PS/2 keyboard with USB adapter

Question

I have a Dimension 9100 which does not include any PS/2 ports for keyboard or mouse. I want to use my old Microsoft Natural keyboard which has a PS/2 connector. So, I purchased a "USB to PS2 Adapter" (USB "A" Type Male to PS2 Female) adapter. I am able to plug the keyboard into the adapter and then the adapter into a USB port on the computer but... it doesn't work.

The adapter that I was sent has a symbol of a mouse on it and I also just realized is the standard green color that has been used to denote a mouse port (as opposed to the purple used for keyboard ports). I hadn't expected there to be a difference, but do I need to go look for a purple keyboard version of the adapter, even though the physical connection works fine?

BigBrother · Answer

gou,   There is no difference between a green and a purple USB to PS/2 adapter other than the color.  Having the mouse image on it makes it easier for many users to know what is on the other end of the cord.    Steve

gou · Answer

Well that's what I thought. And yet, it doesn't work in either of the two computers I've tried it in.

Chickencow · Answer

Gou - I was pretty miffed when I got my 9100 and found no PS/2 ports. The ordinary passive PS/2-USB adaptors don't work. You'll need an active one. This is the one I got:

http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/guc100km.html

It works fairly well, with the exception of some key-repeat problems that make gaming difficult. The 9100's motherboard has the pins for the PS/2 ports, marked as such. I called Dell and asked to buy the ports to attach to them and was laughed at and ask why I'd want to use old technology on my hot new Dell. If I ever find the correct part to add the ports, I'll post it here. Until then, keep calling Dell support and maybe you'll get a human.

joelbav · Answer

I’ll throw my two cents worth in on this, too. I’m the network administrator for a small aerospace company that will be looking to upgrade a number of machines early next year thanks to Sarbanes-Oxley (another can of worms!)

When I received a Dimension 9100 without the o/s and driver discs, I was a bit miffed. But now that I see we also don’t get P/S2 ports, I’m starting to wonder if maybe one shouldn’t assume that little extras like cases and power switches are the next thing that will be cut from the package. I guess it’s a “buyer beware” situation, where you shouldn’t assume ANYTHING will be included unless it’s specifically stated. (“Oh, you mean you wanted INSULATION on those power supply wires…?”)

Ok, I’m being a bit sarcastic, but I hope I’m making my point. The ability to use this as “my” main machine on a workbench/desk that hosts other machines via KVM switch has been greatly handicapped. I hope the bean counters at Dell will be influenced to not shave so closely the cost of machines in this manner in the future. If they continue to do this, I can foresee how the next 50 machines we buy may be white box kits instead of Dells….

In the meantime, I’ve managed to eliminate the s-s-studdering keyboard issue by passing my P/S2 stuff by using this product: http://www.cbwarehouse.com/sarasota-bradenton-manatee-florida-computer-parts/computer-part-display.asp?itemnum=USB-PS2USB and a Belkin USB KVM switch. But that’s a lot of extra expense and hassle for a customer to have to set up (offsetting any “savings” in the Dell) just to make up for a machine that was made without support for a commonly-used I/O port.

LBJOHN · Answer

Indeed, in addition to the missing OS disks, PS/2 ports, there is also no white digital montior port, there is no printer port that I can use with non-USB printers.  The USB keyboard that came with the computer was the most un-ergonomical keyboard I have seen.  (The border around the keyboard was about 2 mm (millemeter) thick).     I was amazed to see the features and peripherals that  came with a VAIO ...

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PS/2 keyboard with USB adapter

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