Need a Good USB KVM Switch

[Anthony1]

Hey,

I have a Wireless Microsoft keyboard and it came with a wireless mouse. Would this KVM switch work with my keyboard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817394013&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-KVM+(Keyboard+-+Video+-+Mouse)+Switches-_-Belkin-_-17394013

Are there other switches that are more reliable, faster, etc? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-Anthony

[Paul Komski]

KVM switches are generally OK and Belkin is a well established brand. Not every "system" likes them and there's no way of knowing till you jump into the deep end.

If the wireless mouse runs directly from the KB with an internal antenna and not as a standalone with its own dongle that fits into a USB port there may be problems, if only power problems, in relying on the lone USB connection from the KB to the KVM switch to carry both the KB and mouse signals. Bear in mind that that the power to the KVM switch comes from one of the USB cables from one of the PCs to the KVM switch and powers the whole KVM switch as well as the USB bus that runs through it. I don't see this as a problem of KVM per se so much as a potential problem of using the KB as a hub in any circumstances. I have seen a number of wired USB keyboards that have a USB port for a USB mouse from which the USB mouse just doesn't function OK at the best of times.

[Anthony1]

I appreciate the quick response, Paul. Thanks!

Here is what I have:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=081

It doesn't have its own USB dongle, so am I out of luck or is there a way around the problems that may occur due to the mouse depending on the keyboard? A better KVM switch, perhaps? Or do I have no other option besides getting a mouse with a separate dongle or just trying my luck with the KVM switch I listed?

Thanks!

[Paul Komski]

It may work just fine, bearing in mind that even if you were using an independent USB mouse and keyboard attached to the common control box there is only one USB cable running to each PC.

Some KVM switches (both USB and PS/2 just as with some straightforward USB hubs) come with an accessory power input that can be attached to the control box. The monitor itself can be at the root of problems when they do occur and I have found CRT more reliable than LCD screens - but that is pure anecdote and not based in science. The sort of failure that has happened to me is that you can view the monitor from one PC, switch across to the other one but when you switch back the display goes blank.

The KB and/or mouse can both also fail for whatever reason and if you want to be able to save your work it can be useful to have a backup USB KB and/or Mouse to then attach directly to the PC in question. Just a backup wired mouse may be enough if you know how to open the virtual keyboard to get you out of a pickle. If working on documents etc never forget the CTRL+S combo and use it every few minutes!

Maybe I'm being too cautious. KVMs mostly work just fine but they are not without inherent problems.

[Anthony1]

Well, I'm using an LCD (lol), I have back up, tho', and my index finger is glued to "S" while the pinky is glued to CTRL, so at least I have that working for me if not anything else.

Anyway, I appreciate the help. Thanks! I'll give it a go and hopefully everything works out for the bets.

Cheers! :)

[sunlight]

Well, I have experience with using logear GCS712U 2-Port, it works good... I just fine with this product.