Can't get a PS/2 Keyboard to Work on my MacBook Pro?

sportguy0913 · Dec 25, 2009

I have an eMachines PS/2 keyboard that I have hooked up to my MacBook Pro with a PS/2 to USB adapter. The keyboard initially receives power I know because the three lights for numlock, caps lock and scroll lock all light up when I plug it in. However, I am not able to use the keyboard at all... is there anyway I would be able to use it with a download or something?

Thanks

Repo · Dec 25, 2009

Try connecting the keyboard using the PS/2 to USB adapter, then reset your laptop (leaving the keyboard connected), and see if you can type with it after the reset.

sportguy0913 · Dec 26, 2009

Repo said:
Try connecting the keyboard using the PS/2 to USB adapter, then reset your laptop (leaving the keyboard connected), and see if you can type with it after the reset.

That didn't work. Any other sugggestions?

tinman0 · Dec 26, 2009

Chuck it in the bin and buy a usb keyboard. They are dirt cheap and will cost less in your time than messing around with an old, easily replaceable keyboard!

deep diver · Dec 26, 2009

I pulled out an old ps/2 mouse the other day and had the same problem. It's not worth the time trying to figure it out.

synth3tik · Dec 26, 2009

I have to agree with everyone else. Yeah, living in a throw away day in age sucks, but you can get usb keyboards cheaper then you can get PS2 to USB adapters.

SkyBell · Dec 26, 2009

Really? I had a USB to PS/2 converter on my Mac mini work for two years flawlessly. Maybe it's your adapter? (The good ones are about $15.)

fhall1 · Dec 27, 2009

For $15 you can buy a USB keyboard.

sportguy0913 · Dec 27, 2009

well the adapter was $2 and the keyboard was free so it was worth a shot.

SkyBell · Dec 27, 2009

fhall1 said:
For $15 you can buy a USB keyboard.

Sure, but those things exist for a reason. I had a Dell QuietKey from the mid 90's that I absolutely loved, and wanted badly to use on a decent computer. Hence, the adapter. The cost is worth it for a lot of people.

carlsmith · Feb 9, 2016

I'm with you SkyBell. I have a valuable mechanical keypad, so throwing it away and buying a cheap USB one is not really a solution. People have reported that some PS/2 to USB adapters do work out the box, no problem. We should aim to list a few, not just tell people to throw away their hardware.

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