question about ps2-usb converters

[Infinite north]

Hi, first post on the forum. I recently started reading up on mechanicals and decided to get one after trolling this forum and some others. I managed to pick up a in nice condition mx-11900 ps-2 with blacks on ebay for cheap. I am not happy with the roll over because, well if you buy blacks you are most likely a gamer and that's why I purchased it.

I personally want a ps-2 board over a usb board but I feel like all new boards are usb. I am wondering what the effect of using a usb to ps-2 converter has on the keyboard. Also how does it work out to go ps-2 to usb.

If anyone has any idea how much work it would be to change the roll over on a board I would appreciate input on this also.

[InSanCen]

There is a Wiki about all things USB PS/2 Adaptor-ish.

In short, if you are US, get the Blue Cube. In the EU, get one from the keyboard co, they have a section in the vendors forums, there is a post I started which links to it.

[ch_123]

It's effectively impossible to change the rollover capability of a keyboard - it requires both correct firmware, and diodes for the switches. The latter can be done in some cases, the former not as much so.

[Infinite north]

There is a Wiki about all things USB PS/2 Adaptor-ish.

In short, if you are US, get the Blue Cube. In the EU, get one from the keyboard co, they have a section in the vendors forums, there is a post I started which links to it.

Thanks to the link to the wiki, I guess that I had passed it up before hand. I am really wondering about how a usb board is affected being plugged into a ps-2 converter more.

Thanks for the info on the n-key conversion also. I figured it wouldn't be doable since I couldn't find info on anyone else trying it first.

If I wanted to find a cheap older board with full n-key does any one know of any models that I could try to find? Was n-key not much of a supported feature before gaming issues?

http://www.renoise.com/indepth/equipment/crippled-chords-without-full-n-key-rollover/

I found this link awhile ago talking about full and partial key rollover that has several models listed, most being more expensive new models, but it has G81-8308 listed. I am guessing that it's a MY model board though. Also G80-1865 LXNEU-2, G80-8113HRBUS-2, G80-5000HAMDE/03 are some cherry boards that I have noticed around the forum that are supposed to have it. Does any one know of a definite way to tell if a board has n-key with out testing it? Eg. model numbers? The reason is I am planning on heavy modding and I don't want to spend much on something that I could possibly ruin and won't have any resell value.

Thanks again.

[Rajagra]

There are no converters to turn a USB-only keyboard into a PS/2 one.*

Some keyboards are dual-mode - they come with a passive adapter that simply changes the plug type. The keyboard senses whether it is connected to USB or PS/2 and uses that protocol.

So if you have a keyboard that is USB only, then you are stuck with the 6-key-plus-modifiers limit, unless it is one of the very rare examples that use a better USB protocol than the standard HID one.

*(Even if such a thing exists, it wouldn't be able to overcome the fact that a USB keyboard using the standard HID protocol won't tell it about more than 6 keys plus modifiers.)

[maxlugar]

There are no converters to turn a USB-only keyboard into a PS/2 one.*

Some keyboards are dual-mode - they come with a passive adapter that simply changes the plug type. The keyboard senses whether it is connected to USB or PS/2 and uses that protocol.

So if you have a keyboard that is USB only, then you are stuck with the 6-key-plus-modifiers limit, unless it is one of the very rare examples that use a better USB protocol than the standard HID one.

*(Even if such a thing exists, it wouldn't be able to overcome the fact that a USB keyboard using the standard HID protocol won't tell it about more than 6 keys plus modifiers.)

For example, keyboards which use Topre capacitive contact key switches are USB keyboards, but should provide true NKRO capability when using the USB to ps/2 adapter. (haven't tried it with the HHKB Pro 2, but the Realforce 87U is NKRO)

The 84-key PC AT Model F is also NKRO if conected directly to the ps/2 port because the buckling spring key switches are capacitive (no direct electrical contact).  Diodes are required to enable NKRO on true mechancial key switches like the Cherry MX series.

[Viett]

Does any one know of a definite way to tell if a board has n-key with out testing it? Eg. model numbers? The reason is I am planning on heavy modding and I don't want to spend much on something that I could possibly ruin and won't have any resell value.

I'm going to guess that any of the mechanical Cherries with Credit card readers have NKRO. I don't think I've seen an exception to this rule, but correct me if I'm wrong.

This said, they can be a little tricky to find on ebay. When they do sell, though, they go for relatively cheap (<$30).

[Infinite north]

Now I get the usb with ps-2 connector. Thanks for clarifying that for me. I suppose that would be the way to go for future proofing.

I'm going to guess that any of the mechanical Cherries with Credit card readers have NKRO. I don't think I've seen an exception to this rule, but correct me if I'm wrong.

This said, they can be a little tricky to find on ebay. When they do sell, though, they go for relatively cheap (<$30).

Yeah I found a G80-8113HRBUS-2 on ebay that someone in the forum had said was n-key but they want $55 for it. Thats a little too much for a gamble even with the double shots. I am also looking at the Adesso MKB-125B, $65 shipped. I couldn't find much info on it and according to their specs 10 key rollover is n-key. Perhaps thats just through usb even though it's supposedly limited to 6.

[Viett]

No one knows much about the Adesso since no Geekhacker (that I know of) owns one yet.

If you do decide to go that route, be sure to write up a great review. Just note that Blue Cherries are not the best for all games.

Either way, the 10 Key Rollover means either you can get 6 + plus modifiers like the rest of normal rollover USB boards, or it "lets go" of keys as you press more than 6.

[ch_123]

There is a Wiki about all things USB PS/2 Adaptor-ish.

In short, if you are US, get the Blue Cube. In the EU, get one from the keyboard co, they have a section in the vendors forums, there is a post I started which links to it.

Or you can get a Blue Cube from Cable Star on eBay for about 5 pounds.

[kishy]

Or you can get a Blue Cube from Cable Star on eBay for about 5 pounds.

As I've identified elsewhere, they perhaps temporarily stopped carrying them.

[ch_123]

Good thing I got two while the going was good.

[Rajagra]

As I've identified elsewhere, they perhaps temporarily stopped carrying them.

Still available from Amazon UK, sadly no longer at the crazy price of £1.70 delivered. £5.64 now.

[kishy]

Yeah, I just checked again and cable star still has no listings up for them. 119 went from the previous blue cube listing (I was one of the last people to buy from it, definitely within the last [strike]10[/strike] 14th last, as it happens), it's possible they ran out of stock?