Why does my backtick key not work on OS X?

Question

On my MacBook (13 inch aluminum late 2008) the backtick key (`) does not work by itself. In order to insert a backtick, I have to press Option + `.

The tilde (~) works fine.

I'm using the default US keyboard layout. Any ideas why this is happening and how to fix it?

Solution

Go to System Preferences > Language & Text > Input Sources. There, check Show Input menu in menu bar, and make sure the first item in the list - Keyboard & Character Viewer is also checked.

Now you can open the Keyboard Viewer from the new icon in the menu bar. Green keys are "dead keys" (i.e. they modify the next character you input, like ´ + e = é). Press shift and/or alt to view the characters you enter while pressing those modifier keys.

I assume that the ` key is -- without modifiers -- displayed in green. If not, try changing your layout temporarily, maybe it will snap back.

Otherwise, check a few other applicable Input Sources in the same system preferences pane (British, US, US Extended and US International PC all match your printed keyboard layout except #/£) and switch between them in the list for the new menu bar item. The Keyboard Viewer will update immediately, so you can look for a layout you like, in terms of dead keys and even characters you type while pressing alt (those not printed on the keyboard).

(I have an international english keyboard, so I don't have first-hand experience with your layout)

Comments

[Admin]

Check your language settings. While the keyboard may be correct, your regional settings may be the problem.

[Wuffers]

I checked them and they all seem correct. But the problem persists.

[HikeMike]

What Mac OS X version are you using? Did you upgrade or reinstall you system?

[Wuffers]

I did do a clean reinstall a while ago because I messed up my system (Installed GRUB on it, human error). And I am running 10.6.4.

[Wuffers]

Thanks, but when I have the keyboard viewer active, the backtic key isn't green. None of them are.

[Wuffers]

Just after posting that, I changed to a US International layout, with backtic as a 'dead key' It seems to be working now. Even though I have to press space to terminate it. Thanks!