Non-Apple Keyboard

[James Board]

I have a MacMini running MacOs 10.2 (I think). I like using my non-Apple keyboard which works fine when I boot the Mac with it. However, when I unplug the keyboard then later plug it back in (I have to do that often), MacOs no longer seems to recognize the keyboard: it doesn't work. How can I fix that? Is there any command I can run from the command-line to tell MacOs to rechech the USB ports and do whatever?

Thanks

[DeltaMac]

Why would you need to unplug your keyboard that often?
Is it because you need to swap devices, such as a USB printer?
Do you have a USB hub? That would help eliminate the need to switch connections, and you could leave the keyboard plugged in to a built-in connection, which often is preferred for a keyboard.
Also, any external USB hub should be self-powered (with an external power cord), and not bus-powered.

[James Board]

Your post didn't answer my question (or attempt to). Does anyone know how to force MacOs to recognize a non-Apple keyboard, which it previously recognized, but was unplugged from the USB slot, then plugged back in?

Thanks

[DeltaMac]

Any USB device should get re-polled by simply unplugging, and then plugging back in to a USB port. That's how you get it to work....

I was really asking you to clarify how you connect your other USB devices, as a flaky external USB hub can cause a variety of problems, especially one that's bus-powered.

You didn't say, so I'm guessing that you need to swap devices at some point, and that's why you disconnect the keyboard?
Is it always the same other device? And do you have any problems with THAT device?

If your mini does not see the keyboard when you plug it back in, then I suspect the USB chip in the keyboard, so try a different keyboard for a few days, to see if the problem goes away. I suspect it will, unless your problem is a result of the connection by that other device.
I have a couple of different non-Apple keyboards - a Logitech that I really like, for example. The problem is not being an Apple part, or not - but that the USB chips in those devices sometimes start mis-behaving. Your best test is a different keyboard.

I see I didn't really answer your question about a command of some kind to reset the USB bus.
I don't know the answer, although someone else might chime in on that. I rely on the USB bus just working (seeing the device when you plug it in, and simply working. I expect the same on a Windows PC, for example, assuming the driver is already installed and available for the device that you want to use)

[James Board]

I don't have a USB hub. I am connecting the keyboard directly to the Mac Mini. However, it is a PS/2 keyboard, so I use PS/2 to USB converter, if that helps.

The reason why I swap keyboards is that I don't like the thin Apple keyboard. I'm not complaining. It's just that I can type a lot faster on an older keyboard which I'm used to. My wife, however, likes the Apple keyboard. The 'other device' (from your reply) is always the Apple keyboard.

[DeltaMac]

Ah, OK
The PS/2 keyboard is likely the issue. That, in my experience, is often an unreliable connection through a USB port with a PS/2 device.
I'm guessing that you have one of the Mac minis which only has two USB ports.

I also understand about the difference that a keyboard's 'feel' can make.
So, I have a suggestion:
If you want to continue to use your old keyboard without fighting with it , add an external USB hub. You would be able to leave both keyboards connected, and use whichever one you like. Or, look for a native USB replacement. You certainly don't have to use the Apple keyboard if it doesn't fit your particular typing style (I usually prefer an older keyboard, but I also like the light, quick touch on the thin keyboards.) There's plenty of different keyboards for sale, and you can sometimes find decent ones for less than $20. Also, check at shops that sell and service PCs. They'll sometimes have a box of keyboards where you may find have one that suits you for cheap ...
Or, there's differences in some of those PS/2-USB adapters, too. I haven't tried others, but you might find one that cooperates with the USB bus a little better. Not sure if that is worth the effort, but at least it gives you some choice...

[ElDiabloConCaca]

While I've had no trouble with PS/2-to-USB converters, I have had issues with hot-plugging them, which I have chalked up to the differences between PS/2 circuitry and USB circuitry.

PS/2 circuitry isn't like USB, and there may be a small microcontroller in the PS/2-to-USB converter that is preventing the hot-plugging from working. PS/2 devices are only detected when the system enters POST (early in the power-on cycle), and that, even though you're using via the USB port, may be the problem.