PS/2 peripherals still useful, but little to no info...

[Horrux]

OK so before everyone starts telling me to use USB Keyboard and mouse, here goes:

When a corporation loans a computer to a consultant, their strict security measures come with said computer. My wife is in such a situation, with the corporate laptop not accepting any "usb hubs" because they constitute "a network". Understandable.

She still needs to use a KVM, so it has to be PS/2.

Now I've been trying to get her a good (mechanical) keyboard that fits into the PS/2 power envelope, as well as a mouse. Not easy, since there is zero info on any USB peripherals' power usage. The only viable option being to go to brick-and-mortar stores and actually test out my own KVM with their local hardware, to try and see what works. This is difficult to do for reasons outside the scope of this message.

I'm sure someone out here has been through this type of situation, and discovered something?

 

[jboydgolfer]

cant you just get a PS/2 KB mouse combo? i keep one on hand all the time, since i work on Pc's fairly frequently....admittedly its becoming less and less a necessity, but i keep it just the same.

im unsure of exactly what your looking ofr, but is it like this?

or

 

[erocker]

What about just picking up a cheap ps/2 keyboard/mouse? Are you able to use a single USB port on the computer itself? Does the computer have one or two ps/2 inputs? You don't really need a KVM for this situation, just an adapter.

 

[eidairaman1]

There are usb to ps2 adapters, which redirect voltages and signals to applicable pins, remember ps2 and usb are serial ports...

 

[qubit]

Can you clarify: does she need to use the K&M with this laptop and other PCs, switching between them using a KVM, or just the one K&M? If the latter, then an adaptor like the others have said will work, as long as they're PS/2 compatible.

 

[Horrux]

She needs to use a PS/2 KVM for the security reasons, to switch between a desktop computer and a laptop. There is just not enough room on her desk for 2 monitors, a laptop, another keyboard besides the laptop, 2 mice, and 2 mouse pads. I mean, there is, but it's an extremely cumbersome setup.

I was under the impression that because it's a PS/2 KVM, I'd be limited to the PS/2 power envelope... However, it is true that it will be using a single USB port on either computer, so there's that other possible factor, IF the KVM can carry all the power from the USB port. Again, no info.

Thing is, she needs a new keyboard, and possibly a mouse, and then this all has to work off the power from a single USB port carried through a PS/2 KVM... A lot of factors, not much info...

But you guys are experienced. I have faith in the members of this forum.

 

[eidairaman1]

She needs to use a PS/2 KVM for the security reasons, to switch between a desktop computer and a laptop. There is just not enough room on her desk for 2 monitors, a laptop, another keyboard besides the laptop, 2 mice, and 2 mouse pads. I mean, there is, but it's an extremely cumbersome setup.

I was under the impression that because it's a PS/2 KVM, I'd be limited to the PS/2 power envelope... However, it is true that it will be using a single USB port on either computer, so there's that other possible factor, IF the KVM can carry all the power from the USB port. Again, no info.

Thing is, she needs a new keyboard, and possibly a mouse, and then this all has to work off the power from a single USB port carried through a PS/2 KVM... A lot of factors, not much info...

But you guys are experienced. I have faith in the members of this forum.

Im thinking you need an active kvm

 

[jboydgolfer]

id recommend, since basically you jus tneed a PS/2 mouse & KB, that you simply order a cheap combo off newegg, or amazon, (some can run off a single PS/2 plug that splits into 2)and go that route. i wouldnt spend much time complicating the matter with fancy mechanical KB's, etc....but there are some that offer multiple plug types.

the steelseries 6Gv2 supports many differnet plug types, including PS/2, but again id suggest going basic

https://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-6Gv2-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0038X3ZVM

one of these might help too

 

[eidairaman1]

He practically needs the kvm for docking as there isnt enough room on his desk.

@FordGT90Concept can help in this situation too

 

[Horrux]

He practically needs the kvm for docking as there isnt enough room on his desk.

@FordGT90Concept can help in this situation too

This, and also... My wife being an elite copywriter who types for more than a few hours each day, I don't feel like "any cheap generic ps/2" keyboard is going to fit the bill...

The keyboard is her main tool, after all... AND it directly impacts her productivity, which you know, when you charge the equivalent of $150 - $200 an hour, is a pretty big deal...

