2 Keyboards?

[w33tq]

Is there a way to hook up two keyboards to one computer so that you can use the simotaneously? I like to switch keyboards.... one for liesure stuff.. and the other for gaming... but i hate going to the back of my 'puter to change them all the time....

[glc]

I don't think so, but I believe you can hotswap USB keyboards, front ports would make this easy.

[w33tq]

that's a great idea.... i wouldn't mind swapping usb keyboards in the front... but, are there adapters so that i can use my regular ps keyboards in the usb ports?

[glc]

I just found what you need - Belkin has a similar device (F1D089) but it's even more expensive.

http://www.notestation.com/y_fork_key.htm

[sjaguar13]

I had a PS2 to USB adapter on my mouse. I took another mouse and plugged it into the PS2 port. They both worked. I can't say for sure keyboards are the same, but if they are, all you need is one USB adapter.

[w33tq]

thanks... I think i'll shop around for something like that glc at lower price... Maybe Radio Shack will have it.

sjaguar... it didn't work when i put the usb adapter on keyboard (from the mouse originally).

[glc]

If Radio Shack has it, it won't be that cheap.

[denrach]

I work at Intel and the machines that I work on have two user areas, one inside the bay where equipment is and one outside. Both areas have a keyboard and mouse to run a single pc. We switch back and forth between the 2 with an A/B switch box. I have torn a few apart and there isn't allot to them at all. I am not sure what the real name is for them, but i can't imagine they would be too much, a box a round knob switch, couple connectors and some wire.

[ric449]

You work at Intel? Do you mind if I asked what your job is? I'm interested in working for Intel myself.

[Xiun]

The only time I've seen two keyboards work at the same time is when they were usb. They had the mice on the PS2 ports. So, as long as you find a usb keyboard, go for it. But you might have driver issues if you want to be able to use all the extra keys on the keyboards

[denrach]

I work for a company contracted for Intel. I am a field service engineer or in real terms a fix it man for a machine that performs part of the process of producing chips. Intel and companies with it are experiencing an upturn sort of, but hiring is pretty tight. It never hurts to turn in a resume to Intel. The require a two year degree in a technical field or some sort of real world experience military is a big plus. But so as not to change the subject....

I don't think he wanted two keyboards to work at the same time. I believe he wants to be able to switch from one keyboard to another for different applications like gaming. I checked into the A/B boxes at work and they are manufactured for intel specifically, but they are so simple in design, I can't imagine they dont sell them publically relatively cheap.

[MaxRat]

check out tigerdirect...I saw in there they had splitters to hookup two of everything and I think monitors, key boards and mice

[glc]

Everyone has KVM switches, but those are to run 2 computers from one keyboard/mouse/monitor set. You need a "reverse KVM" but only for the keyboard, those aren't so common, but the device I linked to earlier is made exactly for this purpose. The problem with a simple mechanical switch would be momentarily interrupting the power to/from the keyboard and the PS/2 port, which can cause problems.