Keyboard and KVM switch

[paulsiu]

Hi

I am thinking of getting a mechanical keyboard. Since I have several computer and only one desk, I was thinking about hooking them up through a KVM switch. I did some research and I think there may be an issue. KVM comes in 3 different types:

1. USB Hub - usually has a button where you press and it switches to the other machine. USB are disconnected and then reconnected. This causes a lag as the OS initializes the keyboard and mouse.
2. USB Emulation - KVM emulates a keyboard and mouse.
3. DDM - KVM maintains connection to the keyboard and mouse for each system so there is no lag.

Ideally, DDM KVM would be ideal, but a 4 port DDM KVM is at least $200+. My impression is that USB emulation won't work if the keyboard uses things like Macro. This is because emulation only emulate the basic function of a keyboard, leaving me with the choice of the really old style USB hub. Can someone confirm that this will work? I am willing to live with the having no hotkey for switching and a lag when it reconnects. I am thinking of the following KVM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182158

The issue with the product is that it's not powered, so will this cause a problem with the keyboard. I am thinking of using something like CM Storm Trigger Z with a USB mouse.

Paul

[0100010]

All my KVMs are PS2 - old Compaq 8 port rack mount server console units.  USB is too much trouble.

[StormyMonday]

I have the ps/2 version of that switch from Belkin and it works great. Back in the day, it was a real life saver. My only complaint is that it does not have a provision to switch the speaker output. I still use it today, for a couple of servers.

Cheap USB based KVMs can be problematic, however, as has already been mentioned. I had a few disappointments, until I finally got one of these: http://www.aten-usa.com/products/KVM/Desktop-KVM-Switches/4-Port-USB-DVI-Dual-Link-KVMP%E2%84%A2-Switch~CS1784A.html#.VbYvMh9PbVM

This unit has been a pleasure to use, but it is quite expensive, although I only paid about 1/2 of what "The Egg" is currently asking for it. The only problem with it is that it is DVI, which is being phased out by the industry.

If you are going to try a USB-based KVM, my best advise is to get it from someone with a generous return policy.

[paulsiu]

I ended up getting this to use with my current OEM keyboard and mouse.

http://www.showmecables.com/product/USB-Manual-Switch-Box-4-Way.aspx?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(roi)+shopping&utm_content=&utm_term=47-200-071&zmam=49733141&zmac=6&zmas=1&zmap=47-200-071

The idea is to keep it as simple as possible. My setup consists of mostly laptop, so I don't really need to switch the video. The desktop has a dual input any way, so I could use that for 2 computers instead of video switching. Based on what I can find on google, many of the KVM switch (except for the more expensive ones) have problems with switching between different computer resolutions. The video doesn't always pass through. What I really want is to use the same mouse and keyboard for all of my computers. I don't want to end up buying 4 mechanical keyboard and mouse and have no desk space.

This setup is better than the previous model I look at. It's cheaper and can switch to a specific port rather than pressing a switch to do it in serial. Since there is only one usb port, I have to pass the USB to an old Belkin 4 port hub, which is hooked up to the USB keyboard and mouse. The Belkin hub is powered, but I am not using the AC Adapter at the moment.

So far, it does work. When I press the button, it disconnects the keyboard and mouse and reconnects to the new computer. There is a lag for reconnecting, but it's only a second or so. I don't even have issue switching from and to a machine running virtualbox. The next step is to get a mechanical keyboards and see if it still works.

I suppose other people use a ps/2 to usb adapter. I wasn't sure that would even work.

Paul

[esoomenona]

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[paulsiu]

I thought about that, but each machine vpns into a different network. To make things worse, they are work machines so I don't have admin access to install anything. This is why I have been looking into a hardware solution.

The chief reason I am looking into this is because the keyboard provided is simply dreadful. It's like all of the keys are wobbly and it's really hard to type without striking the keys with as much force as possible.

Paul