Why is my keyboard typing random letters?

July 30, 2025 3 answers
Asked by MysticSquirrel22
I recently bought a Steelseries Apex Pro TKL keyboard earlier this year, and today it started typing random characters when I turned on my computer. The keys are outputting "8ikm" in a jumbled manner, but I don't think it's related to any software issues on my PC since I'm using a different keyboard without problems. Can anyone help me figure out what's going on?

Answers

GadgetGuru88
If it's dust causing the problem, try turning the keyboard upside down and shaking it gently to dislodge anything stuck inside. Blowing out any dirt can also help. Sometimes, a good cleaning is all it takes to fix these glitches.
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CuriousTechie99
I had a similar issue, and it turned out to be a faulty switch. Even when I wasnโ€™t pressing it, it sent false signals affecting nearby keys. If cleaning doesnโ€™t work, you might need to check if one of the switches is shorted. Good luck!
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TechWhiz23
This might be a hardware issue, especially since the letters you're seeing (8, i, k, m) are all in a vertical column on the keyboard. Mechanical keyboards work on a matrix circuit, so if there's a short in a column or rowโ€”often due to dust, spills, or some internal damageโ€”it can cause multiple keys to act as if they're being pressed. Try checking for any debris under the keys or signs of liquid damage. Also, you can reset the firmware using the SteelSeries Engine softwareโ€”just go to Settings > Device > Apex Pro TKL and look for the reset option.
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