Black Box USB to PS/2 Converter

The Black Box USB to PS/2 Converter is a robust bridge that lets you use legacy PS/2 keyboards and mice with modern USB hosts. Designed for reliability in professional environments, this adapter minimizes compatibility headaches by translating PS/2 signals into USB in real time. It’s an ideal solution for Macintosh® and Sun® systems, data centers, labs, and KVM setups that rely on ServSwitch™ infrastructure, enabling seamless input control across a mix of hardware and operating systems. With firmware that can be flashed to update features and fixes, this converter stays current as your hardware evolves.

• Universal PS/2 to USB signal conversion — This converter translates PS/2 keyboard and mouse signals into USB, enabling plug-and-play operation with USB hosts. The result is a smooth, responsive input experience that preserves the feel of your familiar PS/2 peripherals while leveraging the flexibility of USB. It’s an excellent choice for upgrading older workstations, repurposing idle PS/2 devices, or building out mixed-environment workspaces where USB is the standard interface.
• Supports Macintosh® and Sun® USB computers and servers — Built for heterogeneous environments, this adapter ensures reliable operation across Apple Macintosh systems and Sun USB servers. Whether you’re managing a development lab, a cross-platform data center, or an office with diverse hardware, you gain consistent keyboard and mouse behavior without driver conflicts or peripheral compatibility concerns. This broad compatibility simplifies procurement, reduces troubleshooting time, and supports smoother workflows.
• Flash-upgradable firmware — Firmware upgradeability extends the life of the device by letting you install new features and fixes as they become available. The upgrade process is designed to be straightforward, minimizing downtime and enabling rapid adaptation to evolving USB host stacks and PS/2 peripheral standards. Regular updates help protect your investment and ensure continued compatibility with future hardware you bring into your environment.
• KVM-ready with ServSwitch™ solutions — Engineered to integrate seamlessly with Black Box ServSwitch KVM switches, this converter is a natural fit for multi-system control rooms and remote management setups. It enables sharing a single USB host among multiple PS/2 devices across servers, desktops, and consoles, reducing cable clutter, simplifying management, and boosting operator efficiency in busy IT environments. When used in a ServSwitch workflow, it helps you consolidate access without sacrificing performance or reliability.
• Reliability and compatibility focus — The device is designed to minimize compatibility issues between legacy PS/2 peripherals and modern USB hosts. By focusing on dependable signal translation and straightforward operation, it reduces driver conflicts and troubleshooting time. Its robust build and tested interoperability make it suitable for deployment in data centers, labs, classrooms, and executive offices where uptime and consistency matter most.

Technical Details of Black Box USB to PS/2 Converter

• Converts PS/2 keyboard and mouse signals to USB interface
• Supports Macintosh® and Sun® USB computers and servers
• Flash-upgradable firmware for easy updates
• Optimized for KVM switching with ServSwitch™ solutions
• Eliminates compatibility problems between PS/2 devices and USB hosts

How to install Black Box USB to PS/2 Converter

• Power down your computer and connect your PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse to the converter’s PS/2 input ports.
• Plug the converter’s USB output into a USB port on your Macintosh or Sun system.
• Power on the host and allow the operating system to recognize the USB HID devices from the converter.
• If you are using ServSwitch or another KVM setup, connect the converter between the PS/2 devices and the KVM switch according to the ServSwitch documentation.
• Run firmware updates if prompted or if a new version is available to ensure optimal compatibility and performance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary function of this converter?

  A: It translates PS/2 keyboard and mouse signals into a USB interface so that PS/2 peripherals can be used with USB hosts. This also supports integration into KVM environments through ServSwitch solutions.

• Q: Which systems are supported?

  A: The device is designed to work with Macintosh® and Sun® USB computers and servers, providing reliable input for diverse hardware footprints in data centers, labs, and offices.

• Q: Do I need drivers?

  A: In most cases, this converter is designed for plug-and-play operation with USB HID support, minimizing or eliminating driver requirements for basic use. Always consult your host system’s documentation for any project-specific needs.

• Q: Can I upgrade the firmware?

  A: Yes. The firmware is flash-upgradable, allowing you to install updates that add features and fix issues. Use the provided upgrade utility or instructions to perform updates safely.

• Q: Is this converter bidirectional?

  A: This device is intended to convert PS/2 signals to USB. It does not convert USB to PS/2, so PS/2 peripherals should be connected to the PS/2 ports and USB hosts will receive USB input from the converter.