For a game built on razor-sharp precision like Valorant, a non-responsive keyboard isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s game-breaking. Across community forums, players report keys going dead only while Valorant is running, even though the same keyboards work perfectly in other programs.
The culprit often lies in Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat, recent patches, or driver conflicts. Luckily, most cases have fixes ranging from simple restarts to advanced troubleshooting.
Common Causes
Vanguard Anti-Cheat
Riot’s Vanguard system is notoriously strict. In some cases, it flags certain keyboard firmware or unsigned drivers as potential threats, blocking input until the device is unplugged and reconnected—or until the system is rebooted.
Recent Updates or Patches
Keyboard failures often spike after Valorant updates or even Windows patches. A change to Vanguard or system-level security can trigger conflicts, especially with gaming laptops and RGB keyboards.
Driver and Firmware Issues
Outdated, corrupted, or unofficial drivers can be blocked by Vanguard. Keyboards relying on custom firmware (often for lighting or macros) are particularly vulnerable if their drivers aren’t signed or updated.
Overlay and Background Apps
Overlays from Discord, GeForce Experience, or recording software sometimes interfere with Valorant’s input system. Because Vanguard monitors all running processes, these conflicts can cause certain key signals to fail mid-game.
Quick Fixes
- Unplug and replug the keyboard, or restart your laptop—this often restores input temporarily.
- Update drivers and firmware through the manufacturer’s software or Device Manager.
- Reinstall Riot Vanguard: Uninstall it, restart your PC, then let the Riot Client reinstall it fresh.
- Disable overlays like Discord or GeForce Experience to reduce interference.
- Adjust keyboard properties in Windows: set the repeat delay to the shortest setting for quicker responsiveness.
Advanced Solutions
- Type through the load screen: Some laptop users report that opening Notepad and typing continuously while Valorant launches prevents the keyboard from locking up.
- Device-specific fixes: Community forums often post workarounds for models like ASUS ROG or Razer keyboards, which are among the most commonly affected.
- Contact Riot Support: If nothing works, submit a ticket with your keyboard model, driver version, and a description of the problem for deeper investigation.
The Bigger Picture
Keyboard malfunctions in Valorant aren’t isolated to one brand or setup. They usually stem from Riot’s anti-cheat conflicting with drivers, overlays, or firmware—issues that can feel random but are rooted in compatibility.
For most players, the fastest relief comes from unplugging the device, updating drivers, and reinstalling Vanguard. But persistent cases may require patience, community-sourced fixes, or official support intervention.
Until Riot delivers more robust device compatibility, Valorant players will need to rely on trial-and-error troubleshooting to keep their keyboards—and their clutch plays—alive.
Written by:
Christian