PS/2 and USB KVM switches

R

Robert

Geek Trainee
Ive been asked to install a kvm switch for a colleague. He needs normal ps/2 connections on all but one of the devices he wishes to connect. The other device only supplies an USB connection for its peripherals. I just want to use a PS/2 to USB adapter.
My hardware supplier says this might be problematic and that I should rather use a special USB KVM switch. This is a bit more expensive and I feel that my supplier is having me on. Would there be an issue in using an adapter instead of a specialized KVM switch?
 
EDIT: I got the wrong end of the stick, im re-writing my post just now

Answer: Yes and No

According to THIS page the vast majority of adapters that let you plug PS/2 keyboards/mice into USB ports only re-arrange the wires and depend on the peripheral having in built logic that allows it to automatically change mode (between USB and PS/2).

I would assume the reason for a keyboard/mouse being able to switch between USB & PS/2 is so that the manufacturer can choose what plug they want to put on there device (As a side effect this means that an adapter can be used with one of these keyboards/mice)

BUT, i wouldn't rely on the Chips inside a KVM being smart enough to do this so you will a device to translate the PS/2 keyboard/mouse traffic into USB keyboard/Mouse traffic (Like someone who talks English and French can act as a translator). They do exist (there is one on the page i referenced to) all you have to do it find one which works! As a general hint i would assume that a device which has two PS/2 ports to take a Keyboard + Mouse at the same time will be translating (But look into this, as it might not be right! its just what *i think*)... This might be a good place to look Froogle - South Africa.

Sorry if i didn't explain this very well, I hope you get the general idea of what I'm saying (but if not, feel free to ask and pull my sentences to pieces!)
 
Impotence said:
As a general hint i would assume that a device which has two PS/2 ports to take a Keyboard + Mouse at the same time will be translating
Click to expand...

Actually it is the other way around. The device is a relatively high end laptop (Toshiba Protege m400) that normally uses a USB keyboard and mouse. The KVM switch only has PS/2 connectors. I want to use an adapter to connect the two. Problem? I think not but just want to make sure.
 
Robert said:
Actually it is the other way around. The device is a relatively high end laptop (Toshiba Protege m400) that normally uses a USB keyboard and mouse. The KVM switch only has PS/2 connectors. I want to use an adapter to connect the two. Problem? I think not but just want to make sure.
Click to expand...

Sorry, what i meant to say was a device that can take a PS/2 keyboard + mouse at the same time and turn them into usb i would assume is translating... something which looks like THIS
 
Thats the adapter I want to use but I want to plug the USB into the laptop and not the KVM switch. I'll still be plugging a PS/2 keyboard and mouse into the KVM switch normally. if i take the PS/2 connectors coming out of the KVM switch and use the adapter to plug into the laptop won't the laptop be doing the the translating???
 
Attached is a diagram of what i think you need to do! and what i think where both talking about, but im not sure so i thought i would clear it up :)

Have i got the right idea?
 

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do you currently run more computers? -otherwise i couldnt see the reason for connecting a KVM switch ? -i only use KVM for multible pcs to the same set keyboard, mouse and monitor, and a PS2/USB for just smoothing PS2mouse and keyboard into a USB unit regardless of USB version 1 or 2.

Did i not understand the issue at hand, or could it be this simple an answer ?

best regards,
Thomas
 
2PC's and a Laptop. Need the adapter for the laptop. Just gonna try the adapter anyway. Will let everyone know if it works.
 
Well... It works... sort off. I have a bit of a problem with a traveling mouse. It moves around the laptop screen by itself and the scroll pad does not work. All works on the shared monitor, keyboard and mouse but the person also wants to use the laptop while switched to his other pc's. I've worked around this problem by plugging an extra mouse into the laptop (scroll pad also works with this config). Everyone is happy but I'd like to know how I can set it up that I only need the one mouse. Any suggestions?
 
geek9pm said:
Yes, he wants to sell you something. I have never had any trouble with PS2 and USB adapters. Here is a site that has more info, but they want to sell you something. Welcome to www.ps2usb.info you may want to look at the links.
Click to expand...

I Have, most keyboards / mice are made with a chipset that allows you to use a PS/2 or USB plug on it (it auto-senses) however, not ALL keyboards and mice do this... Older keyboards / Mice definetly DO NOT WORK with simple adapters that just change the shape of the plug! The supplier is just trying to cover himself at the expense of Robert...
 
Thanks for the tip. I got rid of all my old keybards long ago. I think any keyboard with the Windows Logo is OK. Am I right?:D
 
It would be reasonable to assume that any keyboard bought new supports USB and PS/2... although it cant be long until they start phasing PS/2 out, its already happening on the desktops & Laptops, so its only a matter of time until they keyboard won't work with a PS/2 interface
 
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