Confused by KVM's

[trilogysc]

I want to use a KVM for 2 computers.
The problem I'm having is the confusing information I get about KVM's and cordless mice and keyboards.
At present I have a Logitech cordless ps2 keyboard, and a Logitech laser 1000 mouse (usb)
I do NOT want to lose ANY of the functions that my keyboard and mouse currently have.
I am NOT adverse to buying a USB keyboard if that simplifies things.
A KVM WITH audio would be nice, but not required.
I read of people that have ps2 cordless, and they don't say much about functionality with the KVM's, but I HAVE read conflicting reviews on USB mice and keyboards that use the PS2 adapters to hook to the KVM.s
I've also read that XP will NOT see the mouse (usb type) as the manufacturers mouse, but as an HID compliant device... (same with the usb keyboard) thus preventing things like the special function keys (audio, homepage keys,, etc) and the extra buttons on the mouse to NOT work.
ANY help clearing this up would be grand. My retailers out here only really have the Belkin, and I don't think it will allow my 1600 x 1200 to run where I like it,, at 85hz.
Anyway, with the limited selection here, I can't really buy and try,, nor can I do it through ordering online. Really need answers before I buy.
THanks

 

[joshtech]

I currently own an IOGear MiniView™ Extreme Multimedia KVMP Switch w/Cables
GCS1734

it's a 4 port KVM and works great, I have a Logitech Coredless MX Duo and that set works great with that KVM.
you'd be set by getting pretty much any 2 port KVM, heres a link to the iogear 2port KVM

heres a link to newegg for that KVM:
Here

oh and it is also has Audio as well as PS2/USB

 

[sparkles]

i'd second the use of a usb kvm. i used to have a ps/2 kvm which is used with my logitech mx duo, and pretty much everything went haywire after the install...

i had to redo all the drivers, at which point it was recognised as an mx duo, but i lost most of the funcionality... things like the multimedia buttons, but my biggest gripe was that it caused a whole lot of lag on the mouse all of a sudden. not just gaming lag, but as in making it hard to navigate a basic os gui hard...

 

[ambientZ]

i have a MiniView™ Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch
GCS632U from IOGear.

I also have a cordless logitech keyboard, and mx510 mouse.

Both devices show up as the proper devices(from logitech), and the logitech drivers/software work fine. I would reccomend that you pick up this model. I grabbed mine from best buy a while ago. Cables are built in too, which is nice.

 

[Ice Czar]

I currently own an IOGear MiniView™ Extreme Multimedia KVMP Switch w/Cables
GCS1734

it's a 4 port KVM and works great, I have a Logitech Coredless MX Duo and that set works great with that KVM.
you'd be set by getting pretty much any 2 port KVM, heres a link to the iogear 2port KVM

heres a link to newegg for that KVM:
Here

oh and it is also has Audio as well as PS2/USB

run the same setup but with dual MiniView Extreme Multimedia's
( 4 computers each with dual head video cards to two 21" monitors)
but alas I run no cordless mice or keyboards sorry

however its just USB not PS2, youd need an adapter
they do however support up to 2048 by 1536 resolution

 

[trilogysc]

It seems from what I've read, and the responses here (specifically the one from SPARKLES) that if you have a PS2 type connector on the keyboard or mouse, and have to use the USB adapter to go to the usb port of the KVM, that you run into problems. But going from a USB keyboard or mouse WITHOUT an adapter things work just fine. Would that be accurate?
If so, it would sure be nice if the KVM vendors would simply state so.
JOSHTECH, I've read the specs on the LOGI Cordless MX DUO, and while it doesn't come right out and say it, it SEEMS that both your keyboard AND mouse are native USB. Is that correct?
If so, then it looks like I'll need to get a new keyboard as well. The IOGear GCS1732 looks like a winner, so far.

 

[joshtech]

Yes they are native USB
I went through 2 KVM's to find one that worked with that set and the IOGear one is the KVM I use now.

oh and sorry I didn't mention that KVM does "support" PS/2 but for it actually work you need to get seperate PS/2 Cables from IOGear..which sucks :S
but hey.. USB is better

It seems from what I've read, and the responses here (specifically the one from SPARKLES) that if you have a PS2 type connector on the keyboard or mouse, and have to use the USB adapter to go to the usb port of the KVM, that you run into problems. But going from a USB keyboard or mouse WITHOUT an adapter things work just fine. Would that be accurate?
If so, it would sure be nice if the KVM vendors would simply state so.
JOSHTECH, I've read the specs on the LOGI Cordless MX DUO, and while it doesn't come right out and say it, it SEEMS that both your keyboard AND mouse are native USB. Is that correct?
If so, then it looks like I'll need to get a new keyboard as well. The IOGear GCS1732 looks like a winner, so far.

 

[Duffy]

Hi All,

I have the MX Duo and I was wondering if this Belkin KVM would work fine with it?


Thanks

 

[Y2K SE]

Duffy,

Probably not that one. I have another Belkin F1DS102U USB KVM. The special functionality of a USB keyboard and mouse will not pass through the keyboard and mouse ports on the KVM, but this specific KVM has 2 additional USB ports that act as a USB hub that is switched between the two systems. I have my Logitech keyboard connected to one of those ports and am able to use the keyboard's special functions (like the volume wheel).

So, it depends on the KVM.

 

[Duffy]

Thanks for the information

Though I never use the speical keys on my keyboard nor the ones on my MX700

If the Belkin will not work, then will this IoGear ?

 

[Y2K SE]

Thanks for the information

Though I never use the speical keys on my keyboard nor the ones on my MX700

If the Belkin will not work, then will this IoGear ?

The standard buttons on your keyboard will work with the Belkins. Its the extra stuff that won't work on the Belkin keyboard port.