Monitor, keyboard & mouse conected to 2 servers

Hi all,

I need recommendation for a device that will allow me to 1 (monitor, keyboard and mouse - both usb) to two servers and be able to switch between them.

Thank you.

Hi there,

I suspect what you are looking for is known as a KVM switch (see Link)

These can be obtained from retailers such as Curry's/Dixon's/PC World
and Maplin's, or many on-line stores. They do vary in the connections
available, on them, so you would need to find one that matches your local
configuration. They can also vary quite a bit in price, depending on the
available features.

I do not use one myself so I cannot, unfortunately, recommend a particular
brand/make. Maybe somone. who uses one of these devices, will add to
this thread with particular recommendations, based on experience.

- Alex

I use a Belkin KVM ps/2 switch. Found it easy to fit and use. Check what you need in fittings, adaptors easy to get. Got mine on Amazon, under £30.

I've had a KVM switch for years now. Its a handy piece of kit, but you have to surf around for reviews or better yet, comments from users.

Mine is a Belkin, and to be honest, I have no other comparison, so can't recommend it over others, or others over it. It's a 4-Port Omniview from about eight years ago. It works, but is limited to VGA and PS/2, so is less functional for my needs these days.

Keep in mind the PS/2 and VGA aspects. DVI for KVMs seems to be the expensive option.


You might consider some form of remote access instead. Not sure how you can get it working on a PC with no peripherals (not my forte), but I'm sure it's just a case of telling DOS not to halt on errors etc. Then all you need is to connect the PCs on a network together. I used VNC to control my Dad's computer years ago (in the 512k / 256k days), and at 100 miles away (and probably far more through networks), it worked very well, with a lag of around a second. On a local network, there should be no lag at all really.

The only drawback is that one PC has to be server, and the other client (no access to the client without the server running).

These Belkin switches work fine for just two devices. I've used the PS/2 version for years and they are very reliable. Things start to get a little more expensive if you have more than two devices.

Thanks guys for all the information.

I shall get the belkin switch suggested the AEP since I only need to connect two devices.

Sorry this may be too late. If the machines are both running windows then it may also be worth looking at Maxivista. I love the product and you can use it either for borrowing a second screen, or remote control, with up to two extra machines. On linux or windows try VNC