3rd party USB keyboard not turning on in time to use boot commands

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Level 1

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3rd party USB keyboard not turning on in time to use boot commands

I recently got Bootcamp set up, and I've been trying to use the Option/Alt key press during boot to switch between MacOS and Windows 10. It hasn't been working at all. Looking at the LEDs on my USB-connected keyboard, it looks like it isn't actually turning on until the Apple logo first appears (which is too late by then).

I've tried resetting the SMC without success, and I can't reset the PRAM since that requires keyboard commands on boot too.

Has anyone else experienced this? It's a mechanical keyboard connected via mini USB.

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Aug 27, 2019 3:03 PM

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Answer 1

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HWTech

Level 9

56,006 points

Aug 27, 2019 6:05 PM in response to BrandoHowell

Third party keyboards can behave differently than an Apple keyboard. You can try the rEFInd bootloader which will provide a list of operating systems on each boot. Install it using macOS. If you have an Apple keyboard, then you can test rEFInd by creating a bootable rEFInd USB rescue drive to make sure your third party keyboard will work with rEFInd before you install it to your main boot drive.

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Answer 2

BrandoHowell Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 29, 2019 6:21 AM in response to HWTech

I'll give rEFInd a try for sure. I ended up finding an old Logitech keyboard that actually worked with the boot commands; so it's definitely an oddity with my particular keyboard.

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Answer 3

Eau Rouge

Level 8

42,554 points

Aug 29, 2019 6:47 AM in response to BrandoHowell

Make sure your third party keyboard is connected directly to your Mac and not via USB hub.

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Answer 4

BrandoHowell Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 29, 2019 6:50 AM in response to Eau Rouge

It’s the 3.0 ports in the Mini itself. I was actually wondering if I’d have more luck using a USB C hub since it seems the TB3 ports have boot priority over the 3.0’s

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3rd party USB keyboard not turning on in time to use boot commands

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