Re: Looking for a new USB-A PC104 keyboard.

On Thu, 7/9/2026 8:44 PM, Ant wrote:
> I think I am going to give up these old PS/2+USB adapters setup since 
> three different old brands (Monoprice, Staples, and a no brand) and old 
> PS/2 keyboards didn't work. Even either PS/2 keyboard and mouse would 
> completely stopped working with adapters. Can't have both running now. 
> :(
> 
> Now, I am going to focus on getting a new USB-A keyboard. Which one 
> though? Do I want wired or wireless (always typing on my desks)? I don't 
> want to configure keys and use software like drivers and apps to use the 
> keyboard. I'm old school and loved clicky standard PC104 keyboards with 
> multiple computers (Windows, Linux, and maybe future Macs) since the 
> early 90s. Yesterday, I received and set up a new IOGEAR 2-port full-HD 
> KVM switch (HDMI & USB) to share a 23.6" 16:9 1920x1080 pixels ASUS 
> VS247H-P monitor (LED; 2 ms, 9/2014, etc.), clicky keyboard, and a 
> 3-buttons optical mouse. I need to replace the old PS/2 keyboard with an 
> USB. Mouse is easy since I already have a few USB-A optical mouses. Any 
> recommendations on a good keyboard online that is low cost and easy to 
> return in So., CA, USA? Seeing and trying out in person in retail stores 
> would be nice, but they (e.g., Fry's Electronics) are gone. :(
> 
> 
> In alt.comp.periphs.keyboard Ant <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Hello,
> 
>> Are all PS/2 to USB splitter adapters bad for old PS/2 keyboards? I have 
>> two different brands PS/2 to USB splitter adapters for my old PS/2 
>> keyboards & mouses for two different old home built PCs (updated Windows 
>> 10 Pro. and Linux/Debian trixie stable [even in its text mode]). I 
>> didn't want to buy new mouses and keyboards since I have many old ones 
>> to use. I'm a fast typist on clicky keyboards, but I noticed results are 
>> not fast and good. When I hold a letter/number down and then press a 
>> Shift or Caps Lock key to show its opposite, the repeating results just 
>> stop showing (nothing show anymore). This is annoying when gaming like 
>> when I use W to move forward and want to use shift key. When I type 
>> fast, I get incorrect, missing, or duplicate characters.
> 
>> It's very annoying! PS/2 mouses are fine though! Are splitters not good 
>> and I have to get USB PC104 keyboards? :( Thank you for reading and 
>> hopefully answering soon. :)

You probably know as much about keyboards as anyone in a keyboard group.

My experience is, tapping on the item (key travel, action) or seeing it in person, may lead
to a better buying experience.

And absolutely you should get a USB PC104, and avoid the PS/2 converter thing.

It could have been different, if more than one manufacturer made the PS/2 converter,
and one of them had made a flash upgrade adapter so continued refinements could
have been made to the adapter. But as long as the design is mask-ROM, that's going
to limit the ability to make the best possible adapter.

   Paul


   Paul