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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: skinnycow on Sat, 12 July 2014, 14:07:47

Title: USB or PS/2 for New Unicomp
Post by: skinnycow on Sat, 12 July 2014, 14:07:47

Hi, just wanted to ask the experts here for advice before purchasing a Unicomp keyboard from the manufacturer (I'm looking  at the UNI0416 model, http://pckeyboard.com/page/Classic/UNI0416) This model comes in both USB and PS/2 versions, but I'm not sure which one to get.

I'm going to use it primarily for a Windows 98 gaming pc (only has a PS/2 port for a keyboard) I am setting up, but I'd also like to use it on more modern computers (ones that don't have a PS/2 port, only a USB port).

So my question, if I buy the PS/2 model, is it a simple matter of plugging the keyboard into a PS/2-to-USB adapter to get to work on a modern system? I'm guessing not, but I don't know anything about these interfaces.

Thanks for any help.

Title: Re: USB or PS/2 for New Unicomp
Post by: Doyniish on Sat, 12 July 2014, 14:16:33

For your needs I would definitely go with the PS/2 model. PS/2 to USB adapters are so cheap and i've never really had any issues connecting an older board to a more modern machine when using one.

Title: Re: USB or PS/2 for New Unicomp
Post by: Vanilla on Sat, 12 July 2014, 15:19:00

2nded for the ps/2 model.

I believe just like the model m, that unicomp board will need an active* ps/2 to usb converter however due to its higher power draw. A good proven one is the ziotek blue cube which is about $10 on amazon.

Title: Re: USB or PS/2 for New Unicomp
Post by: skinnycow on Sun, 13 July 2014, 09:29:15

Quote from: Vanilla on Sat, 12 July 2014, 15:19:00

I believe just like the model m, that unicomp board will need an active* ps/2 to usb converter however due to its higher power draw.

Awesome, thanks for the advice. I picked up the ziotek adapter and the ps/2 model keyboard.

What is it about the older model M and unicomp that draw more power, is it the logic inside, or the LEDs, or something else? Just curious.

Title: Re: USB or PS/2 for New Unicomp
Post by: Doyniish on Sun, 13 July 2014, 11:24:19

Quote from: skinnycow on Sun, 13 July 2014, 09:29:15

Quote from: Vanilla on Sat, 12 July 2014, 15:19:00

I believe just like the model m, that unicomp board will need an active* ps/2 to usb converter however due to its higher power draw.

Awesome, thanks for the advice. I picked up the ziotek adapter and the ps/2 model keyboard.

What is it about the older model M and unicomp that draw more power, is it the logic inside, or the LEDs, or something else? Just curious.

I'm sure it's just the logic inside. Back in the day they drew more power through their keyboards or something.

Title: Re: USB or PS/2 for New Unicomp
Post by: Jotokun on Sun, 13 July 2014, 12:37:32

PS/2 would also let you hook it up to a Soarer's converter for any remapping or fn layer needs. If you need USB, I would highly recommend that route.

Title: Re: USB or PS/2 for New Unicomp
Post by: orihalcon on Wed, 16 July 2014, 19:32:20

Agreed, PS2 is the way to go if one of your computers only has PS/2.  It can easily be converted with a PS2 to USB adapter, or you can go high end and use a Soarer's Converter for remapping and macros.