Home > Consumer Reviews > STARTECH.COM SV431USB 4 Port Starview USB KVM Switch

Bought this a long time ago...
Sometimes when I use the KVM during gaming a key "sticks" so I would tend to move left or right and it can only be resolved by exiting the game and going back in.
I bought the power adapter to see if it helps with that problem and another problem with running a USB cable to control another computer to about 15 ft. Didn't resolve either issue.

This is the best and longest lasting KVM I have purchased. I have been using one for over 5 years and had no problem whatsoever. Those who complain that it does not work on a Mac should read up on USB technology. A lot of old mac models do not provide a 5v power on any USB port even the ones directly connected to the tower. That is the fault of Apple not Startech. I use a generic DC power supply from Radioshack. The person who claims that a 2amp 5v DC block is hard to find did not do enough research. It is readily available at Radioshack stores.

The best part I like about this KVM is that it does not limit the number of consecutive key repeat strokes unlike other KVM. Try and hold down a key on a Belkin or other brand KVM and the keypress will stop after a few dozen repeats. That is bad for gaming where you have to depress a key for a long time (especially for FPS games). This KVM also recognizes higher resolution displays 1900x1200 and up. Other KVM will max out at 1600x1200.

This is the best KVM usb product I have used so far. It is easy to setup and operate. Technical support from startech hwlped me find the correct cables quickly.

If you're planning on using this switch with a Mac keyboard: Beware. Although is says "For PCs and Macs" on the box, this switch will NOT work out-of-the-box with a keyboard that has extra USB ports (which all modern Mac keyboards have). It needs the AC adapter, which is not included.

Forget about finding a generic adapter at Radio Shack. The SV431USB requires an output of 5V DC at 2 Amps, which is next to impossible to find (except on the StarView website of course).

This switch looked impressive, but I'm going to have to give it 1 star since I wasn't even able to get the keyboard going. If you have a regular keyboard and don't plan on connecting a USB hub or laptop to it, it might be worth a try.

The video as stated in other reviews is great. The best I have seen in KVMs. The fact that it is all USB is fantastic as well. The delay in detecting the keyboard is tolerable. The reason for the low rating for me is that there is no quick key combination that allows the user to change from one computer to another via a keyboard key stroke. What was Startech thinking making a KVM that doesn't allow the user to hit a key combination to change from one computer to another. I have never heard of that from any other KVM. That is so worthless to me. I have to add one more large object to my desktop so that I can switch between computers or I have to get up from my workstation and press the button to go from one machine to the next. That is the worst mistake I could ever imagine. Startech is lucky I work on a government site that took 3 months just to get all the red tape to order, ship, and recieve the switches I wanted or else I would send them back!!! That is the lamest thing I have ever seen. If you don't mind button pushing then go ahead and buy this switch, otherwise you'll be highly disappointed.