On 09/20/2017 08:56 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Wed, 20 Sep 2017 20:02:58 -0400, bitrex
wrote:

I'll get him something better ASAP but in the meantime wtf do you do
with this thing?

You look at the keyboard serial number tag to identify the maker and
model number. From that, you can probably find an overpriced matching
USB receiver on eBay.

If "something better" means Logitech, they make some good keyboards
and a few really awful keyboards. For example, the K750 uses an
MS2032 rechargeable button cell that is rather difficult to find,
difficult to remove and difficult to replace:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Logitech+K750+Keyboard+ML2032+to+CR2032+battery+re placement/49181
ML2032 cells are available on eBay in your choice of real, mislabeled,
or counterfeit. Lifetime of the MS2032 cell is about a month if you
allow the cell to discharge for extended periods. So, you have to
leave it in a well lit room or near a window to keep it charged. There
are others that suck, but this is the worst design I've seen.

If you buy used, you'll find quite a few Apple BlueGoof anodized
aluminum wireless keyboards. Besides the traditional unrepairable
keyboard, where one coffee spill means the keyboard is mortally
wounded, this also model offers an aluminum battery compartment and
stainless steel battery cover. Aluminum and stainless are not very
galvanically compatible, but will survive as long as there is no
liquid electrolyte inside the the threads. This is unlikely because
the common AA batteries will either outgas or leak, causing the
battery cover to RIP (rust in place). While you are trying to figure
out a way to remove the battery cover, the leaking electrolyte is
quietly rotting out the contacts and PCB traces.

However, if you're lucky enough to find an Apple wireless anodized
aluminum keyboard that hasn't died from a battery electrolyte
hemorrage, you can kill it with software. I have several keyboards
that failed to survive a firmware upgrade. Apple gives you only one
chance to install the firmware. If there's any hesitation or hiccup
in the upload, it merrily continues and installs corrupted garbage. If
you try to recover by installing an earlier version, Apple's installer
refuses to allow a firmware downgrade.

Have fun keyboard shopping.


Thanks for the detailed reply! You can really brick Apple keyboads
during a firmware update whaaaaat?!