2 keyboards on one computer?

[Steve]

Is it possible? I've got a guy who wants to use a ps/2 and a wireless keyboard on the same computer. One at a time, that is.

I said I'd ask...;)

[classicsoftware]

What do you mean by one at a time?????

[Steve]

Well, he has several people who use this computer. One likes a particular keyboard. The others like a different keyboard. One is ps/2. The other is wireless.

Can this work?

[classicsoftware]

as long as he doesn't mind crawling around on the floor and turning the computer off each time a user changes.

There are device that allow 2 keyboard with 1 computer, but I don't know of any that will work with wireless devices....

[Steve]

Could I ask for some clarification?

as long as he doesn't mind crawling around on the floor and turning the computer off each time a user changes.

If there are devices that will allow two ps/2 keyboards to work, I think that might be helpful. I don't think the wireless keyboard is the issue. It's the woman who wants a particular (ps/2) keyboard. For some reason the other 4 users dislike this particular keyboard. They would be willing to use any other board.

[Budfred]

My wireless keyboard connects through a PS/2 port so I would imagine that it would work with any keyboard adapter/splitter without having to crawl on the floor each time you switch. I found one for $45 at Cyberguys, but I am sure it is available elsewhere as well:

http://www.cyberguys.com/

[classicsoftware]

I may be wrong,

but I don't Think the wireless device will owrk if it is not plugged into the ps-2 port. It is certainly worth calling the people who make the devices to see if it will work with wireless, I'm just sceptical (sp?)

[Whyzman]

You might want to consider giving these guys a holler:

http://www.kvm-solutions.com/kvm-eval.htm

[jabarnutcase]

Yep- You beat me to it, but a KVM switch of some sort should do the trick...

Another link from Belkin below..

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatSectionView.process?Section_Id=56

[Whyzman]

My reasoning for suggesting giving them a "holler" is that as classic mentioned...the wireless application is the loose canon here! :D

My Logitech wireless is USB. They make KVM switches for USB devices and PS/2 devices...but for being able to alternate between the two???

There are USB adapters that would allow you to convert them to use PS/2 input...

"Duality?" I dunno...but I figure why not ask those who sell the things if such a beast exists? ;)

[Steve]

Thanks folks,

I found that ps/2 splitter that Budfred suggested. I think I'll tell him to get intouch with the maker of the wireless keyboard to make sure that it will work.

I don't understand the kvm suggestion. I thought kvm switches were for using two COMPUTERS with one keyboard, video and mouse? At least that's what I use my kvm switch for. :)

[jabarnutcase]

Yep- My mistake Steve. For some reason, even though your post was right there in front of me, I still thought of it as one keyboard to two computers! :confused:

(I've used one in the past for that too). See what happens when you start getting old? :p

Hope you find what you need. :)

[Budfred]

My wireless keyboard, Logitech Elite Duo, connects by PS/2 ports, so I suspect it would work. I think the wireless seems just like a normal keyboard connection to the computer. Of course, if the wireless keyboard you are dealing with uses USB, that might not work.

[Jhorner1]

My logitech keyboard is connected by PS2,, but it came with a USB adapter. You might be able to connect two keyboards that way, one PS2, and 1 USb, I don't know if that will work with keyboards, but I have 2 mice connected that way.

[Whyzman]

The real problem may be in the driver support. If you're switching to a keyboard like the wireless Logitech from a standard PS/2 will the Logitech be recognized with the already loaded drivers?

I would suspect that one would lose specific mouse functions...(e.g., the scroll wheel) as some features require the Logitech drivers to be loaded....

[Budfred]

When I installed my Logitech Elite Duo I didn't install any software. I already had an HP multimedia keyboard and Logitech Trackball FX installed the software from them seemed to work fine with the Elite Duo. If the other keyboard in this case is too different, it might not work so smoothly or allow all functions on the wireless, but then again, it might.....:)

[Whyzman]

I'm not sure what "standard" mouse drivers load automatically...

I know that that if I do not allow the wireless drivers to load at startup I lose my scroll wheel as well as my thumb button...probably others too, I didn't go exploring...just decided to load the drivers...:)

[Budfred]

Since I already had Logitech drivers installed, it just started working and let me configure the wireless mouse. However, the issue here is the keyboard and I am guessing that basic function will work even if the full function of the keyboard don't without installing more software.

On the other hand.... the simplest thing would be to tell them to just use the damn keyboard that was provided.....:rolleyes: :D

[Whyzman]

Agreed! hehe ;) :D