4 computer KVM switch question?

[Mavrick007]

I'm thinking about getting a KVM switch and was curious about different features and packages. I think I have decided to get either a Belkin or an IOGear one. The thing is that I have both USB kb and mice as well as PS/2. What is the best way to go?

I've seen some come with either sound ports, or USB hubs which will allow you to share devices across machines. What are your ideas on this? Also I was wondering about whether it's better to get a switch with cables included or not included? Do you save more with one over the other(ie. buying later or with the package)?

What's the best setup for the best price? I'm thinking it's going to cost upwards of $200+.

 

[Fiera]

I've got a Belkin 4 port PS/2 switch, it's nice that I can use the scroll lock-up/down arrows to change between the monitors. The bad thing on the switch is that it doesn't pass through my Logitech PS/2 Cordless Mouseman pro.
one of the guys I work with has a USB switch, he said when you switch, the system redetects any USB devices you have plugged in. it doesn't emulate like the PS/2 does.

 

[Dreadogg]

if you have more than one mouse I would just go ps2 because you can always hook the usb one up to your gaming rig and use the ps2 one for all the other ones! This is what I do !

 

[Mavrick007]

Do they not work that well with USB mice? I understand, upon further reading, that the Belkin one that I was looking at (Omniview or something) lets you use either PS/2 or USB on the same switch. I don't think the Belkin has a USB hub on it though but the IOGear one that I was looking at does and it has cables included too. Too bad the Belkin one costs so much w/o cables cause it's physically the best designed kvm switch that I've seen with alot less cable clutter on your desk.

 

[Dreadogg]

yes belkin are nice, I have one myself but sorry to say its not USB so I really cant help you out there!

 

[dakata24]

im looking into the belkin ps2/usb kvm as well...

someone please correct me, but the belkin only accepts ps/2 keyboard/mice... but connecting from the kvm to the computers you can pick between using usb cable kits or ps/2 cable kits.

nice little box. i thinking about getting it once mwave gets them in.

 

[Sundog]

I am using the Belkin SOHO Omniviw 4-Port KVM Switch w/audio (F1DS104T) which is PS/2 and USB platform. I really like it.

 

[dakata24]

<< I am using the Belkin SOHO Omniviw 4-Port KVM Switch w/audio (F1DS104T) which is PS/2 and USB platform. I really like it. >>



yeah, that's the one im looking at.. coolest kvm ive seen.. what kind of mouse/cable kit do you use with it sundog? thanks!

 

[Sundog]

I am using the standard microsoft internet pro keyboard and a logitech cordless optical mouse

 

[dakata24]

thanks for the info sundog.. i was alittle worried about using the kvm with my ms intellimouse optical.. but since you're using a optical/wireless, i should have no worries. i also use a ms internet keyboard but rarely use the extra buttons..

 

[MrMilney]

Sundog,

What resolution are you running your monitor at? What I really want to hear is "I'm running at 1600X1200 with no ghosting and it looks great!"

edit: too many smilies

 

[amdskip]

I'm using the same one as Sundog and also am using a Microsoft intellimouse explorer usb with an MS internet keyboard pro without problems. I have't bumped the resolution up that high so I can't help you there as I'm away from my main machine right now.

 

[clumsum]

Mavrick007,

Did you read the review at: TomsHardware

I'm using the D-Link DKVM-2 (2-Port KVM) Switch ......... works great and it's cheap, but no USB or Audio!

I would purchase the Belkin SOHO Omniview 4Port PS2/USB/Audio if I had it to do over again, and was aware of the differences in KVM switches .............. the Belkin cables are an extra expense, you can purchase generic cables for $12. to $15. each, but I'm not sure if there are issues w/high resolution / ghosting / etc....... ?

If you decide on the Belkin, by all means, shop the web for a bargain (if available) there are several Belkin models that look alike and are not as full featured, ......... confusing, if you ask me.

 

[Mavrick007]

clumsum: Yes, I have read the review on Tom's Hardware and they even say that the Belkin will end up costing you alot since it doesn't come with cables, but it looks like the best feature rich one, plus it is designed well with cables out of the way. My friend's Linksys takes up alot of space on the desk cause it has cables coming out of both ends and it's only 2 port! I'm still trying to decide between the Belkin and the IOGear. If the Belkin had the USB hub in it where you can share devices across the board and support for surround sound, then I think I would go for that even though it would cost a bit. I don't think I would have to get another one ever cause it would have everything that I would want(heh til we get serial ata and more use for firewire and USB 2 and whatever else is on the horizon).

 

[dakata24]

abit pricey, but i took the plunge and got the belkin kvm (f1ds104t) from buy.com. i must say they have the worst descriptions ever.. they list both the f1ds104t & f1ds104p (ps2 only) with the same generic info not even mentioning that he f1ds104t has usb.. only distinguishing part is the mfg. # and the price.. $129.99 for usb, and $126.99 for ps2 only.. they better not mix my order up and send me the wrong one since they look identical... all in all. 1 kvm, 3 cable kits (soho series with the audio connectors) came out to $186 shipped..

i was going to get this from mwave once they got it in stock for $115.. but factoring in shipping (~$9), i would cost about the same since buy.com has free shipping over $99.. and at least to me, the cable kits were more reasonably priced..

 

[Sundog]

I can not say that I have not had some ghosting issues at 1600x1200. Minor but noticeable on my Sony 21". I have just received the soho series gold to go from the KVM to the box, AND I have ordered the high end monitor cable replacement (coax) with ferrite from belkin to replace the stock monitor cable (from the KVM to monitor).

I am hoping that solves the minor problem. I can barely notice it (ghosting), mostly on white background only.

 

[Sundog]

Good pricing at EMSComputing

 

[MrMilney]

Sundog,

I was planning to order the gold cables along with the 4 port from EMSComputing. Please post with the results of switching your cables for the gold ones. I need to share my 19" monitor between 3 computers but hate the thought of having to live with ghosting.

Thanks!

 

[BlitzRommel]

I got the Belkin OmniCube (F1D094) and it works great with 1280x1024, even 1600x1200 resolution at 85Hz. USB mice work fine when using an adapter, but it's a tight fit if I plug in both a USB mouse AND keyboard because of the adapters. Otherwise, works fine.