USB Keyboard with a PS/2 adapter - any "slowdown" or performance degredation?

[MichaelD]

I purchased a new KB today. A Belkin "Internet Keyboard". It's pretty nice. Doesn't have all those "useless" buttons across the top. Soft touch, no-click, $20 even. The connecting cord is terminated in a USB connector, but the Keyboard comes w/a USB-->PS/2 adapter, which I will use.

Will there be any "lag" or "slowdown" or anything like that? I hope not....
Simple question, but I've never bought a USB KB B4. Why did I buy it? Cheap. Nice. Small. Comfy for my hands. Full size backspace key.

 

[daveman]

I was wondering the same. I just bought a new Logitech cordless keyboard. I also used the ps2 connector instead of USB. Is there any advantage using the USB?

 

[NelsonMuntz]

MichaelD, you still use the PS2 too? I love that thing. Doesn't clog up my limited USB ports. I will never switch until they get rid of the PS2 format. My understanding is that there is no lag or slow down from using the PS2 to USB adapter so use it in good health! My brother got a logitech mouseman a while back and it came with a usb to ps2 adapter and he used it and it had good performance. I think I read somewhere that the PS2 input refreshes more often than the USB anyway, so you actually get better performance from the PS2 over the USB unless you do something to increase the USB performance. I think I read that in one of these threads.

 

[MichaelD]

NelsonMuntz, my bud! Again, in my hour of need, you pop up! Must be Kizmet. LOL! How's your Monday? Mine's not too bad...it's almost over; another 45 minutes and don't be standing in front of the door!

Anyway, I too remember reading words to the effect that a USB mouse/kb is a bit slower than a PS2. I love my PS2 mouse and keyboard! I was a bit shocked when I opened up my new kb box and a USB-->PS2 adapter fell out. I said "huh?" I've always thought that in order to buy a USB keyboard, you had to specifically "buy" a USB keyboard and they weren't compatible. Oh well, I guess you learn something new every day! I'll be hooking it up via the PS2 connector. I have two empty USB ports...but prefer the PS2. I"m stubborn, I guess! Thanks.

 

[DamnDirtyApe]

While I don't have experience with USB keyboards, I just got a MS Intellimouse Optical Explorer. I didn't know it at the time, but it's essentially a USB mouse with a USB->PS2 Converter. I tried using the PS2 port for awhile, but it was really jerky, as if the refresh rate was turned way down. Using the USB port seemed to fix things.

Of course, maybe I just don't know how to set the mouse up properly..

 

[Rand]

<<

Anyway, I too remember reading words to the effect that a USB mouse/kb is a bit slower than a PS2. >>



USB has a considerably higher refresh interval then PS2 does, unless you overclock the PS2 port using PS2rate.

 

[MichaelD]

Rand,

Really? Wow, I didn't know that. I'll try it both ways and see what happens! Have a good evening.

 

[MisterNi]

USB devices typically have a refresh rate of about 100Hz-110Hz, PS/2 devices are typically about 40-80Hz. There are obvious advantages to having a high refresh mouse. For your keyboard on the otherhand, unless you have the quickest reflexes in the world, your reaction time and the actual &quot;slack&quot; in the keys would more than overcome any advantages from a higher refresh rate.

BTW : using ps/2 rate you can bump your refresh rate to 200hz, although it does use some cpu cycles to achieve that (interpolation). And I belive it's more mice only.

 

[MichaelD]

I tell 'ya, lately, visiting the GH forum has been just like it was when I first got here; I'm &quot;informationally-challenged&quot; and learning something new every day! Thanks bud. I think I'll try USB first and if that is crap Q) then I'll try PS/2. Thanks for the info.

 

[NelsonMuntz]

My Monday was good - I got paid and I gave out crappy information - all in a days work. Thanks for setting me straight guys. I probably still won't ever switch over to USB because what in the world would I ever do with those PS2 ports then???

 

[RichieZ]

ps2 sux cause its not hot swappable, i have a DDR like game for the PC and it uses the ps2 port for the keyboard. So i just plug in my ps2 to usb adapter for my microsoft keyboard. I used to have a hub but now I have a MB w/ the 686B southbridge so I have an extra USB header giving me 4 USB ports great huh, now if only the SB Live would work correclty

 

[KevDODOUBLEG]

I know my ms intellimouse optical was freezing up on me with ps/2, and since ps/2 isn't hot-swapable, i would have to restart every time, so I just used the used usb and plugged it into one of the extra usb ports on my ms internet keyboard pro. don't know if this helps though!

 

[rpr]

Can one of you guys let me know how to change the refresh rate on a ps/2 mouse in Win98 as well as Win2k? Tx.