Manufacturer: Linksys Website: Linksys KVM 2-Port Switch Kit Price: $80 - $100 Author: Brian Lee Page: 2

On this side of the Linksys KVM switch, you plug in your mouse, keyboard, and monitor.

On this side you use the included cables to connect your first computer to the KVM switch box.

Here you use the cables to connect the second PC to the KVM switch box.

On the back of the KVM switch box is a diagram of how the cabling is supposed to be hooked up in case you forget.

Here are the ends of the included 4 foot cables that go from each computer to the KVM switch box.

The Linksys switch kit that I am reviewing right now is actually my second Linksys KVM.  You see, I bought this second one because I was very happy with my first kit.  I expected this second kit to be the same as the first.  However, this was not the case.

One of the reasons I was so impressed with the first Linksys kit was because the cables that were included in the kit were of very good quality.  Just by looking at the cable, I could surmise that there would be little signal degradation because of how thick the video cable was.  While using my first kit, I was very happy that my monitor showed virtually zero display degradation.

However, when I opened the box to this second kit, I was immediately struck by how thin the cables were in comparison to my first Linksys kit.  All three cables (video, mouse, keyboard) were thinner.  I didn't care much about the keyboard or mouse cable, but I was extremely concerned about the video cable.  It looked so skinny!

Here is a comparison between my first Linksys kit cables that I got over 1 year ago (left) and the current Linksys KVM kit cables (right).

It is quite obvious that the video cable has shrunken in diameter quite a bit. The key question is whether or not this affects picture quality.  I did some blind tests on my roommates and concluded that there is no real discernible picture difference between the two cables.  Take this as you will.  Of course I would prefer to have the thicker cable on this second KVM switch, but since my informal testing shows that there isn't any real visual difference between the two cables, I guess it's okay.

The Linksys KVM works with almost all software and operating systems.  I have personally used this KVM with Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP, and Redhat 7.3.  I cannot attest to how the KVM would work with other operating systems but I have no reason to believe it wouldn't work just as well.

I was curious how the KVM would work with optical mice since the optical mice draw more electricity than standard ball mice, but there was no problem at all.  Also, the scroll wheel on the mouse functioned perfectly while connected to the KVM.  I mention this because many people have told me that their scroll wheel had problems with other brands of KVM switches.

Here is the back of my workstation and server with the two KVM cables.

Here is the KVM switch box tossed behind my desk with a pile of other cables.  Fire hazard?

I am very pleased with my experience with this Linksys KVM switch kit.  Yes, I do wish Linksys had included better cables, but I guess it doesn't matter too much since the picture degradation is minimal.  For people like me who have two or more computers, using a KVM switch is a very good idea.  It certainly is useful in maintaining servers or other computers that you don't need to have active at the same time.  A KVM will save you space that would be otherwise taken up by a second monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

Overall, the Linksys KVM 2-port switch kit is very attractive because of its simplicity, ease of use, and quality.  The hot key switching is nice and although it may sometimes cause problems in programs that require heavy use of the "Ctrl" key, it is generally very convenient.  I am most happy with the fact that there is minimal picture degradation while using this kit.

Once you use a KVM, you'll never go back.  Personally, I have one at home, at school, and 2 at work.  This Linksys kit includes everything you need at a reasonable price.  You can't beat that.
 
 

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