« previous next »
Pages:  [1]     Go Down

Author Topic: Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?  (Read 19352 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline TacticalCoder

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 526
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 11:39:17 »
From a theoretical point of view, is it possible to hook two computers on a PC?

For example, could I build a super-ghetto split-mechanical IBM Model M by chain-sawing two Model Ms?  It would be a bit like the ghetto-mini but more extreme.  

But for this to work you'd need to fold two membranes and use two controllers.

Would this work? Would it work with two USB keyboards or one PS/2 and one USB or ?

Would you then be able to type, say, "CTRL+k" by hitting CTRL on the left Model M and 'k' on the right one?

Would that be possible? I'm not saying I'm going to do this, I just want to know if it would be possible.
Logged
HHKB Pro JP (daily driver) -- HHKB Pro 2 -- Industrial IBM Model M 1395240-- NIB Cherry MX 5000 - IBM Model M 1391412 (Swiss QWERTZ) -- IBM Model M 1391403 (German QWERTZ) * 2 -- IBM Model M Ambra -- Black IBM Model M M13 -- IBM Model M 1391401 -- IBM Model M 139? ? ? *2 -- Dell AT102W -- Ergo (split) SmartBoard (white ALPS apparently)

woody

  •  Guest
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #1 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 11:41:03 »
Quote from: TacticalCoder;368460
Would it work with two USB keyboards or one PS/2 and one USB or ?
Yes. Same with mice.
Logged

Offline keyboardlover

  • Posts: 4022
  • Hey Paul Walker, Click It or Ticket!
    • http://www.keyboardlover.com
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #2 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 11:41:34 »
Yes. Geekhackers do it all the time.
Logged

Offline reaper

  • ** Moderator Emeritus
  • Posts: 3067
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #3 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 11:42:49 »
I hooked up 3 keyboards into one computer (2 with USB and 1 with PS/2) and they all work perfectly.

][/URL]
Logged
Att fly är livet, att dröja, döden.
Din Eli

Offline alaricljs

  • I be WOT'ing all day...
  • ** Moderator Emeritus
  • Posts: 3715
  • Location: NE US
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #4 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 11:43:51 »
Yes - More involved answer: I just tested shift/ctr/alt/win combos across 2 KBs on 2 different hubs and all the combos I tried worked.
Logged
Filco w/ Imsto thick PBT
Ducky 1087XM PCB+Plate, w/ Matias "Quiet Click" spring-swapped w/ XM Greens

Offline The Solutor

  • Posts: 2262
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #5 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 12:06:15 »
I just add that connection can be mixed, you can have, say, a ps/2+ one or more USB + one BT keyboards.

At least on Windows and Linux.
« Last Edit: Sun, 26 June 2011, 12:08:22 by The Solutor »
Logged
The problem with quotes on the Internet is you never know if they are true  (Abraham Lincoln)

Offline sordna

  • Posts: 2248
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #6 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 12:28:29 »
Yes, even key combos work. For example you can hold shift on one keyboard, and type letters on the other, and you'll get caps. Guess it's a way to increase KRO :-)
I have however noticed that when I plug in a 2nd keyboard, the repeat rate is different. I have to re-run "xset -r rate" (I'm using linux) to give the new keyboard the desired repeat rate.
HTH.
Logged
Kinesis Contoured Advantage & Advantage2 LF with Cherry MX Red switches / Extra keys mod / O-ring dampening mod / Dvorak layout. ErgoDox with buzzer and LED mod.
Also: Kinesis Advantage Classic, Kinesis Advantage2, Data911 TG3, Fingerworks Touchstream LP, IBM SSK (Buckling spring), Goldtouch GTU-0077 keyboard

Offline mmmty

  • Posts: 880
  • Location: USofA
  • bang! bang!
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #7 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 12:29:36 »
Quote from: reaper~;368463
I hooked up 3 keyboards into one computer (2 with USB and 1 with PS/2) and they all work perfectly.

