Advice on the type of PS2 to USB adapter/converter needed for this keyboard

[Deodand2014]

I found this old PS2 flat keyboard while going through a cupboard and I am thinking it would be perfect to include in my laptop bag, as a keyboard to use with my laptop when I have the spacing to place it optimally on a table. The model is TypeMatrix JME-202DE, but what I do not know is whether or not I can get away with a simple PS2-to-USB adapter which appear to be available from Jaycar (I plan to check my local computer shop before I go there though.) or whether or not I will have to track down a converter to get the thing to work.

[Ranayna]

You will require an active adapter, I have never seen a passive PS/2 (device) to USB (computer) Adapter.
The other way around, USB (device) to PS/2 (computer) was quite common for a while, but only works for compatible devices that speak both protocols.

Something like this should work: https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Keyboard-Converter-Adapter-110934/dp/B00IACID2C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1504258772&sr=8-3&keywords=ps2+to+usb
I have used similar adapters to connect new servers lacking PS/2 ports to old KVM switches. They should be plug and play, but my experiences with them are a few years old. I have never seen ones with only one PS/2 connector, and as far as I remember, it was important to use the proper ports, purple to the keyboard and green to the mouse.

[Bratster]

I second the above linked adapter.

I have used 5+ all worked great.

Tried a few different ones and that monoprice one was the best.

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[Ampera]

I own USB Host to PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse adapters. Not sure if they are passive, but they do work and aren't terribly expensive. I mean you could always replace the keyboard controller with a USB one, but that is a bit overkill, and for the time you spend you could buy a really nice USB keyboard with MX Blues.

I have NEVER in my life seen a PS/2 host to USB adapter. I GUESS I see how it could be possible, but I see no reason for one as most machines with PS/2 have USB support, even if it's through a card.

[Bratster]

I own USB Host to PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse adapters. Not sure if they are passive, but they do work and aren't terribly expensive. I mean you could always replace the keyboard controller with a USB one, but that is a bit overkill, and for the time you spend you could buy a really nice USB keyboard with MX Blues.

I have NEVER in my life seen a PS/2 host to USB adapter. I GUESS I see how it could be possible, but I see no reason for one as most machines with PS/2 have USB support, even if it's through a card.

USB host to PS2 device adapters are active.
That is what the op is looking for. The Monoprice one is a good buy.
 
PS2 host to USB device adapters are passive and just convert the connector. They require the keyboard or Mouse to support both protocols and automatically detect which to use.



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[edavid]

PS2 host to USB device adapters are passive and just convert the connector. They require the keyboard or Mouse to support both protocols and automatically detect which to use.

There are also some older keyboards which have a USB plug, but only need a passive adapter plug to connect to a PS/2 port.  An example is the A4Tech KL-5 Mini, which is still available new, although I don't think they ship it with the PS/2 adapter any more.

However, OP's keyboard looks like an even older, PS/2 only model, which does need an active converter.  All the PS/2 to USB converters have been flaky in one way or another.  See the negative reviews of the Monoprice unit.