IOGEAR GCS42UW6 2-Port Compact USB VGA KVM with Built-in Cables

Pros: No lag in response time as far as keyboard and mouse input. No video degradation.

Cons: Cords should be longer

Overall Review: I was originally concerned about using a kvm switch while gaming because of reading previous reviews that said there were issues while pushing multiple buttons at the same time. I've used this kvm for several months now with absolutely no issues when it comes to gaming.

Pros: Easy to install and works with the Microsoft 4GC-00002 Silver/Black 102 Normal Keys Wireless Ergonomics Laser Desktop 4000 Mouse. Just shut both computers off and connect the wireless usb port to the keyboard plug and turn things on. Even the software worked correctly.

Cons: ZERO

Overall Review: Worked great with item number N82E16823109030

Pros: Simple one push switching, no power needed (powered by upstream USB ports), compatible with many OSs (I used Win 7 and OS X), built in cables. 5 eggs because of the price.

Cons: No hotkey switching

Overall Review: First off, I do not use this for video switching, I only use it for the USB ports. I especially like this KVM switch (or KM in my case) because it's really a 2 port generic USB hub that you can switch between two computers with a touch of a button. Even though the two downstream ports are labelled with a keyboard and mouse icon, you can plug in other USB devices. I've tried another hub, a thumb drive, and even my iPhone, they were all detected. However, since it's a self powered hub, so it doesn't charge the iPhone (or anything else that requires more than a couple hundred mA). When you switch between the two computers, it's like physically unplugging the hub from one computer and plugging it into another, so you see see all the devices behind the hub disappear from one computer and then appear in the other. Depending on your OS and how many devices you have hooked up behind it, it may take a second or so for the OS to discover everything when switching.

Pros: Easy setup, Only needed 1 usb port for KB&M

Cons: Does not keep USB initialized when switching (See final thoughts for more), not fully compatible with older computers, bad lag when typing, little in the way of documentation, no KB combo to switch displays (as far as I can tell. There was no real user manual). I am returning this KVM for something better.

Overall Review: I have owned a computer repair business for the last 15 years. These 15 years has seen a switch from Midi port to PS/2 to USB. For the last 4 years we have been using PS/2 KVMs, but with most newer computers, you are lucky to see 1 PS/2 port if any at all. I decided it was time for an upgrade. This KVM seemed to be highly rated and the reviews were generally positive. Though this KVM might be good for the average user, it is in no way, shape, or form suitable for computer repair use. Since it combines both KB & M into a single USB port, many older machines cannot pick up both devises. On several machines I have worked on, it would only pick up the keyboard, leaving the mouse non-functional. Often we have to boot into a “live PE” environment for a repair. Because this KVM does not maintain the connection when switching between displays, working in this environment is impossible. There is often considerable keyboard input delay when both are in use.

Pros: Useful design, works with wireless keyboad and mouse with dongle plugged in keyboard port on KVM, pretty sweet.

Cons: Purchased 3 of these at the same time, 1 of them failed after 93 days in service. Lights on KVM went out first, then immediately after total failure.

Pros: simple install; reliable; easy to use

Cons: none

Overall Review: if you want a basic 2 machine kvm, this is it. no frills, no digital display to go bad. simple click button and you switch back and forth. Cords seem to be long enough on my average size desk to get to my PC stuck underneath as well as my laptop on top.

Pros: Easy to connect no perceived lag for keyboard or mouse inputs Easy button switching

Cons: Pressing a keyboard key will no longer 'wakeup' the computers. Need to use power button.

Overall Review: I only use the keyboard and mouse, no video. I'm switching between my laptop (win7 pro 64bit) and desktop (win7 ultimate 64bit) and switching is pretty rapid. I do wish the connections where all on the back so I can better hide/tuck my cables but that's very minor. I'm very happy with the function/price of this unit.

Pros: Absolutely none about this device!

Cons: THe first unit did not work at all. After NewEgg replaced a defective unit as NewEgg is famous for (go NewEgg!!), I still have a useless piece of equipment. I have tried the unit between two XP pro machines, and XP Pro and Ubuntu Linux, and two Ubuntu machines. It works correctly maybe 10% of the time. When I switch it, the mouse will work one time and not the keyboard, or maybe the keyboard will work and not the mouse. Like a box of chocolate, You never know what you'll get. I plan to toss in into the trash where it belongs and write up the whole bad experience as a total loss and put Iogear on my "you know what" list.

Overall Review: Thinking that maybe I had too many USB devices that in some way could hinder the operation of this switch, I unplugged every single USB except the Iogear switch. Same result, time after time after time.