Home > Consumer Reviews > Belkin 2-PORT KVM Switch With Cables Keyboard/ Video/ MOUSEPS/2

This KVM switch will switch to my 2nd computer ok, but it will not recognize the mouse at all on the 2nd computer, which is funny because the mouse in question came with the 2nd computer originally. This product is a waste of money. Period.

The local computer superstore did not have an ordinary mechanical KVM switch available, so I went with the Belkin on the strength of their reputation. Unfortunately, certain assumptions are made in the design of this unit that cause it to be poorly suited to use with my setup; I'm trying to control a docked Dell D600 laptop and a Compaq desktop from the same keyboard, mouse and monitor. There are several issues involved which the instructions don't take into account. First, the KVM switch wants to use the same keystroke as part of its selection sequence that the laptop wants to use as a control signal emulation; the "scroll lock" key. This caused the need to select a different key for the laptop's control signal, which had its own set of issues as a result. Second, it turns out that the KVM switch is picky about the timing of the two keystrokes needed to swap from one system to the other; lag too long between keystrokes, or try to swap back too soon, and the sequence gets ignored.

I wish I had saved the packaging and receipt; this purchase would be going back to the store if I had, but some of the problems didn't become apparent for a couple of weeks because one of the computers involved wasn't present right away.

I'm going to replace this gadget with a mechanical switchbox from a different source.

I would recommend...saves works space, seems well-made. I wish the monitor connectors didn't have small round knobs for screwing in, hard to do if you don't have small hands...can't get a grip. but how often do you do that anyway? no big deal. while switching from one PC to the other with the key strokes, you seem to have to resist the temptation to go too fast...otherwise it seemed to get confused. Also, a couple of times, the mouse would quit working when switching to one PC, but this problem seemed to go away....maybe through slowing down when switching? I would buy again.

Crashes all the time and becomes unresponsive. Misinterprets keystrokes or inserts nonsensical characters. Will often continuously send out the same keystroke as if you're holding down keys. Get an IO Gear KVM.

I find it does exactly what I need, at a great price. It worked right the first time I set it up. Sometimes it won't work though as documented. If double hitting the scroll lock key doesn't make the light flash, then what I do is change the order...hold down the number first and then double hit the scroll lock key. I have to do that about 1 out of every 10 times I want to switch. Not a big deal.