QWERUIOP and Right Shift keys suddenly stopped working

Update: Somehow the keys started working, so I’ve quickly changed my password to exclude the dysfunctional keys. The issue still persists on startup, but I at least have login access to diagnose it more deeply, based on you advice.

System details (can share more if needed):

  • OS: Manjaro Linux x86_64
  • Kernel: 5.13.19-2-MANJARO
  • Packages: 2048 (pacman)
  • Shell: bash 5.1.16
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • DE: Later than 42.3 for sure
  • WM: Mutter
  • Terminal: gnome-terminal
  • CPU: 11th Gen Intel i7-1165G7 (8) @ 4.700GHz
  • GPU: Intel TigerLake-LP GT2 [Iris Xe Graphics]

Issue

My laptop’s QWERUIOP and Right-Shift keys have stopped working, making it impossible to login, since my password contains some of these keys.

I’d have assumed it’s a hardware issue, but the keys have resumed working a few minutes after startup a couple of times. However, this time, they simply don’t work, no matter how long I wait.

Just wanted to ask if there’s any chance this might actually be a fixable software issue. If it helps, my laptop model is Starlabs Starbook Mk V. The issue began about a week ago, after a big update, but I’m not sure the two are connected.

FYI, I don’t have a guest account, so diagnostic capabilities are severely constrained, since I’m stuck at the login screen.

Appreciate any help!