Failing USB Keyboard

[Zappledapple]

My silver USB keyboard (see attached photo) on my old Imac (8,1) is starting to fail in strange ways and was wondering if the keyboard is dying and a replacement will fix the issue or is this an operating system (OSX 10.6..8) issue on an old computer issue. Random keys on the keyboard have stopped working like the e, shift, up arrow (all the other arrows work), etc. I have a new computer I'm setting up but want to squeeze a few more projects out of the old one. Wondering what the issue might be and what's the fix if there is one?

 

[pmiles]

Have you tried resetting the NVRAM and PRAM? Can't hurt to try. Other than maybe a dirty keyboard it could just be excessive usage. Try plugging it in to a different port (just in case)?

Good news is getting a replacement keyboard is simple enough.

Definitely not going to be an OS issue.

 

[Zappledapple]

Have you tried resetting the NVRAM and PRAM? Can't hurt to try. Other than maybe a dirty keyboard it could just be excessive usage. Try plugging it in to a different port (just in case)?

Good news is getting a replacement keyboard is simple enough.

Definitely not going to be an OS issue.

Tried a different port, unplugging and restarting but no luck. New keyboard would be easy but thought I'd get some expert opinion before I dropped $40. Does resetting the NVRAM and PRAM create any other issues. Will I lose any files?

 

[KeesMacPro]

Does resetting the NVRAM and PRAM create any other issues. Will I lose any files?

No, resetting NVRAM will not delete any file. Actually a NVRAM reset cleans it up and will only reset temporary settings like e.g. Volume .

 

[Fishrrman]

If the keyboard is old and losing function, just replace it.

Keyboards are cheap and plentiful.
The hardest decision is often which replacement you want.

I would recommend a USB keyboard (instead of bluetooth).