KVM Switch

[PudriK]

My new rig should be here in three weeks. Now that I'll have two machines, I was thinking the smart thing would be to keep using my old box for surfing, iTunes, DVDs, etc, and keep my new box clean and lean just for gaming. However, I didn't buy a new keyboard, mouse, or monitor to go with it.

So obviously a KVM switch will be necessary for hassle free operation of both.

My Q for the gallery: Anyone use or can recommend a KVM switch? I was looking at one from IOGear, esp since it includes audio switching. But one reviewer said the video wasn't great above 1280x960 res. Hoping not to spend more than $50.

[Hunter/Killer]

I use an APC 4 port KVM for my setup. One is the game machine. The other is a laptop for TS and admining. Works great for keyboard and monitor but has some clitch with the mouse. If I put the mouse for gaming through the KVM it does not see the extra button and some times it freaks out and does not want to respond. Also, if I did not plug the mouse into the KVM and went direct to the PC's the KVM would freak out and not respond. Seems the KVM has to have a mouse to make it happy. The answer was to plug an old mouse into the KVM and through it on the floor behind the desk and never use it. Plug another directly into each PC so I end up with two mice on the desk.

[Namloot]

I work for a contractor who installs computers and stuff. We use Blackbox ServSwitchs. They are solid and very rarely have a problem.