Advantages of USB Keyboard over PS/2 Keyboard?

[Emoz93]

I'm currently using Logitech Classic Keyboard. It uses PS/2 input instead of USB. Recently I saw another Logitech Classic model but with USB support, selling only RM3 more than than the PS/2 model. Both models are identical: spill-resistant, height-adjustable and have no special features like mutimedia hotkeys, macros, LED backligthing etc. They're just standard keyboards.

I'm just wondering if it's worth buying the USB model & sell my current keyboard as 2nd-hand? Is there any advantage of using USB keyboard over PS/2, in FPS games or typing?

[suiken_2mieu]

In general, usb is more supported on other devices. But PS/2 can always be recognized in bios. I had some issues with my usb keyboars not being recognized because they were attached to a hub.

[DaFox]

Technically speaking PS/2 is superior. So no there is absolutely no reason to replace your keyboard with a USB one. That being said theres no reason not to get a USB keyboard if you're buying one anyway.

[Gilly]

Yeah, PS/2 is actually "better" as there is no polling rate as such, whereas USB (by default) polls every 8ms (125Hz).

[MobsterOO7]

I'm not sure why nobody has mentioned ghosting yet. My old PS/2 keyboard couldn't handle more than two keys at once being pressed.

http://www.microsoft.com/appliedsciences/AntiGhostingExplained.mspx

[suiken_2mieu]

I'm not sure why nobody has mentioned ghosting yet. My old PS/2 keyboard couldn't handle more than two keys at once being pressed.

http://www.microsoft.com/appliedsciences/AntiGhostingExplained.mspx

You didn't get one of those awesome mechanical keyboards that allow for all the keys to be pressed and all be recognized.

[Emoz93]

Yeah, PS/2 is actually "better" as there is no polling rate as such, whereas USB (by default) polls every 8ms (125Hz).

I don't understand what poll rate is...

I'm not sure why nobody has mentioned ghosting yet. My old PS/2 keyboard couldn't handle more than two keys at once being pressed.

http://www.microsoft.com/appliedsciences/AntiGhostingExplained.mspx

Seems like ghosting is more due to the keyboard's internal wiring rather than the I/O type

[Paradigm Shifter]

Poll rate is basically how often the PC queries the device for a status update/data transmit.

USB keyboards are inferior to PS/2 ones, at least in raw terms. In reality, USB keyboards can do more because you can provide more power down a USB connection than you can via PS/2, so integrated LCDs, backlights, thousands of extra knobs, buttons switches and other junk can be crammed on in the name of 'ergonomics' or 'gaming'.

[Emoz93]

Status update every 8ms? That's 125 times per second! Sounds like a lot of work for the PC.

[Paradigm Shifter]

Um... not really. Bear in mind that 1GHz = 1,000,000,000 cycles per second.

[Emoz93]

My lil' bro was nice enough to let me experiment with his brand new wireless keyboard. Although I think he just wants to show off his new keyboard (A4Tech GR-152).

After trying the keyboard out for a few hours, here's what I think of it:
- It felt a lot heavier than my Logitech PS/2 keyboard even if I took out the 2 AA batteries.
- The +/- keys have scroll up and scroll down icons but oddly it doesn't work as a mousewheel. The 2 and 8 keys with arrow up and arrow down icons does.
- The most useless shortcut key: Calculator (icon: like its namesake). How often do people use the built-in calculator anyway?
- I felt no difference between the wireless keyboard and my PS/2 keyboard when typing and gaming*.
- The most useful shortcut key: Search (icon: magnifying glass). It opens up new window called Search Results and I can start searching files immediately.
- The home page shortcut key (icon: house) is a minor convenience. It calls up the home page of the default browser in a single click. Then again, I also can do that with a mouse.
- The volume shortcut keys is also a minor convenience. I don't use them very often as I rarely change the volume when listening to MP3 songs.
- Wireless means less cable clutters behind the rear PC. The keyboard and mouse use the same wireless USB dongle .
- Wireless also means I don't have to detach the keyboard from the USB or PS/2 port every time I want to clean it from dusts.
- The keys still register when I type from across the room. Impressive but I'm not sure why I would want to type at that distance when I could barely I see what I'm typing.

Conclusion: Upgrading my old PS/2 keyboard has some perks but doesn't actually change my life. The Logitech keyboard will probably stay to serve me for another few years.

[Anprionsa]

In my opinion the new fancy keyboards really aren't worth it.

My favorite keyboard still is the Microsoft one with the curved keys. Been using it since early last decade.

[X-Warrior]

- The most useless shortcut key: Calculator (icon: like its namesake). How often do people use the built-in calculator anyway?

Quite a lot actually, especially at work. Having that button over yonder would be nice.

[Abram]

I use it all the time. Daily. I put my Calc shortcut the at top-right corner.