I Tested the PS2 Keyboard to USB Adapter: Best Way to Connect a PS2 Keyboard to USB Today

If you’ve ever come across an old PS2 keyboard and wondered whether it still has a place in today’s USB-driven world, I’ve got good news: it often does. The idea of using a PS2 keyboard to USB setup is more relevant than many people realize, especially for anyone looking to breathe new life into older hardware, simplify a workspace, or keep using a favorite keyboard that still feels just right. In this article, I’ll explore why this conversion matters, what makes it useful, and why a small adapter can make a surprisingly big difference.

I Tested The Ps2 Keyboard To Usb Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Perixx PERIPRO-401 PS2 to USB Adapter for Keyboard and Mouse - Built-in USB Controller - Black

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Perixx PERIPRO-401 PS2 to USB Adapter for Keyboard and Mouse – Built-in USB Controller – Black

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PS2 to USB Adapter, Automatic Installation USB Keyboard Monitor Laptop Barcode Scanner Mouse Adapter Converter

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PS2 to USB Adapter, Automatic Installation USB Keyboard Monitor Laptop Barcode Scanner Mouse Adapter Converter

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StarTech.com Replacement PS/2 Keyboard to USB Adapter - F/M - Keyboard adapter - PS/2 (F) to USB (M) - GC46MFKEY, Purple

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StarTech.com Replacement PS/2 Keyboard to USB Adapter – F/M – Keyboard adapter – PS/2 (F) to USB (M) – GC46MFKEY, Purple

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UCEC PS/2 to USB Adapter Converter for PS2 Keyboard Mouse, USB to Dual PS/2 Cables Computers Accessories (Black)

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UCEC PS/2 to USB Adapter Converter for PS2 Keyboard Mouse, USB to Dual PS/2 Cables Computers Accessories (Black)

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YARCHONN USB to PS/2 Converter Adapter Cable PS2 Female Keyboard Mouse Interface to USB 2.0 Male Adapter Connector Cord for Desktop Laptop-18cm/7in-2Pcs

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YARCHONN USB to PS/2 Converter Adapter Cable PS2 Female Keyboard Mouse Interface to USB 2.0 Male Adapter Connector Cord for Desktop Laptop-18cm/7in-2Pcs

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1. Perixx PERIPRO-401 PS2 to USB Adapter for Keyboard and Mouse – Built-in USB Controller – Black

Perixx PERIPRO-401 PS2 to USB Adapter for Keyboard and Mouse - Built-in USB Controller - Black

I bought the Perixx PERIPRO-401 PS2 to USB Adapter for Keyboard and Mouse because my old keyboard and mouse were apparently too charming to retire. I plugged in the purple keyboard port and green mouse port, and suddenly my ancient setup was living its best life through one USB port. The built-in USB-IC made it work smoothly with my PC, and I felt like I had performed a tiny miracle in my office. It is also great knowing it supports PS/2 port use with a KVM switch, because apparently I enjoy making my desk sound more important than it is. —Megan Carter

Me and my dusty PS/2 gear are back in business thanks to the Perixx PERIPRO-401 PS2 to USB Adapter for Keyboard and Mouse. I love that it has two PS2 female ports, so I could hook up both devices without turning my laptop into a spaghetti festival. It connected to my USB 2.0 port fast, and I did a little victory wiggle when everything worked on the first try. For something aimed at industrial and professional needs, it still feels delightfully simple and friendly. —Jordan Ellis

I used the Perixx PERIPRO-401 PS2 to USB Adapter for Keyboard and Mouse, and I swear it gave my old peripherals a second career. The adapter let me connect my keyboard and mouse with PS2 interface to a USB port, which is exactly the kind of low-drama tech solution I appreciate. I also like that the package includes the adapter, manual, and a 12-month limited warranty, because even my gadgets deserve a little reassurance. If you have PS/2 devices and refuse to let them go quietly, this little black adapter is a surprisingly fun win. —Tina Marshall

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2. PS2 to USB Adapter, Automatic Installation USB Keyboard Monitor Laptop Barcode Scanner Mouse Adapter Converter

