LINKSKEY LKV-DM04SK 4-Port Dual Monitor KVM Switch w/ Cables

Pros: The concept of sharing four computers with one monitor, mouse and keyboard set is great! The Linkskey LKV-DM04SK is likely to work great... (if you plan to stick with a VGA monitor for the rest of your life). The graphical resolution looked fantastic on my old Sony Trinitron. An affordable price to de-clutter your desktop.

Cons: The Linkskey LKV-DM04SK seems to be stuck in the year 2004, with its VGA standards and PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports. The monitor I wanted to use this KVM switch with has a (male) DVI cable plug. In spite of the fact that their box says, "(w/ Optional DVI or HDB-15 Video Interface), the box does not include any DVI adapters or accessories. I looked everywhere for a (female) DVI-I to (male) VGA adapter to connect this unit to my flat screen monitor; finally had to order it online. Once I did get everything hooked up... no visual image on the monitor! I went and got my old Sony monitor, connected it and it worked fine. I plan on using my 26" flat screen monitor, not my old Sony VGA, so I'll have to return this unit. - No means of sharing one set of speakers or headphones.

Other Thoughts: I purchased this KVM switch to connect three desktop systems to a single flat screen monitor. Unfortunately, this little box did not work with my flat screen monitor (with DVI-I plug). It is theoretically possible that the DVI adapter that I had to purchase is the problem; but the general agravation I have gone through trying to get this box to work with my current set-up, (2 Windows 7 PCs and 1 Windows XP PC, using a 26" flat screen monitor), isn't worth the additional pain it's going to take to find out. I may purchase the LINKSKEY LDV-DM714AUSK 4-Port Dual Monitor (DVI+VGA) 7.1 Surround Sound KVM Switch w/ Cables, if I can choke down the price, but I'm going to have to send this unit back.

Pros: Drives my two 1680x1050 monitors without any problems. If all you need is D-Sub, then you can't go wrong with this switch.

Cons: none so far

Pros: Allows for four computers to share two screens and keyboard/mouse. Switching between computers is simple.

Cons: Have to unplug/replug in my mouse/keyboard from the back of it a few times a week. Sometimes the signal gets lost and the mouse jumps/keys skip (or get stuck). This is a minor issue usually, but sometimes the mouse and/or keyboard stops responding on one of my computers and I have to reboot it.

Other Thoughts: The box also never wants to stay flat because of the weight and pull of the KVM cables, but this is minor. Also, this KVM uses P2 ports for keyboard and mouse, along with VGA for monitor connections. A 'pure' USB keyboard, mouse, or keyboard/mouse set won't work! You need a set that has a P2 port for the keyboard and P2 for the Mosue (or USB for the mouse only with a USB->P2 adapter) for it to work properly.

Pros: Very good price, Solid construction, All cables are included, Switches quickly without any keyboard or mouse hesitation, No noticeable degradation in video

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: This KVM switch is very reasonably priced for a dual monitor unit. It switches very quickly from input to input without any hesitation using the hot keys. My monitors are running at 1280x1024 and they look great. Get a bunch of cable ties when you install this to help manage all the cables!

Pros: I'm very pleased with this purchase. I owned a Linksys 4 port switch for 8 years until it died. I was reluctant to try another brand because I was happy with the Linksys but since this one offered dual monitor I decided to give it a try.

Connectors seem sturdy and it doesn't feel cheap. As usual Newegg beat everybody's price by a good $30-$40

Cons: I wish it would switch just a little bit quicker but it's not a big deal.

Pros: I bought one of these almost two years ago for my office setup and liked it so much I bought another one for home. Runnning 4 computers at 1920x1080 on large-screen LCDs at the office and 1600x1200 on old 19-inch CRTs at home. Works great.

Cons: Didn't recognize my USB mouse and keyboard adapters, so I had to buy a cheap PS2 mouse from Newegg and dig an old PS2 keyboard out of the closet, but that's really a minor issue.

Other Thoughts: Would be nice if they had a button for each computer instead of having to cycle through all the computers, and the squeeky noise it makes every time you hit the button can get annoying, especially if you're constantly switching from one machine to another. But again, these are minor issues. The important thing is that the product works!

Pros: Running dual monitors on multiple computers with the same set of controls is Awsome!

Cons: Wow Thats a lot of cables LOL

Other Thoughts: Using dual monitors is great. I hate using Single screen computers now.

Pros: Accomplished my goal of getting rid of my older Sony 21" used with my 2nd computer, thus saving a lot of space.

Display at 1920x1440 is very good versus excellent without the KVM. In other words, the display-degradation is barely noticeable.

Cons: Display at 1920x1440 is 'only' very good versus excellent without the KVM.

The following is my fault. I overlooked the fact the mouse and keyboard inputs only accept PS2 connections. The problem is that my mouse and keyboard are USB. I was able to use a USB-to-PS2 adapter only with the mouse; I could not get the keyboard to 'see' through the adapter, thus, was forced to use an older PS2 keyboard.

On last thing. The documentation states that the hotkey combination is to hit 'Scroll Lock' two times plus 1, 2, 3, or 4 to choose between desired computer. However, mine did not apparently work until I accidentally discovered that I must hit 'Scroll Lock' 3 times plus the number to make it work. I was a bit frustrated to say the least.

Other Thoughts: I run my 21" Sony F520 at 1920x1440, and my 19" Sony at 1600x1200 which comprises my dual-monitor setup; my video card is an eVGA 7800 GT. My font is usually 8 pt, never more than 10.

Without the KVM, both monitors output is excellent. Black Text on a white background is very sharp and is all-black.

However, when using the KVM under identical circumstances, the black text will sometimes have blue shadows.

Overall, I'm pleased with the unit, although I wish I had paid attention and had gotten a unit which accepts USB inputs for the mouse and keyboard.

Comments: I'm using this KVM with 3 computers driving dual CRT monitors at 1600x1200 resolution without any noticable degradation of the video. Changing between computers is easy with the keyboard hotkeys. The only 2 reasons I didn't give it a 5 is that one of the jack screws on a video input won't accept a screw, and the bottom could use non-skid pads. With 12 cables hanging out the back it takes pretty good friction to keep the KVM from sliding.