Really dumb question - can a keyboard wear out?

[slightlv]

19. Make sure the USB port is still working OK

If the mouse is wired and is working okay, power down the computer.
Move the mouse from it's current USB port to the USB port occupied by the KB.
Power up the Computer and ensure the Mouse is still working. If so, your Port is okay.

I had a port go bad on me once, and I thought it was a KB. I also had a KB go bad, so I've had both situations happen.

If it IS your KB, AND you're a fast typist, I recommend a wired, mechanical KB. They're sold now as "gamers keyboards." They used to be the cheapest keyboards around 'cause no one wanted the noise they made when you click the keys. But gamers caught on to how fast the key response was and started snapping them up as fast as they could, thus the price went up and availability went down. I used to pay $5 for these mechanical KB's. The last one I bought was $39 for the cheapest, and it came with a lot of gimmicks I didn't need, but I'm a touch typist and want that response time AND the clicker noise! (LOL)