Do any of you use a KVM switch?

[barnett25]

I am considering getting a kvm switch for my two PCs and was wanting some recomendations on what to get (or not to get for that matter). Also, are there any downsides to a kvm switch that aren't obvious?
Thanks.

BTW. I will be using a logitech elite keyboard which has alot of extra keys (multimedia, etc.), are there any problems with using one of these with a kvm switch?

 

[AnonymouseUser]

I am currently using a Linksys KVM and have been more than pleased with it's ease of use (double-click Scrlk to switch), compact size, and price. This is a PS/2 unit, though, and you may be more interested in a USB unit instead.

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser
I am currently using a Linksys KVM and have been more than pleased with it's ease of use (double-click Scrlk to switch), compact size, and price. This is a PS/2 unit, though, and you may be more interested in a USB unit instead.

I have the exact same one.

I'm very happy with it, but due to the fact that it's PS2 not USB, & my keyboard & mouse are natively USB, the adaptors to PS2 don't quite fit properly beside the VGA in.

It does work though, since i didn't want to bother finding a USB one.

 

[barnett25]

Could one of you guys tell me about how long the cords are? I looked everywhere on linksys' website and can't find it.
Thanks.

 

[EtOH]

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-107-402&depa=0

I use a 4 port USB IOGear with the following:

1 x AMD64 WinXP
1 x WinXP laptop
1 x Mac OS 10.3
1 x Linux

Works great. Also has a hub built in so it shares 4 USB devices (2 being keyboard and mouse). Comes with 4 cables, 2 x 6' and 2 x 3'.

I use the same keyboard and it does ok with the extra keys. They show up about 80% of the time.

 

[Keysplayr]

I use this one. Seems pretty good. Programmable on screen display and hot keys. PS/2 only, no USB.
So far, so good.

 

[barnett25]

Other than the ability to share 4 computers instead of 2, is there any advantage to the MUCH more expensive kvm that EtOH suggested? I like the price of the linksys from the first posts, but it would be nice to be able to also share audio.

 

[mrrman]

barnett25, I have a Belkin 4 port KVM with 6ft cables...I currently have 3 Pc's hooked up with a 4th port free. It works great and not one problem ever, been using it for about 2 years now. Model F1DB-104P

 

[mikeford]

I use a ultra cheap Belkin Micro Center has on sale from time to time for $20. Its just a pod with cables already attached that go to the two PCs and my mouse and keyboard plug directly into the little pod.

Pro: super cheap, no power needed, working fine for last 6 months or so.

Con: PS/2 only, 2 PCs only with no expansion, rare but sometimes the double tap on scrllock needs repeating.

Very handy device, I bought a second one just to keep around.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: barnett25
Could one of you guys tell me about how long the cords are? I looked everywhere on linksys' website and can't find it.
Thanks.

They are ~3' each, allowing ~6' between comps.

Originally posted by: barnett25
Other than the ability to share 4 computers instead of 2, is there any advantage to the MUCH more expensive kvm that EtOH suggested? I like the price of the linksys from the first posts, but it would be nice to be able to also share audio.

I know of no additional advantages, but I have only used the Linksys, so my experience with KVMs is limited.

 

[n7]

I have very limited experience as well, but i'm a little wary of IOGear, as i got this one, & text was definately blurry with it.


I returned it for the Linksys i now have, which is good (if you just need PS2).