Mechanical Keyboard & Mouse Switch - Not KVM

[Bint Box]

Hi,

Is there a mechanical switch available that works for a keyboard and mouse only and is just hand operated rather than a KVM?

Some type of 1 in 2 out USB or PS2 device would be OK but I cannot seem to locate one if they do exist?

Rgds
Binty

 

[tankskun]

I've been looking for one myself to. Found one on the bay, but it looks big and ugly self-built rubbish. Interested too if there's anything decent to buy?

 

[Burty88]

From http://www.directron.com/whatiskvm.html

"Unfortunately, some computers are very bad about hot swapping some devices like ps2 mice / keyboards and may crash when you change from one device to another when using a mechanical KVM. Additionally, you may lose settings that affect the accuracy of your mouse when performing such a mechanical switch."

Might be the reason you're not finding many.

 

[R.C.Anderson]

Why don't you want a KVM? you can always leave the video bit unused. Like Burty88 quoted, there are quite a few problems that can occur with mechanical switches, as proper KVMs simulate the device on the PC still, so the PC doesn't know that the keyboard/mouse has been disconnected.