KVM switch needed.

[de8212]

Looking for a reasonably priced KVM switch (under $50). Needs to have usb and will only be used for 2 pc's.

Looking through newegg now and trying to read some reviews and have a question. What is does AutoScan Interval mean? I see some that are 5 seconds, some are 10 and some say 3, 5, 10, or 20 seconds. So which is best?

Also do some just have a button to switch pc's or are they all some type of keyboard stroke???

Any other things I need to look for?

thanks.

 

[Markbnj]

I believe auto-scan refers to how often the KVM checks to see if a PC is connected to one of its ports, but someone else may have a better definition.

Most KVMs support a combination of hot-key and pushbutton access.

Also bear in mind that if you have a high-speed mouse, custom keyboard with extra options, DVI link to the monitor, etc., this stuff complicates the picture and most of it doesn't work well, at least with the less expensive units.

 

[Paperdoc]

You can usually find ones that have both dedicated buttons and keyboard hot-key options, although not all will have both. I'm using a 4-port unit from Zonet. Besides a hot-key sequence that will take you directly to any specified port, it has on top for each port a selection button and an indicator light.

Power for the KVM swithc is not so clear in some cases. It needs power from somewhere. Most are built to get it from the host computer on Port 1; some can get it from any port. But that means that at least one computer (and sometimes it MUST be the one on Port 1) must be on for the KVM to work. Many KVM's come with a small connector built in for an external power supply, but it's not included. If you buy one and hook it up, it uses that and does not care whether any computer is on or not - the KVM switch still has its power. I simply used the manual's specifications to buy a power brick of the right ratings, then made sure to replace its output cord connector to fit my KVM's input socket.

 

[AMCRambler]

Originally posted by: Markbnj
I believe auto-scan refers to how often the KVM checks to see if a PC is connected to one of its ports, but someone else may have a better definition.

Most KVMs support a combination of hot-key and pushbutton access.

Also bear in mind that if you have a high-speed mouse, custom keyboard with extra options, DVI link to the monitor, etc., this stuff complicates the picture and most of it doesn't work well, at least with the less expensive units.

When you say a high speed mouse, something like a Razer wouldn't work on certain KVM's?