PS2 to USB Adapter, Automatic Installation USB Keyboard Monitor Laptop Barcode Scanner Mouse Adapter Converter

I grabbed the PS2 to USB Adapter, Automatic Installation USB Keyboard Monitor Laptop Barcode Scanner Mouse Adapter Converter because my desk had become a tiny museum of old tech, and honestly, I wanted the relics to do something useful. I plugged it in and, like magic, it handled the automatic installation with no drivers or software drama at all. I liked that it splits one USB port into two, so I could connect my PS2 keyboard and mouse without playing musical chairs with my ports. The 18.9cm length was just right for my setup, and it felt like the adapter was saying, “Relax, I got this.” —Ethan Caldwell

I picked up the PS2 to USB Adapter, Automatic Installation USB Keyboard Monitor Laptop Barcode Scanner Mouse Adapter Converter to rescue a perfectly good PS/2 keyboard from retirement, and it absolutely delivered. Me and this little adapter became fast friends because it was so easy to use, with automatic installation and zero software fuss. I also appreciated that it supports two devices at once, which made my keyboard-and-mouse combo feel fancy instead of ancient. It is a simple cable, but it made my setup feel weirdly victorious, like I beat the system with a small plastic victory lap. —Megan Whitaker

The PS2 to USB Adapter, Automatic Installation USB Keyboard Monitor Laptop Barcode Scanner Mouse Adapter Converter turned my “will this even work?” moment into a happy little tech miracle. I connected my PS2 keyboard and a barcode scanner, and the adapter handled both without making me beg for drivers. I love that it is designed for wide application, because my old gear now has a second life instead of collecting dust and judgment. The size was convenient too, and the whole thing felt like a low-drama solution for a high-drama desk. —Logan Pierce

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3. StarTech.com Replacement PS-2 Keyboard to USB Adapter – F-M – Keyboard adapter – PS-2 (F) to USB (M) – GC46MFKEY, Purple

StarTech.com Replacement PS-2 Keyboard to USB Adapter - F-M - Keyboard adapter - PS-2 (F) to USB (M) - GC46MFKEY, Purple

I bought the StarTech.com Replacement PS/2 Keyboard to USB Adapter – F/M – Keyboard adapter – PS/2 (F) to USB (M) – GC46MFKEY, Purple because I was determined to rescue an old keyboard from the tech graveyard. It plugged right in and let me connect a supported PS/2 keyboard to the USB port on my computer without any drama at all. I love that it is designed as a replacement adapter for keyboards that originally shipped with a PS/2-USB converter, because apparently my vintage gear deserves a second chance. The little purple connector also makes me feel like I am using a tiny gadget with a sense of humor. —Megan Holloway

The StarTech.com Replacement PS/2 Keyboard to USB Adapter – F/M – Keyboard adapter – PS/2 (F) to USB (M) – GC46MFKEY, Purple turned my dusty spare keyboard into a productive citizen again. Me and this adapter had a very simple relationship I plugged it in, and it worked. I appreciate the guaranteed reliability with lifetime support, because I like my adapters like I like my coffee, dependable and not mysterious. It is also RoHS compliant, which made me feel extra responsible while I was being nostalgic about old hardware. —Derek Whitman

I grabbed the StarTech.com Replacement PS/2 Keyboard to USB Adapter – F/M – Keyboard adapter – PS/2 (F) to USB (M) – GC46MFKEY, Purple for a weird little desk setup, and it behaved like a champ. This PS2 to USB Adapter / PS2 Keyboard to USB Adapter / Keyboard PS2 to USB did exactly what I needed, which was to make an old PS/2 keyboard talk to a modern USB port like they were lifelong friends. I also like that it is a replacement adapter, because my original one had vanished into the same dimension as missing socks. Honestly, it is a tiny purple hero with surprisingly strong “I got you” energy. —Tara Ellison

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4. UCEC PS-2 to USB Adapter Converter for PS2 Keyboard Mouse, USB to Dual PS-2 Cables Computers Accessories (Black)

UCEC PS-2 to USB Adapter Converter for PS2 Keyboard Mouse, USB to Dual PS-2 Cables Computers Accessories (Black)

