Usually 1-2 times per week, we receive the same questions regarding USB to ps/2 keyboard conversion.
(for example.. "I am a transcriptionist and my doctor has recommended using a brand new ergonomic wave-shaped keyboard. The only ergonomic keyboard that I could find at my local store is built by Microsoft and it only has USB connectors, but I cannot attach it to my Windows 2000 computer that only has ps/2 ports",
or "I work in a high security environment and there is a specific requirement where there cannot be any accessible USB ports on my computer, but I need to use my USB keyboard to connect to my computer that only has ps/2 legacy ports."
We provide the following links as an informational guide to help others looking to resolve this recurring hardware problem. We do not directly sell the items mentioned in this guide and we refer users to specific items sold by Amazon.com.
Question: How do I connect my new USB keyboard to an old computer that only has ps/2 ports. Answer: Newer USB keyboards use a rectangular, flat connector. If you want to connect your newer keyboard to an older computer with ps/2 inputs, you will need to physically change the USB plug to a ps/2 plug.
Question: My cheap USB to ps/2 green or purple adapter is not auto-detected by Windows plug and play and I can’t get it to work. Where can I download the drivers? Answer: The vast majority of commonly available USB to ps/2 converters are simple passive ADAPTERS that simply change the plug shape to match the outlet. These ADAPTERS only function to connect the USB wires to the approximate ps/2 wires. Simple USB to ps/2 adapters do not use specific software drivers. These USB to ps/2 adapters are intended only for use with specific keyboards that are intelligent enough to auto-switch between ps/2 and USB modes.
In general, most users having trouble connecting their keyboard to newer computers are looking for a USB to ps/2 signal CONVERTER. These devices use an integrated circuit (pre-programmed chip) to actively translate the USB keyboard signal and convert it into a ps/2 keyboard signal.
Question:I see that you sell a ps/2 to USB converter on your website, but do you sell a USB to ps/2 converter. A) We currently do not sell a specific USB to ps/2 converter, but we can make the following recommendations
1) use KVM switch to convert between USB to ps/2 description: By attaching a USB keyboard to the front of the KVM switch, the KVM switch will then perform the necessary keyboard signal conversion and allow you to attach to computer via a ps/2 cable. (note, both KVM switch and specialized KVM to ps/2 cable listed below are required)
advantage: no need to physically open computer or alter operating system. Will work in all Microsoft operating systems. KVM switch is relatively robust and has been found to work better than many others in terms of keyboard conversion, switching speed and relative cost/quality. disadvantage: additional wires, device will not make a USB wireless keyboards and mice work with a ps/2 system.
2) add USB ports to your computer by adding a PCI card with built-in USB ports description: By adding internal hardware to your PC, you can directly attach your USB keyboard.
advantage: allows you connect USB keyboard as well as other USB storage devices, scanners and printers to your computer. Will work with Windows 98b, 2000, XP disadvantage: requires user to open computer to physically install PCI card. User may also need to alter operating system to install device drivers. Will not work with Windows 95 or Windows 98a.
3) replace USB keyboard requirement with ps/2 keyboard
advantage: USB keyboards are readily available and relatively cheaper solutions than adding complexity of additional hardware disadvantage: sometimes you just prefer your USB keyboard (for ergonomic, style or functional reasons) and will not accept ps/2 keyboard alternatives.
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