KVM switches

[Torro]

is there any thing to look for in a kvm switch?
i'm building a second machine and was lookng at the Trendware/Trendnet KVM 2 Port Switch Kit Model TK-200K Retail
on newegg for $21
i'll be doing a lot of gaming on at least one of the machines (fps, strategy, sports, .. the whole 9 yards)

 

[DaveSimmons]

search archived threads for several long KVM threads. If you're only running at 1024x768 most any KVM should work fine, above that you need to be careful about the KVM and the cables you use. Also, if the newegg one doesn't include cables then the $35 linksys on the front page of buy.com might be a better deal.

 

[bockchow]

the thing i look for the most in kvm is how easy is it to switch back and forth. linksys has a realy easy hot key to switch while the belkin i had was a little more complicated. also for the higher end ones they have alot of different connections like shareing speakers or usb keayboard and mouse instead of ps/2. also i think some can switch over usb devices too but that can cause more problems than it fixes.

 

[StraightPipe]

I've got a Slim KVM 4 port switch works great. I think the only thing to look for is sound (i dont have it, cuz it costs more)

the only thing that sucks about it is that if i rebot a system then switch to another PC while it reboots i often can use the mouse or keyboard until it reboot again, because the bios doesnt detect the K/M on post.

other than that it's great.

look for one that comes with cables. mine has combo cables, the end that plug to the switch looks just like a monitor plug, but on the other end the M+K cords come out of the video plug. it's nice to only have one thing to plug into the witch for each rig, and keeps clutter down.

bought it from newegg, very happy with it. ($40ish)

if you double click [ctrl] and then a corresponding # (1-4) it will auto switch to that rig, or you can just push the putton.

it's alos good tha the the plugs come out the back (but the K+M that go to my actual mouse+keyboard. keeps things neet.

with a 2 prt things are much less complicated though.

just make sure you get wires to come with it.

 

[Torro]

Dave: yep, it comes with 2 sets of cables
there's another one for $24 that has the cables built in and is smaller than this version
how do i know whether the cables are good or no?

2 more q's

the term hot keys --> does this mean that i can switch machines using my keyboard?

and on the sillier inquisitive side

can i connect 3 2-way switches to create a virtual 4 way switch?
setup:
switch a connects to switches b and c
switches b and c connects to 4 machines
would this work?
NB not going to do this, was just wondering b'c my mind wont let me sleep

 

[DaveSimmons]

> how do i know whether the cables are good or no?

reviews are about the only way to know for sure, but for negative reviews check if they are using a super-high resolution like 1600x1200 (massive bandwidth, a strain on the KVM & cables)

> the term hot keys --> does this mean that i can switch machines using my keyboard?

Yes, on my Belkin I hit the (scroll lock) key twice then the number key I want (1-4).

> can i connect 3 2-way switches to create a virtual 4 way switch?

yes on some really high end Belkin switches designed for network admin types with racks of 30+ servers. No on a $25 KVM.

 

[Torro]

bought and bought
thx once again guys