PS/2
PS/2 Mini-DIN
Invented in
1987
Invented by
IBM, Personal System/2
Availability
Legacy
The round 6-pin mini-DIN that connected keyboards (purple) and mice (green) to PCs before USB took over. Colour-coded so you would not mix them up.
Technical specifications
Introduced1987 (IBM PS/2)
SignalKeyboard / mouse
Connector6-pin mini-DIN
ColourPurple / Green
Found on
a desktop PC
Recommended brands
01Lindy
02StarTech
03Goobay
Where to buy
Europe-focused retailer searches. Some links are affiliate links and may earn a commission.
Common adapters and cables
Fun fact
Gamers still seek PS/2 keyboards: unlike USB, the port allows unlimited simultaneous keypresses (true N-key rollover).
Tips & tricks
Plug in before powering on, PS/2 is not hot-swappable like USB.
Philosophy
Named after IBM’s Personal System/2, it outlived the computer that bore its name, and still has a cult among hardcore gamers.
Applications
DataGaming
