StarTech.com
StarTech Replacement USB Keyboard to PS/2 Adapter (GC46FMKEY)
Bottom line: The StarTech.com StarTech Replacement USB Keyboard to PS/2 Adapter ($6.42 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 10:25 UTC): Passive design needs no drivers, firmware, or external power; main trade-off: only works with keyboards that are both USB and PS/2 compliant.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Passive design needs no drivers, firmware, or external power
- ✓ Restores keyboard input on BIOS-era boards that ignore USB devices
- ✓ StarTech.com branded replacement for dongles lost from retail keyboards
Cons
- ✗ Only works with keyboards that are both USB and PS/2 compliant
- ✗ Will not convert a USB-only keyboard, a common buyer misunderstanding
- ✗ Handles keyboards only, so no mouse or combo PS/2 port support
- ✗ Small dongle is easy to misplace again behind a desk or tower
Manufacturer description
The StarTech.com GC46FMKEY is a replacement USB-to-PS/2 keyboard adapter for the specific situation retro builders run into constantly: a working keyboard, a motherboard with only a purple PS/2 port, and a lost dongle. This StarTech adapter restores that connection, letting a dual-mode USB keyboard talk to a PS/2 header on a vintage tower, a KVM switch, a rackmount console, or a BIOS-era system that never enumerates USB input. One thing to be clear about before you order: this is a passive pin-remapping adapter, not an active protocol converter. It only works with keyboards that are already…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored StarTech.com StarTech Replacement USB Keyboard to PS/2 Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the expansion cards category. StarTech.com's expansion cards lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for expansion cards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work with any USB keyboard?
No. It only works with keyboards that are both USB and PS/2 compliant. If your keyboard originally shipped with a similar adapter, this replacement will work; if it did not, this adapter will not make it function.
How do I know if my keyboard is PS/2 compliant?
The reliable test is whether it came with a comparable USB-to-PS/2 dongle in the box. StarTech notes that keyboards shipped with a similar adapter are the supported case; otherwise check the keyboard manufacturer's listing.
Does this adapter also work for a PS/2 mouse?
No. This is the GC46FMKEY keyboard adapter specifically, described as a USB keyboard to PS/2 adapter. Mouse signaling uses different pins, so pick a mouse-specific or combo adapter for that.
Do I need to install drivers or software?
No. This is a passive pin adapter with no drivers, no software, and no power connection. Plug the USB end into your compliant keyboard and the PS/2 end into the computer's keyboard port.
Key Features
- - Connect a PS/2 compatible USB Keyboard to a computer through a PS/2 port
- USB Keyboard to PS/2 Adapter/USB to PS/2 Adapter
- Note: This is a replacement adapter that can only be used with USB keyboards that are both USB and PS/2 compliant. If you keyboard shipped with a similar adapter than this adapter will work with your keyboard. If your keyboard did not ship with a similar adapter than this adapter will not work with your USB keyboard
Full Specifications
| Brand | StarTech.com |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Style | Keyboard |
| Theme | Game of Thrones |
| Language | English |
| Material | Plastic |
| Model Name | Replacement Keyboard Adapter |
| Style Name | Keyboard |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Switch Type | Mechanical |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | GC46FMKEY |
| Power Source | USB power (powered through a USB cable connected to a host device) |
| Built-In Media | StarTech |
| Item Type Name | Data Transfer Adapter |
| Number of Keys | 46 |
| Button Quantity | 6 |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Mfr Part Number | GC46FMKEY |
| Processor Count | 1 |
Ready to buy?
StarTech Replacement USB Keyboard to PS/2 Adapter (GC46FMKEY) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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