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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: dimm0k on Wed, 14 November 2012, 16:29:53

Title: keyboard with USB interface still usable through PS/2 interface
Post by: dimm0k on Wed, 14 November 2012, 16:29:53
Originally I was looking at the Ducky 9008S keyboard, which gives the option to connect via USB or PS/2, but now that it's discontinued with nowhere selling these keyboards I'm looking at its replacement, the Ducky Shine II.  Unfortunately this keyboard is USB only so I was wondering if it's at all usable on computers with only the PS/2 interface.  I would like a keyboard that would allow me to use both in case the need to ever troubleshoot a machine arises and I have no PS/2 keyboards around.
Title: Re: keyboard with USB interface still usable through PS/2 interface
Post by: dimm0k on Thu, 15 November 2012, 10:23:24
anyone know the answer to this?
Title: Re: keyboard with USB interface still usable through PS/2 interface
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 15 November 2012, 10:45:52
You could buy a USB to PS/2 adapter. Should work just fine.
Title: Re: keyboard with USB interface still usable through PS/2 interface
Post by: dimm0k on Thu, 15 November 2012, 11:10:57
Damn, I was under the assumption that if it stated USB as the interface that converting it to PS/2 with an adapter would not work with keyboards.  So when they say USB and PS/2, they're merely including the necessary adapter for both interfaces?
Title: Re: keyboard with USB interface still usable through PS/2 interface
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 15 November 2012, 11:12:37
Usually so. I know my daskeyboard and CM Storm QFR both came with a USB to PS/2 adaptor.
Title: Re: keyboard with USB interface still usable through PS/2 interface
Post by: Shadovved on Thu, 15 November 2012, 11:13:30
I would assume, yes.

They are including the adapter for you, my Filco says PS2 or USB too, but its USB and came with an adapter :D
Title: Re: keyboard with USB interface still usable through PS/2 interface
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 15 November 2012, 11:14:50
Damn, I was under the assumption that if it stated USB as the interface that converting it to PS/2 with an adapter would not work with keyboards.  So when they say USB and PS/2, they're merely including the necessary adapter for both interfaces?
Also, what gave you the assumption that it wouldn't work? Maybe I'm missing something? I was using my das via PS/2 because it allowed for the NKRO.
Title: Re: keyboard with USB interface still usable through PS/2 interface
Post by: urbanus on Thu, 15 November 2012, 13:00:50
You could buy a USB to PS/2 adapter. Should work just fine.

A passive adapter?  They work in most cases because the keyboard can detect that it's connected via PS/2 and so will talk that protocol.  However there are some notable exceptions, like Unicomp's USB boards which don't do that: strictly USB only.