Keyboard switching question

[fullerlee]

I would like to build a simple keyboard switch so I can switch between a standard PS/2 keyboard, and my keyboard controller.

I've looked at the specs for PS/2, and there is a single +5V line.

If I was to wire both keyboards up to all the other lines, and then had a switch in the +5V line which toggled between giving power to each keyboard, does anyone know if that would work?

Thanks,
Lee

[_Iz-]

Dual Keyboard Circuit

If I were to make a switch, I think I'd leave the +5v and ground lines connected to both devices at all times and have the switch swap the data and clock lines between the 2 devices...

[fullerlee]

Thanks, I remember seeing that a while ago and I couldn't remember where.

I might give it a go, but my electronics knowledge is somewhat limited.

[paigeoliver]

If you have limited electronics knowledge (or even if you don't) then I suggest just adding a USB keyboard. Easier, you only have to plug it in when you need it, and you won't risk messing up your motherboard or keywhiz by messing up the wiring.

[fullerlee]

Ok, perhaps I should explain the reason for my keyboard switcher/cutoff.

I have a wierd motherboard which won't boot with my keyboard encoder. It's by no means the fault of the encoder, but the industrial spec motherboard I picked up on the cheap.

Anyway, as soon as I unplug the PS/2 cable from the computer, it boots fine, so I though of putting a toggle on the machine to switch the keyboard on and off.

After some playing about yesterday, I found that breaking the data line (thanks to _Iz-) allowed the computer to boot, and then reconnecting allowed the keyboard to function, so a simple toggle switch on the front of the machine ("boot mode" v "game mode") will fix the problem.

Perhaps I'm electronically naive, but I'm always very pleased with myself when I get stuff to work!

Thanks to all who replied.