Google's Use your Chromebook keyboard article explains the keys that differ from a Windows keyboard: the top row has Back, Forward, Refresh, Full screen, Overview, Screenshot and brightness, backlight, media and volume keys, and the Search or Launcher key replaces Caps Lock (press Alt and Search, or Alt and Launcher, to turn Caps Lock on or off). Many keyboard complaints on a Chromebook are settings:
Settings, Device, Keyboard, Remap keyboard keys changes what Ctrl, Alt and Search do, and a different input language changes the characters. For the touchpad, Google's article on turning it off says the setting is under Settings, Accessibility, Cursor and touchpad, Disable built-in touchpad, with options Never, Always or When a mouse is connected; if a touchpad is off, press the Shift key five times to turn it back on. Diagnostics, Input can test the internal keyboard key by key.
Differential
Likely causes of “Acer Chromebook Plus 514 keyboard or trackpad is not working correctly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The touchpad is disabled in settings
What separates it The pointer does not move but the keyboard works
How to confirm Press the Shift key five times, as Google's article says, or check Settings, Accessibility, Cursor and touchpad
- 2
The touchpad turns off when a mouse is connected
What separates it It stopped after plugging in a mouse because the touchpad turns off when a mouse is connected
How to confirm Set Disable built-in touchpad to Never, or unplug the mouse
- 3
Keys are remapped or the language is different
What separates it Keys type the wrong character or Ctrl and Alt behave oddly
How to confirm Check Settings, Device, Keyboard, Remap keyboard keys and the input language
- 4
A stuck or failed key
What separates it One key or a row does not register because of a stuck or failed key
How to confirm Run the Diagnostics keyboard test to see which keys fail
- 5
Liquid damage or a hardware fault
What separates it Rows of keys or the touchpad click fail together while the rest of the laptop works
How to confirm Test an external keyboard and mouse; if they work, the built-in device needs service
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which keys or touchpad actions fail and whether an external keyboard and mouse work
- The result of the Diagnostics keyboard test
- Whether the Chromebook was wet or dropped
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedPress Shift five times
ReversiblePress Shift five times, since Google says that this turns a disabled touchpad back on.
Check the touchpad setting
ReversibleCheck the touchpad setting, in Settings, Accessibility, Cursor and touchpad, Disable built in touchpad, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check the keyboard settings
ReversibleCheck the keyboard settings, in Settings, Device, Keyboard, and look at Remap keyboard keys and the language.
Test the keys
ReversibleTest the keys, in Settings, About ChromeOS, Diagnostics, Input, The internal keyboard, Test, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Test external devices
ReversibleConnect a USB keyboard and mouse to isolate the fault; if they work, the built-in keyboard or touchpad hardware is the likely cause.
Restart
ReversibleRestart and test again after removing anything you connected, since a restart clears many temporary faults.
Hard reset if it persists
ReversibleGoogle says a hard reset restarts the keyboard and touchpad hardware; back up Downloads first.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Touchscreen too
- The 14-inch WUXGA touchscreen works alongside the touchpad and keyboard, so if the touchpad fails you can still tap the screen.
- Tools and supplies
- An external USB mouse and keyboard to test, a flashlight to look between keys and a dry towel. Do not use liquids.
- Repair cost
- A stuck key is usually a setting or dirt and costs nothing. A keyboard repair at an independent shop is $89 to $199 per BadgerLayer, and a liquid spill on a Chromebook is quoted at $199 to $399.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If an external keyboard and mouse work and the built-in ones do not after the Diagnostics test, book a service check
- !If rows of keys fail after a spill, switch it off and go to service the same day
- !If the keyboard or touchpad feels raised, stop using it and see the battery page
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
The unique keys, Caps Lock, remapping keys and Alt-click settings.
The Disable built-in touchpad setting and the Shift five times shortcut.
The keyboard test in Diagnostics, Input.
The Chromebook and ChromeOS platform.
Shop price ranges for screen, battery, keyboard and charging-port repairs.
Exact questions
Common questions
Does the touchscreen make the touchpad stop?+
No. They work together, though palm rejection can ignore taps when your hand rests on the screen while typing.
Does a screen protector affect the touchpad?+
No. A protector affects the touchscreen only, though a thick one can dull touch response, so remove it to test.
Can the touchscreen replace a broken touchpad?+
For a while, yes. The Chromebook Plus 514 has a 14-inch touchscreen, so you can tap and scroll while you arrange a repair, though a mouse is easier.
What does the search or launcher key do?+
It searches and opens your apps. Google says Alt with Search, or Alt with Launcher, turns Caps Lock on and off, since a Chromebook has no Caps Lock key.
How do I turn Caps Lock on?+
A Chromebook has no Caps Lock key. Google says press Alt and Search, or Alt and Launcher, to turn it on or off.
How do I turn my touchpad back on?+
Press the Shift key five times, per Google's article. If it turns off when a mouse is connected, change the setting to Never.
Can I remap keys?+
Yes, under Settings, Device, Keyboard, Remap keyboard keys, you can choose what Ctrl, Alt and Search do.
How do I test the keyboard?+
Open Diagnostics from Settings, About ChromeOS, choose Input and test the internal keyboard. Stay in the same window while you test.
Will a hard reset fix the keyboard?+
Google says a hard reset restarts hardware such as the keyboard and touchpad, but might delete files in Downloads. Try it after other steps.
Why do my keys type the wrong character?+
A different keyboard language or a remapped key. Check the input language and Remap keyboard keys.