nad_masters's Full Review: D-link DKVM-2K (DKVM-2KU) 2-port KVM Switch
What is a KVM Switch?
A KVM (Keyboard, Video, and Mouse) switch allows more than one computer to connect to a single keyboard, display, and mouse. This way, if you have 3 computers in the room, you won't have 3 separate monitors, keyboards, and mice. This is very cost effective in many different ways. The obvious is that you have less equipment to buy, but another side effect is that you will consume less electricity since you have less equipment connected to the power grid. You will also keep your air conditioner from working overtime to keep everything cool.
Past Experiences
My company recently purchase the Tripp-Lite 4-port KVM Switch for me so I can switch between several PCs and terminals when I work on them (such as imaging hard drives). Inspired by this, I decided to look for a KVM switch for myself. I'd be using it to switch between my desktop PC and my laptop.
The Tripp Lite wasn't my first experience with KVM switches. At my previous employment, they used a single Linksys ProConnect 2-port KVM Switch to switch between a phone system (voice mail) server and a file server. Like with both KVM switches, they allow switching using keyboard key combinations.
I've also had bad experiences with mechanical KVM switches that require hard buttons or a knob (remember those old fashioned rotary knob televisions?). Computers tend to loose connection to the keyboard and/or mouse everytime you switch from one PC to another.
On With the D-Link DKVM-2K 2-port KVM Switch
With Newegg.com having the D-Link DKVM-2K 2-port KVM switch on clearance for $20.00, I decided to bite (especially since the Linksys was twice the price). I was pleasantly surprised when I found that there was an additional $10 off via mail-in rebate, bringing the total cost to only $10.00!
So, how does a $10 KVM switch perform?
Packaging
For starters, the package is easier to open than Linksys's plastic cage. D-Link uses a cardboard box that is shrink-wrapped. Upon opening it, you will find folded cardboard that the switch is nestled in, along with the two 6-feet cables that contain the VGA/mouse/keyboard connectors rolled up in 2 bundles. The cables are permanently attached to the KVM switch unit. The Linksys unit was in a plastic blister pack. If you know me, you know how much I hate these kind of packaging.
There is no driver CD or diskette in the box. Other than the KVM switch, there is a 4-page Quick Installation Guide, and a very detailed Limited Warranty card.
Installation
As with the Linksys model, D-Link states in the install guide to make sure that all the computers that you are installing the KVM switch on are turned off to avoid mouse and keyboard errors. Linksys explains the reason for this is because the unit draws power from the PS/2 ports. D-Link did not state this, but it is obvious, as the unit have LEDs as well as beeps (more on that later).
According to the guide, you must first insert the keyboard, mouse, and monitor to the KVM switch first. Then you should connect the KVM to the PCs in either order. Then power up the machines (one, both - doesn't matter).
Upon powering up my PC, the KVM switch gave out a satisfying beep.
Because this is a PS/2 KVM switch, you're out of luck if your PC only have USB. Unfortunately, my laptop fell in this category. I had to purchase a separate PS/2 to USB converter for another $5. It seem to work just fine.
In Use
One of the things I complained about the Linksys was pretty minor - a switch on the unit itself in case the user forgets the key commands. Of course, this is a great feature that requires some foresight in designing. You can make the KVM switch accessible so you can switch via the button, or completely hide the unit and rely on the hot keys.
The hot keys are as listed:
Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, 1
Switches to PC 1
Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, 2
Switches to PC 2
Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, S
Activates Auto Scan Mode
Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, ESC
Exits Auto Scan Mode
Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, M
Resets the Mouse and Keyboard
As with the Linksys and Tripp Lite unit, the D-Link also have an Auto Scan Mode, where the monitor flips between the two video feeds. Unlike the Linksys, however, the scan frequency is not adjustable. The D-Link is hard-set to switch every 10 seconds. To cancel this, it is not as simple as the Linksys (just hit the spacebar). You must hit Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, and then the ESC key.
One thing that the D-Link has, though, is a way to hit a hot key to reset the KVM switch just in case something goes awry. Again, it's Scroll Lock, Scroll Lock, and then M.
Again, if anyone forgets the hot key commands (especially for the other features not pertaining to just switching), you're out of luck. I just wish that manufacturers start to put a small label of the hot keys on the unit itself. Still minor, since you can always affix your own label to the unit.
The beep every time you switch computers could be a great feature for some, but for others it could be an annoyance. Unfortunately, D-Link does not provide a way for the user to disable it.
The Recommendation
Even as a plain-Jane KVM switch, the price is right. It is not feature-stripped, but not exactly feature laden, either. The auto-scan mode, as well giving a choice of using the hot keys or a physical switch on the unit itself is a surprise at this price. If you're demanding, I guess you'd also ask for an adjustable auto-scan frequency and the ability to stifle the beep. But other than that, I don't really see any reason to toss aside the D-Link DKVM-2K from your decision if you are looking for a 2-port KVM switch. I guess you would if you wanted something quiet. :)
And, of course, unlike the Linksys, the D-Link worked the first time around. ;)
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