PS/2 Female to Male Computer Cables & Connectors

What You Need to Know about PS/2 Female-to-Male Cables

PS/2 is a 6-pin mini-DIN interface that connects a keyboard and mouse to a compatible computer system. These particular male-to-female cables have a PS/2 connection on one end and either another PS/2 connection or a completely different connection on the other end. They allow you connect a PS/2 keyboard or mouse to a port on your computer.

If your computer does not have a PS/2 port, then you can use an adapter and/or converter to bridge the difference. An adapter may use one of the following standards:

• USB: USB is commonly used in all desktop and laptop computer systems as a universal standard for peripheral devices. The rectangular type A interface is the most common type of USB connection. It will allow you to use an older keyboard or mouse on a computer without a legacy PS/2 port. There are three different versions of USB as well, each of which has a different data bandwidth rate. However, all versions of type A USB should be completely compatible with each other.
• Other DIN ports: DIN is an industry standard for electrical connectors. There are many different DIN standards, each one of which is equipped with different arrangements and numbers of pins. Apart from the standard DIN connectors, there are also mini-DIN connectors, of which PS/2 is one. DIN ports are not interchangeable with each other. If you have, for example, a PS/2 mouse or keyboard and a standard 5-pin DIN port, then you will need an adapter to bridge the difference.

Apart from the standard connectors, the following types of cables and/or adapters are available:

• Extension cables: Most PS/2 cables are limited to a range of a few feet. This extension cable allows you to extend the length of the cable far outside the normal proximity of a computer system.
• Splitters: The splitter, as the name implies, splits one signal into two separate signals, so you can use two or three keyboards or mice through a single port.
• Hubs: A hub resembles a large box with multiple ports in it. It allows you to use several different keyboards or mice at the same time.

AWG stands for American wire gauge. It is a standardized system that determines the carrying capacity and size of the cable. The AWG measurement runs between 0 and 40. A smaller number signifies a cable with a larger and thicker diameter, which has less electrical resistance and therefore can carry more current over longer distances. The carrying capacity of the cable may not matter if you are only using a small adapter, but it is particularly germane if you are using an extension cable to extend the use of your mouse or keyboard by several more meters. The AWG should be listed somewhere on the packaging of the cable.