Getting USB keyboard to work in PS2 port

[hopeless879]

I have a Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro. It works fine when I plug it directly into the mobo (ecs k7s5a) through USB. I tried using a USB to PS2 adapter and that does not work. I want it to use PS2 so I can use it with my KVM switch and my KVM doesnt have any usb ports.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[hopeless879]

anyone?

 

[Wingznut]

I thought that the USB -> PS2 adapters only worked with mice. (Or am I mistaken?)

Btw, your kb doesn't have both a USB and a PS2 plug? (Mine does, but it's not a Natural.)

 

[WarCon]

Doesn't the keyboard have to have the circuitry to do both? Different transfer protocols right? If it came with a PS/2 adapter then it is capable of both, if it didn't it probably isn't.

 

[Lucky]

I thought that the USB -> PS2 adapters only worked with mice. (Or am I mistaken?)

Nope, I have a logitech USB keyboard that I use with my PS2 KVM. I took a USB->PS2 logitech mouse adaptor and stuck it on the end and it works perfectly. When I was looking for a PS2-USB adaptor so I could use my mac with it ($30!!!), the guy at microcenter told me that logitech/microtech adaptors only work with their respective companies hardware...but I have a hard time believing it. Regardless, I follow that logic anyways...<shrug>.

 

[cavingjan]

I had a similar problem with a logitech mouse. After swapping around the adapter, I found that my adapter was bad.

 

[Noriaki]

Originally posted by: WarCon
Doesn't the keyboard have to have the circuitry to do both? Different transfer protocols right? If it came with a PS/2 adapter then it is capable of both, if it didn't it probably isn't.

That is correct.

The keyboard must have the circuitry for both.
Even if achieves the PS/2 connector, by a USB->PS2 adapter, it still has to be built for it.
You can't just take any USB Keybaord or Mosue and pop on an adapter. There are some out there that are USB only.

It's not like PS/2 and DIN5 (AT), those were as far as I know completely compatible, just with different pin outs. USB and PS/2 are not compatible at all, even with a different pin out.

That said, your MS keyboard is probably okay for both, there's a possiblity the adapter is just broken.

 

[hopeless879]

I'm pretty sure the adapter isn't broken since it worked fine with my Logitech USB keyboard. Could it be the adapter is not compatible with my MS keyboard, like Lucky said?

 

[hopeless879]

bump

 

[WarCon]

What is the model number of the keyboard?

 

[hopeless879]

I have the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro.

 

[randomlinh]

i'll re-emphasize the question of "doesn't your keyboard have both usb and ps2?" I should know, i had one Any reason why you don't want to use the ps2 of the keyboard?

 

[hopeless879]

Originally posted by: lnguyen
i'll re-emphasize the question of "doesn't your keyboard have both usb and ps2?" I should know, i had one Any reason why you don't want to use the ps2 of the keyboard?

I got this keyboard OEM from newegg, it didnt come with a usb to ps2 adapter.

 

[Rankor]

There are two versions of this keyboard.

The retail-boxed version that is available at places like Best Buy and Fry's has both PS2 and USB connectors and can be had for ~$59-$69 with a $10 US rebate.

The oem version is cheaper and is only USB. I purchased 2 of these from Fry's for each $14.99. Only drawback is that they have "Dell by Microsoft on them".

Otherwise, not bad for the price.

 

[hopeless879]

So are you saying since I have the OEM version, there is no way that I can buy a usb to ps2 adapter and get it to work?

 

[Mday]

you may not be able to do so even if you use an adapter. it depends on how the keyboard was designed.

 

[Rankor]

I'm saying the OEM version has a USB connector whereas the Retail version has both PS2 and USB connectors simultaneously.

The only people to give you a definite answer is M$ themself.