USB-to-PS/2 Converter Cable

If you have a functional mouse or keyboard with a PS/2 extension, a USB-to-PS/2 converter cable allows you to connect those peripherals to a newer laptop or desktop computer. Taking its name from IBM®'s Personal System/2 series, the PS/2 was the standard for all mice and keyboard to PC connections until the widespread adoption of USB. While USB has all but completely replaced PS/2, there's really no reason to toss out your favorite keyboard if it's still doing the job. Extend the life of your legacy keyboards and mice and prevent them from unnecessarily ending up in landfill with the use of a USB-to-PS/2 adapter. Tech professionals often need an array of converter cables on hand to repair older, legacy equipment. Extender USB-to-PS/2 converter cables give you more length when plugging into servers or data centers, which is particularly useful in some enterprise environments.

USB-to-PS/2 Converter Cables Power Older Mice and Keyboards

Widely used in the 90s and early 2000s, the PS/2 standard has been overtaken by the more universal and adaptable USB port and cable. However, there's no need to discard a mouse if it's still working, even after you upgrade to a new server, laptop or desktop computer. Simply plug in a USB-to-PS/2 converter cable and that device should continue to work with your newer system. Adapters with male and female plugs provide the versatility you need to hook up extension cables or to convert a USB port on a computer directly into a PS/2 port.

Dual PS/2 Converter Adapter Cables Run Multiple Devices

The convenience of USB is that it created a universal standard, allowing different optical and external devices to use the same type of port. However, because of this wide adoption of the USB standard, most new desktops and laptops now don't have the PS/2 ports as they're considered obsolete, so if you've just upgraded to a new tower, a dual PS/2 converter cable allows you to connect a legacy mouse and keyboard to a single USB port. Converter cables with onboard bus power do not require an additional power source. Adapter cables come in various colors to coordinate with your desk or office environment.

Do PS/2 and USB Offer Different Advantages?

While the ubiquity of USB cables is undeniable, there are still some users who prefer the PS/2 standard, particularly for applications like gaming. USB-to-PS/2 converter cables allow those users who still wish to purchase PS/2 equipment to run those devices. The PS/2 standard sends data directly to a CPU or processor (rather than USB, which pulls data), and some gamers deploy this standard due to potentially reduce latency. Gamers often look for anything to increase responsiveness, especially for multiple key commands. The PS/2 standard often eliminates some of the compatibility issues reported with USB devices, continuing the popularity of PS/2 boards and mice. The bottom line, the computing world continues to supply equipment according to those specific preferences. If you like PS/2, you just need to make sure your system supports the appropriate USB-to-PS/2 converter cable.

Mouse / Keyboard (PS2) Cables

USB-to-PS/2 Converter Cables Power Older Mice and Keyboards

Dual PS/2 Converter Adapter Cables Run Multiple Devices

Do PS/2 and USB Offer Different Advantages?