PS2 -> USB adapter for IBM Model M

This MAY be a stupid question, but there's a reason I ask. I'm thinking of getting an iMac, which has no PS2 ports - only USB. I use an IBM Model M keyboard and I'd need to use it with the iMac so I'd need an adapter to do so.

My question is: is there any reason it wouldn't work with a PS2 -> USB adapter? I ask because I seem to recall reading ages ago that these keyboards wouldn't work with such adapters for some reason I don't remember. Will they work? If not, what are my options if I want to use it with the iMac?

Thanks.

According to the wiki:

Some PS/2 to USB adapters are unreliable because the Model M tends to draw more power than some adapters expect.

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So it seems as thought it may be hit or miss. I'm sure you have a ps2 adapter lying around, try it out on the computer you have now.If not, they're cheap enough.

Mr. Roboto said:

So it seems as thought it may be hit or miss. I'm sure you have a ps2 adapter lying around, try it out on the computer you have now.If not, they're cheap enough.

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I don't have one, but I will get one before I go risking getting a machine that I can't use with the keyboard I've had most of my life.

a long time ago i purchased a PS2 to USB adaptor and modified my model M.

what i did was removed the cordset, disassembled the adaptor.
i then desoldered the PS2 connector from the adaptor, and desoldered the usb cable. i had a type B usb connector lying around.
i epoxied the usb type B connector to where the original cable came out of the back. then i took and wired the power to the keyboard logic to the usb power. wiring the signal lines to the correct places on the PS2 side of the adaptor. i then wired up the USB side with the keyboard drawing its power from that. oh i also used a 250ma poly fuse on the usb port because i am paranoid. also i doubt that the adaptor and keyboard will use over 250ma.

...The adapter still hasn't arrived but if it doesn't end up working I suppose I'll have to get a Das Keyboard.

As an alternative...

Anjow said:

...The adapter still hasn't arrived but if it doesn't end up working I suppose I'll have to get a Das Keyboard.

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You could also get a Unicomp Customizer or Spacesaver, both of which are built on the same IBM/Lexmark equipment and are effectively identical to the old Model Ms. I wrote a post on the Customizer that explains more.

So it seems as thought it may be hit or miss.

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I've never tried it, since I've never had a motherboard that couldn't handle it, but there is a mod that's supposed to cure that. Might be worth trying if the KB doesn't work as-is.