How to Run Multiple Keyboards on One Computer

The ability to use multiple keyboards at one time can be very useful for a multitude of reasons. For example, if you are playing a multi-player game with your family or friends, or you are tutoring a person using the same computer, having the ability to use multiple keyboards in tandem can come in handy.

While technology currently allows for multiple computers to be used with only one keyboard, at the time of this article, computers are still not able to use more than one keyboard simultaneously without special software. Such software is necessary to process multiple, simultaneous keyboard use. Fortunately, setting it up is easy.

Instructions

1. Purchase a USB keyboard, or a PS2-to-USB keyboard adapter, if necessary. If you're not sure whether the keyboard is PS2 or USB, look at the connector. If it is round and contains six pins, it is PS2. If it is flat and square, it is USB. In some rare cases, the keyboard connector will have five pins, meaning it is AT. This cannot be converted to USB.

2. Connect the extra keyboard or keyboards to any available USB ports. If you do not have enough USB ports free, you can use a USB hub to add extra ports. USB hubs are external devices that typically contain four or more USB ports.

3. Download and install a software program such as TeamPlayer that will allow you to use multiple keyboards on one computer. Launch the program following installation. You should now be able to use multiple keyboards.

References

• makeuseof.com: Multiple Keyboards on One Computer

Resources

• TeamPlayer: Multi-User Software