IBM keyboard update to USB

In switching over to using my laptop instead of a desktop for all my computing I started looking around for a USB keyboard. I didn't like the feel of the soft membrane keyboards we're all used to now. This is probably due to using my IBM 'clicky' mechanical switch keyboard for the last 8 years. I even learned to type on one of the old Model M keyboards so I have a bit of a soft spot for them (as most IBM keyboard owners will attest to.) Instead I started looking around for a way to continue using my old IBM keyboard with my modern laptop that has no PS/2 port. I found a few passive converters but they have issues with dropouts. Going from USB to PS/2 is no issue, it's PS/2 to USB that is the problem.

I purchased an active PS/2 to USB adapter for $10 from Amazon that fit the bill perfectly. It uses a default Microsoft USB keyboard driver in windows, also works in the bios of my computers and, most importantly, it works in Linux.

After testing to make sure everything was working correctly, I wanted to clean it up so just the USB plug come out of the keyboard (the USB adapter is bulky and blocks nearby USB connectors.)

First remove the four screws on the bottom, you'll need a deep-well 7/32 socket ($3.79 @ Sears). Hold the top & bottom together, flip it over, and pull the top cover off around the keys. There are no locking tabs on the back side of the keyboard so just lift (watch the vid.)

This is also a great time to clean your keyboard, mine was disgusting with grime and food stuff, I suppose that will happen after nearly a decade of use by me, let alone whoever had it before.

Take a USB cable and cut the 'B' end off it of so we have only the 'A' end to plug into the computer (The 'B' end is what usually plugs into a printer, the 'A' end is what plugs into your computer). Then strip those wires, be sure to keep the woven ground wire intact. Cut the original PS2 wire with several inches to spare where it plugs into the controller board and strip the wires. Again be sure to keep the woven jacket wire.

Next unsolder and remove the two connectors from the adapter board.

Verify wiring with a multimeter and solder the wires to the pcb. I plugged the removed PS/2 connector into the end of the cut off PS/2 cable and measured with a multimeter to ensure I got the pinouts correct.

Here's how mine looked before and after I soldered the wiring in place. Verify your wires as colors can change, if you take mine for granted you may fry your keyboard or your computer and I'm not responsible for any damage. The woven shield wires get soldered to the ground plane, which was where the metal connectors were soldered in place.

I put my adapter back in it's case and put it in the keyboard as there was a lot of room inside close it back up and we have a very functional USB IBM mechanical keyboard!

Check out my video of it in action: