If you were just hot-swapping these USB components, the keyboard setup assistant
would probably not come on; unless the components were from different regions.
It would appear the switching device interferes with the automatic recognition factor.
And if someone else has a better theory or can check this premise further, welcome!
When no alternative keyboard is attached, the option key suggested in Apple Help
(in computer's finder) no longer exists; so to test instructions given there are worthless.
According to Apple Help, in Tiger 10.4.11:
"When you connect a keyboard that is not immediately recognized, the Keyboard Setup
Assistant automatically opens so you can specify the keyboard type (ANSI, JIS, or ISO).
There are three keyboard types that Mac OS X recognizes: ISO (Europe), JIS (Japan), and
ANSI. The ANSI keyboard is a standard 101-key layout widely used in the US, North America,
and many other parts of the world.
If you are having trouble with your keyboard, you may need to specify the type manually. You
can use Keyboard & Mouse preferences to open the Keyboard Setup Assistant and specify the
keyboard type...."
{There is no suggestion in the Help database on how to ignore suggestions of the Keyboard Setup
Assistantwhen it is prompted to open to allow the user a choice in manually chosing a keyboard type.}
Perhaps the USB switching device you have in use is not supportive of OS X or
has a defect in firmware, etc? There may be some way to address the concern
from a command line or single user level; below the GUI.
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂
