; at least 2013, maybe older. IIRC, I used the Windows drivers loaded when I installed the OS and used the k/b as is with no additional k/b drivers having to be installed. The labeling on the back simply says "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite". The mouse is USB wired. No special driver was installed, so I assume it, like the k/b, is using the drivers that came with Win 8.1 when I installed the OS. I haven't tried recovery mode. After the first few days when I originally installed the OS, I've been fortunate not to have problems crop up that I needed to recovery mode (knock on wood now). That would have been the first year after MC released Win 8.1. In Device Manager, I used the uninstall option to 'remove' the driver. Then I had DM scan for new hardware. DM did not detect the k/b. I am using "show hidden devices". I've pretty much decided I'll buy a new USB k/b. Troubleshooting is interesting, but given that it may be a hit and miss thing with an adapter, I'm almost at the point of diminishing returns. I'll try Paul's suggestion to boot into a different OS (WinXP)and see what happens then. John |
#9
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troubleshootting question about keyboard
Flasherly wrote:
On Thu, 29 Mar 2018 04:23:55 -0000 (UTC), "Yes" wrote: Is the problem hardware related? If so, the mobo or the keyboard? I've thought about buying a PS/2 to USB adapter to use for the keyboard, but I don't know if that would work. I'd like to keep using the existing keyboard (the ergonomic design does make a difference to me) if the problem is with the PS/2 connector on the mobo. But if the pc recognizes the keyboard (when I'm in BIOS), it doesn't seem like it's the mobo PS/2 connector. FWIW, I've connected a wireless keyboard from my other pc till I get this problem fixed. PS/2 is too dated for today's USB connections. They may work, depending, although not in the magnitude of keyboards with a USB expectancy;- obviously, MS didn't account that contingency in your case, so far as the OS update. The adaptor sounds like a good idea for a fix, although you've already run into references that it may not. Not something I'd buy, or at least expect priced considerately unless directly from the Chinese market. Ebay item for a buck, and some time for the international shipping. Or buy it locally for a $10 markup and a chance to see if it actually works. I bought a "real keyboard" not long ago: Chinese make but genuine mechanical switches with individual keys illuminated from a 7-row LED color layout. Quite the beauty so far, attractive in an unlit room and as well useful in natural lighting. It's all the latest and difficult to procure from a solid deal, such as only Amazon offers. There are jerk-around Chinese merchants on Ebay for this type of item: You want this keyboard in the AT-style with 101 keys and not the smaller 89-key layout that's cramped to type on. Everything about a keyboard practically imaginable for $20, which is the mechanical-keyswitch precept. I paid more, although a week or two ago I saw Amazon selling mine for the $20 price on a special sale. Such sales can roll-over or be depleted quickly, so you have to monitor them regularly from the bargain-deal websites and act quickly. I wouldn't touch a Microsoft keyboard, even with your barge-pole. Then again I paid the $150 for my first mechanical keyboard. Neither would a good many other people;- mechanicals are like that: it's about precision in typing nothing less can quite match. Quite amazing, actually, that for $20 that degree discernment is now available for a mass commodity item. I'm a pedestrian these days, so not very convenient to get to those type places anymore. Until I started having this problem with the k/b, I knew in the back of my mind that PS/2 was disappearing and USB taking over but didn't know that it involved the circuits in the k/b. I had assumed that it'd just be a simple task to buy the PS/2 USB adapter. Wrong. The adapters I saw for sale on newegg are around $7 to $8 including shipping and handling. The price of a k/b at newegg starts as low as $14. It'll be far easier and faster to just replace the k/b. Unlike your experience with MS, I've had very good performance with the k/b I had been using. The labeling on the back describes it as "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite". It's pretty dingy now from use, at least 5 years worth if not longer. I bought it based on its price at the time and because I felt physically OK typing with it. I didn't need to install any special drivers with it. On the other hand, I use its basic features and haven't customized it by re-assigning the keys or using macro keystrokes on it. Very mundane, I know. The temporary k/b I'm using at the moment is by Logitech. It's plain, and its size and shape (rectangular, not ergonomic) throw me off. It feels sturdy, but it's not a permanent solution because I 'borrowed' it from the pc in my living room and have to physically move it between the rooms when I use the other pc. If I were to use it permanently, then I'd still have to buy a k/b. John |
