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View Full Version : Startup keys do not work with Kensington Keyboard

bedouin
12-22-2005, 09:02 PM
The other day I was trying to access open firmware on my iMac DV when the key combo simply would not work. I made sure I was pressing the right keys, and then also tried some other common combos -- like resetting the PRAM. That didn't work either. I'm using this (http://us.kensington.com/html/1412.html) Kensington keyboard with the iMac.

Confused, I brought the Apple Pro Keyboard from my PowerMac over to the Mac and attached it. Sure enough, I was able to access open firmware and reset the PRAM with the Apple keyboard attached.

Any ideas why this would happen?
hayne
12-22-2005, 09:11 PM
I've heard this sort of thing before. I guess the Apple keyboards get special treatment at startup. I think the drivers for 3rd-party keyboards get loaded too late to be able to use them to affect the startup.
That used to be the case for the Apple wireless keyboard as well but if I recall correctly, this got fixed in a recent OS X update.
olealf
12-23-2005, 04:00 AM
I can confirm that this happens with other non-Apple keyboards also.

And I think that haynes idea is right (as always).:)
bedouin
12-23-2005, 09:25 AM
Hmm, I've been thinking of purchasing this (http://matias.ca/tactilepro/index.php) keyboard for my PowerMac, but in light of this recent discovery I'm not sure if it's a good idea.
hayne
12-23-2005, 11:13 AM
Hmm, I've been thinking of purchasing this (http://matias.ca/tactilepro/index.php) keyboard for my PowerMac, but in light of this recent discovery I'm not sure if it's a good idea.
You just need to keep one USB keyboard around for use when troubleshooting (when you might want to boot in single-user mode etc). Using other keyboards should be not be a problem in normal use.
bedouin
12-23-2005, 11:51 AM
Yeah I'm aware it will be fine otherwise. It's just that, when something isn't working, you're seriously not in the mood to rummage through a closet to find your OEM keyboard. My PowerMac setup is a monstrosity when it comes to cable management and all the peripherals scattered about. Maybe one day I'll have the ideal Mac setup with minimal cabling . . .