Basic KVM question

[Spike]

Sometime in the near future I plan to put together a new machine, some of the parts are here all-ready. Once this is done I want to use the same keyboard and mouse for both the new and the old. I am not worried about video as much as each of my monitors has dual inputs so I could hook up the second computer that way.

What I want to know is that if I get a cheap KVM, will it have a slower transfer rate for mouse and keyboard signal thus possibly slowing down my gaming? Gaming is a big part of what I do so if a KVM will have a noticable effect on the transfer rate of information then I want to stear clear of that. Anyone have an experience or good brands they care to share?

Thanks!

-spike

 

[eplebnista]

I have been using this one for over two years now and have never noticed any performance problems.

 

[Thorny]

I've been using a Linksys for several years with no probs, except when I accidentally hit it with my foot and don't realize it. Works like a charm and beats the heck out of swapping cables constantly.

 

[thegorx]

your bound to have issues with KVMs
some systems don't power down the ps2 ports and leave the KVM drawing power from them which can become a problem
I've seen other systems just not work with KVM switches
Also some mice and keyboards with extra buttons might not be recognized correctly
also I had times when the extreme use of the scroll wheel in a folder will lock up the system


Make sure you get a KVM with good video monitor cables
basic thickness is usually a good indicator



For the most part they work fine, although I'm currently in the process of troubleshooting mine, I get a ... what seems to be a stuck key
but I got to determine where the problem is coming from
it seems the last keyboard I tried had issues as well
I hope it's not the kvm
It's hard to narrow down
especially when I'm working on other computers

 

[Arcanedeath]

If your only looking for keyboard and mouse switching I've had very good luck w/ my Linksys Sview04 V.2, works great for just using 1 keyboard and my MX510, I've noticed no slowdowns or anything of that nature in my gaming. from what I've seen / heard though belkin makes the best KVM's in the 4 to 8 port range, they just tend to be pricy but they have OSD and various other features that make them pretty nice.

 

[lkm]

i have an airport one. works well for around $25 bucks. Hint, when u buy it, u can seamlessly switch by hitting scroll lock twice then up-down keys. even if the comp is on or not.

 

[walkure]

Google for an open-source program called Synergy that might help you out. Software KVM.

 

[bigboxes]

Synergy is not a KVM. It's only a KM solution. This might be just what the OP is looking for though. I am using this KVM Switch for about six months now and love it. I am able to switch back and forth between my main rig and file server at ease with either a touch of the button on the KVM switch or by pressing a few "hot keys". If I need to work on someone else's pc I don't have to unhook my other pcs to do so. It's simply fantastic!

 

[Spike]

Sorry, got distracted with actual work and some of the other forums and forgot all about this thread!

Thanks for the advice, as I said this would ONLY be for keyboard and mouse. I like that linksys mentioned and might jump on it soon. The extra button issue does worry me. I currently use just a intellimouse optical (I love the setup and the feel, thats why I can't upgrade to a MX series) and a basic multimeda keyboard. The only extra buttons on my keyboard I ever use are the volume buttons.

Anyone have experience using simple volume and other multimedia buttons on a keyboard through a KVM?

-spike

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: bigboxes
Synergy is not a KVM. It's only a KM solution. This might be just what the OP is looking for though. I am using this KVM Switch for about six months now and love it. I am able to switch back and forth between my main rig and file server at ease with either a touch of the button on the KVM switch or by pressing a few "hot keys". If I need to work on someone else's pc I don't have to unhook my other pcs to do so. It's simply fantastic!

Does that linked KVS use the VGA input to carry the keyboard and mouse signal as well? From the pics I can't see a way to hook up the keyboard and mouse from the other comps in it...

 

[bigboxes]

That KVM switch has seperate cables for the keyboard and mouse that merge into the vga connector. The swith then outputs separate vga, mouse and keyboard cables. So, I guess the input comes in through the vga connector.

 

[asicman]

ConnectPro KVMs are excellent. Not the cheapest. But you get what you pay for. You won't notice sudden changes in mousing tracking speed or keyboard repeat rates, etc with a good KVM. But cheap ones will always give you annoying problems. I think I paid about $60 for my 2 port ConnectPro KVM, and I highly recommend it.

 

[Nocturnal]

Aten kvms.

 

[V00D00]

I have used a 2 port Linksys KVM and a few 4 port Linksys kvms all without problems.

I've even had to use a USB -> PS2 adapter on one computer because the mouse PS2 port died. So it went USB to PS2 adapter -> PS2 to the KVM, and it still worked great.