should I use IBM keyboards with USB adapter?

[Tangtawan]

Hi, I have a PS2 - USB adapter (see in the attachment) I have recently brought them to use with my Cherry G80-11800 and it works perfectly. However, I also have IBM Model M, Model M SSK, and Model F AT- but I have heard about a myth that IBM keyboards are power hungry beast and using those with cheap PS-2/USB adapter will eventually destroy its controller while it should only be used with PS/2 port behind the motherboard.

Is this myth true?

Thanks.

[E TwentyNine]

Is this myth true?

No.  The cheapo adapter may not work (it does for many, in my experience laptops have a harder time with them than desktops), but it won't damage the controller. 

[chyros]

Hi, I have a PS2 - USB adapter (see in the attachment) I have recently brought them to use with my Cherry G80-11800 and it works perfectly. However, I also have IBM Model M, Model M SSK, and Model F AT- but I have heard about a myth that IBM keyboards are power hungry beast and using those with cheap PS-2/USB adapter will eventually destroy its controller while it should only be used with PS/2 port behind the motherboard.

Is this myth true?

Thanks.

No, that's BS. It will not damage anything. The closest I can think of is that you should not hot-plug PS/2.

If you use an ACTIVE CONVERTER (not a passive adapter) you can use a Model M perfectly over USB, which you can hot-plug, btw.

[Tangtawan]

Thanks for all the comments.

I'm not sure if mine is Active or just Passive can someone see for me ? (attachment) it does work with G80-11800 for both mouse and keyboard at the same time, also ..is it safe to connect it to some cheap mouse bungee unpowered USB hub? (my computer case sits too far)
I have no basic about electronics and I dont usually trust these cheap products from aliexpress, especially with my valuable IBM boards.

[1391406]

Thanks for all the comments.

I'm not sure if mine is Active or just Passive can someone see for me ? (attachment) it does work with G80-11800 for both mouse and keyboard at the same time, is it safe to connect it to some cheap mouse bungee with USB hub?
I have no basic about electronics and I dont usually trust these cheap products from aliexpress, especially with my valuable IBM boards.

To me it looks like a cheap passive adapter, and reports are mixed on whether it'll work. If you're really concerned about it though, invest in an oft recommended converter, like the Sanoxy.

[menuhin]

Thanks for all the comments.

I'm not sure if mine is Active or just Passive can someone see for me ? (attachment) it does work with G80-11800 for both mouse and keyboard at the same time, also ..is it safe to connect it to some cheap mouse bungee unpowered USB hub? (my computer case sits too far)
I have no basic about electronics and I dont usually trust these cheap products from aliexpress, especially with my valuable IBM boards.

For sure everyone should only trust expensive Apple products shipped from the USA. 

Now here is really something you should think where to plug in:

[Tangtawan]

after using it for few days, my PS2-USB adapter started to have issues.

First, I need to unplug and plug it back in to USB port again after fresh power on or reboot or else it wont work. Also another problem is that during gaming session long keypress will stop registering, eg. after pressing W for few seconds, it will stop registering and I will need to re-press it again. All of these problem wont happen if I plug the keyboard directly to motherboard's PS2 port.

Can any one check if my adapter is passive or active.. I think I have wasted my money

[1391406]

I think I have wasted my money

How much did you spend on it?

[aptivaboy]

Get the Sanoxy one, as already mentioned. They're readily available on Ebay, Amazon, and others.  I bought mine through clickykeyboards.com. One is hooked up to a 1987 Model M at work, the other here at home to an early '90s IBM Ambra Model M. Both work great with it. Take 1391406's advice, you won't regret it.

Bob

[ThoughtArtist]

What I use is an XT/AT to USB Soarer's convertor with a PS/2-5pin DIN adaptor for my Model M's and any other PS/2 keyboards/keypads.

Soarer's convertors are really good. You can use a range of keyboards with them (they are "active").

[digi]

You need an active converter, get the Blue Cube PS/2 Adapter on Amazon, works great for Model M's & F's.

[keykaiser]

So the Internet rumors are true!