Show Image
]
Show Image
[/URL]

 
Can you do CTRL on PC#1, ALT on PC#2, DEL on PC#3 at the same time and get CTRL-ALT-DEL??
Logged
Keyboardless

Offline reaper

  • ** Moderator Emeritus
  • Posts: 3067
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #8 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 12:32:19 »
^ Sorry, that was a while ago.  I had them all packed up now.  Currently I'm only using 1 keyboard at a time (no need for multiple ones).  I did that just to see if it would work. =P
Logged
Att fly är livet, att dröja, döden.
Din Eli

Offline sordna

  • Posts: 2248
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #9 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 12:38:05 »
Quote from: mmmty;368482
Can you do CTRL on PC#1, ALT on PC#2, DEL on PC#3 at the same time and get CTRL-ALT-DEL??

Your sig shows you have plenty of keyboards, why don't you try it and post the results.
Logged
Kinesis Contoured Advantage & Advantage2 LF with Cherry MX Red switches / Extra keys mod / O-ring dampening mod / Dvorak layout. ErgoDox with buzzer and LED mod.
Also: Kinesis Advantage Classic, Kinesis Advantage2, Data911 TG3, Fingerworks Touchstream LP, IBM SSK (Buckling spring), Goldtouch GTU-0077 keyboard

Offline mmmty

  • Posts: 880
  • Location: USofA
  • bang! bang!
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #10 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 12:45:45 »
I could that but I thought reaper had it set up and ready to go. I'm trying it now...

I used 2 different models of Dell keyboards and a Poker and CTRL-ALT-DEL works!!
« Last Edit: Sun, 26 June 2011, 12:49:29 by mmmty »
Logged
Keyboardless

Offline sordna

  • Posts: 2248
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #11 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 12:48:43 »
Cool! If you have extra hands around, you could try some NKRO testing utilities too, that might be interesting.
Logged
Kinesis Contoured Advantage & Advantage2 LF with Cherry MX Red switches / Extra keys mod / O-ring dampening mod / Dvorak layout. ErgoDox with buzzer and LED mod.
Also: Kinesis Advantage Classic, Kinesis Advantage2, Data911 TG3, Fingerworks Touchstream LP, IBM SSK (Buckling spring), Goldtouch GTU-0077 keyboard

Offline reaper

  • ** Moderator Emeritus
  • Posts: 3067
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #12 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 13:01:09 »
Quote from: sordna;368488
Your sig shows you have plenty of keyboards, why don't you try it and post the results.

Sorry, laundry day plus I have to run some errands and mmmty has already tried it.
Logged
Att fly är livet, att dröja, döden.
Din Eli

Offline mmmty

  • Posts: 880
  • Location: USofA
  • bang! bang!
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #13 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 13:02:12 »
No extra hands. I'm all alone at work. I could use my feet. Nobody will know my toes were on their keyboards  :)
Logged
Keyboardless

Offline PlayerZero

  • Posts: 136
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #14 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 13:03:16 »
All this is well and good, but a super-ghetto split keyboard would, I think, be much more awesome.
Logged
Extensive research has found your statement to be of inferior quality.  Please revise it.

KEYBOARD:  Leopold FC200RC/AB with Cherry MX Blues
MOUSE:  Logitech G400

Geekhack:  A wiki is worth 1000 threads.

Offline reaper

  • ** Moderator Emeritus
  • Posts: 3067
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #15 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 13:03:21 »
Quote from: mmmty;368506
No extra hands. I'm all alone at work. I could use my feet. Nobody will know my toes were on their keyboards  :)

lol  Go for it. =D
Logged
Att fly är livet, att dröja, döden.
Din Eli

Offline hoggy

  • * Ergonomics Moderator
  • Posts: 1502
  • Location: Isle of Man
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #16 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 13:44:51 »
Can't resist a chance to plug a previous project...

