This page covers the most popular protocols. It is not an exhaustive guide. For information on less common protocols, see CoolPenguin's spreadsheet of all converters.

A converter is a small device that sits inbetween your computer and a non-USB keyboard, allowing its output to be read as a standard USB human interface device. There are two types of converter, active converters and passive converters. There are both commercial and DIY options available. It should be noted that commercial converters are often sold at a considerable markup compared to making one yourself, sometimes as much as 400% markup. In almost all cases, making a converter yourself is cheaper and more effective.