Any problems with using USB Extension cables

[Tiamat]

Is there any reason why this would be unwise or lead to lagging in response. I play CS:S frequently and have found that wireless mice are not sufficient. However, would using, say, a 12-20ft USB extension to my wired mouse and wired keyboard result in poor performance as well?

This is for big-screen gaming where the computer is rackmounted in an equipment closet.

Thanks!

 

[alaricljs]

If you use an active extension (basically a USB hub and cable) there might be a tiny increment of lag due to the re-transmit. If you use a straight cable then of course not.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: alaricljs
If you use an active extension (basically a USB hub and cable) there might be a tiny increment of lag due to the re-transmit. If you use a straight cable then of course not.

Thanks! For keyboard and mouse, I think a passive cable will be fine for my needs.

 

[Peter]

There wouldn't be any added lag, but remember that the extra length of cable causes a noticeable supply voltage drop. Some USB-powered devices may not like this.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: Peter
There wouldn't be any added lag, but remember that the extra length of cable causes a noticeable supply voltage drop. Some USB-powered devices may not like this.

While I would never power a external harddrive with USB Extension cables, do you think there may be problems with keyboard and optical mice? I am hoping the LEDs in both are sufficiently low power draw.

I was probably gonna purchase a couple of these

 

[Peter]

The LEDs, the controller electronics and the USB interface, they all draw power. If the keyboard happens to contain a hub, that too.

Two or three meters of total USB cable length is /usually/ OK. YMMV.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: Peter
The LEDs, the controller electronics and the USB interface, they all draw power. If the keyboard happens to contain a hub, that too.

Two or three meters of total USB cable length is /usually/ OK. YMMV.

Thanks for the heads up. It seems that 20ga is the biggest diameter wire that is normally found for USB cables, so ill go with those. Hopefully the voltage drop will be minimal across the 10 foot length.

 

[Zepper]

Depends on the cable. A lot of the USB connectors are junk with little if any contact (spring) pressure. One of my USB ports works occasionally, when it wants to... And the ones on my old USB wireless kbd/mse txmitter had wimpy contact pressure too.

.bh.

 

[Tiamat]

ah, this would be a lot easier if wireless mouses were better :/

 

[zig3695]

they could be but they limit mouses to 6ft so they work in office buildings with potentially dozens of the same mice. a good alternative is the bluetooth mice as they go 30ft since they can be securely used unlike most RF mice.

 

[jdoggg12]

i'm using a 6' extension to my G15, and i have my MX510 plugged in to my G15. No issues/lag at all.