Linux- and USB-friendly KVM switch?

[Objekt]

I just built a second PC. Like the older one, it will have Kubuntu Linux on it soon. Since I have only so much desk space, I would really like to set both machines up on a KVM switch.

I tried an inexpensive Trendnet 2-PC switch, model TK-207, but it was a complete piece of junk. It only functions as a monitor switch. I was never able to get the machines to recognize the keyboard and mouse after switching, and sometimes even before switching. Clearly, $20 is too little to pay for a decent KVM switch.

Can you recommend a good 2-machine KVM switch? I have USB input devices, both mouse and keyboard. I'm not sure whether there are any special concerns using a KVM in Linux. I would guess a KVM switch is OS-agnostic but I haven't tried it. Thanks.

[Argos]

Re: Linux- and USB-friendly KVM switch?

I use the IOGear GCS632U http://www.iogear.com/product/GCS632U/. The first connection is my main machine - Kubuntu 8.04 desktop using USB keyboard and mouse, and the second connection i use to switch between a small factor PC running Ubuntu 8.04 server i use for "in house" web development and my wife's Lenovo laptop running Win XP, when she needs to connect to a "normal" keyboard, mouse and a big LCD monitor ....

This Mini KVM work perfectly with both machines running xUbuntu.

[kjjjjshab]

Re: Linux- and USB-friendly KVM switch?

I had tried a Belkin KVM and it was WORTHLESS when it came to video quality... I would not have believed a KVM switch could degrade video so much, but it was like my LCD was suddenly transformed into a CRT stuck at 60 hz.... it just made us sick to look at for whatever reason. Since our display has the two inputs anyway, I ended up with allowing it to handle the video switching and I use a regular USB hub to switch the printer, mouse, keyboard, etc. by manually changing it from one machine to the other.... just a thought.

Edit: Oops... to the original question though, my issue wasn't with Linux per say, (the windows box video was just as bad) but just a general KVM issue to watch for.

[blobfish]

Re: Linux- and USB-friendly KVM switch?

I had major problems with a belkin also. Been pretty happy with my iogear.