Inexpensive USB KVM Switch

With more and more desktop and computers removing PS/2 ports, USB seem to be the only way to go.  Unfortunately, this renders a lot of my previous KVM switches, such as the Linksys Pro Connect and D-Link DKVM-2K useless.  Sure you can add PS/2 to USB converters, but that complicates the already fickle chain.  Of course, the universal Tripp Lite KVM switch I use at work cost too much to consider for my modest needs.

Lo and behold, I was searching NewEgg for an inexpensive USB KVM switch for my netbook and full-size laptop.  It wasn't a hard task, since KVM switches aren't rare.  In fact, I found this small plastic Trendware TK-207K 2-port KVM switch for only $22.

In the Box
And it's a real box, too... none of this hard-to-open plastic clam shells.  Inside, you get an instruction pamphlet, 2 KVM cables, and a CD.  Obviously, you don't need drivers, but the CD seem to have the manual in PDF format.

Installation
Installation is pretty easy.  You basically hook up the KVM cables to the ports marked PC1 and PC2.  They look like a single DB15 port, which is basically an analog VGA port.  However, this port also have the USB signals as well, since the cable only have this one port at one end, and a standard blue VGA and USB connector at the other.

One complaint I have is the short cable run - they are only 4 feet each!  Thankfully, they are for my laptops, which sit on the desk only about a foot away from the KVM switch.  However, I can't imagine others using this to attach to two desktops with good distance apart.  The other thing I noticed was that the wire that seperates the VGA connector and the USB connector is only a couple inches!  This can be a problem for laptops that does not have their USB ports anywhere near the VGA port.  Thankfully, the Acer Aspire One netbook have both ports on the same side of the chassis.

I used the Microsoft Optical Desktop 3000 wireless keyboard and mouse combo, and all seems well.  They connect to the console portion of the KVM switch.  The monitor I connected this to is the Samsung 20.1" 204B monitor.

In Use
The KVM switch have two buttons so you can switch to the different PCs by just hitting the coorisponding button.  There are also keyboard shortcuts to switch from one PC to another.  If I recall, I believe it was hitting scroll lock twice.

I say this because I don't have this unit anymore. Do you know why?  Well here's my story.

While it works fine on with my netbook running Windows 7 and my laptop running Vista, when using it to fix clients computers of various models and OSes, the KVM switch sometimes fail to pass the keyboard and/or mouse control to the PC!  This happens on a few desktops running XP, more often on Windows 98 machines, and almost never works on Ubuntu machines.  Notice I mentioned DESKTOPS.  For some odd reason, I have rarely any troubles with laptops runny a variety of OSes.

Based on my experience, I decided to sell it quickly for cheap on Craigslist, since it was past the time I can return it to NewEgg.  Not only that, but shipping it back is not worth it since the darn thing only cost me $22.

The Upshot
With KVM switches, it may be best to stick with the big name-brands, such as Linksys, D-Link, and even IOGear.  My workstation is currently KVM-less, but if I ever pick another KVM switch up, rest assure it will have a recognizable brand name.

The Trendwareis just too unreliable, and is pretty unweildly, too, since there are cables sticking out of it on 3 of the sides.  This also makes it hard to keep it on the desk as the heavy cables tend to pull it down, making the switches on the box moot.

The KVM cabels are also proprietary, just like the Tripp Lite, but since it's not as popular or well supported, it's hard to find replacements.  Lastly, the short cable run, as well as the short split between the VGA and USB connector means it can be a frustrating experience trying to hook this thing up.

All in all, the Trendware TK-207K USB KVM switch does not worth the mere $22 due to the headaches and unreliable behavior you're bound to have when you just need it to work.