Using 2 keyboards on one XP box...
May 9, 2006 9:48 AM Subscribe
I want to expand the number of keys available for mapping as hotkeys in some of my games. Is it possible to connect a second keyboard under Windows XP, possibly a USB one, and use it as, essentially, a very large keypad? If so, how would I go about it without causing IRQ conflicts?
FYI- I am fairly tech savy but am in the "knows enough to break it REALLY good" category with some items.
FYI- I am fairly tech savy but am in the "knows enough to break it REALLY good" category with some items.
If you want to play GAMES on it, the Belkin Nostromo N52 is my favorite. You just plug it in and the computer treats it like it's a keyboard. It's inexpensive, and it has a shift-lock system that basically triples the amount of keys you can use. Comes with a scroll wheel and acouple of axis too.
I've updated the drivers from the website without any problems wrestling with the IRQ, and I've got like, 6 joysticks/pads/yoke/pedals connected to the damn thing. :)
posted by Sallysings at 10:23 AM on May 9, 2006
I've updated the drivers from the website without any problems wrestling with the IRQ, and I've got like, 6 joysticks/pads/yoke/pedals connected to the damn thing. :)
posted by Sallysings at 10:23 AM on May 9, 2006
Another keyboard will simply duplicate input. You won't get another 101+ extra keys, or anything like that.
I run this at home -- a wired KB for the games, and a lightweight wireless for programming/writing/etc. The wireless is easier on the fingers, but the wireless lag, no matter how slight, is painful in games, so I use my trusty, 7-year old Compaq keyboard for those.
posted by catkins at 10:42 AM on May 9, 2006
I run this at home -- a wired KB for the games, and a lightweight wireless for programming/writing/etc. The wireless is easier on the fingers, but the wireless lag, no matter how slight, is painful in games, so I use my trusty, 7-year old Compaq keyboard for those.
posted by catkins at 10:42 AM on May 9, 2006
I have an X-Keys for gaming and such, and I love it. The green layer is Windows combo commands, and the red layer is HL2.
Not to be too Bill-and-Ted-ish, but it's most excellent.
posted by SlyBevel at 3:20 PM on May 9, 2006
Not to be too Bill-and-Ted-ish, but it's most excellent.
posted by SlyBevel at 3:20 PM on May 9, 2006
Response by poster: Sorry, I should have said that I am attempting to NOT spend more money. I have 3 spare keyboards, but the items you are suggesting here are pricey. Especially the one spasm recommended. I may try the Nostromo though as the bang/buck ratio seems to be pretty good.
FYI Catkins- I know that there are programs out that that allow you to "remap" a peripheral device as another type of device but I don't know what they are or how they work.
posted by slavlin at 4:55 PM on May 10, 2006
FYI Catkins- I know that there are programs out that that allow you to "remap" a peripheral device as another type of device but I don't know what they are or how they work.
posted by slavlin at 4:55 PM on May 10, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by spasm at 9:56 AM on May 9, 2006