Need advice in picking a KVM switch box

[Polishwonder74]

Ok, just this week I've broken into the world of running 2 PCs at the same time but I live in a tiny apartment and would like to be able to KVM them. I'm really getting sick of crawling under my desk over and over, and this would help a lot for when I've got other computers in here for repair. I keep getting m&m's, peanuts and all kinds of other crap on my hands and knees every time I crawl down there.

I'm stalking a couple units on ebay, but I've read some horror stories about KVM switches goofing all kinds of things up. Can you fellas recommend some to me that I might be able to score for like around $40?

:beer:

 

[ericgl]

I use a Linksys. Seems to work fine.

 

[SpunkyJones]

I have a Trendware that works great for me, but it cost about $60, but it has two usb ports, which I use for keyboard/mouse and my printer, as well as audio support. If you just need to connect a ps/2 keyboard and mouse, then you can probably find someting for around 20-25. Check out new egg.

http://www.newegg.com/app/manufactory.asp?catalog=143&DEPA=1

 

[KpocAlypse]

Iogear GCD612A


2 PCs, nice and compact.

or here is the GCS62 (old model?, but its the model i use, well one of the ones i use)


EDIT: oooh, thats the difference, 612 has audio, 62 does not..

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

I use a 4 port Belkin model, it cost about $300 back in the day plus another $150 for the cables but the prices have come down a LOT. I personally feel Belkin still makes the best KVMs in the business, they make cheap all in one units for two PCs with built in cables that you can nab at your local staples,etc for $60 or so.

what kind of KVM quirks have you heard about? the only i've ever encounted is with linux, you have to reinitialize the mouse usuaully when you switch otherwise Xfree will has a hissyfit.

 

[Polishwonder74]

I've heard awful things like that some KVMs will goof up wheel mice and stuff. I'd hate to drop like $60 on a KVM only to run into something silly like that.

BTW, I'm looking for a 4-port KVM. I've got 2 workhorses running now, and I'll want the 3rd and 4th to plug repair jobs into. I could be installing windows on 2 computers at the same time without crawling under my table every 2 minutes, plus keep my other rigs running. It would be PARADISE!

I'm stalking a couple KVMs like these on ebay.

They seem to have the price that I'm looking for, but I'd feel much better about bidding on them if I knew someone had a decent experience with one just like it. I wish I lots of extra cash, I'd just drop the $110 on a real KVM from newegg.

 

[KpocAlypse]

I've heard awful things like that some KVMs will goof up wheel mice and stuff.

eh, both of mine never did anything to the mouse, now i have seen wheel mice not supported by a KVM, but well, my Iogear (which i'm pretty sure is the same as a TREND) doesn't have a problem.


But its a powered KVM, so i'm pretty sure that makes a difference.

 

[DaveSimmons]

If you read the Newegg and Amazon reviews, some KVMs are awful for gaming, laggy. Many KVMs also ignore the special keys on multimedia keyboards and extra buttons on mice.

My old Belkin 4-port works well for the video and standard keyboard, but loses mouse signal sometimes so I finally started only switching the KV and not the M. I just upgraded to a iogear MiniView SE ($100 with cables from newegg) but have been too busy to try the mouse switchig yet.

If you need just KV switching I can sell you my Belkin cheap

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

well depending on what you get,mine doesn't switch USB, so i'm stuck using PS/2 keyboard and mice. no wireless devices. also you'll be limited to VGA only, i had to run one of my LCDs in VGA mode in order to support the rest of my computers. eitherway, i never had a single problem with basic mice functions, i never install drivers for the extra buttons anyhow.

 

[Metron]

Originally posted by: KpocAlypse
Iogear GCD612A


2 PCs, nice and compact.

or here is the GCS62 (old model?, but its the model i use, well one of the ones i use)


EDIT: oooh, thats the difference, 612 has audio, 62 does not..

Second vote for the IOGear... I have several, one at home, one at work, one for ad hoc/client stuff. No complaints.

*edit* Scroll wheel works find for UT2004! You get into 4 port KVM, and you're talking serious increase in $. You can find the 2 port for ~ $40.
Metron

 

[Axon]

I have a Linksys, never noticed any lag or unusable buttons. Have a logitech MX duo.

 

[Mellman]

Originally posted by: Polishwonder74I keep getting m&m's, peanuts and all kinds of other crap on my hands and knees every time I crawl down there.

:beer:

sounds like someone needs to clean up under their desk!!

I have a belkin w/ built in cables, i dont think i've had any problems with it, occasionally it doesnt want to switch back and forth, so i am requird to restart, a pain, but most of the time its a blessing

 

[Polishwonder74]

Oh man, maybe a KVM switch is a bad idea for me then. I use my main rig for CS, DoD, Halo, etc. So if it introduces any more lag in it'll put a hurtin' on my skillz. I hadn't even thought of that.

See? This is why I was askin' you guys before I go dropping some serious bucks on a switch.

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

who said anything about lag? it doesn't introduce lag?

 

[KpocAlypse]

Originally posted by: Polishwonder74
Oh man, maybe a KVM switch is a bad idea for me then. I use my main rig for CS, DoD, Halo, etc. So if it introduces any more lag in it'll put a hurtin' on my skillz. I hadn't even thought of that.

See? This is why I was askin' you guys before I go dropping some serious bucks on a switch.

Played UT2004 fine with mine. Thou, if you are as bad as I, Lag might not effect much..

Honestly don't think your going to see too much loss, i mean, not noticable by most to all. Heck, wouldn't susprise me that a good chunk of the "my KVM caused me to DIE!" or "the 3ns delay caused me to get hit by the BFG9000!" are people that needed a excuse to why they are bad at Online games..

 

[DaveSimmons]

PS2 KVMs = no lag, it is USB KVMs that lag bad for some people / some mice / some KVM models. I read this when I was shopping for my PS2 port KVM so I didn't bother to note the exact model.

I only mentioned it because your eBay link was for a USB KVM -- if you want one of those you should get a brand/model where you can check user reviews at newegg and/or amazon before buying.

 

[vinnyracer]

Do they have KVM for 1-USB wireless keyboard/mouse set-up. I plan on running windows xp/linux.

 

[janagan]

Originally posted by: Axon
I have a Linksys, never noticed any lag or unusable buttons. Have a logitech MX duo.

I have linksys too and use Mx700 mouse, but the logitech mouse software recogonises my mouse as a normal 2 button mouse with a wheel when using linksys. So i use 1monitor, 1 keyboard but 2 mouses cos i need the extra buttons in MX700 for my games