You can transform your device into a PS/2 to USB converter by repurposing an old MOBO board.
You can transform your device into a PS/2 to USB converter by repurposing an old MOBO board.
Initially, that's not necessary. Simply use a PS2 adapter and a USB type-A male port. Connect the +5V pin from USB to the +5V on the PS2 port, USB Data to PS2 data pin, USB Data+ to PS2 clock pin, and GND to GND. You won't need any components from the motherboard.
I'll remove the PS/2 female connector from the motherboard. There are five PS/2 cables available, while USB only provides four.
It's interesting that you can find such an adapter for as little as $2... wondering why someone would choose to make this themselves... It seems like a fun experiment just to check if it works, right? Just remember not to try it on your PC, or you could damage it.
But with an authentic vintage PS2 keyboard, chances are it wouldn't function. Modern models might offer USB compatibility, though I haven't tested it myself.
I believe the issue lies with the controller on the device itself, not just the host. It seems USB devices work backward with PS2 hosts, but not vice versa. I’m not entirely confident about this, though.