Part of getting a new gaming PC is setting everything up. If you are new to PCs or PC gaming, you might be unsure on how to connect your keyboard to your shiny new PC. Don’t worry, CyberPowerPC has your back. Below is our guide to connecting your keyboard to your gaming PC.
How to Connect a New Keyboard to Your Gaming PC
- Connect your keyboard via USB.
- Install via a wireless connection.
- Connect keyboard via PS/2 port.
- Install your keyboard software and drivers.
- Fix any problems with your keyboard installation.
- The keyboard won’t function.
- The keyboard inputs the wrong character.
- The key presses respond too slowly.
- The keyboard shortcuts aren’t working.
- The keyboard RGB lighting isn’t working.
1 – Connect Keyboard Via USB.
To connect your keyboard via USB, simply plug the USB cable of the keyboard into an open USB port at the front or back of your PC.
Once you connect the keyboard, Windows will automatically detect the keyboard and install any necessary drivers. If you keyboard has any unique features, such as customizable USB lighting you will need to download additional software from the keyboard manufacturers website. See the manual that comes with your keyboard on where to download those.
2 – Install Via A Wireless connection.
Modern wireless keyboards typically connect via two methods. Usually they connect via Bluetooth or with a wireless receiver.
To turn on the keyboard, find the switch by flipping it over. Most switches are at the back of the keyboard or near the top. It is usually located in an area where the user can easily switch it on or off.
For either Bluetooth or Wireless Receivers, head over to the “Devices” section of Windows settings and ensure that the keyboard has paired or connected successfully.
For a hassle-free wireless connection, make sure that there is a good signal between your computer and keyboard. Make sure that the keyboard has a good line of sight to the receiver. But chances are you are at your desk so this is not something you really need to worry about.
3 – Install your keyboard software and drivers.
There are keyboards with unique features such as special buttons, a touchpad, programable lights, and more. To get these working correctly, you’ll need to download the manufacturers software or drivers. The keyboard usually has an instruction manual that will point out where you can download this software.
After you have download the software, install it on your gaming PC. Follow the installation process. and run the program to make sure everything is working correctly.
4 – Troubleshooting
Keyboard won’t function.
If you are pressing on your keyboard and nothing is working, double check how the keyboard is connected. If its wired, try unplugging and plugging back in again or using a different USB port.
For our wire free friends, disable the connection in Windows Devices and reconnect it again. You can also plug the receiver into another USB port.
Keyboard inputs the wrong character.
If unfamiliar characters are appearing when you type, that probably means that the software layout on your keyboard doesn’t match the keyboard. It’s rare but it can happen. To fix this, go to the Windows Region & Language section. Select your language and select Options to choose the language that matches the keyboard.
Key presses respond too slowly.
If there is a delay between you pressing the keyboard and characters appearing on the screen or your feel it is slow and unresponsive, head to your keyboard settings. Then adjust the keyboard’s repeat rates to slower levels. Experiment with the settings, so you get the response function you want.
Keyboard shortcuts aren’t working.
Start by checking the keyboard settings, and set up your sticky keys. These sticky keys enable users to press one key at a time to activate the shortcut. Just make sure that this isn’t accidentally allowed, or it might cause you trouble.
Keyboard RGB lighting isn’t working.
RGB lights aren’t doing what you want? Head over to your keyboards software. Double check your settings there. If the lights still aren’t working, try restarting your PC or unplug & plug the keyboard back in.