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KVM Switch Dilema (USB - PS/2)

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by griffmaster, 2008/08/06.

  1. 2008/08/06
    griffmaster

    griffmaster Inactive Thread Starter

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    I want a KVM switch so I can control 2 computers with one keyboard, monitor and mouse. I often repair friends and family's computers and it would save me time and space.

    However, I have an HP USB mouse and an HP PS/2 keyboard, so I don't know what to do. I was thinking about a USB KVM switch as then I only need to connect a single USB cable and VGA cable to each PC. I have been looking a a PS/2 to USB connector for my keyboard but have heard numerous reviews and reports of these adapters showing up as 'unrecognised device' when plugged into the computer. I am looking to spend less than £75 ($150).

    Any thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

    Regards,
    Griffmaster
     
    griffmaster,
    #1
  2. 2008/08/06
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    KVM switches are great but can be flakey.

    PS/2 to USB connectors or te other way around can be REAL flakey. There is no "standard" wiring for them.....They either work or they don't and you have to keep trying different ones till you find a brand that works.

    Mixing KVM's and converters can be a horrible deal....

    I have several KVM's but have been moving to USB types and using USB mice and keyboards - pretty much without issues.
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #2


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  4. 2008/08/06
    griffmaster

    griffmaster Inactive Thread Starter

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    So you'd suggest i get a USB keyboard and just get a USB KVM Switch?
     
    griffmaster,
    #3
  5. 2008/08/06
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    Yeppers....Unless you're bold and adventurous and bored and don't have anything else to do expect pull your hair out:cool:

    I'm currently using a KVM from Belkin and have liked it.
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #4
  6. 2008/08/06
    griffmaster

    griffmaster Inactive Thread Starter

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    I will get on ebay and get a USB keyboard, I can't be bothered with all the hassle of trying adapters and knowing my luck they wont work.

    I heard mixed reviews of Belkin, what model do you have? I have heard (on this forum) that people have given good reviews of IOgear, but I have never heard of them before and not sure of their availability in UK.
     
    griffmaster,
    #5
  7. 2008/08/06
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    I have a cheap Belkin ps2 kvm switch. I bought it before usb mice and keyboards were the standard (it's hard to find a new comp w/ ps2 ports anymore).

    It works well. I do use usb mouse and keyboard along with the little adapter that receives usb and connects using ps2.

    I've used those ps2 > usb adapters (reverse of above) and have not had good luck w/ them.
     
    TonyT,
    #6
  8. 2008/08/06
    Rockster2U

    Rockster2U Geek Member

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    If your purpose is to repair computers, don't discount PS2 KVM switches. Many computers are not going to respond to a USB mouse or keyboard until the OS is loaded and if you are working on a sick one, you'll be handcuffed.

    Belkin makes some excellent KVM switches, especially in the higher price range.

    ;)
     
    Rockster2U,
    #7
  9. 2008/08/07
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    That's exactly why I use the ps2 kvm switch, I often repair 4-8 yr old systems which bios do not have usb legacy support enabled or at all.
     
    TonyT,
    #8
  10. 2008/08/07
    griffmaster

    griffmaster Inactive Thread Starter

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    I will be keeping a PS/2 keyboard and mouse as backup. Since most of the PCs i repair are less than 4 years old i though i'd go with the USB option. The issue i have at the moment is that I have a PC i need to repair that has no PS/2 ports only USB, so i need to get the USB keyboard so i can get working on it. Any specific recommendations of KVMs so i can have a look into them?
     
    griffmaster,
    #9
  11. 2008/08/07
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    Steve R Jones,
    #10
  12. 2008/08/07
    mflynn

    mflynn Inactive

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    Hi Tony

    What is the name/brand/model of the device you use?

    I use a belkin 4 port and have found nothing that will convert USB to PS2 that works.

    Mike
     
    mflynn,
    #11
  13. 2008/08/07
    griffmaster

    griffmaster Inactive Thread Starter

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    This seems to be just what I am after, here.
     
    griffmaster,
    #12
  14. 2008/08/08
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Belkin
    This is it:
    http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0219493
    I have usb keyboard and mouse and connect it to the device using these types of adapters that came w/ the mouse & keyboard:
    http://www.sourcingmap.com/usb-ps2-mouse-conversion-connector-plug-adapter-green-p-5143.html
     
    TonyT,
    #13
  15. 2008/08/10
    mflynn

    mflynn Inactive

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    Thanks Tony!

    Mike
     
    mflynn,
    #14

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