My Surmen GS98 wired mechanical keyboard worked normally yesterday, but it no longer powers on or responds when I start my PC. I checked that the cable is connected, and I've tried leaving it plugged in, but there are no lights or flashing indicators. Since it's a wired model, I'm not sure what else to check. What steps can I take to determine whether the cable, USB port, computer, or keyboard itself is faulty?
4 Answers
Check for simple physical problems such as debris around the switches or a loose connection at the keyboard. Blow out the USB socket with compressed air, reconnect the cable firmly, and restart the PC. You can also check Device Manager or use another keyboard to see whether the computer recognizes any keyboard input.
If another USB port, another cable, and another computer all produce the same result, the keyboard itself may have failed. A basic spare keyboard is useful to keep around, especially if you need a working one urgently.
Try a different USB port first, preferably one directly on the back of the PC. Then test the keyboard on another computer if possible. If it works elsewhere, the issue may be with the original USB port or computer; if it stays completely dead, the keyboard or cable is probably the problem.
Since the GS98 is wired, charging it won’t help and it shouldn’t rely on a battery. The detachable USB cable could have failed, so borrowing another compatible data cable is worth trying. Make sure it supports data, not just charging.
I only have the cable that came with it, but I’ll try to find another compatible one to test.