Need some input on KVM switches...

[BuckNaked]

I have several systems and not a whole lot of room, so I am looking for a decent 2 or 4 port KVM switch. I am looking at several of the Belkin models and also the Linksys models. Belkin has so many different models, its making my head spin... Omniview 'E' Series, SOHO Series, SE Series and OmniCube.... For Belkin, the Omniview SE seems to be the closest to what I am looking for, but will listen to any input.

The Linksys seems to offer a lot for the money and I have a few good things about them, but would like to read some input from someone who uses them. How well do either brands handle optical mice or USB mice with a PS/2 adapter? I have a Logitech optical mouseman +... Both brands also seem to support fairly high resoloutions, but don't mention if refresh rate is a factor. Any help would be greatly appreciate, or links to reviews. Thanks!

Dave

 

[jm0ris0n]

I would like to know this as well

 

[clumsum]

I read an interesting thread on these but can't remember exactly where it was ......... (you can do a search on AT)?
The one thing I do remember was a post recommending the Linksys 2-port, and stating that it was available for about $57. (including cables) for the 2-port model from: www.buy.com ...... and also stated that the KVM switch needs no power of it's own.......... which I really like.

The D-Link model that I recently purchased cost that much (and no cables) and has to be plugged-in to a wall receptacle!

 

[BuckNaked]

One thing I don't understand about the linksys is they offer two different 2 port KVM kits... one is the KVM100SK -- KVM 2-Port Switch Kit at this link and the other is this model, PS2KVMSK - ProConnect 2-Port KVM Switch, found here. But I don't see the difference other than the price.

Dave

 

[Slapstick]

I have both a Linksys Proconnect 2 and a Dlink 4 port KVM. Out of the 2 I prefer the Dlink. Both work well but the Linksys has a couple of annoying features, 1) the cables plug into the sides and the keyboard and mouse into the back making a rather large footprint on your desk, 2) the hot keys for switching between PC?s is the control key so that when using a programs such as a file management program you have to hold the control key down for a second or 2 to pick multiple files, same with the Shift key.

The Dlink uses the Scroll Lock key to switch between PC?s, (finally a use for that key) but it is a power switch and require an outlet but the transformer block isn?t too big. The cables plug into the back and the keyboard and mouse into the front, overall it takes up as much room as the Linksys proconnect 2.

I run my monitors at 1152x864 @ 100 Hertz on the Dlink and 1024X768 @ 85 Hertz on the Linksys without a problem on both, no ghosting of the image, colors, brightness and focus are fine. Both work ok when using a USB to PS2 adaptor for the mouse but I had better luck getting the Thumb button to work with the Dlink when I was using a Mouseman plus. Right now I?m using a just a plain Logitech optical with the Dlink
and a cheap Logitech first mouse on the Linksys.

Don?t know anything about the Belkin models but for a cheap KVM you might want to consider the Dlink.

 

[mattbta]

Get one with a power supply (a digital one) if you want great quality. On less than stellar graphics cards in my domain controller and webserver and email server machines, the linksys does some funky things to the display.

 

[zodder]

I have the same D-Link 4 port KVM as Slapstick and I agree with everything he said about it. It supports resolutions up to 1600x1200 and I've had no ghosting at all playing games in that resolution. It's pretty straight forward and pretty cheap. The scroll-lock changing between machine is very nice to have. IT has an audible sound to let you know it's changed, too. The one thing that was weird was that it has either a male/male or female/female video connector. It's not like the Belkins. If you don't have kvm cables yet, I say D-Link. If you have normal kvm cables, I'd say Belkin.

 

[AbsolutZero]

On a related subject, where can I get a good price on the DLink compatible KVM cables?

 

[BuckNaked]

Thanks for the input guys, I think I will go ahead and get the Dlink. Thanks Slapstick for pointing out the problem of the linksys problem of such a small device having such a large footprint. Anyone else looking for more info on KVM swithces, here is a couple of reviews I ran across:
Virtual-Hideout
Tomshardware
awaremagazine
hothardware

AbsolutZero
I found some good Dlink cable prices here:
amasuperstore
They seem to have a pretty good resellerrating.

Any further comments would be appreciated.

Dave

Edit: I wound up getting the Dlink 4 port and 3 sets of cables from Amasuperstore for $102 shipped. Seemed like a good price, but KVM's seem much too expensive for what you actually get.

 

[kjacobs]

I have used the Belkin OmniCube which lets two PCs use one monitor, mouse, and keyboard. I was impressed by how well it worked. Check out www.provantage.com for prices on whatever you go with.

Ken

 

[conjur]

I'm using this IOGear but it looks like outpost.com has raised prices. The unit DOES come with four sets of cables, though. I have two of them and they've been great.

 

[ojai00]

<< I have the same D-Link 4 port KVM as Slapstick and I agree with everything he said about it. It supports resolutions up to 1600x1200 and I've had no ghosting at all playing games in that resolution. It's pretty straight forward and pretty cheap. The scroll-lock changing between machine is very nice to have. IT has an audible sound to let you know it's changed, too. The one thing that was weird was that it has either a male/male or female/female video connector. It's not like the Belkins. If you don't have kvm cables yet, I say D-Link. If you have normal kvm cables, I'd say Belkin. >>



The Omniview 8-port KVM that I have at work does the same thing as the D-link. I'm not sure about the 2 ports though. Beeps when you switch, and uses the scroll lock button to switch computers. Hope this helps.

 

[spanky]

<< One thing I don't understand about the linksys is they offer two different 2 port KVM kits... one is the KVM100SK -- KVM 2-Port Switch Kit at this link and the other is this model, PS2KVMSK - ProConnect 2-Port KVM Switch, found here. But I don't see the difference other than the price.

Dave >>




one more expensive one has an external power supply. that's been baffling me for a bit too... finally i can have some peace of mind.