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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: TotalChaos on Tue, 01 January 2013, 03:24:01

Title: Only works on Logitech brand devices?!
Post by: TotalChaos on Tue, 01 January 2013, 03:24:01
I am trying to buy replacement cables for the defective Brand New Rosewill RK-9000 series keyboards.  So I need a cable with a PS/2 adapter.  This should be really really easy to buy but I noticed the adapters say:

Only works on Logitech brand devices.  WTF?!

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10311&cs_id=1031103&p_id=2209&seq=1&format=2 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10311&cs_id=1031103&p_id=2209&seq=1&format=2)

Is this just another case of Monoprice is run by idiots who wrote a stupid fake description of the product?  Or did they actually build super custom special USB to PS/2 adapters that only work on Logitech brand devices?

Does anyone know what the true story is?
Title: Re: Only works on Logitech brand devices?!
Post by: laffindude on Tue, 01 January 2013, 03:58:37
That is not the right adaptor. That one converts PS2 interface to plug into a USB port (it should be named PS2 to USB). You want PS2 male and USB female.
Title: Re: Only works on Logitech brand devices?!
Post by: TotalChaos on Tue, 01 January 2013, 04:40:00
@laffindude
Thanx iou1

I guess they just plain don't have what I need.   I hate to buy my adapters from NewEgg after they sold me a defective keyboard but I guess that is what I will do.
Title: Re: Only works on Logitech brand devices?!
Post by: laffindude on Tue, 01 January 2013, 06:15:05
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10311&cs_id=1031103&p_id=2171&seq=1&format=2 It's kinda ugly but they have it. I don't like these connectors since they put a lot of strain on the connector on the motherboard side. I don't know about you, but I have tons of these things left over from all the mice and keyboards I own. Dig around the boxes and see if you have one. Green or purple one are the same electrically, so no worries about that.
Title: Re: Only works on Logitech brand devices?!
Post by: TotalChaos on Tue, 01 January 2013, 06:51:40
The one in your link says in bold face Not compatible with keyboards.  What's up with that?

It also says:
Only works with Logitech brand mouse devices.

My brain is melting in confusion.  :-\   :'(   :confused:


Yes back in the old days there were a few years there where all keyboards and mice at Walmart, etc. came with those adapters for free.  The thing is I didn't buy much stuff back then.  So I only have a few of these adapters.  They are all either MIA or in use.

Its only a couple of bucks.
Title: Re: Only works on Logitech brand devices?!
Post by: laffindude on Tue, 01 January 2013, 10:03:40
I think it is there to prevent people with boards that doesn't have support for PS2 protocol from ordering. People do expect things to work automagically when it all plugs in fine. Your board's firmware supports PS2 and USB, so it should be no problem. If you don't trust some intarweb random dude (and you really shouldn't), try plug it in on some old hunk of junk computer first to see if it works.
Title: Re: Only works on Logitech brand devices?!
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 01 January 2013, 10:04:42
I have had good luck on super cheap-os from China.

Order yourself at least one each of the permutations, to keep on hand. They are usually $1 or $2 delivered (how is that even possible? I know, perverse exchange rates) if you are willing to wait 2 weeks. A fraction of the Wal-Mart price, and you can get any flavor, even the obsolete ones that we collectors need.

A while back there was a thread here "Post your adapter collection" and I wanted to do it, but my multiple-dozen-item stash was scattered. Maybe I will start a new one.
Title: Re: Only works on Logitech brand devices?!
Post by: TotalChaos on Tue, 01 January 2013, 10:16:11
I think it is there to prevent people with boards that doesn't have support for PS2 protocol from ordering. People do expect things to work automagically when it all plugs in fine. Your board's firmware supports PS2 and USB, so it should be no problem. If you don't trust some intarweb random dude (and you really shouldn't), try plug it in on some old hunk of junk computer first to see if it works.
  The monoprice admin posted a msg saying its only for mice, it won't work on keyboards and its only for Logitech mice.  Maybe he is drunk or something.  It is such a bizarre story.  But monoprice does weird stuff.