Keyboard lag, especially when other users are logged in

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Level 1

8 points

Keyboard lag, especially when other users are logged in

I have an administrator account on my MacBook Pro. Lately I have problems with sluggish keyboard input. I'll be typing normally and the output on the screen will lag for 100-500ms and then catch up all at once. This happens several times per minute, and sometimes every few seconds, so it's very annoying.

I notice it the most in Google Chrome, but I think that's just because I spend most time there. I think it also happens in apps such as iTerm2.

Occasionally other users log in to my MacBook as well when I'm not using it, and their accounts stay logged in (but inactive) when I'm using it. I think this problem happens most often when those other users are logged in as well, or when the computer has been on for a long time. Restarting always fixes it temporarily.

I've checked that there are no heavy processes running in the background. CPU, memory, and other resources are hardly being used at all.

What's going on here?

MacBook Pro 15”, macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 30, 2020 7:53 AM

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Answer 1

sterling r

Community Specialist

May 1, 2020 5:06 PM in response to dane161

dane161,

Thanks for getting back to us and for providing that update.

Since this is occurring in another user account on your Mac, along with the built in apps, I suggest to reinstall the macOS operating system. Reinstalling the macOS operating system in macOS recovery, will not delete the data that's stored on your computer. I do recommend, just to be on the safe side to create a backup of your data. Down below I provided you an article on how to perform each step:

Look forward to hearing an update on the results.

Cheers

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Answer 2

chris_g1

Community Specialist

May 1, 2020 10:41 AM in response to dane161

Hello dane161,

Thank you for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. I understand that you're noticing a lag, when typing on the keyboard of your MacBook Pro.

Relying on an efficient keyboard to complete your daily tasks is important. I'll be happy to help.

Do you notice this behavior with the built in apps on your Mac, such as the Notes app, Mail app, etc? From the information you provided, it sounds like this is happening with third party apps. To help troubleshoot this issue, I recommend to follow the steps outlined in this helpful article: If an app freezes or quits unexpectedly on Mac The steps in the article is relevant to the issue you're experiencing and can help.

In addition, I suggest to reset the system management controller (SMC): How to reset the SMC of your Mac

Please let us know if that helps.

Kind regards.

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Answer 3

dane161 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 1, 2020 1:23 PM in response to chris_g1

Thanks for the reply. Resetting the SMC did not help. I notice the problem in built-in apps as well.

Additionally, I've determined this is not specific to the keyboard / typing. Videos also pause and stutter whenever a second user is logged in.

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Keyboard lag, especially when other users are logged in

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