BD, I love the fact that you have been able to stick with an older but proven reliable method to skirt the KVM issue. I just threw money at mine, investing in an IOGear GCS1734 DVI KVM, then when my old Belkin keyboard became too cruddy to use on the KVM, I bought an IOGEAR Z-GKM552R wireless kb/mouse to plug into the KVM, and since it was an IoGear unit, it worked perfectly with no loss of mouse special button functionality.
The only part of my setup that didn't work cleanly was when I'd hook up a customers older PC that only offered VGA out to my KVM, which was DVI only. A cheap dual link DVI->VGA adapter fixed that last issue.
Sure! Just your comment makes me feel happier-than-a-pig-in-s***!
I've never had any electronic component last longer than 20 years -- or -- if I did -- I was eager to throw it away before such a time had expired. I'm really torn between a desire to purge my parts-locker of the second F1D066 Belkin KVM, and the functionality of the one still in use.
I forgot to mention another aspect of this . . . this . .
KLOODGE.
I've got two Sandy Bridge workstations under the desk -- as I said -- each fitted with the USB to 2x PS/2 splitter adapter. I said that already. I also have my server system there. I've got PLENTY of PS/2 to KVM cables in the parts-lockers. But for some reason, when I first set up this tangle upon relocating back in So-Cal in 2000, I didn't have the right cable for one of the four ports. But I DID have a PC-AT-to-PS/2 adapter, which fit another PC-AT cable. The Belkin came fitted with PC-AT option computer connections with the PS/2. The server is the only rig fitted with PS/2 ports.
So I've got a mix of 30-year-old technology with the 20-year-old Belkin and the USB adapters.
When did "PS/2" come into play, anyway? late 80's? or early 90's?
In some other threads I'd started for inquiry, I mentioned some other "KLOODGE-ABLE" items that allow for this . . . Frankenstein-monster-KVM usage. Nobody in their right mind would want to use analog VGA connectivity anymore.
[EDIT:] Sorry -- I mean "unless they absolutely had to do so . . "
So I bought a $25 Sewell IBIS 1x3/3x1 bidirectional HDMI switch. It worked, but because it had to re-establish the HDMI handshake after switching computers, it was cumbersome for a two-monitor system with my HDTV directly connected to the computer. The desktop would "relocate" itself switching away from a machine, and then Media Center would pop up on the switched monitor when returning to that machine.
So for the record, you CAN supplement a KVM with an HDMI switch -- needing only to press two buttons instead of one, or do the K(V)M switching from the keyboard followed by a punch or two to the HDMI switch button.
The new BenQ monitor and its S-Switch is still the better choice for me.
I've been looking at the IOGEAR units such as that you described. Haven't yet found such a KVM for which the manufacturer GUARANTEES reliability with a monitor and system(s) set up for 144Hz refresh rate, though. In the upper range, for 4K operability, some of the options can cost between $400 and $500.
If it's about "stocks and flows" of money, the Belkin dinosaur is a lifesaver.