PS/2 Keyboard to USB?

[Modem Ani]

Don't laugh: Was I naive to think that I could plug my PS/2 keyboard into a
USB port if I attached a PS/2-to-USB converter to the cable? That's what I
did, and the keyboard didn't work.

Modem Ani

 

[Bob I]

Some do, some don't. And some sorta work. For instance the
"Alt-Printscreen" won't work on the setup I am using right now with a
PS/2- USB converter.

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

You may as well use the PS/2 ports.. they can be used for precious little
else..

 

[Modem Ani]

<lol> Ain't it the truth? I'm trying to reduce the number of wires leading
out from the back of my computer, and the base of my monitor has a built-in
USB hub.

Modem Ani

 

[Bob I]

Actually the "latest Dells" don't have a PS/2 port, only USB. So some
pricey PS/2 programmable keyboards are being saved by using the "converter".

 

[Yves Leclerc]

But not all PS/2 to USB convertors works! The ones that are just a PS/2 to
USB plug may work, but depending on the keyboard. The other where there
seems to be a control chip in between the keyboard and USB port seems to
work better.

 

[Modem Ani]

Bonjour Yves.

Apparently, my simple PS/2-to-USB connector is one of those that, for some
reason, does not work. I have also seen cables with a male USB connector and
two female PS/2 connectors. Such cables are typically used by laptop owners,
to connect an external keyboard and mouse with their computer. Some of these
cables have a small 'box' where the three wires meet - perhaps this contains
the chip to which you refer?

Modem Ani

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

That's as maybe, but if you have them, use them..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

 

[Guest]

I assume(yeah I know) that since I have seen you answering other posts that
you enabled usb/ps2 support in bios.

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

tfw

I have four USB ports on the back of my computer.. system resource has been
allocated for use.. I have a scanner, a printer, a digital camera connection
cable and a USB extension cable plugged into them..

I have two PS/2 ports on the back of my computer.. system resource has been
allocated for their use.. nothing else but mouse and keyboard work if
plugged into them..

If PS/2 ports are available, and both keyboard and mouse have PS/2 fittings,
I am at a loss to understand why anybody would want to connect either device
to USB..

Does that answer your question?

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

 

[Modem Ani]

Hi Mike,

First I'll respond to your "I am at a loss to understand..." statement, then
I'll report what I have learned since my original post.

Because of the particular way that my computer and peripherals are setup on
my desktop, I find it more convenient to have as few wires coming out from
the back of my computer as possible. That's the only reason I want to plug
my PS/2 keyboard into the USB hub built into my monitor. Strictly a matter
of my personal convenience.

Now...since posting I have learned that, yes, I was naive to think that all
I needed to plug my PS/2 keyboard into a USB port is a PS/2-to-USB adapter.
If a keyboard has the logic for USB built into it, then all you need is the
'dumb' adapter that I bought. If the keyboard does not have the logic, the
only thing 'dumb' is the person buying the adapter, in this case, me. Glad
it only cost two bucks.

For a few more dollars you can buy a cable that includes the logic, as Yves
pointed out. Instead, I'll spend a bit more and get myself a 'real' USB
keyboard. So now I'm in the market for a USB keyboard that has the quietest
possible keys.

Modem Ani

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

I understand your comments re the cables.. my preference is NOT to connect
to the front of the tower or screen.. it looks messy..

Re. keyboard.. if you really have a thing with cables, try the wireless
Logitech keyboard/mouse combinations.. Logitech keyboards are quieter than
Microsoft's offerings.. and wireless gets over the cable issue too..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

 

[Modem Ani]

I'll check them out. Thanks.

Modem Ani

I understand your comments re the cables.. my preference is NOT to connect
to the front of the tower or screen.. it looks messy..

Re. keyboard.. if you really have a thing with cables, try the wireless
Logitech keyboard/mouse combinations.. Logitech keyboards are quieter than
Microsoft's offerings.. and wireless gets over the cable issue too..

 

[Ed Ferris]

If I may resurrect this old thread:
I have one of those Dell laptops with only USB ports, not a PS2.
After wearing out a USB keyboard I bought ($30) I bought an adapter at
Radio Shack ($15), the cable kind with a bulge in the middle, and tried to
connect my old PS/1 keyboard (NCR make) through it. WinXP said it was
connected, and it shows up in Device Manager as working just fine, but all
the keyboard does is flash its three LED's. No input from the keys.
Now the old keyboard is doubtless as dumb as they ever were, but why does
XP say it's working when it isn't?
Would a $6 keyboard from Wal-Mart work through the adapter?
I can't stand all those Multimedia keys, and I do production typing
(transcribing books) so I can't use the laptop keyboard.
Thanks in advance,
Ed Ferris

 

[Malke]

If I may resurrect this old thread:
I have one of those Dell laptops with only USB ports, not a PS2.
After wearing out a USB keyboard I bought ($30) I bought an adapter at
Radio Shack ($15), the cable kind with a bulge in the middle, and tried to
connect my old PS/1 keyboard (NCR make) through it. WinXP said it was
connected, and it shows up in Device Manager as working just fine, but all
the keyboard does is flash its three LED's. No input from the keys.
Now the old keyboard is doubtless as dumb as they ever were, but why does
XP say it's working when it isn't?
Would a $6 keyboard from Wal-Mart work through the adapter?
I can't stand all those Multimedia keys, and I do production typing
(transcribing books) so I can't use the laptop keyboard.
Thanks in advance,
Ed Ferris

No. Buy a regular USB keyboard. I got a very nice standard Logitech USB
keyboard from NewEgg for $14 USD.


Malke

 

[Ed Ferris]

Well, the $6 keyboard is now $10 at Wal-Mart, but it does work with the USB
to PS2 adapter. The USB keyboards they had were $20 and Multimedia or
Internet. The $14 Logitech USB standard is available online but not in the
store I went to.
The $10 version has a deep touch, which is good for my ham-fisted keying,
has a few keys in unexpected places, and has a Wake Up key that doesn't
work, a Sleep key that puts my Dell laptop in Stand By mode, and a Power
key that shuts it down but doesn't restart it. Why can't people make a
standard 101-key board? At least this one has printed keytops, not decals
that wear off like the Dynex USB one had.