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Good KVM switches?

A

angstsoldat

Senior member
Hey =] wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions on a good KVM switch? I just want one that you can use the same keyboard/mouse/monitor for 2 computers and doesnt cause any interference (like lag spikes or unregistered clicks/key hits, etc) ..
 
I've used KVM switches from Belkin and Iogear, and they all function fine w/o any problem, except w/ the Belkin one you have to unplug the mouse cable and plug it back in if a Linux PC is connected to the switch. (sorry, don't remember the model numbers)

[edit]
I just realized that I didn't really make any recommendations but my point is most of them should work fine.
 
I looked at some and most have video transfer too, to share the same video card or something? I just want it for the keyboard mouse and monitor.
 
I use the Linksys 2 port KVM and never had a problem with it. The only way to switch between units is by hitting the "Scroll Lock" key 3 times real fast so its hard to switch accidently.
 
Sounds prety nice Bluestrobe. But the "switching" is not custom?? anyway thats aight it still seems like a good command
 
Cool I think Dell carries those for only 35$ .. or according to their website anyway.. I'll pick one up some time 🙂 Thx for recommendation Blue it looks pretty nice !
 
In my experience, all most any cheapie will work - unless you are dealing with an RS/6000. I have not yet found a cheap KVM that will work on it.
 
whats an RS/6000? also, all the KVM switches talk about like maximum Video resolution and stuff, whats that got to do with sharing just a monitor, keyboard, and mouse?

finally...... Can you like play music on one computer, and use the mouse/keyboard/monitor for playing games and whatnot without any lag with a KVM switch? like.. I want to play music and all on my older computer, while my newer computer experiences no lag. But would it require using the monitor and whatnot to run the music? Theres many alternatives to listening to music and gaming at the same time I was just curious. If you can't do that thats fine.
 
I have a 4 port KVM with 3 computers on it. While playing my mp3's on one of the computers. I can play my online games on my main system with any video/keyboard/mouse lag. Once you start playing your music on the one PC you don't need the monitor or anything. Only time you will need it is if you want to play something else or run other software.
 
"I can play my online games on my main system with any video/keyboard/mouse lag. "

You mean without any video/keyboartd/mouse lag?
 
Originally posted by: angstsoldat
"I can play my online games on my main system with any video/keyboard/mouse lag. "

You mean without any video/keyboartd/mouse lag?
Click to expand...

Yea, I did not see I typed that wrong. lol I been using this 4 port KVM for little over 2 years now without any problems at all. If I remember right the KVM I bought costed me like $99 but it came with all the cables too.
 
Nice. np on the typo. I'll probably joust go to a local gateway or bestbuy and get whatever cheap KVM they have. I only need 2 port so it should be cheaper.
 
I mention the RS 6000 because I administer one at work and have gone through a few cheap KVMs looking for one that is compatible. The machine is about two years old, runs 750 4-ways, and AIX 5.2.

I also administer 1 Linux box (also IBM) and 7 Win2k machines. No problem with the Win2k but the Linux box is USB only and the RS6000 will not find the console when the PS2 port is attached to the KVM. I am now stuck with 3 keyboards and one mouse on the same rack.

Some AIX users recommend a Cybex KVM but they start close to $1,000.

- Uncle Flappy
 
I have had very good luck with the cheapo trendNET KVMs that newegg sells. They include cables, cost almost nothing, have glowing reviews and have worked very well for me personally so I would recommend them.
 
that expensive model is usually an IP based KVM, so your "keyboard/mouse/monitor" can be in another room/building/state.

Cybex is the best KVM building, from my experience, Avocent (purchased by cybex? Or the other way around) is nice too. I use a dual head (2 station) belkin all the time.
 
KVM <is> Keyboard Video Mouse AND Monitor right.. is there a way to make it not change video.. (its talking about Video card right)
 
Originally posted by: angstsoldat
KVM <is> Keyboard Video Mouse AND Monitor right.. is there a way to make it not change video.. (its talking about Video card right)
Click to expand...

It might be easier if you tell us what you're trying to accomplish.
 
Originally posted by: angstsoldat
KVM <is> Keyboard Video Mouse AND Monitor right.. is there a way to make it not change video.. (its talking about Video card right)
Click to expand...

video is monitor, there's a couple (or more) ports to connect two computers video cards to the KVM, the KVM then outputs to a single monitor.

If you wanted to still use two monitors for some reason, you would probably be fine just not hitching that part up.
 
I am currently using one of these:
Zonet KVM3004 KVM 4 Computer Connections AutoScan Interval 8 seconds Video Resolution 1920 x 1440 - Retail

Now $25 AR + $4 S&H.

Works w/o a problem. Has very nice cables.
Only draw back is that it does not cover the speakers so if you want sound you have to have a separate set of speakers for each PC. Haven't found a KVMS switch yet. Also not sure if KVM with DVI exists yet.

Edit: This unit has approx 1 sec lag. To switch PC's just hit Num Lock twice and 1, 2, 3 or 4 for switchover. If all PC's are off it will auto detect and connect to first PC started. Also if you are playing music or TV on one PC, sound continues after switch over. Video switches over w/o problem as well.

mdcrab
 
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