So you have bought a new keyboard for your gaming PC, but you have trouble installing it. Then you stumbled upon the right article. Below is a complete guide on connecting your keyboard to your gaming PC via different ways, including a USB port, wireless connection via Bluetooth, or via PS/2 port. Here is how you connect a new 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 your keyboard via USB.
Connect the USB keyboard plug into a USB port on the back or front of your gaming PC. Remember that you can do this whether your system is off or on during the installation. If you have a USB hub, connect it to the hub. However, when installing a keyboard, it is highly recommended to directly connect it to the back of your computer.
After the keyboard is connected to your gaming PC, it will be detected and automatically installed. However, if your keyboard has unique features, you will have to install the keyboard software and drivers. Some modern USB keyboards have two USB cables. One is for your keyboard, and the other one is to connect your keyboard to other USB devices.
2 – Install via a wireless connection.
Wireless keyboards always come with a receiver plugged that you have to connect to your computer. This way, the keyboard can send and receive signals wirelessly to your computer. Connect the receiver to the back of your computer. And once it is connected, make sure that your keyboard has batteries or is charged by turning it on.
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.
After your new keyboard is connected, it will automatically connect and install. If it has any special features, then you might need to install its software or driver.
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. If you don’t have an extension cable to do this, move the USB receiver from the back USB port of your computer to the front.
3 – Connect keyboard via PS/2 port.
When connecting your new keyboard via PS/2, remember that your computer should be turned off. Once your unit is off, connect the keyboard to the PS/2 port you can find at the back of your computer.
At the back of your computer, you will notice there are two PS/2 ports. Connect the keyboard to the purple port. However, if the ports are not color-coded, connect the keyboard to the port closest to the left edge. You can also look for a small keyboard symbol next to or under the ports. So, you can know which one of the two PS/2 ports is for the keyboard.
If you have an old keyboard or device, but your computer doesn’t have a port for it, then you can get a PS/2 to USB adapter. This adapter will allow your old keyboard to connect to your newer gaming PC by attaching the PS/2 to the USB port then to the computer.
4 – Install your keyboard software and drivers.
There are keyboards with unique features such as special buttons, a touchpad, and many more. If your new keyboard does, then there are model-specific drivers that you will need to install on your gaming PC for them to work correctly. The keyboard usually has a disc provided, or you can download it directly from the manufacturer’s website.
After you have downloaded the driver from the manufacturer’s website, install it on your gaming PC. Follow the step-by-step installation process. Once installed, run its program and make sure it is updated.
5 – Fix any problems with your keyboard installation.
The keyboard won’t function.
If you see that the keyboard indicator light is turned on, but the keyboard isn’t functioning, you need to check its connection. For wired keyboards, check if the USB is connected correctly. While for wireless, try to disable and reconnect it again. You can also plug the receiver into another USB port.
The keyboard inputs the wrong character.
If this happens, it means that the software layout on your computer doesn’t match your new keyboard. You can change the setup by going to the Windows Region & Language section. Select your language and select Options to choose the language.
The key presses respond too slowly.
If your new keyboard seems to respond slowly, go to the keyboard settings. Then adjust the keyboard’s repeat rates to slower levels. Experiment with the settings, so you get the response function you want.
The 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.
The keyboard RGB lighting isn’t working.
If the keyboard’s RGB lighting isn’t working, you need to check the keyboard’s software. Are you sure that you have installed the right software? If you have, make sure that the lighting hasn’t been turned off or adjusted. Turn off your PC, unplug the keyboard, and plug it back in if everything looks OK. This should fix the problem.