DC Keyboard Converter
Adapter for computer keyboard (PS/2 port) on the Sega Dreamcast system. A cheaper alternative than the official Dreamcast keyboard.
Description
The DC Keyboard Adapter for the Sega Dreamcast is a third‑party accessory designed to let players use a standard PS/2 computer keyboard with the console. Instead of purchasing Sega’s official Dreamcast keyboard, which connected through the proprietary Maple port, this adapter converts the PS/2 interface into signals the Dreamcast can recognise.
Its purpose was primarily practical and economical: many users already owned PS/2 keyboards, and the adapter provided a cheaper way to access typing functions in Phantasy Star Online, Quake III Arena, and the Dreamcast’s web browser. Build quality was satisfactory, with a small plug‑in converter that sat between the Dreamcast controller port and the keyboard cable.
While compatibility was not always universal with some keyboards worked better than others. The adapter offered a convenient alternative for players who wanted the functionality of a keyboard without buying Sega’s official peripheral. It retrospectively is a niche but notable item in the Dreamcast’s hardware ecosystem, reflecting the market’s drive to make the console more accessible and affordable.
