Chosen Solution
Several keys suddenly stopped working including power button, although the latter will work if connected to charger (other keys still not working). Unfortunately I need some of the other keys for my login password and shift, command and option keys don’t work, so cannot open in other modes. Identical keys do not work when using external USB keyboard. Any help appreciated.
Then I have to assume you had a liquid spill at some point which is messing you up. You’ll need to replace either the upper case (which is the easier fix) or replace the keyboard which is much more work MacBook Air 13" Mid 2012 Upper Case Replacement Here’s the uppercase which has the keyboard: MacBook Air 13" (Mid 2012) Upper Case with KeyboardHere’s the raw keyboard: MacBook Air 13" (Mid 2011-Early 2015) Keyboard