Widescreen Gaming Forum

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?

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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'.

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

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

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.

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.

- 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.

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