Pros: Simple setup
Reliable
Inexpensive
usable with older tech
and newer tech with adapters
Stout metal casing

Cons: doesn't cascade...but for the price and reliability, who cares?

Other Thoughts: For compatibility with older tech alone this can be a godsend.
Otherwise this machine has performed wonderfully.

Purchased over 7yrs ago when business was new and $$$ tight. Replaced it with "better quality, named brand" KVMs when business was more profitable. The "better" machines have died and this was recently pulled back into regular duty from the low-end bench and is working like a champ.

Honestly considering buying a few more since these guys have been such stellar performers for so very long. Has outlasted and outperformed "high-end" devices 2, 3 even 5 times the price. Been through power surges, wrong power supplies (comes with 9v1A and one dufus put a 12v2.1A PS on it. Smelled funny but still worked/works.) heat, dust, wet, dropped and blunt force trauma of sorts (don't ask) and still working. Just think the whole "licking & ticking" thing.

As amazing as this thing has been I can't see the ones we bought being the only ones out there made to last.
Please DO NOT listen to the Nay Sayers.

Pros: Price, good physical design of unit and cables.

Cons: Mouse control over USB is very unreliable, can't cascade, can't even "fake cascade" via a port, no OSD.

Other Thoughts: When I bought this device I was only managing *nix machines, and it worked great. Since then I have added a couple Windows and OSX machines to the mix and have discovered that mouse functionality over USB is essentially unusable. Depending on the exact combination of mouse and computer, the cursor either responds to input not at all, or very erratically. I've tried firmware updates, resets, , unplug / replug. running with AC adapter and without. Everything I could think of. It makes no difference. I was also surprised to discover that I was unable to "fake cascade" to my other KVM via one of the normal ports. I've been able to do that with every other KVM I've ever worked with. It's not a supported use so it's hard to ding them for that, but the mouse thing is really an issue.

If you only need a "KV" this is a great value, and the keyboard and video functions have been 100% reliable for me. If you need "M" though, stay away!

Manufacturer Response:

Hello,

We are sorry to hear that you experienced an issue with the mouse capabilities. Please make sure you are using TRENDnet KVM cables to rule out possible issues with interoperability with third party cables. To rule out other issues please ensure you do not introduce devices between the KVM and the computers. For example, extension cables, docking stations or interface converters. If you continue to experience issues please email Adrian@trendnet.com and we will have someone assist you as soon as possible. Please include a link to this review.



Regards,

Adrian
TRENDnet Support
http://www.trendnet.com/support

Pros: Cost
Keystroke control works easily

Cons: Not reliable
Lost multiple ports quickly
Not cascadable

Other Thoughts: I have two of these units in a professional setting and with weekly use (not daily) I now have a total of 8 ports unusable between the two. No help with upgrading the firmware since it's current. Rebooting the system will bring one or two back, but all devices must be unplugged for the reset to work properly.

Long story short - look at something else and save yourself the hassle. Should have listened to the old man - you get what you pay for.

Manufacturer Response:

Hello NHL,

We are sorry to hear that you are having an issue with the TK-1603R. Please make sure that everything is connected and seated securely to the KVM. Do not place any third party hardware between the KVM and the computer to rule out any issues. Including any type of interface converters, docking stations or extension cables. Please also ensure you are using TK-CU06, TK-CU10 or TK-CU15 TRENDnet KVM cables. If you are using third party cables we cannot guarantee their compatibility. If the issue persists please email Adrian@trendnet.com and we will have someone assist you with submitting an RMA request for warranty services. Please include a link to this review.



Regards,

Adrian
TRENDnet Support
http://www.trendnet.com/support

Pros: High Density KVM switching

Cons: Poor Quality

Other Thoughts: Just an update to my review below. Newegg quickly did an advanced RMA and I received a working TK-1603R KVM switch without having to pay anyone shipping fees.

Today I came in to work only to find the Mouse port is now dead on the switch. I tried the reset, removing all cables, restarting some computers, new mouse, nothing... Port is dead.

