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62 Karma

Review on πŸ’» CKL DVI Dual Monitor KVM Switch - 2 Port, Dual-View PC Monitor Keyboard Mouse Switcher with Audio, USB 2.0HUB - Supports 1080i (Model 922D) by Jairo Cunha

Revainrating 2 out of 5

Perfect for my situation

Yes I know DVI is an old technology. But I still love the fact that the connectors are still screw-on (like VGA) - that's a big deal when you're stuffing a ton of cables into a rackmount setup. And not everyone needs to transmit super high definition audio or video. Honestly, in a digital audio workstation configuration, DVI is PERFECT. So I have two rackmount PCs in my studio, both with dual monitor capability. I only use one at a time, right? This KVM switch is perfect for that. A mouse, a keyboard and two monitors. It has a button for each computer right on the front of the device. So easy even a child can use it. To clear up the confusion I see in the Q&A, this unit does NOT come with ANY of the DVI cables. You need six of these if you have two computers with dual monitor capability. However, two sets of USB and audio cables are supplied. You'll need to connect USB cables if your mouse and/or keyboard use USB (and if they don't, this KVM isn't for you anyway). IN USE - I'm not using all of the features, but what I'm using works fine. For example, I don't use the wired remote that came with it as its connector is on the front of the unit. This doesn't work for me as it's a rackmount setup. I also don't use its ability to switch audio from the sound card, as I use professional audio interfaces instead. Also, I don't use the hotkey function since the switch is less than an arm's length from me. On the right side of the front panel there is a button for turning the hotkey function on and off. I use a wireless mouse and a wired keyboard. I didn't have the first problem with this setup. I was concerned that all the USB ports would be on the back, creating a "pill" for the rackmount wireless mouse, but this works great. There is also an additional USB port which is great for a printer (need to have printer drivers/software installed on both computers). WARNING: DO NOT attempt to use USB KVM to switch audio interfaces! However, this is a computer limitation, not a KVM limitation. The only downsides I can point out are as follows: It would be nice if the remote control connection was on the back. Also, it would be nice if some rack ears were available. It looks like it has drilled and tapped slotted ears, but a CKL rep said they don't exist. A NOTICE. Remember I emailed the company through their website and received a reply the same day! That's great support! The only negative was the packaging - this item was packaged with ABSOLUTELY NO PACKING MATERIAL. The box was literally long enough to fit this device. I mean, it's built like a tank with its all-metal construction and all, but I've seen component companies break car suspension parts. They really should be packaged better. Overall I am satisfied with this purchase. It does what I want, is reasonably priced, and easily fits in my rack (on a 1U rack shelf with the Focusrite Solo). I can't comment on the small issues others have pointed out as my setup has no issues (wired keyboard, hotkeys disabled, no audio part used). It works for me and looks great.

Pros
  • Computers and Accessories
Cons
  • I don't remember but there was something