IOGEAR GCS634U MiniView USB KVM Switch with audio and cables

Pros: The monitor switching between Windows 7 and Linux works well.
The keyboard works well with my SIdewinder X4, although I don't use the programmable keys to know if they still work.

Cons: The mouse is terrible. I have tried multiple corded mice and wireless mice, all move slow and lose clicks when connected to Windows 7 or Linux. This has forced me to connect a mouse to each of computers and only use the KVMA for keyboard and video switching.

Other Thoughts: If I can't figure out this mouse issue the device will be returned and I will be looking at other manufacturers. My old two computer Belkin KVM still works great, maybe I should have stuck with Belkin.

Manufacturer Response:

Thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for your experience. Our KVM’s emulate a standard 102 key, keyboard and generic 2-button scroll wheel mouse. The reason for this emulation is to allow the hot key functions to operate. A side effect of the emulation is that in most cases the special key sequences required for gamming, and key programming will not translate correctly through the KVM, for gamming we recommend connecting directly to the computer.

Although our KVMs will work with most wireless keyboard mouse sets, we cannot promise an individual multimedia / programmable keyboard and mouse set will work through the KVM.

Due to the large number of manufacturer's and each manufacturer's wide range of models it is impossible to maintain any meaningful compatibility list. You can always use a non emulated KVM like the GCS24U. A non emulated KVM will work with almost all keyboards and mice. Once again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR.

Pros: Inexpensive, supports 4 computers, cables 3 and 4 are detachable - less clutter if not used, "self powered".

Cons: The indicator lights showing which of the four computers is currently attached are in two rows and it is difficult to tell if the light is in the upper or lower row from a "normal" viewing angle. Cables are attached to two of the four sides, makes for awkward use, does not effectively simulate the KVM devices when not attached - Windows XP sees the monitor disappear and reconfigures without it, for example. Some computers will not configure the KVM devices if they boot/wakeup/unhibernate without being attached to the KVM devices (that is, if another computer is being used).

Other Thoughts: In all, this is a pretty good KVM switch, despite the cons.

Pros: This device is a workhorse. I've had one and used it daily since October of 2007. The only issue I've had is that a lightning strike that took out several electronic systems in my building also took out the sound capabilities of this switch. However, the KVM part still works great. Basically, it does what it is supposed to.

Cons: Can't think of any cons after using the unit for over 5 years

Pros: good size, attached cables allow for clean cable runs.

Cons: 2 of the ports drop their connection (1 and 4 both wired) have to reboot computers to have the device recognized again. Intermittent hangs when working with mouse

Other Thoughts: The keyboard switching works great - just need to have an extra mouse around for direct connection to keep from having to reboot.

Manufacturer Response:

First, thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for your experience. The product should not behave as you described. Since the unit is backed by IOGEAR's 3 year warranty feel free to contact our customer support at 1-866-946-4327 or email us: support@iogear.com. Again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR.

Pros: This switch has a lot of promising reviews, it looks great, and two of the 4 cable sets are detachable, so you don't bog down your area with unnecessary cables.

Cons: The unit I received, didn't work with my mouse at all. I was able to get the keyboard working after some fiddling, but the "Scroll lock x2" switching I was hoping for was actually Scroll Lock x2 + Number, which just doesn't work when I have to jump between the 3 computers within a few seconds. I'm sending mine back for an RMA due to the mouse issue, chances are I just got a defective one, but the scroll lock issue also makes me not want to use this.

Other Thoughts: I currently use a 2 port IOGear USB/VGA KVM switch that I've had for 3 years, works fantastically with my G15 Keyboard and G5 mouse, I already knew the G15 macro keys and screen wouldn't function thru the KVM, I love the keyboard for the typing I can do on it. My mouse is a G5, and maybe between that and the keyboard, they just drew too much power for the switch to handle. Regardless I'm going to go to another vendor, I need to be able to switch from Mac OSX, to my gaming PC to my work PC quickly. And I really LOVE the 2x Scroll lock that I have with my current IOGear, if only it had 1 more port..

Manufacturer Response:

Thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for the inconvenience. To better service you and understand your set up, please feel to contact our customer support at 1-866-946-4327 or email us: support@iogear.com. Once again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR.

Pros: i have had this since august 2008. It has performed flawlessly. I placed my monitor on top and It isn't even noticable. But it does raise my monitor up to a nearly perfect height..

Cons: none

Pros: Has Audio and uses USB for mouse and keyboard

Cons: Doesn't seem to remember Video where Win 7 does a detect when booting. I have to power off the monitor and turn it back on sometimes to get the pc to be able to detect the correct monitor.

Manufacturer Response:

Thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for the inconvenience. To better service you and understand your set up, please feel to contact our customer support at 1-866-946-4327 or email us: support@iogear.com. Once again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR.

Pros: 4 ports, USB, can switch everything at once or everything except audio. Keyboard switching. I've never had an issue with the switch locking as I have with other models. If a computer is powered off, the switch will skip it when cycling thru the computers. 2 integrated cables and 2 removable. All KVM cables included with switch.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: I've had a number of KVM switches and this is the first one without problems with locking up on a single computer. The other switches were all PS/2, but I wanted to get away from those to have all USB. The ability to switch between computers but to continue to listen to music on a selected computer is nice.

Pros: I use this on my desk for my daily driver and every other machine I build or work on for friends and family. No issues with any motherboards or operating systems. Nice features such as being able to change machines but leave the sound source coming from my main machine.

Cons: None.

Pros: I have nothing good to say about this product. Sorry.

Cons: Where to begin? I have owned 3 of these and all 3 have problems or were defective. (call me a glutton for punishment) The first one had problems with displaying certain resolutions and made a strange amount of noise so I RMA'd it. The next one had the same problems and I was told there is no solution for it.
Fast forward 2 years. I thought I would give them another try and bought 2 (one for me and one for a friend). The first one wouldn't work with my ps/2 keyboard using a usb adapter, so I called tech and they said those types of keyboards are not supported. Ok, no problem. So I get a standard usb keyboard (albeit a cheap no-name one) and that one doesn't work either. Period. No response from any of the special key commands or anything. Nada. I called tech again and they said it needs to be rma'd. Now I'm a little ticked, so I borrow my friends' unit (same model) and I have the exact same problems. So I tried my expensive Logitech G110 keyboard and voila it works!

Other Thoughts: I'm not sure about everyone else's experiences with this product but I have had just about enough from this company. If only certain keyboards will work with the product why wouldn't they say so? Now I have no way of purchasing a keyboard that will work because I have no idea what to look for in features.
I am completely frustrated with this product and can't believe I have had so many blasted problems. At my office we have a 4 port off-brand usb kvm switch that was half the price of this and it has ZERO issues with cheap keyboards and mice. Un.Be.Lievable.