Review on 🖥️ Enhanced ATEN 4-Port USB 2.0 DVI KVMP Switch (CS1764A) by Aaron Clayton

Advantages: - Works with Windows 7 and Macbook Air laptops - Works with wireless keyboard and mouse - DVI and audio support - Individual port switching - Support for Shared USB 2.0 switch port hotkeys on the keyboard. Cons: - The included cables should be longer at the branched ends. Usage: Switching a home office between a home laptop (Mac) and two work laptops (Windows 7). Use time: 2 months. I was replacing a 2-port VGA KVM switch and needed to upgrade to at least 3 ports and DVI. My main criteria were A) support for both Mac and Windows computers, B) a better-than-average likelihood of supporting a wireless keyboard (using an older Logitech Comfort wireless keyboard that I'd upgrade if needed), and C) a reasonably small form factor under my desk in my home office. Due to the compact size, the connections on the back are tight, but you only set it up once. The compact size is a real plus. Setup was easy. I have a KVM switch under my desk on a small desk within easy reach (and the desk hides all the cables). There are two features I didn't know I would appreciate: A) switchable audio and B) a shared USB 2.0 port. Switchable audio is great because I stream half a dozen websites plus iTunes on a Mac while working on my Windows laptops. A shared USB port is great for sharing a printer between three laptops without having to create a shared printer on one of the computers. There are two other very nice features that are used all the time. First, the ability to switch individual ports between computers. The keyboard-video-mouse switch as a whole (of course), the sound can switch by itself, and the shared USB port can switch by itself. This gives you the ability to stream music from one computer, print a book from another while working on a third. Second, the ability to use switches on a KVM switch or toggle keyboard hotkeys. You'll have to study the manual a bit to get the most out of this feature, but once you've learned a few shortcut keys that you use regularly, it's very nice! If you only use Windows computers, this is pretty much plug and play. When you add a Mac to the mix, you need to make some adjustments. You need to set the port the Mac is connected to to "mac" (as opposed to "auto-detect") and disable mouse emulation. The only complaint I have is the length of the connecting cables at the end of the computer with the cables that came with it. Today's laptops can have an external monitor, USB, and audio jacks on opposite sides of the laptop. Even on my smallest laptop, the ports get a bit cramped. Another inch of cable length after splitting would help. I read a review that said the switching time was long (5-7 seconds or so). I have not experienced this. My switching time is about 2-3 seconds. After switching to a sleeping computer, a few mouse clicks will wake you up. Two more points: I'm using a Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock to connect a Mac to a KVM switch and there are no issues. I also use VMWare Fusion on Mac and have no problems.