KVM, USB-switching...

Xandos

Xandos

Xandos

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Does anyone know of a cheapish KVM switch that supports high quality input devices, like the Logitech MX1000 mouse, and advanced keyboards (usb obviously)?

I've pretty much given up on that idea, and as such have been thinking, as I don't need the video part of a KVM I could use a USB switch for the mouse and keyboard. As I can't find a switch which switches 2 USB devices, I figure having a USB hub after the switch which breaks into the keyboard and mouse could be a viable option. Would a fussy USB device like the MX1000 work with full driver support after the switch and hub? Would switching this way have any adverse effects on the system that I am not predicting?

This has been driving me nuts the last couple of days. so help would be much appreciated.


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It seems crazy that it's so difficult to figure out how to get a decent compatible mouse/keyboard/kvm set... It's like we're all expected to use crap ones and nobody seems fussed about it haha.
 
I have no idea what all this USB switch witchcraft is all about, but if the two machines each have their own monitor (I'm assuming this is the case, as you said video switching is not a necessity) and they are both networked, you might want to have a look at a free, open source application called Synergy.

You set up the computer with the keyboard and mouse as a server, then the computer without as a client. The installation process -- although short -- can seem quite daunting (I recommend you do a Google for a tutorial), but once it is set up it couldn't be easier to use. You simply move the cursor from one screen to the other and you're able to control either computer using one keyboard and mouse (with the client(s) being controlled over the network). If you want to use it as a permanent solution you can set the server/client to start up automatically on boot up.

If it's applicable to you, I can't help but recommend it whole-heartedly. It works a charm for me, and you can't argue with free :)

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If you want to go for a KVM switch, I assume (on the basis that all the KVM switch is doing is routing the USB/PS2 connection to the system you want) that all KVM switches -- no matter how cheap -- will be able to work with complicated input devices. Whether or not it is more complicated than this, I don't know.
 
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Thanks for the response.

I should have really mentioned that I use synergy already (marvelous piece of software), and that I just keep the KVM as a backup, for when the synergy server isn't on (or busy, as there can be issues switching screens while it's busy) and for BIOS.

Oh yeah, the other usage is that ZoneAlarm won't allow a non-hardware input to control it, so if stuck with synergy only, you click on the ZoneAlarm icon by accident and to close it again you'd be behind your computer with a spare keyboard.

So are there any USB vets in here who could clarify my original matter?


Oh, and out of interest would synergy transfer ALL functionality of the MX1000 mouse and setpoint drivers?
 
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belkin make USB switches, ive got one to switch the USB mouse & keyboard between the 2 PC's.

Connect the kb/mouse to a hub then connect the hub to the USB switch
 
Thanks for your input guys. I think I will go down the USB switch route then, as neither my intended keyboard or mouse work with low-end KVMs.

I'll look forward to some niggling problems later ;)...

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Oh, something about that Belkin, and I suppose other USB switches... The reason many mice and keyboards don't work with KVMs is the hot-key switches make it go through a layer of emulation.. Or something. Will the issue be similar with that belkin USB-switch (as it uses hotkeys)?
 
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i've just noticed that some of the belkin ones seem to be auto switching which could be a problem if you need to use more than one pc at the same time.

The one i have has a manual switch and the light appears on it for the port it is switched to (ie 1 for this pc, 2 for the other PC) the good thing with it is since its USB you can switch between the 2 pcs while they are both on.
 
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