Really dumb question - can a keyboard wear out?

[wryter2000]

I'm currently on my chromebook (which I love, btw). My desktop is the computer connected to my printer. I went in to print something, and the keyboard appears dead. If I hit number lock, the little light doesn't come on. I tried using other usb ports, and still no go. I tried connecting it to the chromebook, and nada.

Is it possible the keyboard has died? If so, I'll just buy another keyboard.

I only replace computers when they're dead, so this one is quite old. I've forgotten when I got it. The computer seems fine, as far as I can tell, although I can't get onto it without putting in my PIN, but it turns off and on and seems ready to work.

Should I just try getting a new keyboard?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Yes, keyboards can, and do, die. As do computers.

Sounds to me as though you should probably replace both.

New computers are much faster than old ones. I think they have better anti-viral things too.

But by all means, replace your keyboard!

[Earth-shine]

2. Keyboards can wear out, short out, blink out, or just plain quit.

One should keep an extra keyboard and mouse on hand for these occasions.

[kimbutgar]

3. Yes I had to replace a keyboard that I had for 4 years recently

They do die out just like computer mouses.

[OAITW r.2.0]

4. Is it wireless or wired?

If wireless, check the batteries in the keyboard. If hardwired via a USB/port connector, I'd probably see if you can find a a spare comeone might have to test it out. The fact that it has an LED on the keyboard, makes me think it is wireless. If it is a problem with the wired port, then another option -is you have an available USD port - is to get a wireless keyboard/mouse como.

[wryter2000]

8. Interesting

It's wired. A wireless one would be interesting.

[OAITW r.2.0]

12. That's all I use now....My keyboatd and mouse can move freely, without restraint.

Simply add the batteries and plug the transmitter (a little USB dongle that's hardly noticeable) into the USB port and you're free to type!

[canetoad]

13. If you're a fast typist

A wireless keyboard may drive you mad. There is an very slight delay after striking the keys.

[wryter2000]

14. Oh, dear

That could be a problem.

[LeftInTX]

21. I hate mine!

It won't work in the BIOS either.
I've got a wired one that I need to hook up.

I bought the wireless during the Covid shortage when I couldn't find a wired one

[ItsjustMe]

5. Try rebooting your computer

Sometimes they flake out, the audio on a friends computer stop working, and after rebooting the computer the audio was back.

[wryter2000]

7. I did do that

Computer seems fine.

[brush]

6. Keys on keyboard wear out too. On an old laptop I had a few of the most used letters...

stopped working no matter how hard I pressed. It also happened on a keyboard on my desktop. I had a replacement for that.

[wryter2000]

10. I had that happen on a notebook I had

Very frustrating.

[wryter2000]

9. Thanks, all

I guess I'll try getting a new keyboard and see if that fixes it. I hate getting a new computer, and not just because of the cost. Usually, something on the new one doesn't work at first and I have to deal with that.

[Hoyt]

11. Have gone through many keyboards, especially when working/pounding full-time.

[AllaN01Bear]

15. try using a teletype . really push those keys .

[Hoyt]

16. Started on those. The whole machine shook.

[LastDemocratInSC]

17. Nice 102 key keyboards by Logitech are available for about $10 now.

[wryter2000]

18. Cool

Thanks!

[slightlv]

19. Make sure the USB port is still working OK

If the mouse is wired and is working okay, power down the computer.
Move the mouse from it's current USB port to the USB port occupied by the KB.
Power up the Computer and ensure the Mouse is still working. If so, your Port is okay.

I had a port go bad on me once, and I thought it was a KB. I also had a KB go bad, so I've had both situations happen.

If it IS your KB, AND you're a fast typist, I recommend a wired, mechanical KB. They're sold now as "gamers keyboards." They used to be the cheapest keyboards around 'cause no one wanted the noise they made when you click the keys. But gamers caught on to how fast the key response was and started snapping them up as fast as they could, thus the price went up and availability went down. I used to pay $5 for these mechanical KB's. The last one I bought was $39 for the cheapest, and it came with a lot of gimmicks I didn't need, but I'm a touch typist and want that response time AND the clicker noise! (LOL)

[wryter2000]

20. I tried more than one port

Thanks for the buying tip