looking for USB & DVI KVM Switch - what's the most reasonably-priced, reliable model that you've used?

[clay]

VGA KVM switches are quite inexpensive, but it would seem that DVI models (with USB) quickly go up in cost, and reliable ones seem to be priced around $100.

One I'm looking at right now is just a shade under $90:
http://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-2-Port-DVI-...lectronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1367590568&sr=1-1&keywords=dvi+kvm+switch

But it gets decent reviews.

Anybody have other recommended models I should consider? The other option I'm partially considering is getting another keyboard, using a spare USB mouse I have, and hooking up the 2nd computer to the VGA input on my Dell LCD. Price-wise, that'd be the cheapest, only requiring the purchase of a video adapter for my Mini and a keyboard. But, it would add a 2nd keyboard on my desk. Of course, I could just slide it out of the way when not needed...

[kj4btkljv]

I use one of these with 2 of my XServe servers, when I want to stand at the rack and do some work:

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-To-Go-52047...B000KEX3YG

Works great with 1 DVI monitor, USB keyboard, and USB mouse.

Jeff

[onthedownlow]

Check Monoprice. I have a variety of brands, and Monoprice's are equally as good or better in some areas: http://www.monoprice.com/products/depart...p?c_id=101

[M A V I C]

I bought an IOGEAR one, used off of ebay for $~30. I would suggest going with USB2 as well. The main reason I upgraded mine was because I got an Apple keyboard and apparently it's not USB1 backwards compatible.

[ka jowct]

I have the 4-port version of this IOgear KVM:



It has been connected to four computers since January 2011, hooked up to my 24" NEC monitor. I've run into a couple of minor issues. One is that the front USB port stopped working. Also, the added functionality of my Contour Perfit Mouse is gone if it's attached to the KVM. I keep that mouse plugged into my main machine, and have a corded Apple Magic Mouse plugged in on the KVM, where it works with everything (within its limits). The other is that my Macs do not react to keys (shift, option, etc.) held at startup. I have spare keyboards around, so if I'm trouble-shooting, and need to boot using one of those keys, I attach one of the spares directly to the Mac in question. This is a once-in-a-blue-moon problem.

In all the ways that matter to me, this KVM has been a wonderful, rock solid performer. Switching between machines just works. My SoundWorks speakers are shared by all the computers. It's well built and the cables seem to be of very good quality. It's by far the best of the KVMs I've used. The Dr. Bott VGA-USB switches I used were good, but switching was manual, via a control on the front, and if you booted without being switched to the right machine, you got a black screen. No such problem with the IOgear.

[Harbourmaster]

The one you have linked will not support a large-high res monitor.

I have this one http://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-2-Port-Swit...lectronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1367624162&sr=1-12&keywords=IOGEAR+2-Port+Dual-Link+DVI+KVM

works great and the price fluctuates quite a bit, I got mine for $119 put a price alert on it and be ready to grab it when the price falls.

I'll second all of ka jowct's comments... I use a Razer wired mouse
and Apple Aluminum keyboard connected to the KVM and it all works perfectly.

[ka jowct]

I'll second all of ka jowct's comments... I use a Razer wired mouse
and Apple Aluminum keyboard connected to the KVM and it all works perfectly.

Have you run into any of the snags I mentioned? Like startup keys not being "seen" through the KVM? Or any missing mouse functions?

[onthedownlow]

I can't stress Monoprice's KVM's enough.

The last several I have purchased for critical applications have performed flawlessly and the build quality is better than most of the expensive options you'll find.

[johnashdown123]

I would recommend checking KVMSwitchTech. They offer a wide range of USB DVI KVM Switch products. I have used a few of their products and they work well.

[Harbourmaster]

ka jowct wrote:

I'll second all of ka jowct's comments... I use a Razer wired mouse
and Apple Aluminum keyboard connected to the KVM and it all works perfectly.

Have you run into any of the snags I mentioned? Like startup keys not being "seen" through the KVM? Or any missing mouse functions?

yeah have to keep a second keyboard handy now to plug in to the MP if I need to do something at bootup time. (was not an issue when I was on the MBP of course since I could use the built in keyboard....

The Razer mouse works just fine with the KVM but it doesn't have 98 buttons and a bunch of special software... pretty basic mouse really.