Expert Opinion re KVM

[Skyline34_]

Hi all - like to seek the expert feedbacks of the gurus here

I have a Windows PC and a 2012 Mac Mini - with the latter for day to day use and the former purely for gaming. Both are hooked up to a single Acer 27inch display

Currently, I have to switch between 2 different sets of KB and Mouse. The Mac Mini is on the magic mouse + kb combi whilst the PC is on a Roccat Arvo KB and a Razer Naga mouse. I am starting to find it a hassle and also an eyesore to have 2 sets of KB and mouse on my desk.

I have been exploring if there is a KB and Mouse intelligent enough to recognise multi device and so far, only certain bluetooth variants can support this. But as I use the PC for gaming, not very keen on bluetooth devices.

I stumbled upon the below 2 KVM options which seem like a viable solution

Aten CS692
http://www.aten.com/products/KVM/Ca...AudioVideo-KVM-Switch~CS692.html#.VnDj0oTwyV4

Aten CS1792
http://www.aten.com/products/KVM/De....0-HDMI-KVMP™-Switch~CS1792.html#.VnDlSoTwyV4

It's fairly pricey - the CS692 is approx. 100 and the CS1792 is 200+ when i checked Laser's pricelist. Like to seek the feedbacks from gurus here who is also on a KVM setup, my main concern would be

1) Would the KVM recognise my Roccat Arvo KB and Razer Naga mouse as what it is or only as generic devices ? (i.e. i want to be able to use the extra features on the kb and mouse) I did read up and it seems like this is possible, as long as I turn off emulation on the Aten KVM

2) Between the CS692 and CS1792, which is a better solution ? I will admit the CS1792 looks prettier and tidier as a desktop type KVM so slightly leaning towards that

Thanks in advance

 

[Entry Level PC]

Ditch the mac and go vmware.

 

[Skyline34_]

thanks for the reply mate but ditching the mac is unfortunately not a viable option for me. I've deliberately kept a separate setup for daily use (music, surfing, emails etc) on my Mac as I value the Mac OS and its eco-system, it serves me well, have never looked back since I switched to a macbook more than 10 yrs ago. Perhaps I'm a Apple Fanboy ? Haha.. cheers

 

[enenyi]

thanks for the reply mate but ditching the mac is unfortunately not a viable option for me. I've deliberately kept a separate setup for daily use (music, surfing, emails etc) on my Mac as I value the Mac OS and its eco-system, it serves me well, have never looked back since I switched to a macbook more than 10 yrs ago. Perhaps I'm a Apple Fanboy ? Haha.. cheers

1) There is always Hackintosh available. Not gonna discuss the specifics here but u can boot Windows and Mac off ur same DIY pc rig. U can use back all the peripherals connected to the PC. Hackintosh maps the keyboard over nicely, so u can get rid of the Apple keyboard.

2) Introducing an intermediate device such as a KVM introduces latency into the keyboard/mouse response timing, no matter how minimal the added latency is. And more points of failure. So best is either u opt for a single keyboard + mouse pairing or u keep the current 2 keyboard + mice pairs.

 

[coyote]

For $100~200 kvm, you are better off just get another set of keyboard and mouse for your Mac. Not like you are gaming on Mac mini and need any gaming mouse.

I went the path of kvm manual switch years back, eventually switch back to two sets of keyboard wired/wireless... dreading the cluttering of cables...

 

[coyote]

Nowadays, I get a wireless keyboard and mouse for $24. Just stash them aside when not in use.

 

[Skyline34_]

the latency point is a good one - haven't really thought about it.. I'm slightly OCD, so the sight of 2 KB/Mouse currently irks me a little, haha..

I guess the challenge now is not many folks have this weird combo and using one of the ATEN KVM models I shared. Hopefully someone who is on a similar setup and share his/her experience so far

 

[localITguy]

For $100~200 kvm, you are better off just get another set of keyboard and mouse for your Mac. Not like you are gaming on Mac mini and need any gaming mouse.

I went the path of kvm manual switch years back, eventually switch back to two sets of keyboard wired/wireless... dreading the cluttering of cables...

that would be my answer also

 

[Allanlee82]

if u die die want a KVM, maybe can consider getting from taobao
you just need a simple one to switch between mouse/keyboard, monitor you just manually switch from the monitor input setting

KVM switch

so maybe + shipping will be around $70-$80 sing

EVEN CHEAPER

wow, only around $20 sing

 

[Op_Valkyrie]

I'm using this previously for my servers... Not that I feel there is any latency issue since I'm using just the basic features not for gaming - http://www.aten.com/products/KVM/Rack-KVM-Switches/8-Port-USB-DVI-KVM-Switch~CS1768.html

If u wanna a good kvm for your gaming setup... Find those with USB DDM class kvm.... Unfortunately I think aten doesn't have this patent feature...

 

[coyote]

Actually, you just need to get a simple Logitech wireless combo(keyboard and mouse) and they stay fixed on the table. To switch all you do is to take the USB receiver from PC1 to PC2. Viola.

 

[trento]

use kvm before. didn't feel any latency even during those fps games. but at times, kvm didn't detect keyboard and mouse on switching. its also extra wires so decided to ditch it.

 

[Entry Level PC]

Go full package buy another table and monitor.

 

[Entry Level PC]

Go full package buy another table and monitor.

That's what I did.
Linux for daily.
Win 10 gaming.

 

[Kiwi8]

Nowadays, I get a wireless keyboard and mouse for $24. Just stash them aside when not in use.

Yah this is what I do too. My HTPC has a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse. I also access the HTPC using VNC from time to time. Dun really need KVM at all.

 

[Skyline34_]

thanks all for the valuable feedbacks, much appreciated !

 

[Skyline34_]

Perhaps someone in Logitech read my thread (ok lame joke, hahaha), but the Logitech G603 kb is exactly what I was looking for the last couple of years !

Got it as a gift, setup was a breeze and the best part is the switch between wireless mode (to my PC) and bluetooth (to my mac) was almost instantaneous

Gonna get the G603 mouse now to complete the setup. Thank u Logitech !!!

 

[zabuton]

Another software alternative. Not for gaming though. Works well

https://symless.com/synergy

 

[jtjt00]

I have a 4=port Aten KVM switch at work, refuse to work with Steelseries Rival 100 mouse. No problem with Razer DeathAdder though.