Recommend me a KVM

[gotasnake]

I'm in the market for a 2-port KVM to switch between my Windows box and my Linux box. What brands are good? Are there any I should stay away from? I'd like for it to have a hot key option as well as a switch, but I will settle for one or the other. I'm not looking to spend too much, probably $40-50 max.

I'm looking at this one: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-107-702&depa=0

Linksys ProConnect Integrated KVM 2-Port Switch, Model "KVM2KIT" -RETAIL

Model# KVM2KIT
Item # N82E16817107702

Specifications:
Computer Connections: 2
AutoScan Interval: 3, 5, 10, or 20 seconds (3 is default)
VGA Resolution: 1920 x 1440
PC Selection: Hot keys

$36.50

 

[Tsaico]

I have always been a fan of omniport KVMs from Belkin. But I also usually go for four or more KVMs, I would imagine, if you just have these two computers and no real need for more, then it looks fine to me. I would also be a real supporter of making sure they are electronic ones and stay away from the manual ones.

 

[KpocAlypse]

Use nothing but IOgear for the personal boxes, Raritan at work. Both have no gripes about what so ever.

If your only doing 2 PCs the ones with the "built-in" cables are nice, only gripe being if you bust up one of the cables, you trash your KVM. Though, don't take that as a "don't buy", i personally use 2 of them myself. Take it as, "be carefull of the cables."

 

[redbeard1]

I'd say something IOGear. They seem to be less fussy than my Belkin's.

 

[CraigRT]

I use Avocent at work. their lower end line actually.. works fine.

 

[JetBlack69]

I got a 4 port IOGear here. So far so good. However, mine doesn't have a keyboard command to switch between PCs, but that's not a problem for me since the box is close to push the button. Main reason I didn't want the keyboard command is that it might not be programmable and I didn't want to switch PCs if I'm playing a game.

 

[ArmchairAthlete]

Does anyone have one that they KNOW works fine with a Logitech MX500 mouse?

I had an old crappy KVM. Went berserk when I tried to switch most of the time. It was like i was clicking all over the screen at once, windows and right clicks and ... it was just nuts.

 

[n0cmonkey]

I have a 4 port Belkin and it rocks. I recently got a cheap 2 port brand I had never heard of, and it sucks.

 

[Tostada]

I've had a 2-port Belkin for about three years, and it's great. Apparently Belkin changed their KVM's, though, because the newer ones get strange complaints and they use the Scroll Lock key to switch. Mine uses the Ctrl key to switch, and it's extremely convenient, because you don't have to move your hands to double-tap the Ctrl.

I wouldn't bother getting one with an audio cable. If you just run one PC into the line in on the other PC, you can hear both at the same time. That would suck if you were listening to music on one machine and couldn't use the other one without shutting off the sound.

I don't understand why they list what resolution they work at. Mine works fine at 2048x1536 75 Hz, and it's not supposed to.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: Tostada
I've had a 2-port Belkin for about three years, and it's great. Apparently Belkin changed their KVM's, though, because the newer ones get strange complaints and they use the Scroll Lock key to switch. Mine uses the Ctrl key to switch, and it's extremely convenient, because you don't have to move your hands to double-tap the Ctrl.

I wouldn't bother getting one with an audio cable. If you just run one PC into the line in on the other PC, you can hear both at the same time. That would suck if you were listening to music on one machine and couldn't use the other one without shutting off the sound.

I don't understand why they list what resolution they work at. Mine works fine at 2048x1536 75 Hz, and it's not supposed to.

My Belkin uses the scroll key and works just fine. The ctrl key would be bad since I use it so often...