Intermittent Input Language Switching Failure (Grave Key) on HP OMEN 16

[sunnieWL]

I am experiencing a specific keyboard issue on my new HP OMEN 16 (Windows 11).

The Problem: The Grave Accent (~) key fails to switch input languages intermittently when pressed while I am actively typing other keys.

• If I stop typing and press the key, it switches languages perfectly.

• However, during rapid typing, the key press is frequently ignored by the system.

• The hardware key itself is not physically broken, as it registers 100% of the time when the system is idle.

Troubleshooting steps I have already taken (Issues persist): To rule out common configuration errors, I have already tried the following:

1. Windows Settings: Turned OFF "Filter Keys" in Accessibility settings. 

2. Keyboard Settings: Tried enabling the "Use desktop language bar" (Legacy mode) and reset the Input Language Hotkeys.

3. Performance: Confirmed that CPU and RAM usage are low; there is no system lag.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @sunnieWL 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how frustrating it feels when a key that should reliably switch input languages only works part of the time, especially during fast typing. Thank you for already checking accessibility settings, hotkey configurations, and system performance. 

Let’s go step by step to isolate and improve the responsiveness of the Grave Accent key on your OMEN 16.

 

Step 1: Confirm Hotkey Assignment

• Go to Settings > Time & Language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings.
• Under Input language hotkeys, verify that the Grave Accent key is correctly assigned.
• If possible, try assigning a different hotkey temporarily (such as Ctrl + Shift) to confirm whether the issue is specific to the Grave key.

 

Step 2: Adjust Keyboard Repeat and Delay

• Open Control Panel > Keyboard.
• Reduce the Repeat delay and adjust the Repeat rate slider.
• This ensures rapid key presses are registered more consistently during fast typing.

 

Step 3: Update Keyboard and System Drivers

• Visit HP’s support page for your OMEN 16 model and install the latest keyboard driver and system BIOS update.
• Guide: HP PCs – Downloading or Updating Software and Drivers

 

Step 4: Test in Clean Boot Mode

• Perform a clean boot to start Windows with minimal background services.
• This helps confirm whether third‑party software is interfering with hotkey recognition.
• Guide: HP PCs – Performing a Clean Boot in Windows

 

Step 5: Use HP Hardware Diagnostics

• Restart the laptop and press Esc repeatedly until the Startup Menu appears.
• Press F2 to open System Diagnostics.
• Run the Keyboard Test to confirm the Grave Accent key registers consistently under hardware testing.
• Guide: HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows

 

Step 6: Test Alternate Input Methods

• Try switching languages using the Windows taskbar language icon or Win + Spacebar shortcut.
• If these methods work consistently, it confirms the issue is isolated to the Grave Accent hotkey handling.

By following these steps, you can determine whether the intermittent failure is linked to hotkey assignment, keyboard driver responsiveness, or background interference. Starting with adjusting the repeat delay and testing alternate hotkeys usually gives the quickest insight.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye