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Q: external mac keyboard not working with maverick on macbook air

I installed Mavericks 10.9 on a mid-2013 macbook air. The Apple external keyboard is no longer working from either usb port (external usb mouse does work, however, as does external firewire display). Reset PRAM and SMC to no effect.  External keyboard and external monitor (firewire) were connected at time of installing 10.9 (no idea if this interferred with the setup). Any suggestions on how to resolve appreciated.

MacBook Air, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Oct 23, 2013 6:44 AM

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Q: external mac keyboard not working with maverick on macbook air

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  • by Leo Jones,

    Leo Jones Leo Jones Feb 13, 2014 12:06 AM in response to btbarton
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    Feb 13, 2014 12:06 AM in response to btbarton

    Sorry to disagree. But just the fact that the keyboard works when an extension cable is used and not when it isn't means FOR SURE that there is a wiring error in the keyboard plug which makes the computer not always recognise it.  On top of that I have been told to take my keyboard in to a shop for [words indicating a replacement], so Apple know there's a problem too but just won't advertise it for fear of a rush for a free swap from the rest of the planet

  • by d18ge,

    d18ge d18ge Feb 13, 2014 9:12 AM in response to Leo Jones
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPad
    Feb 13, 2014 9:12 AM in response to Leo Jones

    Yes, it possibly could be a keyboard issue but why would that same keyboard work without problem on the same MBP with Mountain Lion but fail after upgrading to Mavericks?  Inquiring minds.....

  • by d18ge,

    d18ge d18ge Feb 15, 2014 8:33 AM in response to btbarton
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPad
    Feb 15, 2014 8:33 AM in response to btbarton

    Did you visit to the Genius Bar result in any more information?

  • by btbarton,

    btbarton btbarton Feb 15, 2014 9:35 AM in response to nrorg
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 15, 2014 9:35 AM in response to nrorg

    My visit to the Genius Bar was quite eventful, but ultimately provides no information as to why the keyboard wasn't working unless an extension was used.  The short story:

     

    I shut down my computer and head to the genius bar. I arrive early, so decide to do 1 last time machine backup. After hitting the power button, my computer freezes on the grey screen and refused to start. Apples's solution to all the problems: new keyboard and new computer.  3hrs of data transfer later, and my problem is gone....but still no answer why the old computer/keyboard didn't work.

  • by d18ge,

    d18ge d18ge Feb 15, 2014 3:04 PM in response to btbarton
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPad
    Feb 15, 2014 3:04 PM in response to btbarton

    Man, bummer about your new Mac but glad they could replace and get you going again.  From your description, it sounds like the also replaced your Apple USB keyboard.  Did that resolve the USB issue?  If so, I am going to ask for a replacement keyboard.

  • by btbarton,

    btbarton btbarton Feb 15, 2014 3:05 PM in response to d18ge
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 15, 2014 3:05 PM in response to d18ge

    Yes, the new computer with a brand new keyboard is working fine.

  • by Leo Jones,

    Leo Jones Leo Jones Feb 26, 2014 5:38 AM in response to nrorg
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 26, 2014 5:38 AM in response to nrorg

    I've been to the Apple store, they replaced my keyboard with a new one and the problem has gone away.  The new keyboard works fine.

  • by antoniopedota,

    antoniopedota antoniopedota Mar 29, 2014 11:05 AM in response to buzz99
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Mar 29, 2014 11:05 AM in response to buzz99

    It worked for me too...but I had to connect the extension straight into the computer for it to work...it would not work from my apple cinema....thanks

  • by mek,

    mek mek Apr 24, 2014 6:32 AM in response to antoniopedota
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 24, 2014 6:32 AM in response to antoniopedota

    I now have encountered this problem, but my keyboard worked fine in both USB ports on my Mac Book Pro 13" w/ Retina, OS 10.9.2 since I purchased the machine in October 2013.  Now the Apple keyboard  only works in the USB Port upper right next to  HDMI connector, and no longer functions in the left USB port next to Lightning connector.

     

    I have only applied application level updates, iMovie, Safari, etc in the last 10 days.

     

    Adding the USB extension solves the issue for the left USB port and keyboard functions, as others have noted.

     

    As an electrical engineer, it is obvious to me that we are dealing with either a power issue or timing issue that is software based.

     

    Why isn't someone from Apple Support posting on this thread?

     

    Thanks

    MK

  • by antoniopedota,

    antoniopedota antoniopedota Apr 24, 2014 10:48 AM in response to mek
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Apr 24, 2014 10:48 AM in response to mek

    I don´t know. I´m confused. My KB doesn´t work neither on my iMac nor my Mac Book Pro. That tells me something happened and the KB stopped working. My iMac has Maverick and my MBP 10.6.8 "Snow Leopard". I wish I was in the US to be able to go and change it for new one but I´m in caracas and that´s not possible here. I´ll wait and see if Apple gives an answer. They should, this KB is worth $80. Not chip! Anyway thanks for your comment.

  • by justin_gordon,

    justin_gordon justin_gordon Apr 25, 2014 6:32 AM in response to antoniopedota
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apr 25, 2014 6:32 AM in response to antoniopedota

    It looks like a motherboard issue. Apple will send you a box and you send your mac back, and it's very fast to get it back.

  • by antoniopedota,

    antoniopedota antoniopedota Apr 25, 2014 6:55 AM in response to justin_gordon
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Apr 25, 2014 6:55 AM in response to justin_gordon

    It can´t be a motherboard issue on both computers at the same time...come on!

  • by SMAnderson,

    SMAnderson SMAnderson Apr 26, 2014 5:32 AM in response to antoniopedota
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 26, 2014 5:32 AM in response to antoniopedota

    Adding myself ot the list of people that has experienced this issue.  (Late 2012 MBP 13" and external Apple USB keyboard)

     

    I tried all kinds of things, and couldn't get it the USB keyboard to work. However, as soon as I added a USB extension to the keyboard it started working.  It wasn't even the extension that came with the keyboard either.  It's just some generic USB extension I had laying around.

  • by antoniopedota,

    antoniopedota antoniopedota Apr 26, 2014 5:44 AM in response to SMAnderson
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Apr 26, 2014 5:44 AM in response to SMAnderson

    Hi Anderson,  I had mine plugged direct into the usb and with an extention and none ways worked. I´m glad it worked for you.

  • by SMAnderson,

    SMAnderson SMAnderson Apr 26, 2014 5:45 AM in response to antoniopedota
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 26, 2014 5:45 AM in response to antoniopedota

    I added it between the keyboard and the MBP.

     

    I do agree with your ealier statement.  I don't see how this could be a motherboard issue.

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