Thinkpads Forum

My Google-fu has failed me in my search for the answer to this, so I turn to the ThinkPad experts here.

Reason behind this is to be able to connect an IBM Model M keyboard through the native PS/2 connector.
This will likely be a dedicated writing machine.

AFAIK that was the T2x series.
Also, the Port Replicator II for A3x-T2x-T3x-T4x-etc. has a PS/2 port.

How about a USB to PS/2 adapter such as this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002347829085.html
There are several varieties.
That way you can also use any laptop with a USB-port.

RealBlackStuff wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 26, 2022 11:59 pm

AFAIK that was the T2x series.
Also, the Port Replicator II for A3x-T2x-T3x-T4x-etc. has a PS/2 port.

How about a USB to PS/2 adapter such as this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002347829085.html

Newest ThinkPad with a built in PS/2 port would indeed be T2x/A2x. My A30p does not have them - 2 S-video ports only.
PS/2 port can be found on the Advanced docking stations of T6x/T400/T500 as well, albeit just one port between mice and keyboard.
Unfortunately as soon as the T410/T510 generation the PS/2 ports are gone from their docking solutions. It's a shame really as HP kept it until the Ivy bridge machines and Dell kept it all the way into their Skylake equipped machine's docks and got rid of them only when docking stations switched to USBC/Thunderbolt entirely.
While those active PS/2 to USB adapters will do the job just fine with a keyboard as long as you aren't gaming, from my testing they work horribly with PS/2 mice should you want a matching IBM pearl mouse with the Model M keyboard or something - the DPI is absolutely dreadful. No it's not the mouse's limitations as connecting that mouse into native PS/2 port gives silky smooth cursor movements.
In case the OP forgets, PS/2 ports are not designed to be hot swappable, although on some machines you can get away with that. On other machines however, if you are using Windows 8 and up, you WILL need one FULL restart for it to work in Windows even if you plugged the keyboard when the machine is powered off.

You could get this USB to PS/2 adapter: https://www.clickykeyboards.com/product ... keyboards/

It's a tad bit pricey, but clickykeyboards.com specializes in selling and repairing IBM Model M keyboards, so I'd have some confidence that it would work.