Review on Tripp Lite 4-Port Desktop KVM Switch with USB and VGA HD15 (Model B006-VU4-R) by Jacob Ferrarini

I've been using expensive ATEN 8 and 16 port KVM switches for years and when I needed a 4 port KVM switch I found one that wasn't ATEN but was clearly impractical. switched off or possibly made by the same OEM. I received it and there were problems so I sent it back. I was hesitant to try this one because it cost less than $90 (excluding the computer cable) and didn't look very pretty. But I needed something fast, and I liked the fact that although the cables had to be ordered separately, this one was so cheap that even with 4 cables (most you might need) it was still around $138 and I could get some shorter cords and some longer ones. this. (I have two 6ft and two 10ft). This is a very simple device. Unlike many more complex ones, it doesn't seem to have a control interface (on screen): you just press the button on the computer that you want to control on the box itself. (It supports using a keyboard, but I haven't tried it as I find it easier to just press a button on the box.) Screen displays are great for KVMs controlling many computers, but I don't find it necessary for a 4-port unit. There is one caveat though: my large KVMs allow me to lock the KVM's screen itself, which is handy. But I don't use it the way I use my 8 and 16 port devices. One thing I don't like that could have been done differently even in this price range: most devices have two bright LEDs for each port: one shows that the connected computer is on, and the other shows which computer is selected. . . This device has a yellow LED for each computer. It glows dimly to indicate the computer is on and when you select a computer/port this LED glows brightly. However, the dim setting is so dim and the light is set back so far that it doesn't really work as I have it on my desk and have to bend down to look directly at the LED to see the dark display. It wouldn't cost any more to get it right. For the price, that's not enough to deduct a star.