StarTech SV411KT 4 Port Tower Style PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Cables - Retail

Reviewed By: Joe Balockey on 11/5/2009

Tech Level: high - Ownership: more than 1 year

Pros: Its a standard kvm

Cons: Falls over easily, I often have problems with it recognizing the mouse and keyboard, so i have to disconnect all of the usb cables to power it off and then reconnect and hope it works. I spend time trying to diagnos why this thing isnt working almost everytime i try to use it.

Other Thoughts: I work at an IT helpdesk. They had these when i started here. I have worked at Helpdesks where they purchased solid, nice, expensive KVMs, and i am so spoiled. This thing is a toy compared to the better switches. You get what you pay for. If you are looking to spend $50 on a KVM, your not looking for quality or reliability. If your a Helpdesk Manager, looking to have your employees hate you, then choose this model. Its terrible. Now i have to get my CIO to approve a REAL kvm. Which will not be fun. Here is a hint, spend at least $100 on the thing you are going to be using every day.

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Annoying quirks

Reviewed By: p.soren on 11/24/2008

Tech Level: high - Ownership: more than 1 year

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: Does use control key rather than scroll-lock for hot key.

Cons: The unit tends to forget how to pass through ctl-alt-F1 key sequences. The reset button is a myth. Hot swapping of cables results in loss of keyboard or mouse or both. The Ctl and At" keys seem to stick electrically as do other keys when used in combination with this. So you get a string of repeating characters until you hit another key. This could be a combination keyboard/KVM problem though. Wouldn't recommend this for applications where you need 100% uptime, because you need to power all machines off to reset the unit.

Other Thoughts: This is the 3rd KVM switch I acquired. Was not happy with any of them. While this one seems to do more right than the others, it has the annoying flaws which I would guess are firmware issues. Going to trash this one and try another. As others have reported the unit is light. Need to fasten it down or it won't stand up against the pull of the heavy cables. Bolted mine to the desktop. But that's pretty standard with KVMs.

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Space Saver

Reviewed By: Tarzan on 9/9/2008

Tech Level: high - Ownership: 1 week to 1 month

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: Tiny, Tiny, TINY footprint on the desktop compared to other KVM's. Interesting combine-into-15-pin design on the cables too.

Cons: Tends to tilt back because of the weight of the cables. Fixed with duct tape :) Also doesn't seem to work with wireless devices.

Other Thoughts: Get a USB male - PS2 Female adapter kit if you want to work on laptops.

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