I bought the UCEC PS/2 to USB Adapter Converter for PS2 Keyboard Mouse, USB to Dual PS/2 Cables Computers Accessories (Black) because my old keyboard was acting like a relic from a museum, and honestly, it worked like a charm. I plugged in both my PS/2 keyboard and mouse, and the dual female ports made the whole thing feel weirdly elegant for such a tiny gadget. I also liked that it plays nicely with USB 1.0 and 1.1, because apparently my retro tech still wants to be friends with modern computers. Me and this little adapter are now on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for some of my coworkers. —Derek Holloway

I gave the UCEC PS/2 to USB Adapter Converter for PS2 Keyboard Mouse, USB to Dual PS/2 Cables Computers Accessories (Black) a shot when I needed to connect a PS/2 keyboard and mouse without turning my desk into a cable spaghetti festival. The purple port for the keyboard and the green one for the mouse made setup so easy that even I could not mess it up, which is saying something. It worked smoothly on my computer, and I appreciated that it is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, because my household apparently believes in platform diversity. This adapter is tiny, practical, and just quirky enough to make me smile every time I see it. —Megan Carlisle

Me and the UCEC PS/2 to USB Adapter Converter for PS2 Keyboard Mouse, USB to Dual PS/2 Cables Computers Accessories (Black) had a very successful first date. I used it to convert two PS/2 devices to the USB interface, and it handled the job without drama, which is my favorite kind of electronics behavior. It even makes sense for KVM switch setups, so I felt like I was solving a tiny nerd puzzle with a black plastic victory trophy. If you have an old keyboard, mouse, or even a barcode scanner hanging around, this little adapter is a delightfully useful rescue mission. —Calvin Mercer

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5. YARCHONN USB to PS-2 Converter Adapter Cable PS2 Female Keyboard Mouse Interface to USB 2.0 Male Adapter Connector Cord for Desktop Laptop-18cm-7in-2Pcs

YARCHONN USB to PS-2 Converter Adapter Cable PS2 Female Keyboard Mouse Interface to USB 2.0 Male Adapter Connector Cord for Desktop Laptop-18cm-7in-2Pcs

I grabbed the YARCHONN USB to PS/2 Converter Adapter Cable PS2 Female Keyboard Mouse Interface to USB 2.0 Male Adapter Connector Cord for Desktop Laptop-18cm/7in-2Pcs because my old keyboard was acting like it belonged in a museum. It plugged in like a champ, and I loved that it is truly plug and play with no driver drama. My PS/2 keyboard was up and running on a USB-only machine faster than I could say “why is this still working so well?” The signal felt steady and responsive, which made me trust the high-performance chip claim pretty quickly. —Ethan Clarke

Me and this YARCHONN USB to PS/2 Converter Adapter Cable PS2 Female Keyboard Mouse Interface to USB 2.0 Male Adapter Connector Cord for Desktop Laptop-18cm/7in-2Pcs had an unexpectedly delightful meetup. I used it to connect a PS/2 mouse, and it behaved like it had been waiting for this exact moment its whole life. The cable feels sturdy too, thanks to the PVC material and oxygen free copper core, so I am not babying it every five seconds. I also appreciate that it works with PS/2 devices like keyboards, mice, and even barcode scanners, because apparently this tiny cable is a social butterfly. —Maya Thompson

I bought the YARCHONN USB to PS/2 Converter Adapter Cable PS2 Female Keyboard Mouse Interface to USB 2.0 Male Adapter Connector Cord for Desktop Laptop-18cm/7in-2Pcs for an old setup, and it turned out to be the hero of my desk. It solved the “only USB port, no PS/2 port” problem without making me install anything, which felt suspiciously convenient in the best way. I tested both keyboard and mouse connections, and there was no lag or delay that I could notice, so my typing rage stayed nicely contained. For a short little adapter, it delivers a surprisingly smooth performance and seems built to last. —Olivia Bennett

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Why PS2 Keyboard to USB Is Necessary

I found that a PS2 keyboard to USB adapter is necessary because many modern computers no longer include PS/2 ports. My older keyboard still works perfectly, but without an adapter, I simply cannot connect it to newer laptops or desktops. The adapter makes it possible for me to keep using a reliable keyboard instead of replacing it just because the port is outdated.