 

[Bill_Bright]

Her notebook only has one USB port? And frankly, a USB hub does not constitute a network in any tradition way. It is very likely her notebook and PC have USB hubs built into their motherboards.

 

[jboydgolfer]

I don't feel like "any cheap generic ps/2" keyboard is going to fit the bill..

you eluded to the fact that Low power was a concern, thats why i suggested it. generally, the more bells & whistles, the more power draw. i Love Azio KB's, but dont know if they sell a PS/2 interface KB

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid

Cherry G80-3000

SteelSeries 6Gv2

all seem to support PS/2 in some way, and are Mech afaik

 

[eidairaman1]

This, and also... My wife being an elite copywriter who types for more than a few hours each day, I don't feel like "any cheap generic ps/2" keyboard is going to fit the bill...

The keyboard is her main tool, after all... AND it directly impacts her productivity, which you know, when you charge the equivalent of $150 - $200 an hour, is a pretty big deal...

Ok get a good mechanical keyboard and a ps/2 adapter

 

[Horrux]

Ok get a good mechanical keyboard and a ps/2 adapter

Doesn't guarantee it will work at all...

Her notebook only has one USB port? And frankly, a USB hub does not constitute a network in any tradition way. It is very likely her notebook and PC have USB hubs built into their motherboards.

I get that, but their security is very strict and the laptop simply refused to deal with the USB KVM we tried previously, popping up a message about a possible network security breach. I get that it isn't a "traditional" network, but that never stopped hackers before...

 

[eidairaman1]

Doesn't guarantee it will work at all...



I get that, but their security is very strict and the laptop simply refused to deal with the USB KVM we tried previously, popping up a message about a possible network security breach. I get that it isn't a "traditional" network, but that never stopped hackers before...

Only way to do it is go to a local shop and try out what works. Ask the poindexters in your local area, because at this point your guess is only good as ours.

Best of luck to you, ive exhausted all info I can give you, sometimes you just have to just do it and not hesitate because of thinking, it's just like breathing or killing a terrorist in war.

 

[Horrux]

you eluded to the fact that Low power was a concern, thats why i suggested it. generally, the more bells & whistles, the more power draw. i Love Azio KB's, but dont know if they sell a PS/2 interface KB

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid

Cherry G80-3000

SteelSeries 6Gv2

all seem to support PS/2 in some way, and are Mech afaik

Those are great choices, thanks!

 

[FordGT90Concept]

If you need a KVM, I pretty much exclusively use StarTech:
https://www.startech.com/Server-Management/KVM-Switches/

There's options that support USB and PS/2 or just PS/2. The video side is where you're going to have make a choice.

My four port KVM...it has a wall wart but when I want to power cycle it, it can clearly run off of power from other sources, not just the wall wart. In fact, I think it was somehow powering itself through a DVI cable.

A lot of USB KVMs also have a hub but that hub switches with computers as well.


As far as keyboards are concerned, I'm happy as long as it has n-key rollover. PS/2 does that natively, USB needs it as a feature.

 

[Horrux]

If you need a KVM, I pretty much exclusively use StarTech:
https://www.startech.com/Server-Management/KVM-Switches/

There's options that support USB and PS/2 or just PS/2. The video side is where you're going to have make a choice.

My four port KVM...it has a wall wart but when I want to power cycle it, it can clearly run off of power from other sources, not just the wall wart. In fact, I think it was somehow powering itself through a DVI cable.

A lot of USB KVMs also have a hub but that hub switches with computers as well.


As far as keyboards are concerned, I'm happy as long as it has n-key rollover. PS/2 does that natively, USB needs it as a feature.

I already have the KVM, it isn't any of those models, because they are USB and as I wrote before, and the entire reason for this post is that I cannot use an USB one, given that the loaned laptop will see it as a security risk and log everything off until it's disconnected. Or somesuch. Which is the whole reason for using a PS/2 one, with all the limitations this may or may not comprise. For sure an old Logitech G35 gaming keyboard ceases functioning when connected through such a KVM, which means that there definitely are some limitations, I assume power ones, that prevent using just any USB peripheral through a PS/2 KVM.

I hope I am explaining it clearly? I am unsure how else to explain things here. My apologies, English is a foreign language to me.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Oh, you're looking for just keyboard and mouse? Garage sales would probably be the best place to look.

