First post, by dumpsterac1d
- Rank
- Newbie
Hey fine folks.
I'm starting a 486 build with an AT spec motherboard and I have a number of other PCs from various "eras", and also plan on getting myself a MiSTer at some point. The thought of having 1 keyboard and 1 mouse for each device is obviously ridiculous, considering I have 1 computer desk and one Dell Trinitron monitor, and 1 set of speakers.
I'll run through connectivity options for each below, maybe there will be a sweet spot which might work with adapting a few things, I'd love to know.
- Modern PC - only USB. Plan on using a PS/2 to USB cable adapter, as those are ubiquitous and PS/2 KVM switches are in abundance.
- Frankenstein PC - PS/2, but the BIOS supports USB keyboards with a toggle. This lead me to almost pull the trigger on one of the newer Unicomp kb models, but...
- 486 - AT for KB, Serial for mouse. This is where things get confusing for me. I know I can adapt PS/2 to AT just fine, but the mouse conversion to Serial is a bit opaque. Looking to convert PS/2 to Serial? Or getting an ISA card with PS/2? Is there such a thing?
- MiSTer - I believe with normal shields for the DE-10 this is just USB, which is fine, would probably just opt for a PS/2 adaptor.
I would like a buckling spring keyboard and an optical mouse, I did have a last-gen Unicomp Model M but it was gifted to my Grandma for a DOS build I did for her, I didn't particularly like it as it felt a bit cheap, and was very excited to get a new Unicomp, but those are USB-only. Any recs for a buckling spring keyboard with PS/2, or if yall think adapting an AT kb through a KVM and then back to AT for the 486 sounds "doable", then I could just get an 80s Model M.
Then the question of KVMs - I assume when I look at KVMs with PS/2 in and what looks like only VGA ports on the back, that those come with a kind of breakout cable that serves the KB/Mouse signals to the RX-ing PC? Never dealt with these before. Also it'd be nice if it autoswitched but that's not necessary.
In summary, looking for KB options that can adapt and span from AT to USB (probably PS/2) and options for either getting a PS/2 mouse to adapt to Serial, or looking for an ISA card that can take PS/2. And then a KVM that has i/o for 4 or more devices.
Any and all recs are welcome, and I know you all know the struggle.