PS/2 and USB keyboards

[Tenacious]

Unfortunately, the PS/2 standard for keyboards and mice seems to be disappearing.  This has raised a few questions for me.

1. Has anyone disassembled one of those PS/2 to USB adaptors?  Are there active components inside (protocal conversion) or simple straight through wiring?

2. Can any OEM's USB keyboard be interfaced through one of these adaptors?

I'm interested in using Dell's new black USB keyboard with my new Amiga project (something about it's design appeals to me).  If the adaptors are simple wires, I could do away with the adaptor and replace the keyboard's USB cable with a PS/2 cable.  Too many adaptors uglifies the concept.

[corsavert]

I know that I've tried to use a Logitech mouse with a PS2-USB adapter that came with a M$ mouse - no luck.

[Castellen]

Since USB uses a master/slave protocol (completely unlike PS/2), adaptors contain a USB slave to PS/2 interface.  i.e. you can't just shove the PS/2 wires into the USB hole.

PS/2 is an international standard, so any device which uses it correctly (you'd expect all PS/2 keyboard to) should work on any given PS/2 interface.

Not sure about USB keyboards, I've only written PS/2 interface software before.  You'd hope there's a USB keyboard standard.  Though if Dell use a universal standard or not is another question, they seem to like propriatery everything.

So if you have a Amiga keyboard to PS/2 adapator, then you'll also need a PS/2 to USB adaptor to attach your keyboard.
Of course you can buy a USB board for the Amiga and connect the keyboard directly to that.  Not sure what the limitations are though, perhaps the keyboard won't work in some games, or perhaps during early startup?

[Tenacious]

Thanks guys, the PS/2 link was informative.  Yes, I have a PS/2 adapter for an A1200 motherboard.  I'll just try it, I should be able to hide everything in the tower.

[DrDekker]

As far as I know the PS2/USB adapter contains no active components - just wires.

Provided the USB mouse/keyboard states that it is PS2 compatible, then it will work with the PS2/USB adapter.

The statement will be found on a sticker on the underside of the mouse/keyboard and will read something like "PS2 & USB compatible".  If it's not stated - chances are it won't work with a PS2 adapter.

I've built both PS2M and IBMkey adapters and have had no problems running (PS2 compatible) USB mice and keyboards.



 

[Tenacious]

It's sad that I like the look of this keyboard to the extent that I would consider swapping the electronics from a PS/2 kb just to make it work.  Hopefully, I can find a doner kb with the same key matrix.