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Switzerland, Bern
1 Level
735 Review
26 Karma

Review on ๐Ÿ”€ StarTech.com SV231DVIUA: Dual Link DVI KVM Switch with Hot-key, Audio Support, and 1920x1200 Resolution by Kenneth Martin

Revainrating 1 out of 5

Works at 1080p 120Hz! Also: Works

120Hz! REALLY!: I was looking for a DL-DVI compatible 2-port KVM. I couldn't afford a 1440P monitor back then, but I wanted to make sure I could use one one day. I ended up with a 1080P monitor at 120Hz (VG278H). It wasn't until it came out that I realized the specs for this KVM didn't say it would support 120Hz. Guess what? It still works! [Note: DL-DVI required for 120Hz at 1080p]. I am very happy with this item. As for keyboard emulation, I did what other posters suggested and just used the built-in switchable 2-port keyboard and mouse hub. A WORD ABOUT THE CABLES: One potential downside: I originally used a combination of DVI cables. Some cables are too wide due to the plastic around the connectors. Either way, you can mute it, but that's probably a bad move. I switched to 'Nippon Labs Premium 10 'Dual-Link Model DVI 10 DD' which I got for $10 each. I'm calling this a 'possible' downside, as if wider cables might increase the size of the box, and I'm calling the smaller 2-port size a real plus. It's like saying that you're glad the world is round but sad that it's not flat. KEYBOARD EMULATION AGAINST "EXTRAโ€ USB PORTS: The device has 4 USB outputs: an emulated keyboard, an emulated mouse and 2 ports. a hub that should be recognized by your operating system whenever you switch. This is basically the only way they could do it (not a design flaw, it just is). People in the reviews here said they had an issue with the emulated keyboard port and suggested using the aux ports, so I didn't even try using them for 99.9% of my tasks (please read their reviews ). The only problem is that when you go to the Windows setup process, for example, or when you switch to a sleeping computer, the keyboard connected to the "auxiliary" USB port may not be recognized (about 50/50 on my computers). It's like I've just hooked up a keyboard to my computer (which is exactly what you'd expect). I have a spare keyboard that I hide when I need it. cool) this thing is easy to open. Since I don't use hotkeys to switch between computers, I soldered in an external toggle button that I hide under my desk to switch between computers. The interior, by the way, is very well put together. It is easy to take apart and put back. Best of all: No "Warranty Void" sticker to keep the item sealed! SUMMARY: I have to give this thing 5 stars: solid construction, features not documented (120Hz! OMGGGG), works pretty much as you would expect. . I admit to others regarding problems with USB keyboard emulation. For me, this thing did everything I expected and more.

Pros
  • Brilliantly done
Cons
  • disappears