Keyboard/mouse switches

[Liquid Snake]

I'm looking for a switching device that will let me control two PCs with one mouse and keyboard. I see a lot of KVM switches, but haven't found any that only switch the keyboard and mouse. My monitor has dual inputs, so I don't need video switching. Does such a switch exist?

[Wombat]

Not really. Use a KVM, but you just don't plug the monitor into it. Ta-da.

[RC Agent]

Or use the KVM and still plug in the monitor.

[Wombat]

Nah, no thanks. KVMs generally degrade the image quality.

LS, you could maybe use that Synergy program that was discussed here a week or two ago.

[xortam]

I use inexpensive K/M Data Switch boxes but they don't support USB. Haven't looked to see if they make USB versions now.

[KvHagedorn]

I'm using a Belkin Omni port (all ps2) and switching inputs on my monitor. Been using it for awhile now.. works fine.

[Liquid Snake]

Thanks guys. I was thinking about doing that, but I figured that a switch without video switching would be cheaper. Since I won't have to worry about the image quality, what should I look for in a KVM switch?

[VJ]

I once went to Supermicro Support (had a problem with my mainboard) and noticed they have KVM switches with hotkeys. This seemed very easy: you can switch from one computer to the other using a key-combination on your keyboard (thus not requiring the KVM to be within range to switch). Might be an interesting feature to look out for..?
(don't know the make, it also switched the monitor)

This is the Synergy software:

http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/

(doesn't switch monitors, the programmer is working on that too)

Jörg

[GNEP]

I use a belkin one with integrated wires (can't remember the name) and tapping scroll lock twice and pressing the up or down key switches between machines. Works quite well...

But in your case, look up the thread on Synergy: http://forums.murc.ws/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46370

Which points you here:

http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/ EDIT: Yup, VJ beat me to it

Would be the perfect thing to try at zero expense...

[GT98]

I have a USB KVM Switch that used to use. It was pretty nice, but the only annoying thing was is if I didn't have the switch to the right computer, I would have to restart it again IIRC because I was using a USB Keyboard and mouse and the PC had to pick it up.

Opps thats when I first started up the PC...not after they where on already

[Ribbit]

Originally posted by VJ
I once went to Supermicro Support (had a problem with my mainboard) and noticed they have KVM switches with hotkeys. This seemed very easy: you can switch from one computer to the other using a key-combination on your keyboard (thus not requiring the KVM to be within range to switch). Might be an interesting feature to look out for..?
(don't know the make, it also switched the monitor)

We've got one of those here (switches with Ctrl-Alt-Shift-<number&gt. It's called a Smartview, and I think it's made by Belkin.

[Kurt]

Linksys has a cheap KVM switch for 2 PCs, cables included. Press "SCROLL LOCK" twice and it switches to the other computer. It should be less than 50$.

KVM switches are usually sold without cables. Buying them then adds up to the price of another switch...

This one is a pretty good deal...

It's called "Integrated KVM 2-Port Switch", ref. #KVM2KIT-EU (EU is of course for Europe...)

[agallag]

http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=36&scid=45&prid=502

It's called the "ProConnect® Integrated KVM 2-Port Switch". Looks pretty sweet, and dirt cheap too.

[Liquid Snake]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll check these out and see what I can get around here.

[Belwarrior]

I am using ATEN Masterview kvm switch with ps2 mouse/keyboard they have usb versions as well but i have not used the usb ones. The PS/2 versions are very good. Ctrl+twice for moving between pcs. rightctrl or leftctrl depending on which direction u want to go
The box normally comes with all the cables needed.

http://www.aten.com/