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Hong Kong
1 Level
727 Review
36 Karma

Review on πŸ”΄ HDMI 4 Port KVM Switch Box, UHD 4K@30Hz & 3D & 1080P Support, HDCP 1.2 Standard, with USB and HDMI Cables by Duane Kaul

Revainrating 1 out of 5

KVM Pet Peaves on KVM Switches

This new USB/HDMI KVM Switch is great. I have 3 computers (2 servers and a workstation) that I switch between all day every day. I really appreciate being able to switch between these computers with a hotkey (Scrl-Lock Scrl-Lock #) instead of reaching for the KVM switch itself. But here's what worries me about this unit: As a Westerner, I'm used to counting from left to right. Correctly? But the KVM switch has PC4 on the far left of the device. The rightmost button is PC1. I think it's ok, but I have to remember that reverse numbering sequence when I hit a hotkey between what should be my FIRST computer but is numbered as my 4th computer on the Switch. It's a translation I'd rather not do, but who cares? You know? That really worries me. My monitor (which surprised me) doesn't have an HDMI input on the back. It has VGA and DVI and that's it. So I bought an HDMI to DVI adapter and plugged it into the back of the monitor. problem solved, right? Well yes, but for some reason the new configuration never allows my monitor to go to sleep. So I have to remember to physically turn off the monitor when I'm done with it. Don't get me wrong, the signal from the computers stops, but instead of going to sleep the monitor sits and says "No Signal". Useless. This is an old Samsung monitor and I'm confident that a new monitor with HDMI capabilities will work as expected, but after all the expense and hassle, I won't take that cost. Replacing my old (PS/2) KVM switch (which had its own issues). One more thing, the orange operating light on this switch is blindingly bright. I had to put on a plastic cap. These are completely irrelevant questions, and I don't mean to sound like a whiner. The problem it solves (i.e. connecting multiple computers to the same console) completely outweighs how it solves it. I'm happy.

Pros
  • Looks Great
Cons
  • Makes Me Angry