Peripherals KVM recommendations please

Hi,

I am looking for a good quality KVM with the following requirements:

- Preferably for 2 PC's but would consider 4 as well
- DVI video resolution of 1680x1050 but higher would be nice (future proofing)
- USB k/b & mouse connections
- Audio connections not essential
- Must be able to handle gaming
- Cannot disconnect k/b, mouse etc when switching between PC's

Can anyone recommend a specific product that they have had good experiences with?

Cheers

 

I have always found Aten to be a good make. I just won a 8port VGA/USB rack mount KVM on ebay with 4 cables. Currently got a 8port VGA/PS2 Aten Masterview.

 

If your monitor has multiple inputs. You can save money with InputDirector (free).
That is what I use, to switch control from my desktop to my laptop, all by keeping my desktop keyboard and mouse. You can also copy & paste text (and files but you need to share a network directory, such as Desktop on both system to allow you do this (hey! it's free, and the best one for Windows)). The program also works on UAC dialog boxes, and Log-in system screen (it's only similar software, that is free, and that I found that support this feature).

And if your monitor has Side-by-Side Picture-and Picture, then even better, as you can set your monitor to show you 2 inputs, and use inputDirector to switch between systems, exactly like if you have a dual screen setup (including the mouse transitioning between systems wen you reach one of the side (you pick) of the display)

 

I've got the Aten CS1782 and I'm really happy with it.

Supports upto 2560 x 1600 res DVI-D / usb keyboard and mouse / Also Apple 20 / 23 / 30in Cinema Display.

Supports ViewSonic 22in LCD VP2290b upto 3840 x 2400 single link

And 7.1 audio

DVL-A 2048 x 1536 DDC28

And I game at 1920 x 1200 on a 24in

Got mine from Scan.

 

Is that the one with the 7.1 audio support as in here http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Aten-CS1782-2-Port-USB-DVI-KVM-With-71-Audio-Support ?

 

Yep it's a great bit of kit.

 

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/102858

expensive but good for what it does everything you need and supports res up to 1920x1200

 

ooo i like that aten thing how much is the 4 port version ?

 

Here you are adam

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ATEN-CS1734B-4-PORT-KVM-and-USB-FOR-PS2-Keyboard-Mouse

 

That one isn't DVI though, I was looking at that at the same time.

 

Yeah I've just noticed that, I remember when I was looking for one a DVI with usb keyboard / mouse combo was pretty hard to find.

I seem to remember when I spoke to Aten they did do a 4 port one. Scan dont stock all of their Switch's

Edit just found their phone No 08448 158923

 

This http://www.aten.co.uk/products/prod...11002&pid=20091117014458009&layerid=subClass3

or this http://www.aten.co.uk/products/prod...11002&pid=20090508020526009&layerid=subClass3

would be nice.

 

Nice find as said their stuff is really good and their after sale's support is great.

I would recommend them anytime.

 

Just a quick update.

I bought an Aten CS682 in the end, it should arrive in a few days. I just couldn't justify the more expensive ones for the infrequent usage it would get.

Link: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Aten-CS682-2-Port-USB-DVI-KVM-Switch

Cheers for all the feedback.

 

It's such a shame the DVI-KVMs cost an arm and leg. I have a D-Link two-port KVM for D-SUB and USB, which only cost ~30 € at the time. Worked like a charm and would still be useful if it wasn't for the stupid D-SUB

My current setup is:
1.st rig: DVI to main screen, DVI to secondary screen, USB cable to main screen HUB where the main mouse and keyboard are hooked up to
2.nd rig, whichever benchmark machine it is at the time: D-SUB to 2nd screen, own keyboard and mouse.

Though now that I say it, I should be able to use only the USB-part of the KVM-switch and use one set of keyboard + mouse for both rigs. Hmm

 

Well the Aten CS682 is here and installed, works great although I haven't hooked up the audio side of things - different requirements per machine.

It's a very nice bit of kit, I particularly like the small remote control that comes with it which means the cables and main connection box are under the desk in a cable routing tray and out of sight. The firmware can even be updated (note to self, check for updates...).

I can recommend it to anyone.

Edit: Just want to add that this KVM does not interfere with PC power saving - my other PC just went to sleep and didn't wake up until I switched the KVM over to it. I'm impressed although I haven't had a home KVM for quite a few years (last one was a manual switch type) so maybe my expectations were low to begin with .