I definitely wouldn't buy anything that gets PS/2 by way of USB adapter. Buy devices that are hard wired PS/2. USB to PS/2 adapters generally don't work unless said adapter came with the device.

Logitech MK100 apparently includes a keyboard and optical mouse. It's not available everywhere though.


I don't know why you keep talking about USB and PS/2. KVMs switch like with like. They don't convert. PS/2 keyboard/mouse in, PS/2 keyboard/mouse out. I suspect that if you hook any kind of USB device into the computer, the software is going to freak out.

You should have a KVM like this:
https://www.startech.com/Server-Management/KVM-Switches/2-Port-StarView-KVM-Switch-PS2-Serial~SV231

And hopefully both computers have a VGA port and two PS/2 ports.

...I can't name the last time I've seen a laptop with PS/2 ports. You're pretty well boned. Sorry.

 

[Keullo-e]

Well, my only usage for PS/2 keyboard has been for some motherboards that don't work that fine when I want to go to BIOS. I'd say that manufacturers just should make USB keyboards more compatible.

But that's just my opinion. Good night fellas.

 

[Horrux]

Oh, you're looking for just keyboard and mouse? Garage sales would probably be the best place to look.

I definitely wouldn't buy anything that gets PS/2 by way of USB adapter. Buy devices that are hard wired PS/2. USB to PS/2 adapters generally don't work unless said adapter came with the device.

Logitech MK100 apparently includes a keyboard and optical mouse. It's not available everywhere though.


I don't know why you keep talking about USB and PS/2. KVMs switch like with like. They don't convert. PS/2 keyboard/mouse in, PS/2 keyboard/mouse out. I suspect that if you hook any kind of USB device into the computer, the software is going to freak out.

You should have a KVM like this:
https://www.startech.com/Server-Management/KVM-Switches/2-Port-StarView-KVM-Switch-PS2-Serial~SV231

And hopefully both computers have a VGA port and two PS/2 ports.

...I can't name the last time I've seen a laptop with PS/2 ports. You're pretty well boned. Sorry.

Yeah that's almost exactly the KVM we have for this situation. The laptop has only USB ports. I was hoping to use a USB to PS/2 converter, and that the reason why *SOME* USB devices don't work on a PS/2 KVM through a USB converter was "only" power limits. But as the title says, there is very little information on the topic. As you yourself state "will probably not work unless it comes with it" says a lot, both about the lack of information and the possibility that in some cases IT MIGHT WORK.

The security software specifically targets "USB Hubs", for reasons that should be rather obvious. The USB KVMs are reported in windows as being "USB Hubs", which they actually are. A PS/2 KVM circumvents this and does not get reported as a "USB Hub" in windows device manager. Neither does a USB to PS/2 converter.

Garage sales are not going to give this $150k / year professional the kind of keyboard she is likely to be comfortable making her living with.

I'm basically looking for which peripherals I am likely to have success with, and someone already pointed out a keyboard that is likely to fit the bill. A mouse is much easier, as this is not for gaming, only office work.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

You could try something like this but odds are, that software is going to freak:
https://www.startech.com/Cables/USB-2.0/USB-Adapters/USB-to-PS2-Adapter-Keyboard-and-Mouse~USBPS2PC

If that doesn't work, KVM idea is dead in the water.

If it works, PS/2 KVM should work.

 

[R-T-B]

A ps/2 port can typically provide more power than a usb one. Old model M's in particular were real power hogs on that port, drawing as much as two amps.

 

[Horrux]

You could try something like this but odds are, that software is going to freak:
https://www.startech.com/Cables/USB-2.0/USB-Adapters/USB-to-PS2-Adapter-Keyboard-and-Mouse~USBPS2PC

If that doesn't work, KVM idea is dead in the water.

If it works, PS/2 KVM should work.

Yeah we have one of those, software doens't freak as mentioned earlier. But one keyboard tried with it stops functioning... Thanks I think I'll just get that steelseries mechanical one, and if we can't KVM the two computers well... She'll just have to live with that I guess.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Buying a keyboard with a USB to PS/2 adapter is a risk. I'd really try to find one that's hardwired PS/2. Because PS/2 natively supports N-key rollover, there's still quite a lot of demand for them.