Re:Show HN: Multi-monitor KVM using just a USB switch
by fiddyschmitt on Sunday February 11, 2024 @08:25AM
(#39334829)
Yes I know exactly what you mean - I've experienced the same. I haven't tried a mechanical one before. I'll have to try it out
Re:Show HN: Multi-monitor KVM using just a USB switch
by k8svet on Monday February 12, 2024 @02:07AM
(#39342289)
Don't use the HID port on the KVM. Aka don't plug mouse and keyboard into the mouse and keyboard port on the KVM.
Pro: you shouldn't have the issues you listed. Con: you'll lose the hot key commands for the KVM.
Re:Show HN: Multi-monitor KVM using just a USB switch
by m463 on Monday February 12, 2024 @10:56AM
(#39346301)
Many KVMs do not have a "raw" port like you mention. But manufacturers are becoming more enlightened.
The other thing is, many KVMs will add a hub between your keyboard/mouse and the system you're connected to. This is convenient because you have just one cable to each system. But sometimes this is a source of incompatibility. I think the hub requires the system to be able to enumerate devices one-level removed, and the enumeration might be the source of delay. It also might be beyond bios-level firmware, which is less capable than many OS usb stacks. I believe this might have been the problem with mac boot keys.
I know a mechanical usb switch is not very elegant, but I find the reliability it adds is worth it to me.
So I use mechanical USB switches.
for keyboard and mouse, I use two of these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I0Y3GEE/
They have no extra keyboard/mouse latency, and no weird side effects like boot keys that don't work or modifier keys that are in the wrong state.
Issues I've had before with mouse/keyboard:
- hotkey conflicts
- mac boot keys break (hold down <key> for <some boot function>)
- modifiers stick in wrong state
- weird delays
- combinations with mouse+keyboard break