Stupid Keyboard Question

November 10, 2009 10:49 AM

Got a new computer and it only has USB hookups, no ps2 hookups for a keyboard or mouse. No problem, I already had a USB mouse and it came with a USB keyboard (whatever generic one Dell ships). But I really liked my old keyboard which had a ps2 connector. So, I got a couple of ps2/usb adaptors figuring that would solve my problem. It didn't. The computer didn't recognize the keyboard when it was plugged in. Why?

Since I'd bought two adaptors (buy one get one free) I tried both figuring one might be dead, but neither worked.

At this point I had just unplugged the USB keyboard and plugged in the ps2-with-adaptor keyboard, so thinking that might be the issue, I turned the machine off then turned it back on with the ps2-with-adaptor keyboard plugged in. As the machine was booting an error message came up about a keyboard error (no keyboard recognized?).

I gave up and plugged the USB keyboard back in and have been using that and sulking. Do I need to buy some kind of fancier ps2/usb adaptor? Install a driver or something (the keyboard I want to use is the 5 years ago version of whatever Dell was shipping, but I really like it!)? Resign myself to this ridiculous keyboard?

I realize that this is a stupid question, but this keyboard has been bothering me for a couple of weeks and I have not gotten used to it as I thought I would. Forgive me my absurdness.

posted by misanthropicsarah to computers & internet (11 comments total)

Those adaptors don't really convert PS2 to USB. They are intended for certain devices (some, but not all keyboards and mice) that can do both PS2 and USB; plugging in the adaptor makes them work with USB.

You probably need a different (and undoubtedly more expensive) adaptor. If you can provide the model # or some other identifier for the Dell keyboard we may be able to give better answers.
posted by xil at 10:53 AM on November 10

You may need a different kind of PS/2-USB adaptor (such as this). Sometimes the kind you have used only seem to work for keyboards or mice that "know how" to "talk" USB, whereas in my experience the other kind seem to perform some kind of "translation".
posted by onshi at 10:54 AM on November 10 [1 favorite]

Xil has the correct reason, onshi has the correct recommendation. I keep a couple of those exact cables around for the very issue you're having... they've yet to fail me, even on my old clicky.

(Though the key repeat rate often leaves something to be desired)
posted by Pufferish at 11:16 AM on November 10

I've had similar issues in the past. I've had good luck with the Radio Shack adapter tho.
posted by mattybonez at 11:17 AM on November 10

Thirding or whatever that not all adapters are created equal. I went through a easy dozen different models before finding an adapter that works with model Ms. I ended up paying around $25 each for mine.
posted by Mitheral at 11:40 AM on November 10

Seconding the Radio Shack adapter mattybonez mentions -- worked for me on my new Dell with the ergonomic ps2 keyboard I have.
posted by freezer cake at 11:41 AM on November 10

Thirding onshi's recommendation.
posted by eclectist at 11:51 AM on November 10

Look around in your BIOS for "legacy" keyboard and mouse options. Such an option might make your adapter work.
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 11:59 AM on November 10

thanks all. i shall get a new fancier adaptor.

but really, no ps2 hookups? none? i get that usb is probably better for a variety of reasons, but cripe, it's not like ps2 keyboards aren't still being made!
posted by misanthropicsarah at 3:07 PM on November 10

Dell is still shipping systems with PS2 onboard. The Vostro mini-tower has them.
posted by odinsdream at 3:23 PM on November 10

but really, no ps2 hookups? none? i get that usb is probably better for a variety of reasons, but cripe, it's not like ps2 keyboards aren't still being made!

If they don't include PS/2, that's one entire bus that they don't have to include.

Homogeneous designs are cheaper and easier than heterogeneous ones.

Not to mention that's one more connector they don't have to solder in. Those connectors are fairly expensive, costing a couple cents apiece.
posted by Netzapper at 4:20 PM on November 10