What to Do If Your Mac Keyboard Types the Wrong Letters
- Redacción
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
Have you ever started typing and noticed that your Mac keyboard types different letters than the ones you press? It’s a surprisingly common issue, and most of the time, it can be resolved easily.
Here are some causes and step-by-step solutions.
1. Check your keyboard input source
Often, the issue is simply a mismatch in keyboard language settings. If your system is set to a different layout (like U.S. English), some keys won’t match what appears on-screen.
To check:
Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources
Make sure the correct language is selected (e.g., Spanish - ISO)
Remove any unfamiliar layouts like “ABC” or “U.S.”
2. Using an external keyboard?
If you're using a USB or Bluetooth keyboard, macOS may have misidentified it.
Solution:
Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard.
Go to Keyboard Settings, select “Change Keyboard Type”, and follow the wizard.
3. Use the Keyboard Viewer
This handy tool shows which characters your system thinks you're typing.
How to activate it:
Go to System Settings > Keyboard
Enable “Show Keyboard and Emoji Viewers in menu bar”
Open the viewer from the top-right menu and test each key.
4. Check for shortcuts or key remapping tools
Apps like Karabiner, BetterTouchTool, or accessibility settings can override key behavior.
Try disabling those temporarily and see if the issue persists.
5. Restart your Mac
Sometimes, the problem is just a temporary glitch. A quick reboot can often fix unexpected behavior.
6. Update macOS
Keyboard issues can be caused by outdated software. Check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version.
7. Could it be hardware damage?
If all else fails, the issue might be physical. This is especially likely if some keys don’t respond or type multiple characters at once.
At iProX, we diagnose and repair keyboard issues for Intel-based Macs as well as M1, M2, and M3 models. We also offer internal cleaning in case of liquid or dust.
🔧 Need support with your keyboard?
Visit one of our locations in Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta for professional help.
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