Question Keyboard keeps spamming keys even after being unplugged and changed keyboard software issue?

[DoomSplitter]

Hi all,

I'm dealing with a very frustrating issue and would really appreciate any advice or insight. sorry i didnt know where to post this.

Issue:
At completely random times, my computer starts continuously inputting the number 3, along with - and = — as if I'm holding those keys down. This happens across any text field or input box. What's especially strange is that it continues even when I unplug my keyboard.

This issue resolves itself after a reboot, but it comes back eventually — sometimes within minutes, other times after a few hours.

Troubleshooting I've Tried So Far(I'm not a very technical person, but here's what I've done so far to try and fix it):
Tried different keyboards — same issue.
Remapped keyboard keys — no effect.
Disabled Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys.

Fully updated:
Windows
NVIDIA graphics drivers
Keyboard, mouse, and headset drivers
Deleted all ghost input devices (using devmgmt.msc and enabling hidden devices).
Uninstalled all keyboard, mouse, and HID entries from Device Manager.
Ran a full Windows Defender scan — no threats found.

When It Happens:
Most commonly when using Google Chrome (especially YouTube).
Also running Steam most of the time.
First started after alt-tabbing out of a game: ROME: Total War Remastered. I’ve since uninstalled the game, but the issue still persists.

Additional Notes:
No controller or gaming input devices are connected.
I’ve checked startup processes and nothing unusual stands out.
Again, restarting temporarily fixes it — but it always returns.

Has anyone ever experienced something like this before? Any help with diagnosis or further steps to try would be hugely appreciated. I’m happy to provide more info if needed.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

Ran a full Windows Defender scan — no threats found.
Run Malwarebytes and see if anything comes back.

You forgot to mention the make and model of your keyboard(s) that you've tried on your platform.

Have you checked to see if your platform's BIOS is pending an update? Speaking of BIOS, please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time. In this instance, include all of your peripherals and anything else that's hooked up to the system.

Have you taken the culprit keyboard onto another platform to see if the issue persists, and isn't a physical issue with said keyboard?

Again, restarting temporarily fixes it — but it always returns.
Try and manually reinstall the chipset/USB drivers for your platform.

Where did you source the installer for your OS?