Keyboard shortcuts during boot don't work with all keyboards?

[kylera]

I'm using a Microsoft wireless keyboard (non-Bluetooth, part of a keyboard and mouse combo) with my 2011 27-inch iMac, and I can't seem to force my Mac to boot from CD with it. I then used the Bluetooth keyboard that came with my Mac and THAT worked. Will shortcuts only work with the included keyboard?

On a similar thread, I was able to force my Mac to eject a CD during boot by holding the primary mouse button on my Logitech non-Bluetooth wireless trackball.

 

[GGJstudios]

I'm using a Microsoft wireless keyboard (non-Bluetooth, part of a keyboard and mouse combo) with my 2011 27-inch iMac, and I can't seem to force my Mac to boot from CD with it. I then used the Bluetooth keyboard that came with my Mac and THAT worked. Will shortcuts only work with the included keyboard?

Your thread title says it all. Keyboard shortcuts during boot won't necessarily work with all keyboards. A Mac keyboard is the surest bet. Holding a left mouse button down is somewhat easier to replicate across devices than is keyboard mapping.

 

[kylera]

Your thread title says it all. Keyboard shortcuts during boot won't necessarily work with all keyboards. A Mac keyboard is the surest bet. Holding a left mouse button down is somewhat easier to replicate across devices than is keyboard mapping.

I don't understand why this is downvoted. Is it wrong?

I also tested with an old-school Apple Pro Keyboard...no dice.

 

[GGJstudios]

I don't understand why this is downvoted. Is it wrong?

Don't pay attention to the votes. They're not a reliable indicator of anything. Most people don't even use them.

 

[jackrv]

I was under the assumption that wireless keyboard do not work for boot options, but if the wireless trackball worked, I stand corrected. I thought the wireless connection was a function of a loaded OS. (Maybe EFI can do this).

 

[kylera]

I was under the assumption that wireless keyboard do not work for boot options, but if the wireless trackball worked, I stand corrected. I thought the wireless connection was a function of a loaded OS. (Maybe EFI can do this).

Wireless works since the Bluetooth keyboard works. Maybe it's because I'm using a dongle that does both the keyboard and mouse. I don't have a standalone non-Bluetooth wireless keyboard to test my theory with.