Any recommendations for a reliable and affordable KVM switch

jovejupiter · Joined: Dec 12, 2004 Posts: 109

Hi,

I'm looking for a recommendation for a reliable and affordable KVM switch.

I want to switch between two PCs. Each PC has a DVI graphics card, a USB mouse and a USB keyboard. The monitor is a widescreen LCD DVI unit running at 1920x1200x24bit.

I use a Microsoft Digital Media Pro keyboard. This has a number of user defined function keys which I've set up to run my most frequently used programs. The KVM should be able to work successfully with this keyboard so that I can continue to use the extra keys.

I don't need to switch any audio signals.

I'd like to be able to switch between the computers using a button on the KVM and also using a hotkey or combination of keys on the keyboard. (Ideally using two of the user defined function keys).

So, what would other Gnomies recommend?

Thanks in advance.

- Tony

zlim · Joined: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 2377

I used this http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/SearchDetail.asp?productID=5843
here it is without audio
http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/SearchDetail.asp?productID=4016
I like it because the cables are included and attached. It is also a pretty compact size and worked well for my needs.
I use a wireless mouse but gave up on a wireless keyboard because it didn't always get detected and I hated having to reboot and hope.

As far as switching, two fast clicks on the scroll lock key switches from computer to computer. I don't currently use a keyboard with all the buttons that open email, change volume, open a browser, etc. so I haven't a clue how it would work.

goretsky

Hello,

Like ZLim, I have used KVM switches from IOGear (ATEN) and found that they work well. Belkin is also another good manufacturer, as is Gefen.

While many PS/2-based KVMs seem not to work well with translating the wheels and extra buttons on mouses, USB ones do not seem to have this problem. I would imagine that the extra scancodes for the custom keys on the keyboard are transparently passed through as well.

KVMs that support DVI+USB tend to cost more than VGA+PS/2 ones, and you may find that the difference between a 2-port and a 4-port model is not that great and, if you are planning on adding more computers in the future, it would give you some room for growth.

As far programming custom keychords for changing KVM ports, you will probably need to check with the individual manufacturers.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

jovejupiter · Joined: Dec 12, 2004 Posts: 109

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'll have a look at the websites of the suggested companies.

Cheers

- Tony