Do I need a new keyboard?

GRoston · 2 Weeks Ago

On my computer, I have a Logitech Wireless Keyboard K350. I have had it for years and like it, however, recently it has been acting up - or perhaps I should say 'not acting'. A number of times, I type something and nothing appears on the screen. Wait a few seconds and some of that which was typed appears. I have tried power cycling the keyboard and changing the batteries, but neither seems to permanently fix the issue.

So, does the keyboard need to be replaced? If so, any idea as to what may have gone wrong?

Thank you.

AmericanPharaoh · 2 Weeks Ago

Hello,

When you say Wireless, I assume you mean the keyboard came with a small USB receiver/ dongle, which plugs into a USB port.

If you have any other USB connected devices, disconnect them during the troubleshooting process.

Take a look in 'Device Manager, be sure to click on 'VIEW' and tap, show unhidden devices. If you find any problems there with corrupt USB, Bluetooth, Keyboard, or any other Drivers, just uninstall them and reboot. Windows will reload new Drivers.

Try plugging the dongle into a different USB port?

Try a different wireless keyboard.

Try a wired mouse and keyboard.

Or is this a Bluetooth Keyboard?

GRoston · 2 Weeks Ago

Thanks for the suggestions. I looked at both the computer and device manager, and no other USB devices are connected. The device manager shows several USB controllers, but that's it. I changed the USB port, but that didn't help. Years ago, I attached the dongle to a USB extension cord such that the dongle is only about one foot away from the keyboard. Yet the cord could have gone bad, but since it is almost never touched and since the keyboard starts working again without its being touched that would be odd.

I do have a wired keyboard, for 'emergency' purposes, but I really don't want to use it for an extended period (since this issue is rather sporadic). I could try my wife's keyboard (which is the same model)...

AmericanPharaoh · 1 Week Ago

I'm sorry, I thought you were familiar with how to use Device Manager. What I wanted you to do there was to check for problem drivers. Here's a Device Manager Tutorial for how to do that.

If there are problem drivers present, this could interfere with the operation of the keyboard.

How to Use the Windows Device Manager for Troubleshooting (howtogeek.com)

The reason I wanted you to disconnect all other USB controlled devices from your computer was to eliminate the possibility that they were interfering with the operation of the keyboard.

Plug the USB dongle directly into a USB port, it will operate just fine there, you do not need an extension.

Temporarily connecting a different keyboard would be done for troubleshooting purposes only; If the other keyboard does not exhibit the same issues, then we can assume the issue is limited to the original keyboard, if the issue goes away, then we can assume there's a problem in the operating system and not in the keyboard.

At this point, I'm guessing the issue is either the keyboard has gone bad or there's a driver problem. Of course, it could be something else, but we need to check there first.

I looked up your keyboard, if it turns out the keyboard is failing, not saying it is at this point, it can be replaced for as little as $45.00.

Logitech K350 Wireless Full Size Keyboard Black 920 001996 - Office Depot