...some technical info:
keyboard - Kaliber Gaming aluminum gaming keyboard
mouse - Kaliber Gaming Retikal pro fps gaming mouse
charging/sync cable - iogear (included in Keymander kit)
firmware version: V1.2.119

Are you in Keyboard Mode by accident? Try pressing F9 to see if it fixes it.

That was one of the first things I tried; no response. Zero communication between the keyboard and console. There is power to the keyboard as it lights up, but that's it.

I'm starting to suspect a hardware issue with the Keymander itself. I really hope not :(

try using another keyboard. maybe that keyboard requires too much power and keymander wont supply it or maybe it requires an actual connection to pc. -!-- speculations --!

That will be my next step although I did try using my laptop with the same results. The keyboard I'm using is the one that came with the Keymander kit; the aluminum one you see advertised here. I'm wondering if it does require the additional power source.

Update: I plugged the keyboard and mouse to my laptop directly, bypassing the ports on the Keymander. At first there was still no communication. So I ran the Keymander software and clicked on the "Game Mode" tab. Success - both the keyboard and mouse work, including all the functions. This leads me to my next inquiry: Isn't the Keymander supposed to work independently (without a PC)? I'm relieved it is working now but the fact that it's necessary to run the software from my laptop during gameplay is puzzling.

...apparently I'm not the only one having keyboard issues with the Keymander/keyboard/mouse bundle. Is this a common concern?

Yes, the keyboard and mouse should always work when connected directly to KeyMander and not in Typing Mode. I use the exact kit you have most of the time with KeyMander, and it has no issue.

What console are you using and how many devices are connected to it (external hard drive, etc.)? If you have too many accessories connected it may not have enough power left for KeyMander and the keyboard/mouse, in which case you would need to use the extra mini-USB cable connected to an additional power source. For now, try using a different USB on the console and let us know what you find out.

I'm using an Xbox One-S. The charging/sync cable I'm using is the one provided by Iogear with the package. It works fine as the controller works with or without the batteries. I have no external hardware connected to my console. Something to mention...it's a minor but telltale sign: when I have the keyboard plugged into the Keymander, the LED button that toggles the backlight colors is inoperative. Also the key lock indicators (num lock/caps lock....) do not illuminate. When I have it plugged directly to my laptop, they work. Power issue, perhaps...?

That said, when I have the Keymander connected to both my laptop and my console, it works... only if I'm also running the Keymander software on my laptop with the "Game Mode" tab engaged.

I do want to try an additional power source. Would connecting a USB between the Keymanders power port and the wall charger I use for my tablet suffice? The last thing I want to do is use an improper power source and fry my emulator lol

lastly, the controller is a Microsoft Xbox controller, not an off-brand.

If you are on the XB1S, switch the KeyMander cable to a different USB port first, so if you are using the front port switch to one on the back. If that doesn’t solve the problem, connect the other mini USB cable between the KeyMander’s power port and the wall charger for your tablet and see if that works, then let us know.

Will do...appreciate your help and I'll update you as soon as I know.

update: changing usb port locations made no difference. i haven't tried connecting to the power port yet (need to purchase an additional mini usb) I will let you know asap.

-J

You don’t need an additional mini USB as the KeyMander should have come with two. Please check the box and let me know if there was only one.