Does anyone use or have used one that they would recommend.? I'm designing a new desk and am trying to come up with some ideas to incorporate my PC/Laptop/HTPC with a bit more ease. Latency is an issue of course. Edit: A USB switch may actually be more viable.
Basically, I want to build a dual monitor / 2x or 3x PC desk. I am trying to hide everything or build it into the wall for a spartan look. As such I want to be able to use my KB/M for all three devices if possible. I'd also like a third/fourth option to plug the monitors USB into as they each serve as hubs as well (4 USB + all the standard cards on each monitor). I have found a USB Switch 2 to 4, no 4 to 4 or 3 to 4 that I like thus far. I think this will work but I'm not sure http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817397022
They make all kinds of KVM's now days. Some have audio, some dont, some have USB, some dont, some have DVI, some have HDMI, some still have VGA only. Just give a list of what each connection is needed and how many of each and ill see what I can find. I have a 4 to 1 KVM here with me right now, it has 2 USB, 2 channel audio, microphone, and DVI monitor connection for each. The one thing I dont think is made is a dual monitor KVM setup. So only 1 monitor would be switchable to each computer, the second monitor would be stationary to a single computer. Unless you got a video switcher just for a second monitor to each computer, in addition to the main KVM.
The goal - Combine PC & Laptop into one station when gaming at home. Components - Razer Naga, G15 Keyboard, 2x Dell Ultrasharp 24" Monitors (each with up to 4 USB devices) I want to avoid having to upgrade my desktop to a gaming system that is equal to or surpasses my laptop at this point as it is an unnecessary expenditure. My current thoughts: Since a dual monitor solution is out of the question, what I am thinking is this: Primary monitor - Connected to laptop via HDMI & Connected to PC via DVI Secondary monitor - Connected to PC via DVI Mouse, Keyboard, Primary Monitor USB, and Secondary Monitor USB connected to the hub with all devices/ports usable on either system (one monitor's USB hub will be more than enough). I'm not worried about audio as I'll have a separate solution for both systems as I plan to put the new Comcast cable card into my PC.
For what it's worth, I've tried a few KVM's some cheap 2 PC KVM's and some pretty nice 4 system KVM's I "borrowed" from work. When Dual or trip boxing I always wound up just having an extra keyboard/mouse with the extra monitor. Right now I have one of my Linux server attached to my main PC on a KVM because I don't jump on the Linux box back and forth like crazy. When I do jump back and forth alot, there can be times when you hit a bit of "Lag" where your computer's keyboard and mouse may not react for a few seconds which can mean death if you are going at a more difficult Mob or something. I usually Dual box with my laptop on the side. Whichever is the stronger machine at the time, that keyboard/mouse setup sits on my lap with the mouse for the second machine on the same "Gaming Lap Stand" The Keyboard, I will use the laptop's or I will put the keyboard on the desk in front of me. Point of the story is, if you are being Casual, just about any KVM is ok. If you are playing an MMO or game that requires you to pay serious attention to both characters, KVM might not work. So based on what I've said I say go with what you have for the dual monitor setup but just buy an extra keyboard and/or Mouse depending on your need and desk space. And I am totally ignoring all your USB devices since I don't know what they are.
This may be what your looking for: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...7707217&cm_re=HDMI_KVM-_-17-707-217-_-Product People have keyboard typing problems though, but if thats what you need then you have a starting point and then can look for other models like it
The other option, depending on what you're using the PC for (after gaming, what else are computers for? ) - you can use one of the freeware VNC's, Windows Remote Assistance, Windows Remote Desktop Connection, etc to remote from one PC into the other; Similar to Nibyen said, I also ended up in the past just having a second keyboard/mouse. I don't have any specifics - but if you get a KVM, see if you can get one that allows you to use keystrokes to switch between computers; Having to press a button on the KVM is a pain in the butt. Granted it's been years - so I'm not sure if that's an expensive option or not.
@Nibyen - I understand that it is much easier, but I work from home now and have customers visit my place on a regular basis. It needs to appear in a certain manner (for my piece of mind more than anything). @Enigma - Nice find, I didn't see one with the HDMI when I was digging through earlier. I'll probably get both and just send back whichever I feel suits my needs better. Thanks again! @Daru - I saw a couple with remotes but most of those were 4 to 2, instead of 2 to 4. I can live with a button press as I won't be using the second all that often. At least I don't foresee it working out that way. Thanks again to all of you!
Cant help you with the Switch but I currently run a 4x3 setup...4 Monitors + 3Computers. I use a single Keyboard and Mouse with Synergy+. I dont get any lag with it, and it has some nice features like being able to lock on to one screen, and an auto start on reboot... mmmm oh yea and its FREE:happy: Wont help you with linking the USB to ure different Computers but meah SS it when ure dun, i want to see ure spartan look
It won't be for a while as I'm going to build the desk by hand, into the wall. Trying to figure out how I want to design the ventilation atm.