KVM switch with DVI and "fancy" keyboards & mice

[8bit]

Hi all,

I've just bagged a little old Dell Precision P4 thing from my work and intend to use it as either a Linux desktop or a little media center (or possibly both). I'm on the lookout for a KVM switch that will support both Dual-Link DVI video and also will work with my Saitek Eclipse-II keyboard and Logitech G5 mouse.

I make the last point as a specific one because in the past I've found that because they work by emulating some generic types of keyboard and mouse that the extended keys for things like controlling Media Player etc. or things like special features of the G5 like sensitivity control or the "back" button just don't work. Anyone used a KVM that fits the above?

Cheers in advance,
8bit

[TiG]

Avocent UK -SwitchView DVI 4-port KVM Switch

Is the only thing i've come across that comes close to your requirements.

As for the USB extended features, i'm not certain any KVM system will support those requirements, they are all going to be propriertary if my guess is right and therefore will only work if the KVM is aware of the propriertary commands or provides a complete non changed cut through of the signals.

Either way i think you are going to have a hard job meeting those requirements

TiG

[jimbouk]

Maybe a usb switch for the keyboard and mouse, or a couple of extension cables and plug in as and when...

[Zak33]

.......which kills the benefit of a single KVM, as it's yet another switch.

I;ve been looking for the KVM from heaven, and when it boils down to it....such a thing is'nt around. USB and PS2, VGA and DVi.... can't find one.

Sadly

[s3ds]

yep nearest is a kvm with usb to ps2 and dvi to vga abapters if you do find a heavenly kvm please let me know

sorry 8bit ive been no help what so ever with this post

[peterb]

Although I'm not a general fan of Belkin, they make a pretty comprehensive range of KVM switches (I use one - it is really very good).

A browse through this link may find something that meets your requirement

Welcome to Belkin - KVM Switches

For general info/sales on KVM swiches, try this link

KVM Switch Direct the UK's leading resource (I have only looked at the front page - but ypou may find something there)

[8bit]

yep nearest is a kvm with usb to ps2 and dvi to vga abapters if you do find a heavenly kvm please let me know

sorry 8bit ive been no help what so ever with this post

Lol, don't be daft, yes you have, you and the others helped confirm what I already suspected. I know there are KVMs on the market that support DVI and USB, what I was hoping was the someone might read this post, have a similar sort of setup to what I have and found it to work well.

The Avocent DVI ones seem to support up to 1920x1200 so i guess they're single-link DVI only, my current Dell 2405FPW will be fine with that but was thinking for the future cos I might upgrade to a 30" model soon. The bit I'm not sure about is will the mouse and keyboard work properly... The 2-port Avocent one does say it has a USB2.0 hub, maybe that means it will work better than these emulated ones. Might give it a shot, I'll post findings here if I go for it.

Thanks all

[8bit]

BUMP - I found this on Belkin's website, seems to support DVI and USB:

Belkin : Switch2 for PC DVI-D

Has anyone used one of these, or any of the USB variants of the same, with a Logitech G5 mouse?

[aidanjt]

DVI switches with USB or PS2 connections

knock yourself out.

[floppybootstomp]

This is probably not relevant but I have that Rextron DNV102 KVM third on the list and the Logi G5 won't work with it with a PS2 adaptor.

As I said, probably not relevant as you're looking for USB switching but thought I'd mention it.

To get round the problem I have the G5 on another machine now and am using a Logi MX1000 with the kvm.

I paid quite a bit less for my Rextron as well, about £45.00 - £50-00 IIRC but I wouldn't recommend it, it has no audio either.

#2 on list looks promising though.