A USB mouse needs to have internal PS/2 capability to work with a PS/2 adapter. You can't just use any USB mouse that way. The general rule of thumb is if the mouse was sold with the adapter when it was new, then it should work.

I use a PS/2 keyboard and a USB optical mouse with a PS/2 adapter to minimize dependency on drivers or bios support. Generally bios support for USB input devices has been good in my experience with Socket A and newer systems, but going with PS/2 means I don't have to worry about it.

omgfoz wrote on 2020-12-29, 00:35:

I know usb mice have higher resolution and move more smoothly on screen but how is the compatibility?

For win9x PS2rate is your friend. Lets you set the sampling rate up to 200Hz if I remember right. Usually 60 to 100 is sufficient.

98se usb stack is terrible, even if you patch its bad. USB implementation on old hardware is bad too. using USB keyboard and mouse on 98se with old hardware isn't advised.

True PS/2 all the way, save USB for mass storage devices in Win98. KVMs that support VGA/PS2 are quite common too and a good match for a retro battlerig.

Yea again I can't stress just how much PS2rate rocks. I understand that sure, back in the pre win3.11 days sure, proc time is precious and indeed if you do set the polling rate to like 200Hz on like a 486-33 you literally can choke the system moving the mouse slow (it slams IRQ - if it doesn't outright crash) but the default rate of like 15Hz/fps on anything newer just... no. Like any 486 faster than 50mhz can easily handle 60Hz, and there's just no damn excuse MS never updated the default in say, win98.

You don't need a USB mouse in win9x for the cursor movement to not suck. PS2rate (this post sponsored by ... ;p)

on a tangent... wasn't there some sick way to graft the USB components from WinME onto 98SE? that said, that way leads to the dark side, it does...

Guess I'm a mouse ignoramus, but in my experience mice are mice. Use them for games, use them for everything. I don't use optical mice. In fact, didn't even have one until a couple of years ago. I didn't buy it, I salvaged it new. Rate? Precision? Whaa?

I need to clean the mouse maybe once in 6 months. Don't use a pad anymore. The table and mouse are wearing on each other (it's melamine) but it's nice not having to deal with a mat.

xrror wrote on 2021-01-07, 07:09:

omgfoz wrote on 2020-12-29, 00:35:

I know usb mice have higher resolution and move more smoothly on screen but how is the compatibility?

For win9x PS2rate is your friend. Lets you set the sampling rate up to 200Hz if I remember right. Usually 60 to 100 is sufficient.

Blast from the past! I totally remember having PS2rate back in the day. Thank you for the reminder!

Also, this thread did convince me to get a PS2 mouse and keyboard. Patiently awaiting their arrival.