USB KVM?

Divide by Zero · 22 Dec 2010 at 13:21

I have an oldschool PS2 KVM... but wondered if anyone has got or used a USB KVM and i wondered it if added any input lag, as I would like to set up a gaming PC and a Internet / always on PC with the one monitor / keoboard / Mouse

sir-les-mp · 22 Dec 2010 at 13:25

I currently use one and have not noticed any lag in input
I currently run 2 always on systems and play the odd game on system 1 now and again.

Divide by Zero · 22 Dec 2010 at 13:26

Sweet and thanks for the quick reply.

What make do you have? belkin or something more exotic?

GoogalyMoogaly · 22 Dec 2010 at 13:30

The only thing I have to add is that if you have a special keyboard and/or mouse (in my case Logitech Media 600 keyboard and MX518 mouse) that some USB KVM switches will block the Logitech software from detecting them and so hide the option to customize them.
Although I've had similar problems with some PS2 KVM switches, so nothing really new there.

Divide by Zero · 22 Dec 2010 at 13:32

Ah OK... I am using the MX518 on that setup and also a Zboard... could.. though happy to have 2 keyboards as the Zboard is rubbish for typing on (my normal keyset is broke).

Does the MX518 work normally with windows including the thumb buttons... so I can use then in game if I map them and Mouse 4 and 5 in the game?

sir-les-mp · 22 Dec 2010 at 13:35

well im currently using a Rocatt Cone V1 and all my buttons work fine.
As long as each system has the correct drivers and software they will work fine as bassically the KVM is just working as a passthrough for the input hardware to each system.

As for KVM im using a Belkin one.

kitfit1 · 22 Dec 2010 at 13:43

I'm running a MX Revolution and a logitech usb keyboard through an Aten CS1782 2 port USB DVI KVM switch. I've had it for 18 months or so, and to be honest it just works.
No lag at all as far as i can tell. One of the best investments i've made.

GoogalyMoogaly · 22 Dec 2010 at 13:43

I'm not really sure to be honest. I disconnected the KVM once SetPoint didn't recognise the mouse/keyboard as I tend to have separate profiles for each game that map the extra buttons to keyboard commands, as I found some games don't recognise Mouse buttons 4 and 5 natively. This may be because they default to 'forward' and 'back' functions in windows rather than mouse buttons 4 and 5.

Divide by Zero · 22 Dec 2010 at 15:01

GoogalyMoogaly, you havent said what KVM you use (or did I miss it).

Thanks all, will pick one up soon.

Divide by Zero · 22 Dec 2010 at 16:06

Wowsers... they are expensive if you want DVI... which I think i will.

ms2010 · 22 Dec 2010 at 19:33

Synergy might be worth a look at (Free and Open Source Software)

Major features

* Move your mouse easily between computers
* Requires nothing other than existing ethernet
* Copy and paste between your computers
* No need to press any buttons (unlike KVM)
* You can still use multiple monitors on the same computer
* Lock the mouse to one screen

Ok it doesn't do Video aswell , but if your monitor's got dual input's (DVI and VGA) the VGA would be good enough for Internet browsing and switching the video on the monitor wouldn't be too difficult.

Might be a cheaper alternative to a USB KVM, if it work's. (as haven't actually tested that software myself yet)

GoogalyMoogaly · 23 Dec 2010 at 19:44

Divide by Zero said:
GoogalyMoogaly, you havent said what KVM you use (or did I miss it).

Thanks all, will pick one up soon.

Sorry, I didn't did I.
I have a Edimax EK-UAK2.
It's not DVI unfortunately, but it does seem to work fine with the Logitech software.
I tried one from Aten (Aten CS682 2P USB DVI KVM) but had issues with this one working with the Logitech software. I think you are supposed to be able to disable emulation mode on them, which may make it work. but i had troubles doing this. Disappointing as this was a DVI KVM that wasn't too expensive. I think there are some Trendnet ones that are supposed to work also. This would have been my next KVM if the Edimax hadn't worked.