USB or PS/2 ?

Matth · Mar 15, 2008, 11:57 PM

Got a new keyboard/mouse set (multimedia wireless optical), and both it and my system support USB and PS/2.

Question is, which interface is better?

I'd assume that compared to PS/2, there is extra protocol overhead in USB, but then is the USB interface more efficient than PS/2?

Zardon · Mar 16, 2008, 12:38 AM

There have been many debates on this with many people arguing that USB uses more CPU time etc. It all depends however on the sampling rate. modern mice generally are fine tuned for the USB interface (for example the logitech G9 mouse lets you alter the report rate right up to 1000 reports per second which is way beyond the limits of anything that PS2 can handle.)

Short answer, I would stick to USB right now, a while ago it was rather different.

BlueMak · Mar 16, 2008, 05:01 AM

If it is a USB keyboard/mouse and you need to use an adaptor for PS/2 then I don't see a difference unless you are running out of USB connections.

I do prefer, at least for the keyboard to get normal/proper PS/2 keyboard for other reasons, non windows related.

Matth · Mar 16, 2008, 01:29 PM

It's a basic kit (Tevion brand), wireless, mouse is optical - driver appears to be Chic (where did they go?) 3D/4D/Browser mouse, and the adapter is included.

May as well add a little note on adapters....
USB mouse to PS/2 port adapters are not universal, they are passive connection changers and require combo (USB-PS/2) capability in the connected mouse. It is not possible to save an adapter and use it with any mouse.

The reverse of this, a PS/2 devices (generally both keyboard & mouse) to USB port adapter is an active device and will work with most devices, though getting their drivers to work may be an issue.

Anyway, I digress....

If the PS/2 interface has no disadvantages, I'll save a port on my USB1 hub - I prefer to keep USB1 devices on the system USB1 controllers and save the USB2 controller for high speed only... must drag the cables out and check , as I can't remember what went into the hub, what went to the system ports etc.

PS. One other thing, I'd always assumed the wireless was unidirectional (device send, base receive), but there are commands that are sent to the mouse (sample rate etc.), or is it all handled in the base unit?

Mar 15, 2008, 11:57 PM	#1
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	USB or PS/2 ? Got a new keyboard/mouse set (multimedia wireless optical), and both it and my system support USB and PS/2. Question is, which interface is better? I'd assume that compared to PS/2, there is extra protocol overhead in USB, but then is the USB interface more efficient than PS/2? __________________ Mary had a little lamb, Her father shot it dead Now Mary takes her lamb to school, Between two crusts of bread

Mar 16, 2008, 05:01 AM	#3
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,465 Rep Power: 349 System Specs	If it is a USB keyboard/mouse and you need to use an adaptor for PS/2 then I don't see a difference unless you are running out of USB connections. I do prefer, at least for the keyboard to get normal/proper PS/2 keyboard for other reasons, non windows related. __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Mar 16, 2008, 01:29 PM	Thread Starter #4
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	It's a basic kit (Tevion brand), wireless, mouse is optical - driver appears to be Chic (where did they go?) 3D/4D/Browser mouse, and the adapter is included. May as well add a little note on adapters.... USB mouse to PS/2 port adapters are not universal, they are passive connection changers and require combo (USB-PS/2) capability in the connected mouse. It is not possible to save an adapter and use it with any mouse. The reverse of this, a PS/2 devices (generally both keyboard & mouse) to USB port adapter is an active device and will work with most devices, though getting their drivers to work may be an issue. Anyway, I digress.... If the PS/2 interface has no disadvantages, I'll save a port on my USB1 hub - I prefer to keep USB1 devices on the system USB1 controllers and save the USB2 controller for high speed only... must drag the cables out and check , as I can't remember what went into the hub, what went to the system ports etc. PS. One other thing, I'd always assumed the wireless was unidirectional (device send, base receive), but there are commands that are sent to the mouse (sample rate etc.), or is it all handled in the base unit? __________________ Mary had a little lamb, Her father shot it dead Now Mary takes her lamb to school, Between two crusts of bread

Mar 16, 2008, 12:38 AM	#2
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	There have been many debates on this with many people arguing that USB uses more CPU time etc. It all depends however on the sampling rate. modern mice generally are fine tuned for the USB interface (for example the logitech G9 mouse lets you alter the report rate right up to 1000 reports per second which is way beyond the limits of anything that PS2 can handle.) Short answer, I would stick to USB right now, a while ago it was rather different.