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Mouse: PS/2 or USB???

Ilmater

Diamond Member
I'm putting together my second computer and I'm looking to use a KVM switch. If I do, I'll have to either find some type of PS/2 to USB device or put my USB to PS/2 adapter on my mouse.

Has anyone used a mouse with both the PS/2 connection and the USB connection? Any differences? Thoughts? I know that USB has a better refresh rate, but I wanted to know if it really makes a difference to anyone.
 
ive used a ms optical mouse for a while on the ps2 port with the adapter before i changed it over to the usb(by removing the adaptor) and iv found really little or no diffference at all between the 2.

*edit* you could also go with a kvm that supports usb aswell if you want to keep the mouse on the usb

 
There is no differance whatsoever. It's not like a mouse comes close to stressing either. I suppose the only real differance is the hot pluggability...

\Dan
 
Originally posted by: AgaBooga
I don't think it makes a difference at all.

Also, TweakUI (and other products, including XP Pro) allow you to up the sampling rate on the PS/2 port to 200/second, so the difference between really isn't very much at all.

I've got a Wingman Gaming Mouse (USB) that comes with a PS/2 connector, and I've used both, and there really isn't much of a difference (even USB direct to computer and PS/2 plugged through KVM switch).

One thing, though, is that you can't just plug a USB to PS/2 connector on something and expect it to work, as there's some mice that don't like being "mistreated" like that. Definitely go with PS/2 if you plan on doing anything in DOS, although that's not used much anymore.
 
Only difference I noticed (MS intellimouse optical) was that with this motherboard, the tail light didn't turn off when I shut down the computer. MS insists it is harmless, but suggested to use the USB connection if it bothered me.

I also noticed that setting my motherboard to BIOS control of the USB mouse was the kiss of death and have to keep it at OS control which means I have no mouse in DOS applications. but for me that is no big deal because the only thing I ever do outside of windows is Ghost (or a BIOS flash) which is easily navigable with keyboard only.


-Sid

PS: oh yeah, the intellimouse software doesn't work right with the mouse on USB, but the mouse functions perfectly without it. (the intellimouse control panel is annoying anyway)
 
i use ps/2 since its a free port 😀

but yes, no real difference, i game heavy and both work same exact way.
 
I have an intelli mouse I have used both PS2 and USB. Like one said above the tail light was a bit annoying with the PS2 but other than that there is no performance difference. I use USB now for the hot swap ability, not sure why I end up unplugging then plugging in the mouse so much just do I guess. So Basically if u think u are going to have to hot swap it occasionally go with USB. If u are in high demand for USB ports go with PS2 there is vertually no difference.
 
there is ONE BIG DIFFERENCE THOUGH...

if you use the PS2 adapter to hook up a USB mouse (such as the MS optical or the logitech), they are VERY LOOSE plugged into the ports no matter what you try

i plug in via USB for the peace of mind

ok its a big diff for me maybe not for you...
 
if you use the PS2 adapter to hook up a USB mouse (such as the MS optical or the logitech), they are VERY LOOSE plugged into the ports no matter what you try
Perhaps there is a problem with your hardware? Either your motherboard or your PS2 connectors on your mouse? 'Cuz, frankly, I find my PS2 mouse (and all that I have ever used on my or on any PC I have worked on as a tech for 5 years) has been tight and snug. This is from computers from Compaq, HP, Dell etc and "white boxes" and with computers I have built. Using motherboards from nearly all major manufacturers and so many different mice from most major vendors and I have never once experienced a loose PS2 connection. Especially one that would qualify as "VERY LOOSE".

\Dan
 
I think Sniperruff was refering to the USB to PS/2 dongles... They are fairly loose in that they don't hold the USB plug of the mouse very well.
 
Originally posted by: sniperruff
there is ONE BIG DIFFERENCE THOUGH...

if you use the PS2 adapter to hook up a USB mouse (such as the MS optical or the logitech), they are VERY LOOSE plugged into the ports no matter what you try

i plug in via USB for the peace of mind

ok its a big diff for me maybe not for you...

hmm, that is true

 
Originally posted by: Cadaver
I think Sniperruff was refering to the USB to PS/2 dongles... They are fairly loose in that they don't hold the USB plug of the mouse very well.

dan, that is what i meant. my old logitech ball mouse with PS2 connection by dafault connects tightly, but not the new optical which you can only connect via PS2 by the means of a USB to PS2 adapter.

im using a KVM now, and you can only connect via PS2 and this MS trackball explorer with its USB to PS2 converter it kinda loose.

i always kinda worry when something is not plugged tightly...
 
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