Logged
GH Ergonomic Guide (in progress)
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54680.0

Offline alaricljs

  • I be WOT'ing all day...
  • ** Moderator Emeritus
  • Posts: 3715
  • Location: NE US
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #17 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 13:48:05 »
I find it interesting that the picture includes kitchen cabinets and a potato.  Don't you have a computer to hook it up to, maybe even on a desk?  ;)
Logged
Filco w/ Imsto thick PBT
Ducky 1087XM PCB+Plate, w/ Matias "Quiet Click" spring-swapped w/ XM Greens

Offline hoggy

  • * Ergonomics Moderator
  • Posts: 1502
  • Location: Isle of Man
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #18 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 13:59:48 »
Sadly, the best light is in the kitchen.
Logged
GH Ergonomic Guide (in progress)
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54680.0

Offline theferenc

  • Posts: 1327
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #19 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 14:00:28 »
I think the potato adds a certain charm to the picture, personally.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure this is only a windows thing, but if you hold down a key on each keyboard that is plugged in, you get an exactly alternating sequence of the keys that are held down.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline sinis

  • Posts: 255
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #20 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 14:02:00 »
Quote from: TacticalCoder;368460
From a theoretical point of view, is it possible to hook two computers on a PC?

try two LAN cable :P
Logged

Offline alaricljs

  • I be WOT'ing all day...
  • ** Moderator Emeritus
  • Posts: 3715
  • Location: NE US
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #21 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 14:05:32 »
I do like the potato... although I don't think anything perishable would do too well on my desk.  I keep the decorations down to a few minifigs and a rock.  Everything else is just detritus from the days/weeks projects.
Logged
Filco w/ Imsto thick PBT
Ducky 1087XM PCB+Plate, w/ Matias "Quiet Click" spring-swapped w/ XM Greens

Offline TacticalCoder

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 526
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #22 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 17:45:23 »
Quote from: PlayerZero;368508
All this is well and good, but a super-ghetto split keyboard would, I think, be much more awesome.


Well at least thanks to all the good answers and modifier keys test etc. now I know it's probably doable.  Now that would be one heck of an IBM Model M mod : )
Logged
HHKB Pro JP (daily driver) -- HHKB Pro 2 -- Industrial IBM Model M 1395240-- NIB Cherry MX 5000 - IBM Model M 1391412 (Swiss QWERTZ) -- IBM Model M 1391403 (German QWERTZ) * 2 -- IBM Model M Ambra -- Black IBM Model M M13 -- IBM Model M 1391401 -- IBM Model M 139? ? ? *2 -- Dell AT102W -- Ergo (split) SmartBoard (white ALPS apparently)

Offline TacticalCoder

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 526
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #23 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 17:46:55 »
Quote from: hoggy;368522
Can't resist a chance to plug a previous project...

 
Looks great.  Do you have a link to some article/thread/website about it? (you should add it to your sig)  (and you should add a sig)
Logged
HHKB Pro JP (daily driver) -- HHKB Pro 2 -- Industrial IBM Model M 1395240-- NIB Cherry MX 5000 - IBM Model M 1391412 (Swiss QWERTZ) -- IBM Model M 1391403 (German QWERTZ) * 2 -- IBM Model M Ambra -- Black IBM Model M M13 -- IBM Model M 1391401 -- IBM Model M 139? ? ? *2 -- Dell AT102W -- Ergo (split) SmartBoard (white ALPS apparently)

Offline The Solutor

  • Posts: 2262
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #24 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 19:00:03 »
Quote from: mmmty;368493

I used 2 different models of Dell keyboards and a Poker and CTRL-ALT-DEL works!!

 
Maybe better don't ask what you used as a third hand...:happy:
Logged
The problem with quotes on the Internet is you never know if they are true  (Abraham Lincoln)

Offline mmmty

  • Posts: 880
  • Location: USofA
  • bang! bang!
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #25 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 21:32:42 »
I don't use my 3rd hand for typing. It causes a lot of typos because it soooo big  :)

Nah, all 3 keyboards were close enough together. I was able to stretch my hands from 1 keyboard to another. I should have tried Windows Sticky Keys using all 3 keyboards.
Logged
Keyboardless

Offline sordna

  • Posts: 2248
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #26 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 22:11:40 »
So, what kind tests did you do? Did all the key combinations work ?
Logged
Kinesis Contoured Advantage & Advantage2 LF with Cherry MX Red switches / Extra keys mod / O-ring dampening mod / Dvorak layout. ErgoDox with buzzer and LED mod.
Also: Kinesis Advantage Classic, Kinesis Advantage2, Data911 TG3, Fingerworks Touchstream LP, IBM SSK (Buckling spring), Goldtouch GTU-0077 keyboard

