Holding down keys on Gateway MT6458

[GGoranov2004]

While each individual key works fine by itself, when I hold down a few at the same time, there are problems. This becomes a great issue in FPS games. For example, W+A (diagonal strafe) works fine. However, pressing Space (jump) while holding W+A does nothing (strafe continues but there is no jump).

In text editors I've noticed that if I hold down W, there will be many w's typed, then when I hold down W+A w's will stop being typed and a's will start, but if I then hold down Space, the cursor will just be put to a halt. I have noticed this happens with other keys as well and on other keyboards too, but I've never needed those combos, while I really do need W+A+Space (as well as S+D+Space for that matter) to work.

I have tried several drivers and a couple OS's, no change. Gateway identifies the keyboard as 7010780R. I know the laptop was meant for Vista (on which I haven't tested it), but I'm beginning to doubt it's a software issue. Still, is there something I can possibly do to fix this?

 

[kestrel1]

When typing in a text editor, Notepad etc. what you describe is normal behaviour apart from when you press the space key. This should then take over typing spaces. You need to get hold of a program that will test the keyboards function. Also have you made sure that it is set to the correct local?
There is a 30 day trial of some keyboard test software here:

http://www.passmark.com/products/keytest.htm

 

[GGoranov2004]

I tried the program but it did not give me anything new... Just like the text editors, it does not receive any response from the spacebar when W+A are held down (it does not give malfunction, it's just as if the button was never pressed).

What would the "set to the correct local" mean?

 

[kestrel1]

I don't expect the local would make any difference, but to make sure that you are using the correct language & regional settings go to Control Panel & look for Regional & Language Options. Just make sure that the language & everything else is set to your location.
Have you tried an external USB keyboard?

 

[GGoranov2004]

Yes, the regional settings are all set right; I also checked a few other languages, the problem remains regardless.

I haven't tried another keyboard on the laptop because I don't have a USB one... However, I'm sensing the problem is in the laptop keyboard because I have the same OS and drivers on my desktop PC as well and the PS/2 keyboard there works just fine.

 

[kestrel1]

Try to get hold of a USB keyboard, they aren't that expensive now:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/105529

This is a bargain. UK keyboard, don't know your location but ebuyer have a US site as well.

 

[GGoranov2004]

When I use an external keyboard the problem is gone... I guess it's the keyboard of the laptop then. Is there any additional software I could use to fix this or a way to tinker with it?

 

[kestrel1]

I don't think software will resolve this. It sounds like there is a physical problem with the keyboard & replacing it could be the only option, but if you can use an external keyboard is it really worth it. You never know it could just be an anomaly with this particular laptops keyboard & a new one may be the same or it could be a faulty ribbon cable.

 

[GGoranov2004]

So if I made the spacebar an Alt key or soemthing it wouldn't fix the problem?

If not, I can't really carry an external keyboard, but is it possible to replace the keyboard of the laptop itself?

 

[kestrel1]

You could try remapping a the keys, but I have a feeling it may not help. You can replace the keyboard, but is it really worth it?
Did the problem just start or has it always played up. If it has always played up it could just be something with that laptop, so replacing the keyboard may not help.

 

[GGoranov2004]

It's been like this since the beginning, but since external keyboards work fine I presume replacing the keyboard should fix it, even though as you say it might not be worth it.

 

[kestrel1]

How old is the machine? You may be able to pick up a second hand machine for parts or just the keyboard from ebay. Might be worth a look, if it is cheap enough.

 

[GGoranov2004]

I bought it a month ago... It comes only with Vista so I'd guess it's pretty new.

 

[kestrel1]

If it is only a month old & you think that the keyboard is faulty, it should be replaced under warranty.

 

[GGoranov2004]

I don't know if it is faulty or meant to be that way, however. And I fear that I might a bunch of time and money getting the whole customer service plus shipping and delivery thing to work with the fact the the laptop is considered "recertified" in mind.

 

[kestrel1]

That would be my thoughts, not sure if it is faulty or just meant to be that way.
You say you don't want to carry an external keyboard around, which I can understand, but what about a small form keyboard?
Have a look at this to see what I mean:

http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=172

 

[GGoranov2004]

Meh, too expensive (1/5 the laptop)... Thanks anyway.
I guess I'll call Gateway and ask them about this.

 

[GGoranov2004]

Gateway says that's the default keyboard behavior for that laptop...

I'm now thinking about replacing the keyboard itself. Is that possible and, if yes, how, though?

 

[wahnula]

Keyboard replacement is easy, getting one that is compatible and does what you want is the hard part. You get it out by removing a couple of screws on the bottom (sometimes they say K ->), then removing the strip above the keyboard (usually a snap fit) and lifting it out. Before removal take a good look at the connector and its orientation (I take a picture), it may be a tape/ribbon connector which means you slide back a plastic pressure bar then remove the ribbon. I would ask Gateway support to send me a PDF service manual first, if the bottom screws are not marked you might cause more harm than good. You can then get another keyboard on eBay, just make sure the ribbon connector and keyboard size are the same.

Personally, I would follow kestrel1's advice and get a small external keyboard that works and does what you want it to do. There's no guarantee the replacement will work the way you'd like, the problem may be further upstream than the actual keyboard itself.

Plus, you would still have a complete intact factory-built laptop. I would test with a cheapo borrowed USB keyboard, to see if the desired key combos work before I did anything else.

Tony

"Buy what you like, or you'll be forced to like what you buy"...me

 

[jurgen36]

Try to get one of the flexible keyboards. They can be found on E-bay for only a few dollars. If not in use they can be rolled up and take the space of a handkerchief. This might get you out of trouble.
Regards

Jurgen