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KVM Switch

X

xnoto

Weaksauce
Joined
Jan 11, 2004
Messages
108
Hey all, I'd like to buy either a 2 port or 4 port KVM switch; I can't decide which one to choose because there seems to be an issue(beeping, mouse not working, switch issues) in pretty much every review I look in.

I'm looking for something fairly cheap that will get the job done without any issues. I will be switching between Windows and Linux, so compatibility is also an issue there. Thanks!
 
I use the IOGear 4 port USB models at home and work.

USB is great especially if you have a laptop or two. The downside is in linux you don't always have USB support and if your motherboard doesn't support USB then messing with bios and all that is an issue.

Another downside is the USB models only use USB mouse/keyboard. For the mouse, the KVM uses a generic USB mouse driver. So no extended functionality except for scrolling. If anyone knows of a fix, please let me know. I found a fix for MacOS but none for Win.

These two issues are probably tru of any USB KVM's.

I don't think the PS2 models have these issues. Wish I would have bought it.

The IOGear's come with cables/OSD (hotkeys)/buttons for each computer.

I had bought the belkin 4port but it sucked. USB and PS2.
 
Something you might want to consider...most KVMs degrade visual quality. I have one, a good one, and it is very noticeable on my monitor (the colors are muted). I would check into visual quality of whatever KVM you decide on.


phas3d
 
but how do you by pass the problem of booting up without a keyboard and mouse
 
Originally posted by Due
Another downside is the USB models only use USB mouse/keyboard. For the mouse, the KVM uses a generic USB mouse driver. So no extended functionality except for scrolling. If anyone knows of a fix, please let me know. I found a fix for MacOS but none for Win.

These two issues are probably tru of any USB KVM's.
Click to expand...

I've been using the Belkin 2-port USB to switch between my tower and my Shuttle, and haven't had any issues. Both PCs fully recognize my Intellimouse Explorerer 3.0 and MS Internet Keyboard Pro. The keyboard has a 2-port USB hub built in, and the KVM doesn't even affect that (I've only tried using a CF card reader in the keyboard hub, though).
 
i use a 4 port KVM. From my experience, there is only one area you should really pay attention: Video Bandwidth. Belkins is the only manufacture that gives you 400Mhz Bandwidth or 2048x1536 at 85Hz. 200mhz is the one i have, and it's hardly good for 1280 at 75hz.
 
Originally posted by ar1550
I've been using the Belkin 2-port USB to switch between my tower and my Shuttle, and haven't had any issues. Both PCs fully recognize my Intellimouse Explorerer 3.0 and MS Internet Keyboard Pro. The keyboard has a 2-port USB hub built in, and the KVM doesn't even affect that (I've only tried using a CF card reader in the keyboard hub, though).
Click to expand...

That's good to know. I tried the Belkin about 2 years ago and it was of poor quality. It was expensive when you had to buy the cables and was hell switching between devices cuz it would lose the mouse. I was mixing PS2 and USB.

If the quality (including video) is there, then it's worth the money.
 
one word Avocent - they are the leaders in KVM switches. for home use they make the switchview (black with blue LED) - which has a decent price. IMHO belkins are the worst i have experienced.
 
I've tried out the Belkin USB 4-port model, the one that looks like a silver beanpod standing up on end. Bottom line - it's junk. I wrote a mini review on it over a year ago and posted it here, but of course the search function isn't working. I'm using a Belkin PS2 OmniCube 4-port that works great, all of the extra mouse and keyboard buttons work with it. No Linux issues at all.
 
I just purchased a Linksys "KVM2KIT" the other day and it worked great, switching between computers was fine, I lost no picture quality or anything.. Just some drawbacks, if you have a USB mouse or keyboard and use your USB to PS2 adapter make sure its not one made by Microsoft because it just wont fit, luckly I had my Logitech one which was like a milimeter smaller and barely fit. Another thing was that with my Wireless Microsoft keyboard switching is kind of annoying because of the F-Lock (F as in the top keys) it would screw things up, instead of hitting scroll-lock twice I had to hit F-Lock, scroll-lock, scroll-lock, F-Lock, scroll-lock, scroll-lock. After I got used to it, it wasnt as annoying..

Personaly I would try a Linkskey because they are cheap and ive heard good things about them, I only got this one because I needed a KVM at that moment and picked one up at PCRichards (about the same price as NewEgg, which was nice) and will be returning it tomorrow.

:) SlaYa :)
 
Originally posted by tshen_83
i use a 4 port KVM. From my experience, there is only one area you should really pay attention: Video Bandwidth. Belkins is the only manufacture that gives you 400Mhz Bandwidth or 2048x1536 at 85Hz. 200mhz is the one i have, and it's hardly good for 1280 at 75hz.
Click to expand...

Could anyone tell me how much bandwidth I need for 1280x1024 @ 90Hz, and 1024x768@120Hz?
 
Aargh, where are all the KVM gurus at? I just got a switch and it seems locked at 60Hz, so I want to trade this in for one that will work well with 120Hz refreshrate at 1024x768, and 90Hz at 1280x1024. If a 4-port will be too expensive, I'll go with a 2-port. I was checking out Belkin's site, and they don't seem to be very forthcoming in telling the video bandwidth that their KVM switches provide... wish someone could enlighten me.
 
Hmm mysteriously my Trendware KVM switch began to work properly, it now works fine at both resolutions. All I did was to go into my adapter settings and click the button to "List all modes". I didn't even change anything there.. it just began to work.. coincidence perhaps?
 
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