Offline mmmty

  • Posts: 880
  • Location: USofA
  • bang! bang!
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #27 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 23:37:08 »
I just did CTRL on KBD#1, ALT on KBD#2, and DEL on KBD#3. CTRL-C, CTRL-V worked. I think other key combos should work too. I just tried Sticky Keys and it worked. I turned on Sticky Keys, hit CTRL on KBD#1, ALT on KBD#2, and DEL on KBD#3 and the options came up.
Logged
Keyboardless

Offline sordna

  • Posts: 2248
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #28 on: Sun, 26 June 2011, 23:44:32 »
Thanks for sharing your findings!
Logged
Kinesis Contoured Advantage & Advantage2 LF with Cherry MX Red switches / Extra keys mod / O-ring dampening mod / Dvorak layout. ErgoDox with buzzer and LED mod.
Also: Kinesis Advantage Classic, Kinesis Advantage2, Data911 TG3, Fingerworks Touchstream LP, IBM SSK (Buckling spring), Goldtouch GTU-0077 keyboard

Offline Tony

  • Posts: 1189
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #29 on: Mon, 27 June 2011, 06:43:40 »
I am using two keyboards right now, one ps/2 and one usb. I am using multiple-port usb and all extra usb ports work perfectly.

Since the keyboards and mice are not bandwidth intensive, I think that you can attached unlimited number of keyboards and mice through usb ports.
Logged
Keyboard: Filco MJ1 104 brown, Filco MJ2 87 brown, Compaq MX11800, Noppoo Choc Brown/Blue/Red, IBM Model M 1996, CMStorm Quickfire Rapid Black
Layout: Colemak experience, speed of 67wpm

Offline almasy

  • Posts: 17
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #30 on: Mon, 27 June 2011, 06:52:23 »
The sidewinder X4 runs 4 keyboard signals through its USB port for its pseudo-nkro (with ghosting problems on windows)
should work fine with 2 keyboards, they only send a signal for each key pressed, if you hold two keys it two seperate signals not a ctrl-k signal but a ctrl signal and a k signal so there won't be problems with modifier keys from one and pressing non-modifiers on the other.
Logged

Offline didjamatic

  • Posts: 1352
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #31 on: Mon, 27 June 2011, 06:56:19 »
I ran 2 Realforce 87u's in tandem for a while to test the ergonomics of having a wide split typing position.  They kept up perfectly and never had an issue.
« Last Edit: Mon, 27 June 2011, 07:00:13 by didjamatic »
Logged
IBM F :: IBM M :: Northgate :: Cherry G80 :: Realforce :: DAS 4

Offline Lester

  • Posts: 210
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #32 on: Mon, 27 June 2011, 07:02:02 »
Quote from: reaper~;368463
I hooked up 3 keyboards into one computer (2 with USB and 1 with PS/2) and they all work perfectly.

Show Image
]
Show Image
[/URL]

 
A ducky! <3
Logged

Offline didjamatic

  • Posts: 1352
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #33 on: Mon, 27 June 2011, 07:03:15 »
Oh BTW, many of you have laptops with your mechanical boards and/or numpads so you're already using at least 2-3 keyboards at once.
Logged
IBM F :: IBM M :: Northgate :: Cherry G80 :: Realforce :: DAS 4

Offline hoggy

  • * Ergonomics Moderator
  • Posts: 1502
  • Location: Isle of Man
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #34 on: Mon, 27 June 2011, 12:41:32 »
Quote from: TacticalCoder;368609
Looks great.  Do you have a link to some article/thread/website about it? (you should add it to your sig)  (and you should add a sig)

 
It's not that special - just two access keyboards programmed up.  There's a few more pictures in this thread - there's more pictures of potatoes too...
Logged
GH Ergonomic Guide (in progress)
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54680.0

Offline Chobopants

  • Posts: 590
Can you hook two keyboards at once on a computer?
« Reply #35 on: Mon, 27 June 2011, 13:18:35 »
I have 3 keyboards plugged into my PC at home and for a long time had 2 of my Filcos plugged in here at work to switch between.
Logged
Realforce 87UW 45g - Filco Blue 87 - Filco Linear R - Filco Brown 104
Pages:  [1]     Go Up
« previous next »