Keyboard not working on Linux
Keys that don't type, repeat, or stick on Linux are usually a connection issue, a stuck key, or a driver/layout problem. Try these, then check every key live.
Step-by-step fix
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Reconnect the keyboard: replug USB (try another port), or re-pair Bluetooth. For a laptop, restart Linux.
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Run the CheckMyMic keyboard test and press each key — any that won't light up is the problem key.
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Clean under a stuck or unresponsive key with compressed air.
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Check your keyboard layout/language is correct in Linux settings, and turn off Filter/Sticky Keys.
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Update or reinstall the keyboard driver, then restart.
Frequently asked questions
Some keys don't work on Linux — is it broken?
Run the keyboard test and press the dead keys. If they never light up across the test, the keys (or the keyboard) are faulty; if they work in the test, it's an app or layout issue — start with the input/keyboard settings in Linux rather than the hardware.
My keyboard types the wrong characters on Linux.
That's a layout/language mismatch. Change the input language in Linux settings to match your keyboard.
Keys are still dead on Linux after everything — is the keyboard finished?
Run the CheckMyMic keyboard test one more time: keys that never register there, in any app, and (for an external keyboard) on a second computer are hardware failures. On a laptop, plugging in a cheap USB keyboard both gets you typing immediately and proves the built-in keyboard is the fault — that's a repair, not a settings fix.
My layout resets or types the wrong symbols on Linux.
Check your desktop's input-source list (GNOME: Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources) and delete stray layouts — a hotkey like Super+Space may be cycling between them without you noticing. For a live session, "setxkbmap us" (or your layout) fixes it immediately; make the desktop setting match so it survives reboot.