USB keyboard software - CPU cycles?

[TheJTrain]

So my trusty (but old) MS Natural keyboard (ps/2) just bit the dust when my 15-month-old spilled something in it. Boo! The replacement I ended up with is the new model, the black Natural Ergonomic 4000, which is USB. No worries, I think, I'll just use one of these leftover USB -> ps/2 adapters and plug it in - I'm not really all that hooked on the use of any of the "special buttons" so if they don't work on ps/2 I don't care.

Surprise, surprise, this model doesn't support ps/2 AT ALL - I wouldn't expect the keyboard to be able to determine that, but sure enough, my PC won't recognize it at all with the ps/2 adapter. Sigh. The documentation was adamant that I install the software before I ever connect the keyboard but I ignored that 'cause it seemed ridiculous to me to have a program running and taking CPU cycles and RAM just for a keyboard. It seems to work ok on the USB port without the software, but after reading that I can bind some of the special keys to customized functions, I admit I'm tempted to try it out.

So my question for someone in the know is, what magnitude of CPU cycles and RAM usage can I expect this Intellitype software to suck up just listening for special button presses from the keyboard?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Peter]

PS/2 mode in a USB device only works if the device (!) detects it's on PS/2 ... AND if the device brings a PS/2 controller to go with that.

This is feasible if your USB device is either a mouse or a keyboard, but no longer is if it contains extra hardware, like scrollers, further USB ports, etc.

Yes, PS/2 compatibility is on its way out in USB keyboards and mice. The connectors are obsoleting, the functionality costs money, so why bother anymore.

To your question: Regardless of USB or PS/2, your extra buttons won't work unless you install that software. I wouldn't expect it to actively "do" much whilst no buttons are being pressed.

 

[Arcanedeath]

I have an ergo 4000 keyboard the programable shortcuts don't work w/out the software but the calc key email fwd back ect.. work w/out the software.