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Review on πŸ” Sabrent USB 3.0 Sharing Switch: Effortless Multiple Computer & Peripheral Sharing with LED Device Indicators (USB-SW30) by Mark Loredo

Revainrating 1 out of 5

Great Value - DO NOT CONNECT TO TWO EARTH SOURCES. EARTH CONTOURS!

Others reported after viewing this article that their devices were accidentally destroyed or disconnected by this device. I supposedly had a power pack killed by him! (Although it could also be a faulty power cord.) I've had a laptop that randomly freezes or shuts down when I use this unit with its docking station. I found the reason - the ground loop! Make sure both computers that are clients of the device are plugged into the *same power outlet* or surge protector and thus have the same ground source. In some homes the floors may not be at equal potential, I believe they are, and current can start to flow from one to the other through the ground pins on your electronics when using this device as a connection! This can kill devices or otherwise cause extremely annoying behavior. Ensure that all devices connected to this device have the same grounding path (same surge protector or outlet). I use it with a USB hub and it works great as an inexpensive replacement for a larger, more expensive KVM switch. I recommend writing a script that puts a computer to sleep while multiple USB devices are disconnected, allowing the monitor to automatically switch to another computer's input for a full KVM solution! The exit isn't on the back, which I fixed with two 90 degree USB adapters. This defect makes cable management more of a hassle in an installation where the device is permanently installed. It would also be nice if a key shortcut could start the device, or if there was a small detachable cable remote control. Apart from these (important! - why did I have to lose the power supply unit because of this?) Defects, an excellent device. USB 3.0 is in particularly good shape because of its flawless throughput.

Pros
  • Well built
Cons
  • Weak