KVM Switches

[pc-tecky]

Wanting a 4-port KVM Switch with:PS2 and USB Keyboard and mouse inputs, and optional audio for the consolePS2 and USB outputs, and optional audio for each computerTo be used with laptops, AT, and ATX systems (USB not necessarily available on all systems)To be used between windows and LinuxDo they make such a beast?Will Linux work with USB keyboard and mouse?I'm not sure if Belkin makes a KVM quite like this?But they are the closest match that I have found so far.Additional leads would be appreciated.Currently using Linksys 4-Port KVM less the M. The KVM has used up two MS Intellimice so far. They just stop working after a period of time. The last mouse was crippled and still works so long as you didn't use it with the KVM. I've since gotten a USB Logitech wheel mouse with PS2 adapter but doesn't play at all with the KVM Switch. I'm still trying to figure out why the KVM caused a short life for the mice?

[Ed_P]

Try this.

[Guest LilBambi]

KVM Switches Online has a great selection to get you started.Once you know the model you want, be sure to do some price comparisons though.I really liked this one: Belkin OmniView SOHO 4-Port PS2/USB/Audio (F1DS104T)

[pc-tecky]

Yeah, I was thinking of Belkin myself. However, do they or can they mix PS/2 KB and USB Mouse at the "console"??I'll have to look around some more.

[Guest LilBambi]

Haven't tried it with USB, but I am mixing PS/2 and standard din on mine with adapters. And I know there are adapters for PS/2 to USB and USB to PS/2. So it should work. Just make sure you do it on the computer side not the KVM switch and it will probably work fine. But maybe someone else has actually tried it with USB and will have something to say definite for you.

[Peachy]

Most good KVM can use USB-to-PS/2 adapted mice.

[pc-tecky]

Thanks. Yeah, I know the AT to PS/2 keyboard adapter will work, just need to find an adapter at the right price.I currently have Linksys 4-port Compact KVM switch, and it doesn't like the USB to PS/2 adapter.Time for the Linksys to go on eBay and to perhaps get Belkin with the audio option. Would be nice for the USB and the notebooks.Only other problem, and it's not much of one really, just convienence. I have the Asus P2B-L mobo set to startup with the keyboard - but I can't recall if that's PS/2 only? Would I be able to mix and match PS/2 and USB, or not worth while?? Old habits can change.

[Guest LilBambi]

I had one computer that didn't have PS/2 at all ... so on that computer's port for the KVM I dropped the wires for the mouse and keyboard, but still used the video connection for the video.Worked great!Only complaint? What computer am I on anyway! This keyboard doesn't work now! Doh! Wrong keyboard! LOL!And having to trade them out spacewise was a pain in my small office situation. But it worked for that computer fine while I was testing it out.

[pc-tecky]

Yeah, I have to do that when I want to play in Win3.11. Let's see... How does DB9 Serial work with PS/2? It doesn't.

[FuzzButt]

Try the Belkin model listed above. They are pricey for all the options. You might also have to mail order it since CompUSA does not usually carry the all options 4 port model. Other stores carrry even fewer KVM options. I have the 4 port SoHo KVM with sound but not USB. I have a USB Keyboard and mouse combo that direct connects to the PC and a second corded keyboard that plugs up to the KVM. It's kind of cool on WinXP you can have multiple keyboards and mice. Including the USB/RF remote wonder I have 3 mice and 2 keyboards on the same PC.Anyhow I think the most important thing with KVM's is good cables and good connections. I think the cost of the premimum cables for mine topped the price of the KVM itself.I would try to go all USB or all PS2 if you want all 4 PC's to work correctly though. The USB route is sure nice. Some KVM's translate the USB or PS2 connected hardware to the opposite port so you might want to check that.Good Luck,Chris