No PS/2 on Motherboard. Solution?

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Shiymmas

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Sep 6, 2006
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So, I feel like a complete idiot, but when building my new system, I somehow missed (didn't even think/forgot about) that my mobo has no PS/2 ports. For the time being, I'm making do with a simple PS/2 to USB adapter, but this is far less than ideal given that my keyboard's LEDs are no longer powered, and I've lost all NKRO ability.

Having looked into a bit, I've found a couple of potential fixes, but figured I'd ask here first given that someone else may already have experience with a solution that definitely works.

First off, I found this USB adapter, which looks like it might be fine, but somehow still seems flimsy.

Then there's this add-on card, but searching for further info on it (and just reading its reviews) finds that it's only capable of emulating a PS/2 once in windows. Then again, you find (seemingly) conflicting information, such as Das Keyboard promoting the same card.

Also, in case it's relevant, I'm using an xarmor u9bl.

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
You won't regain nkro with usb, but that's because usb limits it to 6kro.
 
Just go with USB. I've never found 6KRO to be limiting in any way. I can't recall ever needing to press more than six keys simultaneously. Now some keyboards have limitations with certain key combinations. I believe yours may be one of them. I believe Das Keyboard does not suffer from this issue and 6KRO works properly with any key combination but again I could be wrong.
 
Stick to all USB and never worry about legacy PS2. I shut off legacy connection in the BIOS to speed booting by a second or two.
 
Bbq said:
You won't regain nkro with usb, but that's because usb limits it to 6kro.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if the OP will be able to 'regain' the NKRO ability of his keyboard, but USB itself does not limit anything in terms of the amount of keys you can press at once. In other words, you can have NKRO with a USB connection.
 
Well having had the chance to use the keyboard more now, the main thing I'm lacking is power for the backlight (each individual key has its own LED; the function to turn them on does nothing atm) and the rarely needed ability to use more than 5-6 keys at once (hasn't been an issue yet, but having no restriction to key combos etc. was a major factor in getting my keyboard). Also, just want to ensure BIOS functionality etc..

Thanks for the replies so far, though. Will give it the weekend (still hoping someone has experience with a fix) then I'll likely just give an addon card a shot. Have plenty of spare USB connections anyway.
 
Radical said:
I'm not sure if the OP will be able to 'regain' the NKRO ability of his keyboard, but USB itself does not limit anything in terms of the amount of keys you can press at once. In other words, you can have NKRO with a USB connection.
Click to expand...

You can do nkro over uab, but it takes some messy hacks. Look at the noppoo choc pro/mini, its nkro over USB, but doesn't work properly on a mac without even more ghetto hacks. Or the Leopold, 18kro over USB, with another hack.

What about a powered USB hub, may provide enough power.
 
as for the lights, ps/2 used only 275mA @ 5V, maybe the adapter you have doesnt carry the power?
usb has 5V 500mA capability so it should be able to light up your keyboard through an adapter
 
ikilledmyagoia said:
as for the lights, ps/2 used only 275mA @ 5V, maybe the adapter you have doesnt carry the power?
usb has 5V 500mA capability so it should be able to light up your keyboard through an adapter
Click to expand...
Yeah, pretty much assuming it's the adapter I'm using. It's why I'd rather go for a PCI or PCIe solution, but some of the addon cards that connect to a USB on the mobo internally look like they'd do the job also. Might go that route anyway because it could go to any open slot rather than otherwise wasting a PCI. Still, I'd sacrifice whatever slot I need to get full functionality back.

Honestly they're all fairly inexpensive so it won't be much a bullet to bite, and if nothing else, once I try something out, maybe this thread solves the problem for someone else. Still feel stupid for not paying enough attention to notice the lack of a PS/2 in the first place. Just glad it wasn't something more significant...
 
Be aware that the repeat-rate multiplier may not work on your board (if it has that feature) if you don't connect it via PS/2 - at least my Ducky says it won't.
 
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