KVM and remote PC hardware..ps2 vs USB?

[imaheadcase]

I been reading about using hardware solutions for controlling multiple PC's at the same time. Yet everyone recommends using PS2 hardware only and not USB option that is available. Something about USB is to difficult to Multicast?

Can someone explain this, would this be something that I would notice drastically? Why do they offer USB if this is a known problem to people who use it?

 

[tonyyy]

I never had any problems with USB KVM's but PS2 KVM's can be a pain if somehow they got loose and disconnected you have to reboot the PC to get them the PC/Server to recognize them again.

The only downside to USB that I have notice is that for windows xp it takes 5 minutes to detect/install/configure the USB mouse/keyboard if you move the USB to another USB slot.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Yep sometimes there is a good bit of lag on the USB KVMs while Windows redetects the mouse and KB. But that generally only happens on the cheaper KVMs. The better ones are able to maintain the appearance of the KB and Mouse on one system while they are being used by the other system. Do your research. the reviews on Newegg should be good enough to point out any problems with any models that have this sort of lag issue.

PS-2 KVMs are perfeard because they are generally cheaper and you don't have to worry about finding a good quality USB KVM that isn't going to give you problems. But most all of the PS-2 KVM's come with USB to PS-2 adapters for your KB and mouse.