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Best KVM Switch?

S

Systray

n00b
Joined
Dec 16, 2001
Messages
47
What your opinion? Could be a 2 or 4 port, just want to know whick kvm is the best out there.
Thanks
 
I've always used Avocent KVM's in all the labs / offices I've worked in. Never had an issue. I'm pretty sure they make some 4-port KVM over IP switches as well.

My 2c.
 
Can you give us more specifcs for your requirements?

Do you require USB Mouse and Keyboard connections on the KVM? Not all have that, in fact until recently few did.

Do you have a cost limit? Remember many do not come with cables (mostly the 4 port ones do not) and on a 4 port KVM you will most likely spend more on cables than on the KVM. How long do you need the cables?

I have a 4 port Belkin SOHO. It has worked very well for me. It does not allow you to connect a usb kb and mouse though. However the weird part of it is you can have the option to connect the host computers to it via usb, in place of the PS/2 connections. However the KB and Mouse connections to the KVM are PS/2 only. I guess you save on cables, but for the most part that is pretty useless.

Another thing it has which is nice, is you can plug in speakers and mic to it and the speakers and mic switch between machines. This is a nice feature.
 
I was looking at the Soho myself.
I have a usb optical mouse but using the ps2 adapter on it, I guess having the usb option isn't a bad thing but for the most part everything will be connected via ps2.

Will there be any issues using a usb mouse with a ps2 adapater on the Belkin Soho series? I've heard of other kvm having a compatibility issue with that kind of set up?
Thanks for the feedback

Oh yeah as far as cost concern, nothing over $250
 
Anyone? I guess I'll call tech support and find out from them directly before I get one.
 
When using a KVM switch, does it degrade video quality/performance? Since the video signal is passing thru more wires.
 
It does not allow you to connect a usb kb and mouse though.
Click to expand...
If the KVM is ps/2 only, does that exclude using a usb keyboard or mouse with a usb-ps/2 adaptor? Does it have to be STRAIGHT ps/2 connection?
 
Originally posted by lil layzie
When using a KVM switch, does it degrade video quality/performance? Since the video signal is passing thru more wires.
Click to expand...

It's been a long time since I've used any, but cheaper KVM's degraded video quality when last I used them.

Erik
 
I use a digital USB kvm and its awesome. I cant remember the brand right now but i have a link at home. Its for 2 systems but it has 2 ps2 ports and 4 usb ports, its awesome for use as a hub for both computers.
 
Originally posted by lil layzie
When using a KVM switch, does it degrade video quality/performance? Since the video signal is passing thru more wires.
Click to expand...

even good KVMs have a limit on what they can reproduce. You should be able to find it on the spec sheets for any kvm out there. (my old kvm is 1600x1200@85hz).

THe other thing to consider is cable quality. cheap KVMs that have permanentlya ttached cables.. if you ahve noise you are stuck.
 
Originally posted by Monkey34
If the KVM is ps/2 only, does that exclude using a usb keyboard or mouse with a usb-ps/2 adaptor? Does it have to be STRAIGHT ps/2 connection?
Click to expand...

I've got that exact soho (usb, ps2, sound, mic) model at work, and i use a usb mouse with a ps2 adapter with no problems. Scroll and everything works like they are supposed to.b
 
I've used a few different brands, they all worked just fine. The biggest problem that I had was the cables...especially the video cables. They were cheap anc created a very shitty picture.
 
I've got that exact soho (usb, ps2, sound, mic) model at work, and i use a usb mouse with a ps2 adapter with no problems. Scroll and everything works like they are supposed to.b
Click to expand...
:D Thanx dude
 
Originally posted by Systray
I was looking at the Soho myself.
I have a usb optical mouse but using the ps2 adapter on it, I guess having the usb option isn't a bad thing but for the most part everything will be connected via ps2.

Will there be any issues using a usb mouse with a ps2 adapater on the Belkin Soho series? I've heard of other kvm having a compatibility issue with that kind of set up?
Thanks for the feedback

Oh yeah as far as cost concern, nothing over $250
Click to expand...

I have a Belkin 4 port SOHO KVM switch and use an IBM Explorer mouse with a USB to PS2 adapter and have ran into a small issue.

If I have my cursor on a screen (such as IE) and switch over to another system and then switch back. As soon as I move the mouse (and not before) IE will scroll up to the top. It's really strange.

It was so strange that I broke out Spy++ and monitored the WM_MOUSE messages being sent to applications and for some reason as soon as I move the mouse a WM_XBUTTON_DOWN (This is from memory so this might not be the exact WM message!) message is sent to the window with focus.

That's been my only issue but it has been minor.
 
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