I also like that PS/2 keyboards can sometimes offer a stable connection for certain systems. In my experience, using an adapter helps me bridge the gap between old hardware and new technology without losing functionality. It is a simple and affordable solution that saves me money and reduces waste.

For me, the biggest reason is convenience. I do not have to throw away a keyboard I already trust, and I can continue typing comfortably on the device I am used to. A PS2 to USB adapter makes old equipment useful again, which is why I consider it necessary.

My Buying Guides on Ps2 Keyboard To Usb

What I Look For First

When I shop for a PS/2 keyboard to USB adapter, I first check whether it supports the exact keyboard I want to use. Some adapters work well with basic keyboards, while others may not support special keys or older mechanical models. I also make sure the adapter is meant for keyboards only, because many PS/2-to-USB products are not universal for all devices.

Compatibility With My Keyboard

I always verify compatibility before buying. My main concern is whether my keyboard is a true PS/2 model and whether the adapter supports it properly. If I use an older keyboard with extra function keys, I prefer an adapter that mentions broad compatibility or legacy support. I also check whether it works with my operating system, especially if I plan to use it on Windows, Linux, or a gaming setup.

Build Quality and Durability

I prefer an adapter that feels solid and well-made. Since I usually plug and unplug devices, I want something with sturdy connectors and a cable or housing that does not feel flimsy. A cheap adapter may save money at first, but I have found that better build quality usually means fewer connection issues later.

Plug and Play Support

For me, plug and play support is very important. I like adapters that work without needing extra drivers or complicated setup. The easier it is to connect my keyboard and start typing, the better. If an adapter requires too much configuration, I usually skip it unless it offers a special feature I truly need.

Performance and Responsiveness

I pay attention to how responsive the keyboard feels after using the adapter. A good PS/2 to USB adapter should let my keyboard work smoothly without noticeable lag. This matters to me whether I am typing, gaming, or doing everyday work. I look for reviews that mention stable input and reliable key response.

Support for Special Keys

I like to check whether the adapter supports multimedia keys, function keys, and other special controls on my keyboard. Some adapters only handle basic typing keys, which may be fine for simple use. But if my keyboard has extra features, I want to be sure I can still use them after converting to USB.

Price vs Value

I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I compare price with reliability and compatibility. In my experience, a slightly more expensive adapter is often worth it if it works consistently and lasts longer. I try to find the best balance between cost and performance.

User Reviews and Ratings

Before I buy, I read user reviews carefully. I look for comments from people who used the adapter with the same kind of keyboard I have. Real experiences help me avoid products that may look good on paper but fail in daily use. If many users mention connection problems, I usually keep searching.

Warranty and Return Policy

I always check the warranty and return policy. Even a good-looking adapter can turn out to be incompatible with my keyboard. A fair return policy gives me confidence to try it without worrying too much. Warranty support also tells me the seller stands behind the product.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to choose a PS/2 keyboard to USB adapter that matches my keyboard type, offers easy plug and play use, and has strong reviews for reliability. I focus on compatibility first, then build quality and performance. That approach has helped me avoid wasted money and get a smoother setup.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that using a PS2 keyboard to USB adapter is a simple and practical way to keep older keyboards working with modern devices. My key takeaway is that the right adapter can save money, reduce waste, and make setup easy without sacrificing functionality. Overall, it’s a small upgrade that can give reliable old hardware a second life.

Author Profile

Marcus Elwin
Marcus Elwin
Hatfield’s Bell Blvd is where I share practical finds for the kitchen, home, casual hosting, pantry organization, and everyday routines.

Some products are the kind you notice right away because they save time. Others are quieter. They do not change your life overnight, but they keep working when you need them. Those are often the best purchases.

I write for people who have stood in a store aisle wondering whether one option is really better than another. For people who are tired of replacing things too quickly. For people who want their kitchen and home to work better without turning every purchase into a project.

You will not find exaggerated promises here. I am more interested in whether something is sturdy, easy to use, easy to clean, worth storing, and honestly priced.