A plethora of devices has moved to the unified USB interface. But, there are still some exceptions. No, I am not talking about the widely used Gigabit Ethernet port nor the VGA or HDMI port. I am talking about the PS2 mice and keyboard. Yes, USB keyboards and mice exist. Then why do the old brittle, and not fancy PS2 keyboards and mice still exist! Do they make any difference in everyday use circumstances! Which one should you go for! You can get answers to all your questions here.
The way they work
Without spending time overrating either USB or PS2, it is worth knowing how they actually function. If you are not an expert in making out some complicated technical jargon, I will explain everything in simple and day-to-day terms.
The way USB keyboards and mice work
USB is an interface, where data transfer can take place in both directions. In USB keyboards and mice, the devices talk to the computer at certain intervals. The system asks for the state of keyboards and mice after a few Nano-seconds. The keyboards and mice then send relevant signals depending on the state. For example, if you are pressing a button, that will remain unregistered unless the system asks for the state of the keyboard. But processors today are very fast, and thus, there isn’t any noticeable lag.
The way PS2 keyboards and mice work
The PS2 is an interface, where the transfer takes place in a single direction. It takes place from the keyboard or mice to the system. Thus, once you press any key or use the mice, it trigger interrupts for the processor. Interrupts force the processor to register the actions of the mice and keyboard, keeping other activities apart.
It is like, you might be doing some work. But if your mom calls you, you should respond to it first. Do the tasks and then get back to your work. It is a kind of interruption for you. The same happens in PS2 devices.
Thus, PS2 is theoretically quicker if compared to its USB counterparts. The question might come to your mind, shouldn’t interruptions slow down the processor? But that doesn’t happen. Systems being very fast nowadays, the interrupts causing slowdowns are hardly noticeable.
A real-life example
Just consider, you have assigned work to your friend. You told him that you will ask for the job update every day at 9 PM. But he himself cannot communicate with you to give the updates. In such a case, let me consider, you assigned work to him at 9 PM today. He might have completed it at 11 PM. But he will sit idle till 9 PM the next day, as it is only you who can take the update of the work the next day. This is similar to the USB interface.
But if he can communicate with you after the work is done at 11 PM, he will not sit idle. As he himself is giving you the update, by distracting you from the work, it is similar to PS2.
Thus, in real-world circumstances, PS2 seems to be better than USB. But trust me, if you have a look at PS2 vs USB latency, the USB latency is not noticeable. Even if you have a look at the USB vs PS2 keyboard response time, PS2 can only be a mere theoretical winner.
Now you have come to know the differences between USB and PS2. But there are numerous real-world advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Let’s find them out. It is only after that, I will give my final verdict.
Advantages of PS2 over USB
No compatibility issues
PS2 is a dedicated interface for keyboard and mice. Thus, you will hardly find any compatibility issues with PS2 devices on a computer. During boot time, USB might lead to compatibility issues for some systems. But there’s complete peace of mind with PS2 interfaces.
Multiple key rollovers
PS2 devices support true multiple key rollovers. It means you can press multiple keys on a PS2 keyboard, and you won’t face problems. But on USB keyboards, it is done using multiple keyboard emulators. But still, there is still a limit on the number of keys you can press at the same time, on the USB keyboards.
Advantages of USB over PS2
Multiple device compatibilities
Compatibility is the biggest positive aspect of USB keyboards and mice. From laptops and computers to smartphones, USB keyboards and mice are compatible everywhere.
Hot-swappable
PS2 devices are not electrically hot-swappable. It means you cannot plug and unplug the devices without turning off the system. Doing that can freeze the system, or damage the device. But USB keyboards and mice do not have any such issues. Just plug them in and out multiple times. You will hardly face any issues.
Flexible port
As most people know USB ports are flexible. It is easy to plug them in and out multiple times. The USB port is meant for that flexibility. PS2 devices are like, connect it and forget it. PS2 interface takes a lot of space and can be easily damaged plugging in and out multiple times. The pins in PS2 devices have the tendency to bend, which gives USB ports an advantage.
Different varieties available
USB is a uniform I/O interface. It is highly compatible, as well. Now that being said, USB keyboards and mice are available in different varieties. From small to big, and from wired to unwired! USB keyboards are manufactured for all classes of users out there for the maximum comfort of using it.
My opinion
Now time for my opinion. Though if you are intelligent, you might have already taken the decision. Yes, both USB and PS2 keyboards and mice are great. But if you want to use a single combo for multiple systems, go for USB ones. Yes, USB devices have more advantages, if a latency of a few Nano-seconds doesn’t matter to you. Thus, if you are not having any special requirements, and is not sticking to an old-school system or OS, go for USB. It will give you more advantages.
Hope the small information on USB and PS2 was informative to you. Have opinions! Let me know about it in the comment section below.
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I’m a PS/2 user and I am satisfied. And will continue to use this standard.
Still using ps/2 with my kvm as it’s the only connector it supports.
Using PS/2 mouse and keyboard and will continue to use it
noob: USB or PS/2?
me: yes