Eiffel Pico USB: Modern USB Keyboard, Mouse and Joysticks for the Mega ST
Alongside the PS/2 Eiffel interface I've also bought the Atari Eiffel Pico USB, the modern USB-based successor. It's configured and ready, but I haven't decided which machine it will go into yet.
What it does
The Eiffel Pico USB lets you use a USB keyboard, a USB mouse (or an original Atari mouse) and a USB or DB-9 joystick with your Atari Mega ST(E) or TT. It's based on the work of Field of Cows, improved by TrickyDee and reworked by Klyde, and it emulates the HD6301 chip from the Atari keyboard, so the Atari thinks it's connected to an original keyboard. There are no drivers needed, it's plug and play, powered entirely by the Atari, and connects via a straight RJ12 (6P6C) cable.
Key features
- Multilingual interface, French, English, German, Spanish and Italian.
- Atari keyboard emulation in many TOS languages, US/UK English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Swiss, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Dutch, Hungarian, Czech and Polish.
- Adjustable USB mouse speed.
- Original Atari or compatible mouse supported on the DB-9 port for purists.
- Adjustable dead zone for USB joysticks.
- Adjustable autofire for USB and DB-9 joysticks.
- Key mapping of the Atari ST keyboard.
Compatibility
It supports up to 4 USB devices (keyboard, mouse, joysticks), though keyboards with integrated USB hubs aren't compatible. Alongside the USB ports it includes two standard 9-pin Atari joystick ports, Joy0 and Joy1, for an authentic retro experience. A known-working list of keyboards and mice is maintained on the product page.
Eiffel PS/2 vs. Eiffel Pico USB
| Feature | Eiffel PS/2 | Eiffel Pico USB |
|---|---|---|
| Peripherals | PS/2 keyboard + mouse | USB keyboard + mouse (or original) |
| Joysticks | 2 PS/2-era ports | USB joysticks + 2 Atari DB-9 ports |
| Modern hardware | Needs PS/2 (or USB via adapter) | Native USB, modern peripherals |
| Extra features | F11/F12 mapping | Multilingual, mouse speed, dead zone, autofire, key mapping |
The PS/2 Eiffel is the classic option if you already have PS/2 hardware. The Pico USB is the modern choice, letting you use any USB keyboard and mouse without PS/2 adapters, with far more configuration options.
My Setup
I've bought the Eiffel Pico USB and configured it, but it's not installed yet, so I haven't decided which machine it will go into. It sits alongside the other uninstalled extensions for now.