deskthority

I have a Model M that I've cleaned up and am using which a cheap PS/2 to USB convertor. The problem is, the keyboard locks up from time to time and i really want to use this as my daily driver.

I've just come to the conclusion that i will have to build my own convertor... I have 2 options that i can see.

1. ps/2 to USB convertor (soarers, TMK)
2. Model M USB conversion (soarers, tmk)

I'm however very unsure what the benefit is of option 2 vs option 1. If there are no benefits, i might as well go with option 1 and keep everything as original as possible. Heck, apart from the Teensy, i already have a ps2 connector to use.

Would anyone be able to chime in and give me some pointers on why i would want to go with option 2?

p.s. I've literally looked everywhere, but couldn't really find anything usefull on this topic.

I have never had any problems with cheap active adapters like this, but some people have.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-PS2-Femal ... SwMmBV3Jqr

That's exactly the one i have. Doesn't give enough power to my keyboard. After an hour or so the keyboard locks up. Connected to a ps/2 port (in a computer) everything is fine, so it's definitely the adapter.

In any case, is there a difference using a adapter or just replacing the controller altogether?

If you want to, you could replace the membrane and controller with ones from Unicomp to convert it entirely to USB. This would require a bolt mod though, which can be tedious at best.

In terms of performance ad reliability, there shouldn't be any difference provided the keyboard's original cable is still in good shape. As such, I usually go with option one since it means the converter is portable, easily serviced/troubleshooted and can be used for other keyboards you may have now or in the future. As a rule of thumb for myself, I only internally convert things that are not AT-based such as most Model Fs.

In a AT-based context, I would only recommend option two if the original cable itself is damaged or you want to use an artisan USB cable. Otherwise, I don't think this option is necessary.

Happy to hear that i can just go with a ps/2 adapter rather than a conversion kit. I was hoping this was ok, but really did want to check if there wasn't any advantage to a conversion.

on a side note, I did consider a bluetooth conversion, but bluetooth has always been unreliable for me. Witha KVM that would have been even a worse nightmare. A logitech unified receiver conversion would be nice, but i don't think there have been any guides on that.