Linux USB Support -- Second Keyboard (pendant)

Do newer versions of Linux (than the BDI EMC install) have better USB
support? Which version would be stable and provide USB support?

I want a pendant to control my mini-mill. I have disassembled a USB
keyboard, removed the electronics parts and hacked together a box
with a few buttons and such. Works fine under WinDoze, just thinks
it's another (second) keyboard.

Can I get this to work with EMC? I don't have a problem compiling a
kernel or EMC to get the right versions.....

Carl Lance