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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: KarstRypke on Sat, 02 November 2013, 08:26:14

Title: Filco Majestouch Ninja - PS/2 converter issue?
Post by: KarstRypke on Sat, 02 November 2013, 08:26:14
Hi guys, I'm quite new to the mech keyboard scene but I've been lurking these forums for a little while now and convinced myself to buy a Filco Majestouch Ninja (mx brown) which I received this week. So far, I really love it, but theres one small problem and I have no clue how to fix it.

When using the PS/2 converter my left Windows key does not bring up the start menu in Windows 7. It will respond to commands like Win+E, Win+D or Win+Tab for example, just not the start menu. The right Windows key works fine. I've also tried it with another USB to PS/2 converter I had laying around and even plugged it in a different computer, but without any success.
Plugging in the keyboard straight to a USB port fixes the problem, but I've heard using USB brings disadvantages like no full NKRO and that a PS/2 connection would be better in general.

I'm not sure if this is something hardware specific or just me being stupid. Any ideas or advice on this would be greatly appreciated  :thumb: .
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch Ninja - PS/2 converter issue?
Post by: dorkvader on Sat, 02 November 2013, 08:55:02
My guess is that it's not sending an upcode for windows or something, 'cause the windows + key combinations happen on the downstroke of the second key, whereas the "bring up the windows menu" just happens on the release of the windows key.

I would suspect it's the PS/2 to usb protocol converter: What make/model is it? What about your other one?

Keep in mind that the filco one USB will do 6KRO (+ 4 modifiers) which should be enough for most people. Most PS/2 to UBSconverters drop the keyboard to 2KRO. The only ones I have used that don't do this are the 'ID Innovations multimode PS2 adapter' (that mkawa sells in the store) and the DIY teensy adapter running soarer's code.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch Ninja - PS/2 converter issue?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sat, 02 November 2013, 09:00:42
Hello KarstRypke and welcome to GH,

Usually the problem is the other way around with PS2->USB where you need an active converter.
But in your case I'm not sure.  If your converter had a bent pin, you would have noticed bigger problems.

Also - Filko Ninja... The biggest disadvantage of USB is that you can't use the keyboard to start the computer (as PS2 has been offering for decades) Otherwise, I don't think you will notice any differences.

I thought Aqua Keytest was free... Looks like you have 30 days eval on it now. Try it and see if your PS2 converter has other glitches. You can also have an idea of the KRO with or without the PS2 adapter.

http://www.passmark.com/products/keytest.htm (http://www.passmark.com/products/keytest.htm)
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch Ninja - PS/2 converter issue?
Post by: terran5992 on Sat, 02 November 2013, 09:00:54
I was wondering if i connect my HHKB via PS2 do i get N-Key Rollover?
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch Ninja - PS/2 converter issue?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sat, 02 November 2013, 09:04:13
Did you bought it new? If I remember right, all my Filcos came with a converter. (so I didn't use other converters laying around for many many years)
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch Ninja - PS/2 converter issue?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sat, 02 November 2013, 09:15:42
I did a quick search on the board and found the older "free" release of Keytest still laying around the forum

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34670.msg641440#msg641440 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34670.msg641440#msg641440)

It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the new one but it's portable, unlimited and works for most of the basic key testing functions.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch Ninja - PS/2 converter issue?
Post by: KarstRypke on Sat, 02 November 2013, 09:34:07
Thanks for the quick responses!

My guess is that it's not sending an upcode for windows or something, 'cause the windows + key combinations happen on the downstroke of the second key, whereas the "bring up the windows menu" just happens on the release of the windows key.

I would suspect it's the PS/2 to usb protocol converter: What make/model is it? What about your other one?

Keep in mind that the filco one USB will do 6KRO (+ 4 modifiers) which should be enough for most people. Most PS/2 to UBSconverters drop the keyboard to 2KRO. The only ones I have used that don't do this are the 'ID Innovations multimode PS2 adapter' (that mkawa sells in the store) and the DIY teensy adapter running soarer's code.

Yes, what you're saying about the 'upcode' not being sent makes alot of sense. I use the purple converter that came with the keyboard. The other one that I have is some old green Microsoft converter. Not sure about any protocols. The 'ID Innovations multimode PS2 adapter' you describe is PS/2 to USB, while I'm using USB to PS/2 (The Filco has a USB cord).

Hello KarstRypke and welcome to GH,

Usually the problem is the other way around with PS2->USB where you need an active converter.
But in your case I'm not sure.  If your converter had a bent pin, you would have noticed bigger problems.

Also - Filko Ninja... The biggest disadvantage of USB is that you can't use the keyboard to start the computer (as PS2 has been offering for decades) Otherwise, I don't think you will notice any differences.

I thought Aqua Keytest was free... Looks like you have 30 days eval on it now. Try it and see if your PS2 converter has other glitches. You can also have an idea of the KRO with or without the PS2 adapter.

http://www.passmark.com/products/keytest.htm (http://www.passmark.com/products/keytest.htm)


Thank you! I did the Keytest and it turns out that whenever I press LWin it also registers as the 'wake' button. Not sure if that's normal or not. Also, Printscreen does not seem to register, so that's a little something.
Edit: On the Desktop, the Ps/SR button has the same function as Win+F, so it does actually register...



Did you bought it new? If I remember right, all my Filcos came with a converter. (so I didn't use other converters laying around for many many years)

Yes, I bought it new from The Keyboard Company in the UK.


Hmm, I might just connect it via USB then, hearing that it doesn't matter so much, but it would still be nice if there would be some other way to fix the problem because I'd have to buy a USB extension cable  :p