USB keyboard not recognized

[nope7308]

My USB keyboard is not recognized by MacOS. When it is recognized, it randomly stops working for reasons unknown. This only happens on MacOS (10.14.3) -- not Windows 10 -- and the keyboard firmware is updated and fully functional. The only solution to this issue is to use a USB extender, which causes a spaghetti factory on my desk. The reason I need to use a USB keyboard is because the arrow and enter keys on the MacBook Pro no longer work...

I'm 100% confident this is a Mojave software issue, so if I replace the computer, it's certainly not going to be another MacBook Pro. WTF is going on with Apple nowadays? Even Dell can implement USB controllers properly...

Any advice on how to permanently resolve this issue? I have tried different cables, resetting PRAM and all that, and nothing works. This affects other USB keyboards as well, although I can't discern any rational pattern -- it seems completely random.

 

[Fishrrman]

You didn't tell us what year the MBP was made.
If it's 2016 or later, the built-in keyboard is covered under an extended warranty.
In that case, take it to a brick-n-mortar Apple Store without delay.

 

[chabig]

I'm 100% confident this is a Mojave software issue

I doubt that. USB is a well understood standard, and you're the only one with this problem. Your install of Mojave could have a problem, but you shouldn't blame it on Mojave nor project your problem onto everyone else.

I agree with Fishrrman. Take it in now!

 

[nope7308]

I doubt that. USB is a well understood standard, and you're the only one with this problem. Your install of Mojave could have a problem, but you shouldn't blame it on Mojave nor project your problem onto everyone else.

I agree with Fishrrman. Take it in now!

This is a well documented issue that affects multiple external USB keyboards, including Apple's own keyboards! I've researched this issue extensively and I'm not the only one who has reported it.

The MBP is late-2013, and the non-functioning keys are the result of liquid damage. The repair would cost more than what the computer is presently worth, so if that's the only solution, I would simply replace it with a Lenovo X1 Carbon.

The USB issue started surfacing about a week ago, and the keyboard operates perfectly fine on Windows-based machines, and on Apple machines running previous versions of MacOS. As I said, the only viable workaround is to use a USB extender, which leads me to believe the problem is native to Mojave.

 

[chabig]

This is a well documented issue that affects multiple external USB keyboards, including Apple's own keyboards! I've researched this issue extensively and I'm not the only one who has reported it.

OK. I don't know what a USB extender is, but maybe your best solution is to get another keyboard. Basic USB keyboards cost only about $20.

 

[crjackson2134]

OK. I don't know what a USB extender is, but maybe your best solution is to get another keyboard. Basic USB keyboards cost only about $20.

He means a USB extension cable.

I had a similar problem and getting a quality USB3 extension cable helped me a lot. I think the USB2 cable wasn't connecting tightly into the header. Also, the USB3 cable extension has more internal conductors, besides fitting tighter.

 

[chabig]

Ah, connectors! I couldn’t understand why an extension cable would make a difference.