🧩⌨️ MDIN-6 • MDIN-6 Cable (PS/2)

This cable connects devices using 6-pin Mini-DIN ports, most famously known as PS/2 connectors for keyboards and mice. It supports bidirectional serial communication and remains useful in legacy PCs, industrial systems, and KVM switch environments.
 
🔧 Cable Form
Male/Male (M/M)
Direct device-to-device connection
Used to connect PS/2 peripherals to host systems or KVM switches
Male/Female (M/F)
Extension configuration
Used to lengthen existing PS/2 cables or reposition devices
Straight-through wiring (pin 1 to pin 1, etc.)
Fully shielded to reduce EMI/RFI interference
Often molded with strain relief and color-coded (purple for keyboard, green for mouse)
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
🖥️ Legacy desktop PCs with PS/2 ports
⌨️ PS/2 keyboards and 🖱️ mice
🧠 Embedded systems with MDIN-6 control interfaces
🔀 KVM switches for multi-PC control
🗄️ Industrial automation panels and legacy BIOS-level input systems
 
✅ Common Uses
🔌 Connect PS/2 keyboard or mouse to a legacy PC or server
🧰 Extend PS/2 cables for better desk or rack positioning
🔄 Interface input devices with KVM switches
🧪 Prototype or maintain embedded systems with MDIN-6 control ports
🗄️ Preserve compatibility in retro computing setups
 
🧠 Signal Format
📡 Bidirectional serial communication
🔁 Clock and data lines for keyboard/mouse input
⚡ No power delivery—devices draw power from host port
🧠 Protocol supports hotkey switching in KVM environments (when supported)
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🚫 Not hot-swappable—plugging/unplugging while powered can damage ports
📉 Signal degradation over long extensions—keep under 6 feet for best results
🔌 Not compatible with USB without active adapter
🔄 Some devices require specific keyboard/mouse port assignment
🧯 Avoid confusing MDIN-6 with MDIN-8 or MDIN-9—they’re not interchangeable
 
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
🧭 Use color-coded connectors to avoid mix-ups (purple = keyboard, green = mouse)
📏 Choose M/F for extension; M/M for direct connection
🔍 Check BIOS settings—some systems disable PS/2 ports by default
🧵 Route cables gently to avoid bending near connectors
🧪 Test input before finalizing cable management—especially in KVM setups