KVM switches are,i think, a very underrated component and are not often seen in use. This i think is because untill recently they relied on pretty much old tech as far as connections were concerned.
Just to make it clear at the start what a KVM dose for those not familier with them,a KVM switch performs the very useful function of alowing more than one computer to use the same keyboard,monitor, mouse,and sometimes(and in this case) speakers.
Be warned though,a KVM switch is simply an input/output switch it dose NOT link the pcs in any way,when one is on the others are off,no movement between computers just access between you and several pc's.
For those of us who need to use more than one PC on a regular basis this is a major bonus both in space saving and speed of use.
This belkin switch is a big step forward in KVM,most previous switches used ps2 connectionsfor keyboard and mouse which was a real pain,the move to USB is both obvious and overdue and really puts the switch into the must have bracket for multi users.
Im no lover of Belkin products,they often run hot and have poor documentation but the KVM switch is quite simpe to set up and dead easy to use so the manual is not a problem and as a switch it has no real heat problem. Its not a pretty thing,but switches rarely are, they have by definition 'untidy wires' sprouting out of them so they are best hidden away. The Belkin switch makes a good effort to be easy to use via your keyboard and easy to handle as far as cable plug ins go. The second point is a bit unnessary as once its set up u can forget it.
Most KVM's handle only two pcs but this one will do up to four(although i havent tried more than two).Switching between pc's is just a keystoke and its quite strange at first to instantly move between one display/audio/input and another. This belkin switch is a big improvement on previous models but beware when buying,several Belkin KVM's have almost the same model numbers and names,make sure you get the USB model, as usual with Belkin old models hang around for ages especially when buying on line and you can easy end up with an old ps2 model some dealer is trying to off load to make way for the new style. This is not helped by the price structure,an old style switch can often come up at a hight price than the new one so take care.
Bottom line is,as usual with Belkin the product will do what is says it will and in this case better than before,if you use more than one pc on a regular basis then this is a must have
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