Find Me a 2-Port KVM Switch (more like USB KM switch)

Hi,

I'm picking up programming on Linux again and need an easy way to switch between my Windows box and Linux box. I thought about using a VM or a Remote Desktop solution, but that would probably be slow and laggy. I've used KVMs before (recently the "ATEN Master View Max Multiplatform KVM Switch USB/PS2 With Audio"), but haven't found one which is really "punchy" yet (i.e. really instant transfers between PCs), or that didn't produce video weirdness at high resolutions.

I have a big monitor (32 inch), so there's probably no point in switching the display via the switch (as the high resolution would cause issues). I can just connect both computers directly to the monitor and switch via the monitor's different input buttons (this would be clunky, but beats having display issues). So I just need a way to switch the (USB) keyboard and mouse between the two PCs.

I saw the Edimax EK-UAK2 on the MSY catalog, but some people on Amazon say that every time you switch between computers, they "re-discover" the USB keyboard and mouse which would be really annoying (Quote: "Also, when switching it seems to physically disconnect the keyboard and mouse, so you get the familiar USB plugged/unplugged sound effect every time you switch"). Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B000VTEFTM/ref=cm_cr…
Besides, the Edimax unit is out of stock on MSY.

Does anyone know any elegant solutions for this?

Thanks

Comments

  • Hi everyone,

    Just an update on my progress so far. After posting the original question, I bought an ATEN 2 port switch (http://www.aten.com/KVM/Cable-KVM-Switches/2-Port-USB-Cable-…) from the local Centre Com for $45. I soon found out that although it worked ok for my Windows 7 box, it took about 20-30 seconds for the keyboard and mouse to be recognized by my Ubuntu box every time I switched to it. I also discovered that although I said I didn't need a video switcher (as my screen has multiple inputs) in the original post, life would be a lot easier if it did video switching (as it's tedious to flick through the 8 different display modes in the monitor every time).

    My searches culminated in finding the Black Box ServSwitch Wizard Dual-Link DVI QuadHead w/ USB True-Emulation KV2404A (http://www.blackbox.com.au/Store/Detail.aspx/ServSwitch-Wiza…). This solves the delay problem by emulating the USB devices (so that the OS thinks they were never disconnected). The only problem was the cost (around $3000). I managed to get a used switch on the US eBay, which arrived without any cables or power supply. The unusual voltage/amperage combination resulted in a Jaycar rep trying to sell me a $200 variable power supply, but I eventually found a $20 power supply at Altronics. I ordered the DVI/USB cables from Black Box in Melbourne (they weren't too expensive). Next came a frustrating experience with the keyboard behaving strangely when switching between boxes. After much trial and error, I luckily plugged in a cheap and old Logitech USB keyboard which worked perfectly (unlike my expensive Corsair K95). So after a long journey, I have an instant switching USB which works perfectly :)

    Now I need to go through the pain of trying to return the K95 keyboard to Centre Com (with their 25% "restocking fee").

    Does anyone know of a good "clicky" mechanical keyboard (I quite liked the feel of the K95), which behaves as a simple/old USB keyboard and would not present too many "USB issues" that would confuse the KVM switch/the OS?

  • hello
    I have a 4 port KVM which i can give you
    please msg me

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