Hi,
I'm picking up programming on Linux again and need an easy way to switch between my Windows box and Linux box. I thought about using a VM or a Remote Desktop solution, but that would probably be slow and laggy. I've used KVMs before (recently the "ATEN Master View Max Multiplatform KVM Switch USB/PS2 With Audio"), but haven't found one which is really "punchy" yet (i.e. really instant transfers between PCs), or that didn't produce video weirdness at high resolutions.
I have a big monitor (32 inch), so there's probably no point in switching the display via the switch (as the high resolution would cause issues). I can just connect both computers directly to the monitor and switch via the monitor's different input buttons (this would be clunky, but beats having display issues). So I just need a way to switch the (USB) keyboard and mouse between the two PCs.
I saw the Edimax EK-UAK2 on the MSY catalog, but some people on Amazon say that every time you switch between computers, they "re-discover" the USB keyboard and mouse which would be really annoying (Quote: "Also, when switching it seems to physically disconnect the keyboard and mouse, so you get the familiar USB plugged/unplugged sound effect every time you switch"). Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B000VTEFTM/ref=cm_cr…
Besides, the Edimax unit is out of stock on MSY.
Does anyone know any elegant solutions for this?
Thanks
Hi everyone,
Just an update on my progress so far. After posting the original question, I bought an ATEN 2 port switch (http://www.aten.com/KVM/Cable-KVM-Switches/2-Port-USB-Cable-…) from the local Centre Com for $45. I soon found out that although it worked ok for my Windows 7 box, it took about 20-30 seconds for the keyboard and mouse to be recognized by my Ubuntu box every time I switched to it. I also discovered that although I said I didn't need a video switcher (as my screen has multiple inputs) in the original post, life would be a lot easier if it did video switching (as it's tedious to flick through the 8 different display modes in the monitor every time).
My searches culminated in finding the Black Box ServSwitch Wizard Dual-Link DVI QuadHead w/ USB True-Emulation KV2404A (http://www.blackbox.com.au/Store/Detail.aspx/ServSwitch-Wiza…). This solves the delay problem by emulating the USB devices (so that the OS thinks they were never disconnected). The only problem was the cost (around $3000). I managed to get a used switch on the US eBay, which arrived without any cables or power supply. The unusual voltage/amperage combination resulted in a Jaycar rep trying to sell me a $200 variable power supply, but I eventually found a $20 power supply at Altronics. I ordered the DVI/USB cables from Black Box in Melbourne (they weren't too expensive). Next came a frustrating experience with the keyboard behaving strangely when switching between boxes. After much trial and error, I luckily plugged in a cheap and old Logitech USB keyboard which worked perfectly (unlike my expensive Corsair K95). So after a long journey, I have an instant switching USB which works perfectly :)
Now I need to go through the pain of trying to return the K95 keyboard to Centre Com (with their 25% "restocking fee").
Does anyone know of a good "clicky" mechanical keyboard (I quite liked the feel of the K95), which behaves as a simple/old USB keyboard and would not present too many "USB issues" that would confuse the KVM switch/the OS?