Why not just fix the ps2 header? 😀
at least two people made pi pico USB to serial mouse converters, letting you use any usb mouse

Scythifuge wrote on 2022-11-21, 17:03:

I may start checking out serial mouse options. I found some optical serial mice out there, but I also came across what seems to be hybrid mice? I have seen descriptions of some mice which say they are both optical and mechanical. Has anyone used any of these? If so, how are they? do they use optical tech in lieu of the little rollers which always get clogged with lint and what not? Would you recommend getting one? Thanks!

Oh, these mice transfer the rotation of a mouse ball to an internal X and Y axis sensor with cheap optical light barrieres.
They are ball mice at all and pickup any dirt on the mousepad or area where you use them.

I'd recommend to fix your PS/2 mouse plug and connector.

I'd also just fix the PS/2 port. Deeming by your problem description, it's probably as easy as reflowing or replacing the connector.

If you really want to avoid the above, many old KVM switches can do PS/2 to serial translation. There are also adapters available to use modern peripherals with old computers.

Agreed if you can avoid serial mice its a backwards step.
I've had trouble with the PS/2-USB adapters not wanting to sit in the port as well though.

I'd look at getting PS/2 Intellimouse or similar which fit better in the port in my experience. Comanies like HP even used true Intellimouse and just slapped their logo on it if your on a budget.

I still love serial mice, since they are so compatible and trouble free.

Windows 3.1 has an issue with PS/2 mice, also. It has to do with packet size
and the odd mouse+keyboard virtualization in 386 Enhanced-Mode, I vaguely remember.

Mechanical mice (ball, potentiometer wheels) or opto-mechanical mice (ball, light barrier wheel) are fine to me, too.
Just have to use a quality mouse pad and not the bare desk surface.
The difference is as if eating with silverware vs. bare fingers. 😉

Thanks for the replies and suggestions!

Disruptor wrote on 2022-11-22, 03:10:

Oh, these mice transfer the rotation of a mouse ball to an internal X and Y axis sensor with cheap optical light barrieres.

Isn't this how the wheel rotation is detected in practically all modern mice as well?

Anyways, PS/2 mice are still easily available, I bought a couple Genius PS/2 mice (unused, could be old stock though) few weeks ago.

Azarien wrote on 2022-11-25, 16:30:

Disruptor wrote on 2022-11-22, 03:10:

Oh, these mice transfer the rotation of a mouse ball to an internal X and Y axis sensor with cheap optical light barrieres.

Isn't this how the wheel rotation is detected in practically all modern mice as well?

I don't know how a wheel based gaming mouse gains its accuracy.
I still prefer (full) optical mice on PS/2 ports.

Logitech Mouseman.

I hated mechanical mice and still do. Back in the mid-1990s I got my hands on Mouse Systems optical mouse. It required a metal mouse pad with grid on it. Very 'authentic' for an old build, and you can still find them.

Have moved to trackballs these days for general use, running my retro systems with a turn-of-the-millennium Microsoft Trackball Explorer. Not quite period correct for DOS builds, but still the best ergonomics of any pointing device I've owned.