Can I connect a ps/2 and usb keyboard to the same computer?

[Ognm]

So I use a ps/2 keyboard from long ago (dell sk-8100). I like it, it feels nice and clicky. but the switches are fairly cheap and basic, so I want something a little more tactile and responsive for gaming. However I do not want to spend the full price on an expensive keyboard with a bunch of expensive switches when I already have a keyboard that I am fine with for most of my work. I am considering getting a one handed gaming keyboard so I can have the premium switches for gaming without having to purchase an entire keyboard. So my question is: can windows run a usb keyboard(the one handed keyboard) and a ps/2 keyboard(the dell keyboard) at the same time, or will there be compatibility issues? And please dont shame me for using a ps/2 keyboard, I could go to reddit if I wanted that. Thanks in advance. :)

[SupaKomputa]

Yeah i think so.

You can have as many keyboards you can plug.

[minibois]

6 minutes ago, Ognm said:

can windows run a usb keyboard(the one handed keyboard) and a ps/2 keyboard(the dell keyboard) at the same time

Yes.

It will just see keyboard input, regardless of what keyboard you type it on.

If you press W on keyboard #1 or W on keyboard #2, your PC will just see a W typed, it doesn't care what keyboard it came from.

 

Same with mice, by the way.

[Bad5ector]

17 minutes ago, Ognm said:

I am considering getting a one handed gaming keyboard

If it is the same as the ones I've used in the past, then yes you can most certainly. TBH, I think you could do the same with multiple keyboards regardless.

[Windows7ge]

13 minutes ago, minibois said:

Same with mice, by the way.

*Connects two mice to computer, immediately pushes them in opposite directions*

 

 

But to OP. Yes, the PC won't care where the input comes from it will register and accept both keyboards.

 

29 minutes ago, Ognm said:

And please dont shame me for using a ps/2 keyboard

For gaming it's actually argued by some that PS/2 using an analog signal for input actually has less delay than modern USB keyboards that use a digital signal.

 

Do some homework on that though before taking it from me. I've not tested it myself. If it's true though there's good justification behind keeping the old PS/2 keyboard around.

[minibois]

2 minutes ago, Windows7ge said:

*Connects two mice to computer, immediately pushes them in opposite directions*

Two mice? Child's play.

 

[Moonzy]

12 minutes ago, Windows7ge said:

For gaming it's actually argued by some that PS/2 using an analog signal for input actually has less delay than modern USB keyboards that use a digital signal.

i think it's because it's interrupt based, instead of polling based, that the latency is lower

 

but as for OP's question, yea you can use both afaik, but remember that PS/2 is not hot pluggable afaik.

I used to plug in 2 keyboards and swap them depending on mood

 

edit: fun fact, the caps lock would light up on both when you press on either one

[Ognm]

21 minutes ago, Windows7ge said:

*Connects two mice to computer, immediately pushes them in opposite directions*

 

 

But to OP. Yes, the PC won't care where the input comes from it will register and accept both keyboards.

 

For gaming it's actually argued by some that PS/2 using an analog signal for input actually has less delay than modern USB keyboards that use a digital signal.

 

Do some homework on that though before taking it from me. I've not tested it myself. If it's true though there's good justification behind keeping the old PS/2 keyboard around.

I honestly would prefer a higher quality ps/2 board(I use ps/2 power on all the time, my power button is probably building dust), ut I just cant find any on the market with good switches and backlight. If anyone knows where to find any or has recommendations please lmk.

[Ognm]

48 minutes ago, minibois said:

Yes.

It will just see keyboard input, regardless of what keyboard you type it on.

If you press W on keyboard #1 or W on keyboard #2, your PC will just see a W typed, it doesn't care what keyboard it came from.

 

Same with mice, by the way.

are you sure? I thought there was something with how the input differently that only allows you to plug in 1 at a time.

[minibois]

18 minutes ago, Ognm said:

are you sure? I thought there was something with how the input differently that only allows you to plug in 1 at a time.

Well I can't claim 100% certainty here, last time I tried my PS/2 has been a bit ago after all

I don't fancy turning off my PC right now either, so can't try it out.

 

PS/2 and USB keyboard works differently, but I don't think that affects which can be used at the same time.

[Ognm]

8 minutes ago, minibois said:

Well I can't claim 100% certainty here, last time I tried my PS/2 has been a bit ago after all

I don't fancy turning off my PC right now either, so can't try it out.

 

PS/2 and USB keyboard works differently, but I don't think that affects which can be used at the same time.

Oh I might actually be confusing compatibility with usb with compatibility with hot swap. I can probably borrow my friend's keyboard then update the thread for anyone who may have the same question in the future.

[Ognm]

Okay, I tested it and you can connect a usb keyboard while a ps/2 keyboard is plugged in.