LINKSKEY LKU-S04ASK 4-port Slim Palmtop USB Audio & Mic KVM Switch w/ Cables

Pros: See previous review by me

Cons: I thought I had a screen blanking problem on my HP computer. Turns out, this device just really screws up like 60% of the time. I have to unplug EVERY USB to EVERY computer so it powers down, then plug them all back in again and then it recognizes everything. Until I turn off the computer. Next time I turn it on, unplug ALL the USBs.

Other Thoughts: Gonna have to get another one, the numlock idiocy is annoying, but having to manually power down is for the birds.

Pros: Love the USB withing the VGA cable (a lot less to plug in). It's VGA at the box end and VGA + USB at the computer end. Connection cables are seperate, so you only use what you need.

And everything works just great - picture quality same as without KVM.

Cons: It has buttons on the box for which computer, but it also lets you switch between active computers by SLOWLY double tapping numlock.

Unfortunately, I'm writing, I hit numlock to enter numbers, then hit numlock again and I'm looking at the wrong computer.

Here's the horrible part - I switch back and it takes a full ten seconds before Keyboard & mouse come back.

Very frustrating. Should use scroll lock and let MAC users hang.

Other Thoughts: If you don't do a lot of numlock on then off, then this product is perfectly designed and works perfectly.

When only one computer is on, the numlock thing blissfully doesn't work.

Pros: Inexpensive; buttons make it easy to switch between systems; cables are included

Cons: The video clarity is fine with some systems, but it adds mild blurriness with others. The systems with blurriness are NOT blurry when the monitor is plugged directly into them. It's not a showstopper; I'm typing this on one of the blurry systems now. But it's annoying. I've tried other monitors with this KVM, but they didn't make a difference. They were clear with some systems but blurry with others. It's not particular KVM ports that are blurry either; I can put a clear system on a port that had a blurry system connected, and the clear system remains clear but the blurry system remains blurry. And it's not certain cables performing differently than others; I've tried swapping them with no luck.

Pros: Cheap, comes with cables, easy to use

Cons: Works with some models of machines I am building not all, I work in a PC shop for a company and thought this would help me build machines. some of the newer machines I have (HP 8460P laptops) will flash on but after a couple of seconds the screen goes out.

Pros: Had it for 3 years, time to toss it. Works when it wants to. It does get the job done 99% of the time but that 1% finally made my foot meet this thing between the floor. Now it serves as a great paper weight, door stop, or may even use it as a reminder not to buy linkskey again.

Cons: I run a computer repair shop and 4 port switches like this (that work) are perfect for our needs. However, this one will suddenly stop working, the display works but the USB (on any of the 4 connected systems) suddenly becomes unrecognizable. You'll be able to still switch between the display but the USB is useless until you reset the switch. And how do we reset this switch since it's powered by the video? That's right we have to disconnect every system from the KVM until it finally powers off, then reconnect and it's all better. When you're trying to get work done and suddenly have to stop what you're doing to correct this issue it becomes aggravating. It does only happen once every couple weeks but a reset button would be nice.

Other Thoughts: For some strange reason after this issue happened the last time my foot suddenly found itself repeatedly pounding this #&@# thing into the ground. I'll be trying the the IOGEAR GCS1734 KVM next. At least it's powered by an adapter so if it needs to be reset it will be quick and easy.

Pros: Lasts a long time, no problems

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: I've owned this for a few years now and it is still working great. I purchased this because I use an external monitor and keyboard for my work laptop and didn't want to keep switching my peripherals to/from my personal desktop. I use this item every day and it has never failed me. In fact, I haven't come across any problems and the product has lasted much longer than I expected.

Pros: Compact. Great if/when it works.

Cons: I purchased one of these from a local retailer last June. It worked fine for about 7 months until it every PC connected to it (both XP and 7) stopped responding and indicated the USB connection was malfunctioning.

I returned it and exchanged it for the same model. Three weeks later, same problem.

Other Thoughts: I own a PC repair shop. Having a working KVM switch is a necessity, not an option. The time and hassle this model has caused me to upgrade to a pro-grade KVM (different brand).

If you value your time and don't want to play Russian Roulette with your KVM switch, stay away from this model.

Pros: Works fine most of the time. The cables are solid (although a bit short).

Cons: The main problem I've had is that the unit occassionally freezes up. There's no reset or independent power source so I have to unscrew all the vga cables to deprive it of power. After a few seconds without power I hook up everything again and it works fine for a few more weeks until it freezes again. A simple power button or reset button would solve this problem.
Other cons: I have the unit sitting under the monitor and I sometimes can't discern which computer is selected because the lights are on top.
Third, I hate the console connections being on the front. That area should be reserved for the fourth computer because most people don't use more than three.
Lastly, the cables drag the case down so the unit is always sitting up in the air, making it even harder to see the lights to top. I'd use double-stick tape to hold it down, but I have to be able to remove all the cables every few weeks to reset it, so I can't do that.

Pros: Worked out of the box as expected. Nice Long cables. This is a major concern when hooking up 4 different systems unless they are side-by-side. Not to worry here. Screen resolution and clarity is not a concern. It is crystal clear. Push buttons on the unit work flawlessly to switch between systems. Delay is minimal when USB mouse and keyboard are coming online after switching, about 2-3 seconds for me. Sound is clear too, no static or disruption there.

Cons: Software is seen by some Virus/Malware protection as a KeyLogger and is removed. Have to add into ignore/exception list(s). I have not been using the Application at all, myself.

Pros: Product comes with everything you need to set up a work station. It works great when switching from the front-panel push buttons.

Cons: The HotKeys only work on windows operating systems and the included software needs to be installed on each computer in order for the HotKeys to work.

Other Thoughts: This product does exactly what it says it will do. However, the keyboard hotkeys only work on windows operating systems and the included software has to be installed on each computer before the hotkeys will work. No matter what type of user you are, you'll likely end up using the face-panel buttons to switch PC's.