KVM suggestions for home

Forums › Desktop computing › KVM suggestions for home

LFCNZ

151 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 9

#271967 3-Jun-2020 20:17

Looking for a KVM like this: https://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F1DN104W-3/ but not with the ridiculous price tag, these are around $1500!!! Anyone have any suggestions of a cheaper alternative?

Thanks

Jase2985

13730 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6202

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2497659 3-Jun-2020 20:26

what inputs and outputs do you want. how many computers?

no one can give you much advice as your post is lacking vital info

Jase2985

13730 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6202

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2497661 3-Jun-2020 20:29

ps the one you linked is is a business one used to separate networks/devices of different security classifications and likely explains the cost

LFCNZ

151 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 9

#2497667 3-Jun-2020 20:45

Right yeah didn't realize that one was a secure one, anyway found this one which has the exact config I need, but still too pricey for me.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/KVMATN1943/Aten-CS1942DP-2-Port-USB-30-4K-DisplayPort-Dual-Di

Jase2985

13730 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6202

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2497668 3-Jun-2020 20:47

still havent listed what you want in a KVM so people can give suggestions

gzt

18679 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 7820

Lifetime subscriber

#2497816 3-Jun-2020 23:34

Use remote desktop.

Jase2985

13730 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6202

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2497838 4-Jun-2020 06:33

gzt: Use remote desktop.

that doesnt work if your using a computer on a different network/work computer

Samsung

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

PolicyGuy

1820 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1769

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2497857 4-Jun-2020 08:07

gzt: Use remote desktop.

A KVM switch is used when you have two or more PCs (usually locally) and wish to share one Keyboard Video (monitor) and Mouse between them.

A KVM switch is not usually used for remote access

Edit: spelling

SirHumphreyAppleby

2939 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1860

#2497926 4-Jun-2020 08:54

We need more information regarding your requirements, but if you need dual head, regardless of interface (DisplayPort, HDMI/DVI), you're going to be paying a huge premium for it.

gzt

18679 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 7820

Lifetime subscriber

#2498540 4-Jun-2020 21:01

Cheap option:
- USB extension for manual jack of keyboard and mouse
- Use monitor multiple input switch for visuals

everettpsycho

668 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 270

#2498560 4-Jun-2020 21:29

gzt: Cheap option:
- USB extension for manual jack of keyboard and mouse
- Use monitor multiple input switch for visuals

This is almost what I do, 2 monitors plugged in to my pc with 2 hdmi cables left free to plug in to my work laptop and just change the inputs. For keyboard and mouse I have one of these set up on usb 2.0.

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32856363667.html

It's not fancy but it works well, if I need to work from home I just plug in the KVM and hdmi to my laptop using a usb c adapter and then the other hdmi cable, push a couple of buttons and it works with minimal fuss. The crap KVM just means I can use I've good keyboard and mouse without fussing to unplug them from my pc.

jpoc

1043 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 289

#2498833 5-Jun-2020 10:47

If you just want something basic, up to four ports, get one of the cheap and cheerful ones off of AliX.

If you need business class features, look for second hand items on trademe, ebay or amazon.com.

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

LFCNZ

151 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 9

#2501083 9-Jun-2020 04:00

Hi all, thanks for the advice, based on one of the comments above I figured out what I need to achieve for $0.

Basically I wanted to bring my work laptop home so I can work from home at same desk as my home PC, work laptop has some tools I need.

As we have a citrix environment, realized I could connect to that, then RDP to my work laptop at work :)