Question 1

I need to replace my Belkin switch that has an annoying habit of switching between computers of it's own accord.  I'm really curious as to what the "Select" switch on the front of the box is for?  1 and 2, I understand....but select?

Accepted Answer

Hi, When you boot up, the pc you were on last will show on the Starwiew, be it 1 or 2. Each time you push SELECT it switches to the other PC...if you are using PC1, it will switch to PC2.  It allows you to manually switch.  I have been using this switch for many years, its one of the best made.

Ross

Question 2

The last cheap KVM I bought did not provide a continuous signal to the computer I switched away from.  I want a KVM that does provide a signal so the computer does not think that I am continuously yanking the cables out when I switch away from it.  Does this KVM do that, and if not please recommend one that does or please or offer a good solution?

Accepted Answer

There is no mention in the specifications of DDC/EDID support, so we must assume that it does NOT maintain the DDC/EDID signal when switching. Thus Windows 7/8/8.1/10 will reset the monitor resolution to the default when the KVM is switched to another machine, resulting in all your desktop icons and open windows being reordered when you switch back --- just as occurs with less expensive KVMs. You would think that ALL KVM manufacturers would have addressed this problem ten years ago, when it first appeared. But then, you would also expect them to make KVMs that had the controls in front, and the cabling neatly in back, rather than sticking out in all directions.

Question 3

i have two conputers, one dual monitor, other single monitor ...

I only want two monitors on my desk .. can this switch work between a single monitor setup and a dual monitor setup ... where the second screen switches between the two ???

Patti H

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your dual monitor PC will see the second monitor disconnect which may cause windows to be rearranged as it switches back to a single monitor configuration. This will only work if the 2nd monitor is connected via VGA. You will also need to have at least one USB connection to power the switch, even if you do not plan to switch the keyboard/mouse.

Question 4

Hi,

Can I run a printer off this to enable printing from 2 connected Pc's? Also can i operate a bluetooth keyboard and mouse from here by plugging the usb receivers (if thats what they are called) in to the unit?

Thank you

Accepted Answer

This device will not help with printer sharing.  That would best be accomplished by attaching the printer to one PC and sharing it via the printer properties.

I routinely use a Logitech wireless mouse and keyboard attached to the StarTech KVM.  They communicate via RF rather than Bluetooth, but I can't see where that would make any difference.  I am pretty certain your Bluetooth devices will work fine.

Question 5

I have two laptops docked on two docking stations. Can I assume this switch work just fine for the two docking stations to share a single monitor and keyboard and mouse?

Thank you,

Steven

Accepted Answer

Steven;  The 2 docking stations should connect to the back of that KVM switch.  No problem.  I have tried 3 KVM switches and this StarTech is superior....very dependable. I've been using this more than 4 years.

Question 6

Will this switch audio as well?  I cannot see a connector for it.

Accepted Answer

It doesn't switch audio unless it's USB. I did find out recently though that the power adapter is not needed, which gives this little KVM 6 stars!

Question 7

Do I need special cable from the computers to the switcher or do I use regular USB and VGA cables?
How long are the supplied cables from the switcher to the computers?  Can they be lengthened?  With my configuration, I need about a 10 foot cable.

Accepted Answer

Cables 6 feet long are included to connect the KVM switch box to two computers.  You need to provide the cables from your mouse, keyboard, and monitor.  In my case, I am using a wireless keyboard and mouse with the wireless receiver module plugged into the KVM switch box.  Keep in mind that a limitation of USB is that the connection length is limited to no more than 15 feet.

Question 8

Will this work with a mechanical keyboard, more specifically the Corsair K70 RGB? It requires 2 USB 2.0 ports because it requires more power than a standard mechanical keyboard.

Accepted Answer

This will work for all keyboard types. I have tried a few mechanical keyboard with it and it works.

Question 9

Will this work with windows 8.1?

Accepted Answer

Robert B, and Kurt B: Please refrain from "answering" questions out of ignorance, when you don't KNOW the answer.

In fact, thanks to Microsoft's thoughtless design, KVM usage has been problematic since Windows 7. It's not a driver issue. It's an operating system issue.

Windoze attempts to determine the screen resolution and refresh rate from the EDID supplied by the monitor. When the KVM switches to another computer, unless the KVM continues to supply this data signal, the Windows operating system will change the resolution to the default, which will re-order your icons and move all your windows to the top left. THAT is a huge problem.

There is no mention in the specifications of DDC/EDID support, so we must assume that it does NOT maintain the DDC/EDID signal when switching. Thus Windows 7/8/8.1/10 will reset the monitor resolution to the default when the KVM is switched to another machine, resulting in all your desktop icons and open windows being reordered when you switch back --- just as occurs with less expensive KVMs. You would think that ALL KVM manufacturers would have addressed this problem ten years ago, when it first appeared. But then, you would also expect them all to make KVMs that had the controls in front, and the cabling neatly in back (as used to be the norm), rather than sticking out in all directions.

Question 10

Are cables included?

Accepted Answer

Yes the cables are included, keep in mind this is a VGA model.

Questions & Answers