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Vinay Kolluri photo
Poland, Warsaw
1 Level
745 Review
49 Karma

Review on πŸ–₯️ StarTech.com 2-Port Professional KVM Switch - 1U Rackmount KVM Switch - 2-Port - High Resolution: 1920 x 1440 (SV231) by Vinay Kolluri

Revainrating 3 out of 5

21st century KVM is the best external component

Startech's old KVM that still works was made for PS2 Developed keyboards and mice. Modern HP computers do not recognize my USB Logitech Wireless Trackman even with external DC power connected. I had to use a second USB switch to connect the Trackman to computers. I suppose I could hack KVM internally; Maybe it's a matter of better shielding, maybe a floating ground, or supplying 5VDC directly to the PS2 connector that powers the USB adapter. But I was too lazy for all that. While this KVM requires an external 5 volt DC power supply, it works great with wireless USB trackball devices; both the old optical trackman and our new wireless trackman (with blue trackball). The front panel LEDs indicate that the computers are powered on and selected. Unlike the previous Startech KVM, which had separate PS2 mouse and keyboard connectors on the power cable in addition to the VGA connector, the cable on this device is only VGA. Socket and USB plug. So the new Startech KVM control box is essentially a USB hub for your keyboard and mouse. This means that if you switch computers, there will be a several-second delay before that computer recognizes new USB devices that have actually just been plugged in. So the second computer connects a bit slower. This is still an improvement for me as I was able to remove the second USB switch on my desk to direct the Trackman to either computer. You now have just one switch to route K, V, and M to two computers. Switching is easier as the select button is on the front of the box. not at the top. All in all very recommendable.

Pros
  • Control two computers connected via VGA and PS/2 with one keyboard, mouse and monitor
Cons
  • boring packaging