Left Command Key (cmd) not working with one key combination (cmd-c)

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Level 1

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Left Command Key (cmd) not working with one key combination (cmd-c)

I have an external keyboard (A1243) that works perfectly, EXCEPT: the combination CMD-C (copy) doesn't work on the left CMD key. It works fine with the right CMD key. The left CMD key works with every other key combination possible (cmd-v paste, cmd-i info, cmd-p print, etc.). It only fails with cmd-c copy, and only on the left. The C key works fine, the CMD key works fine (with every other combination), and the right cmd-c works fine, so I don't understand why it would fail with this particular combination.

I have explored MANY forums and possible solutions, including this exhaustive investigation that is most similar to my situation, here:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252207208?answerId=254204871022#254204871022

I have used the keyboard on multiple different mac computers, with different versions of OSX, with the same result, so it's not likely to be any single software issue.

IF each of the two keys work independently (c and cmd) in every other combination possible, and IF cmd-c works with the right cmd key (so the logic is still functional somewhere), what issue, hardware, software, OR keyboard firmware, could POSSIBLY be causing a failure of ONLY the left cmd-c combination?

Any ideas, or information about the mechanical/logical function of the keyboard would be appreciated.

Thanks, John

Earlier Mac models

Posted on May 28, 2023 8:07 PM

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Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 10

81,488 points

May 29, 2023 10:09 AM in response to MacUserJE

Welcome, John!

I have used the keyboard on multiple different mac computers, with different versions of OSX, with the same result, so it's not likely to be any single software issue.

Can you give us and idea of which computer models and what macOS versions they were running? Did it every work properly on any of the others?

I found other A1243 problem comments in one of the most popular self-repair sites. Some reported similar issues like yours but none were able to make headway. Forums rules won't let me post a link. Search by "Apple A1243 repair".

I assume you saw the various comptuer resets the poster tried in the other ASC thread you linked?

I recall an article stating that the A1243 board was the first Apple board with upgradeable firmware. However, I cannot find that today. If it is a firmware issue, try connecting the board to several different Macs if your have them, restarting, and then checking for Software updates.

I saw in another private forum that there is a reporting utility in the Mac App Store that is supposed to show what code/s the keys are sending. It is still available, works as far back as macOS 10.9, and is free.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/key-codes/id414568915?mt=12

Can't hurt, given the price.

Beyond that, there is not much that can be done with/to the A1243. The construction is such that disassembly destroys the keyboard.

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Left Command Key (cmd) not working with one key combination (cmd-c)

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