Quick Answer: What replaced ACU075A-PS2?
Discontinued: ACU075A-PS2 | Replacement: ACU075A-USB
Why BLACK BOX Discontinued the ACU075A-PS2
The BLACK BOX ACU075A-PS2 is in EOL in progress status, which means discontinuation has been announced but the unit may still be available through special order or limited distributor stock. Research shows ACU075A-PS2 is often listed as out of stock or temporarily unavailable rather than fully obsolete, and no official EOL date has been published.
Based on available product and distributor data, the main reason ACU075A-PS2 is being phased out is the industry move away from legacy PS/2 keyboard and mouse connections toward USB-HID. The replacement model, ACU075A-USB, aligns with current workstation and peripheral standards while keeping the same general KVM extender use case over CATx cabling.
For IT teams, this matters because ACU075A-PS2 may remain orderable for now, but planning around ACU075A-USB is the safer long-term choice. If your environment still depends on PS/2 peripherals, now is a good time to review compatibility before ACU075A-PS2 becomes harder to source.
What's New in the ACU075A-USB
USB Interface Replaces PS/2
The biggest change from ACU075A-PS2 to ACU075A-USB is the console interface. ACU075A-PS2 uses PS/2 for keyboard and mouse, while ACU075A-USB uses USB-HID. This is the clearest sign of the platform transition behind the discontinuation. For most modern deployments, USB support simplifies integration because current keyboards, mice, and endpoint hardware are far more likely to support USB than PS/2.
Higher Video Support
ACU075A-PS2 supports resolutions up to 1280x1024 (SXGA), including XGA, VGA, and SVGA modes. ACU075A-USB raises the ceiling to 1920x1080 or 1280x1024 (SXGA), depending on the deployment and source. For buyers replacing ACU075A-PS2, this gives ACU075A-USB better alignment with newer displays and higher-resolution operator stations.
Updated Port Configuration
The BLACK BOX ACU075A-PS2 uses PS/2, VGA, and CATx connections. The ACU075A-USB model moves to a more modern physical layout with 2x USB, 2x VGA, and 2x RJ-45 (CATx). That difference is important during migration because the ACU075A-USB may require different cabling or console-side planning compared to ACU075A-PS2.
CATx Extension Range
Both units are designed for short-range KVM extension over twisted-pair cabling, but the listed range details differ. ACU075A-PS2 is specified at 75 ft over CAT5. ACU075A-USB is listed at 75 ft over CATx cabling. If you are replacing ACU075A-PS2 with ACU075A-USB, confirm the exact cable type and endpoint requirements in your rack, control room, or desktop extension layout.
Similar Core KVM Use Case
While ACU075A-USB modernizes the interface, both ACU075A-PS2 and ACU075A-USB are positioned for 1-computer, 1-user KVM extension. Research also indicates both support hotkey video adjustment, LED and beep indicators, and cost-effective CATx cabling. That means the replacement is not a major application shift; it is primarily an interface and connectivity update.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | ACU075A-PS2 | ACU075A-USB |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BLACK BOX | BLACK BOX |
| Status | EOL in progress | Current replacement |
| Interface | PS/2 keyboard/mouse | USB (USB-HID) |
| Max Resolution | 1280x1024 (SXGA), XGA/VGA/SVGA | 1920x1080 or 1280x1024 (SXGA) |
| Ports | PS/2, VGA, CATx | 2x USB, 2x VGA, 2x RJ-45 (CATx) |
| Range | 75 ft over CAT5 | 75 ft over CATx |
| KVM Cable | 1-to-3 (PS/2) | 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 (USB-compatible) |
| Use Case | 1 computer / 1 user KVM extension | 1 computer / 1 user KVM extension |
Upgrade Checklist
- Identify existing ACU075A-PS2 installs. Check racks, desks, and control stations where BLACK BOX ACU075A-PS2 units are deployed so you can prioritize replacements before supply tightens.
- Confirm peripheral type. Verify whether the local and remote console still uses PS/2 keyboard and mouse devices. ACU075A-USB requires USB-HID peripherals instead of PS/2.
- Review display requirements. If users need resolutions above 1280x1024, ACU075A-USB may offer a useful video upgrade over ACU075A-PS2.
- Check port and cabling layout. ACU075A-USB has 2x USB, 2x VGA, and 2x RJ-45 ports, which differs from the PS/2-focused layout on ACU075A-PS2. Make sure existing cabling plans still fit.
- Verify CATx media. ACU075A-PS2 is referenced with CAT5, while ACU075A-USB is listed for CATx. Confirm the installed cable plant and any patching between endpoints.
- Plan around supply risk. Because ACU075A-PS2 is EOL in progress rather than fully discontinued, availability may vary by distributor. Do not assume future stock will remain stable.
- Standardize on ACU075A-USB for new orders. For procurement consistency, ACU075A-USB is the practical replacement part to quote and source going forward.
Bottom Line
The BLACK BOX ACU075A-PS2 is being phased out as the market moves from PS/2 to USB, and ACU075A-USB is the direct replacement to evaluate for ongoing support and new purchases. If you still rely on ACU075A-PS2, the key migration factors are USB peripheral compatibility, port layout, and video requirements.
Ready to switch? Shop ACU075A-USB →