So this is my second dead Trendnet TK-1603R KVM in a month. That is ridiculously poor quality. After doing more research it seems dead ports and dead input ports are VERY common on this and the 8-port version. If I were Trendnet, I'd be firing my quality staff ASAP.

Don't know what to do now. Probably send it off for a third one. I definitely don't want to be doing this every other week for the length of the 1 year warranty.

I'll probably just buy a different KVM and call it a loss. A VERY EXPENSIVE >$200 loss. The proprietary cables are worthless without this KVM.

Manufacturer Response:

Hi Dlevasseur,

Thank you for your feedback and we are deeply sorry for any inconvenience. We were wondering if both PS/2 and USB are dead when switching from computer to computer. We can verify all ports of a new unit and offer free shipping tag if we RMA it again. Please contact me at Adrian@trendnet.com with “Newegg TK-1603R” in the subject line and I will respond immediately to go through this process with you. I look forward to your reply and hope to restore your faith in this products.

Warmest regards,

Adrian

Pros: Excellent fast switching, environment agnostic (Windows, Linux, ESXi, BSD) no problems at all. Can be mounted at front of cabinet or back for easier access.

Cons: No OSD

Other Thoughts: Purchased this to go in my Server cabinet. Bought all necessary cables and wired everything up. Day 3 port 6 is dead with a blinking green "Select" LED. Trendnet wants me to pay shipping to RMA a product I barely owned.

Otherwise it's a great KVM switch.

Manufacturer Response:

Hello TRENDnet Customer,

We apologize for this matter. Thank You for taking the time to review our product. You can contact me at adrian@trendnet.com with "Newegg TK-1603R RMA" in the subject line and I will assist you with the hassle free RMA process. Thanks again for using TRENDnet for your networking solutions.

Warm Regards,
Adrian, TRENDnet Sales Team

Pros: Very little clutter because of dense cabling, broad compatibility, great price

Cons: Wish there was a 24- or 32-port version

Other Thoughts: We have two of these KVMs in our server room and they have been rock stars. Never need to reset them like I did with an older PS/2 KVM. No issues whatsoever with lack of USB device recognition or anything like that. Would highly recommend this KVM.

Pros: lights work.

Cons: This is a horrible device. I do not believe those who have given positive reviews. I use this machine for daily operations at my computer service workshop in IL. This device is constantly unrecognized by different PCs (especially when USB keyboards and mice are concerned) and furthermore does not allow computer to recognize other plugged in USB devices. This machine is a complete let down and causes me to lose valuable time, space, and money every single day. This is simple garbage. PERIOD.

Other Thoughts: there should be a recall for these devices or the manufacturer should reach out to all those who have to suffer at the expense of this horrible product.

Manufacturer Response:

Valued Customer,

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Please contact us at sales@trendnet.com,reference "New Egg product review" and someone will contact you immediately.We look forward to working with you directly to restore your faith in TRENDnet products.

Warmest regards,

TRENDnet Sales Team

Pros: Didnt even power off the servers.
Hooked it up to 6x Windows Servers (ranging in age from 7 years to brand spanking new) and 2x linux box's.

Everything worked right off the bat (with the exception of the mouse in an oddball linux release).

Cons: None, absolutely.

Other Thoughts: Well worth the price, but make sure you get a variety of cable lengths.

Pros: Very low price. Composite cables reduce clutter. Dual USB/PS2 console connector.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: Replaced an older PS2 style KVM. Becuse of the dual USB/PS2 console connector I did not have to replace my long and expensive console cable. Composite cables were very inexpensive and reduced lots of cable clutter.

Very happy.

Pros: Decent build quality. Good price. Cabling is simple - one VGA connector on the KVM side carries the USB as well. Very dense - 16 ports of KVN in 1U.

Cons: 2-3 second video delay when switching between units. The shortest cables are 6 feet, I wouldn't mind having a 3 foot one available. No on screen display (unless it's buried in a setting I haven't found yet but I doubt it). Wall wart transformer, but I don't expect an internal power supply at this price level.

Other Thoughts: Good deal for the price, cables work well. I'd buy it again.