Keyboard keys not working

Question

Level 1

6 points

Keyboard keys not working

Sorry, not sure where to post this. I have a brand new M1 iMac. When I unboxed it and started working on it, I noticed some of the keys (mostly on the right side) don't work. I called into Apple and they said I needed to take the keyboard to my local Apple Store. I did that this morning and they gave me a new keyboard. Same exact issue. I have an old USB keyboard and I connected it to the new iMac with the USB-C to USB connector dongle. The old keyboard works without issue. it's how I'm writing this now. Called Apple again and they can't explain it. So I have yet another Apple appointment for Monday. Here's the thing. The keys that "don't work" I've noticed actually start acting as a cursor and move the cursor in different directions when pressed. For example, "k" caused the cursor to move straight down. "L" has it go diagonally down and to the right. Other keys make it go in other directions. I can't believe it's the keyboard but at the same time, the old keyboard works fine. Appreciate any thoughts.

Posted on Jul 31, 2021 11:30 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

sfosteve Author

Level 1

6 points

Jul 31, 2021 12:04 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks but I actually figured it out. When I first set up the Mac it offered some accessibility functions. As I have single-sided deafness, I checked into it. I must have inadvertantly checked "Enable Mouse Keys" under the "Alternate Control Methods" under Pointer Control in accessibility. Honestly, I don't even remember doing that but when I unchecked that, the keyboard is now working fine. Putting this out there in case someone else down the road somehow does the same thing. :-)

Reply

Answer 2

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

122,282 points

Jul 31, 2021 12:21 PM in response to sfosteve

sfosteve wrote: Called Apple again and they can't explain it.

That is sad commentary on their expertise. The issue of 789uiojkl not working because Mouse Keys has somehow gotten turned on (often by pressing the Option key 5 times in succession) should be well known by now, it has been answered in these forums dozens of times, and it is even mentioned in Apple's own documentation (next to last item here)

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/if-your-mac-doesnt-respond-to-key-presses-mchlp1240/mac

Reply

Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,494 points

Jul 31, 2021 11:36 AM in response to sfosteve

Please navigate to www.Etrecheck.com and download the free version of EtreCheck. Once you have you downloaded the app and installed it, please run the report and save it. This report will help us get a good idea what has been installed on your system and help us be able to diagnose what may be wrong.

When you have your report, you can attach it when you reply to this message and we can then review it and help you determine what is needed to get your system running well again.

For instructions on how to download your EtreCheck report and attach it to your reply to this message please click https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250000211

Reply