Two keyboards to one computer

[Andie]

Has anyone connected two keyboards to one computer?

 

We need to purchase a lower case keyboard for one pupil, but need to retain the use of the standard keyboard for other pupils. Obviously, we don't want to have to swap the kyboards over each time we need to use it. I have made some enquiries about a switch, but the company who sell the switch don't sell the PS/2 cable to go with it, although it looks like Maplin might do. In addition, some keyboards available are USB not PS/2, although these seem to come with an adaptor.

 

It looks like the cheapest solution might be to purchase a USB lowercase keyboard and just plug it into the same computer, so that I will have two keyboards running off different types of ports. But does anyone know if the computer would be able to cope with this - will it respond to whichever keyboard is being used???

[gibbo_ap]

you can have more than one USB keyboard in to a station, (never needed to know if you can do more than 2 tho.)

would it not be easier to 'give' this student the lowercase kb (usb) and have them plug it in each time it is needed (assuming you have front usb ports)

[DrPerceptron]

At the risk of sounding stupid, what's a "lower case keyboard" and aren't they all lower case?

 

Certainly on laptops, you can have the normal and a USB keyboard plugged in and working...

 

I assume you can on a PC too...

[powdarrmonkey]

You can plug in as many USB keyboards as you like (well, within reason of course).

 

@DrPerceptron: I think the OP is referring to the key caps, which are normally all capitals.

[flyinghaggis]

At the risk of sounding stupid, what's a "lower case keyboard" and aren't they all lower case?

 

I assume they meant for junior school kids where the letters on the actual keyboard are in lowercase (it makes no difference to the keyboard itself other than the physical appearance). Apparently some of the early primary years are taught lowercase characters first so dont understand the standard keyboard as all the alphabetical letters are in uppercase!

[box_l]

you can also buy sticker sets for your keyboard.

 

ask your local enablement advisor.

 

BoX

[DrPerceptron]

Shows how much I look at my keyboard!

[Andie]

At the risk of sounding stupid, what's a "lower case keyboard" and aren't they all lower case?

 

Certainly on laptops, you can have the normal and a USB keyboard plugged in and working...

 

I assume you can on a PC too...

 

The key caps are lowercase. The statemented pupil has poor keyboard skills generally, but it is made worse by poor recognition of capital letters.

 

Thanks for all the help.

Edited January 26, 2009 by Andie

[pscott]

SpeedSkin® Reading Readiness Keyboard Covers - for schools and nurseries

 

Could something like that be of use, simple skin they can put on any standard keyboard

[ricki]

hi

 

I saw a nice keyboard the other day in asda for primary school reception classes ASDA direct | My First Keyboard | Electronics

 

The strange thing was it was only £7.99 in my branch

 

Richard

[powdarrmonkey]

hi

 

I saw a nice keyboard the other day in asda for primary school reception classes ASDA direct | My First Keyboard | Electronics

 

The strange thing was it was only £7.99 in my branch

 

Richard

 

Hmm, it has capital keys still though?

[Busybub]

Upper and lower case:

 

RM.com Shop: RM Multicoloured Lowercase Keyboard - USB

[Andie]

SpeedSkin® Reading Readiness Keyboard Covers - for schools and nurseries

 

Could something like that be of use, simple skin they can put on any standard keyboard

 

Thanks for the suggestion, and all the other help from eveyone. We didn't want a skin as it probably wouldn't last very long.

 

I have now purchased a keyboard from Adapt-IT, who have been very helpful in my invsetigations into all this. It is USB with a PS/2 adaptor, that we aren't using. I've plugged it into one of the rear USB ports and we can now use either keyboard on that computer.

[Red_Barchetta]

Have done this with a standard qwerty and a large coloured key model for a student. No problem at all.