#10
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troubleshootting question about keyboard
On Thu, 29 Mar 2018 22:57:30 -0000 (UTC), "Yes"
wrote: I'm a pedestrian these days, so not very convenient to get to those type places anymore. Until I started having this problem with the k/b, I knew in the back of my mind that PS/2 was disappearing and USB taking over but didn't know that it involved the circuits in the k/b. I had assumed that it'd just be a simple task to buy the PS/2 USB adapter. Wrong. The adapters I saw for sale on newegg are around $7 to $8 including shipping and handling. The price of a k/b at newegg starts as low as $14. It'll be far easier and faster to just replace the k/b. Unlike your experience with MS, I've had very good performance with the k/b I had been using. The labeling on the back describes it as "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite". It's pretty dingy now from use, at least 5 years worth if not longer. I bought it based on its price at the time and because I felt physically OK typing with it. I didn't need to install any special drivers with it. On the other hand, I use its basic features and haven't customized it by re-assigning the keys or using macro keystrokes on it. Very mundane, I know. The temporary k/b I'm using at the moment is by Logitech. It's plain, and its size and shape (rectangular, not ergonomic) throw me off. It feels sturdy, but it's not a permanent solution because I 'borrowed' it from the pc in my living room and have to physically move it between the rooms when I use the other pc. If I were to use it permanently, then I'd still have to buy a k/b. Yes, I've the indispensable Logitechs, cornerstones among computer names, including a Logitech RF model for the coffee table that's very friendly and budget-minded for its older Windows drivers;- nor will, nothing I've yet to run into, functionally replace the series of Logitech's TrackBall I've owned, for under $30, until equipment with a longer switch-life occurs. I've also equipped a rig I built for someone with a MS keyboard, although as much a matter of happenstance, it being satisfactory assessment of choice for his first impression of a budget keyboard. I see. Call Amazon customer service and find someone with the time for you to get down on your knees;- if the case, promise them you'll lick a stamp and mail in the money, if they'll but kindly save you a mechanical keyboard purchase agreement. Not all Amazon customer service is based from Manila or Pakistan, and a occasional American operative may show. Assuming, of course, you have yet to try a mechanical keyboard for a "tactile" switch; experience- an experience, to be assured, that is nothing short of superb. The model I've listed at the end of this post I know, although there are many other brands no doubt if at all different, perhaps inasmuch for a manufacture logo. "Blues and blacks" and the occasional "browns" are the Chinese appropriation to tactility ratings: a measurable amount of finger-force precisely to produce a desired clack-and-click, to reinforce the confidence of feedback from today's touch-typists. Also on Ebay, although Singapore and China mainland distributors, not in all instances to be trusted for other than a delayed arbitration complaint over the temporarily imposition of Shanghai'd and inaccessible funds. Amazon largely operates from comparatively streamlined virtues. I cannot speak for this model's longevity, least to mention strikingly ornate LEDs, underlying, effectively, an everlasting mechanical design precept;- which my last mechanical has delivered, lasting well over a decade, notwithstanding still being perfectly functional;- functional I ought qualify as somewhat an esthetic appraisal to being a white keyboard, which invariably turns reminiscent of earthier colors of ****, pitched-up from the depths of a pig-sty. As this is my particular model, but of course deepest pitch-black, I see it coincidently has dropped of late in price placement. You'll also find a limited light-display modes for this basic class of imported mechanical keyboard adequately animated on YouTube. https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Ke.../dp/B071J2VJB9 |
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