Customer Reviews

IOGEAR 2 Port USB Cable KVM Switch with Audio and Mic (GCS72U)

5 star:		(68)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I purchased the IOGear 2 Port USB Cable KVM Switch with Audio and Mic GCS72U in order to use a Pc and a Macintosh Mini with one keyboard, monitor and mouse. The set up was easy. My only glitch was having to buy an inexpensive USB keyboard. There is no PS/2 port on this model. The model also worked with a Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse, but I wanted to use that set with my main work computer. Once set up I can switch easily between the Mac and the Pc with the press of a button. IOGear 2-Port MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch with Audio and 4 Cables GCS632U

I'm always skeptical buying items I will be using on a daily basis without a hands on trial but I must admit this product is awesome. I understand why it had so many positive reviews because it really was easy to setup and it works flawlessly. I wanted a 2 port KMV switch that would support my USB Keyboard and my USB Logitech cordless trackball mouse. Not only that but I wanted to make sure it would work with 2 laptops on different OS's (XP + Win7) and one being in a docking station while the other stand alone. This product worked for my setup perfectly on the first try. Highly Recommended.

Unlike KVM's with PS2-type connectors, note that the computer doesn't see anything attached to the USB connector when the KVM is switched over to the other computer. So if I'm actively using one PC and try to turn on the other PC, the booting system stops during POST and displays the "missing keyboard press F1" POST message, requiring me to switch over to that one and press F1 in order to get it to finish booting. Also, each computer sees the keyboard and mouse as being USB-hot-plugged when switching (so much for "safely removing" USB devices).

Secondly, it would be nice if the KVM automatically selected the correct computer when only one computer is turned on. But instead you have to manually press the button to toggle the monitor from the computer that's off to the computer that's on. And as above, if you're only turning on one PC and go to get a cup of coffee while it's supposed to be booting, you might notice when you get back that the booting PC has stopped during POST and is prompting you to press F1 (if the KVM happened to be switched over to the other [powered off] PC). It seems like the KVM should be able to tell which PC is supplying USB power and switch automatically.

I'll update my review with some video resolution tests shortly.

I bought this in hopes that it would solve one particular problem:

I have a USB microphone and a set of desktop speakers that connect via a headphone plug. I wanted to be able to share these between a desktop and a laptop (that connects via a dock).

With this device, I can switch between them with the press of a button. It instantly toggles and neither computer gets confused at all.

Note that I am not using the video switching at all. I am simply using it as an audio/usb switch...and it does a fantastic job for me.

I am also very pleased with the wired "remote" as it is small (about the size of a quarter) and the wire is very long (allowing me to hide the switch under the edge of the desk).

The IOGear GCS72U is a good solid analog KVM for the price. It was easy to install and performs well. It worked the first time upon connection. The two computers detected my wireless mouse and LCD Monitor. I am running 1680 x 1050 resolution, and the display looks clean.

I gave the unit only four stars for two reasons; I wish it would automatically switch to the active computer if only one computer is on (my older one did so), and I wish it had an indicator LED on the remote switch to show which computer was selected.

I originally used the product to interface with one Windows 7 and one Ubuntu system using legacy usb Keyboard & Mouse. All functions worked perfectly (Keyboard, Mouse, Video & Audio). I have now replaced the usb Keyboard & Mouse with a Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000. I have not set up all the special key yet. But, the functions that are important to me are doing great. I would recommend both IO Gear and Amazon to my friends.

Only two days in, but by far the best KVM switch I've used (of many). It switches quickly without fail. Since I have a Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combo that uses only one USB fob, I was able to plug my printer into the other USB port on the KVM, and share my printer effortlessly through it. Highly recommended.

The only negative in my mind is the long and unwieldy cables, but they probably are a plus for some people.

This is my second KVM. The first model I used, a PS2 model, had a few quirky characteristics--there was a delay when switching, it would periodically flash the keyboard lights three times during which I could not type--that I expected were common traits of all KVMs.

When I bought a new computer with USB mouse and keyboard ports, I needed a new KVM. I chose the IOGear because it has a remote button for switching. After a relatively easy install, it works great. I don't have either of the two issues above.

The only unnerving thing with a USB KVM is that you hear the usual sounds of USB ports being attached and detached when you switch between the computers. This was very noticeable at first but, after a week or two, I don't even notice it--and it has no affect on the performance. I can type or mouse almost instantaneously after a switch.

Great USB KVM Switch with low price tag. Used with Dell Latitude laptop & docking station and HP Desktop. Both on Windows 7 OS. Sharing a 19' LCD Samsung monitor, a USB Dell keyboard, and optical mouse. No mic or external speakers used [so can't rate the mic and speaker performance].

Pro:
1. No issues switching from laptop or desktop - switches between devices in a second
2. Remote switch is convenient and place by my monitor to easily switch back and forth
3. Included KVM cables are long enough to reach both laptop and pc
4. KVM Switch is very small and light weight. Attach under my desk with double sided Velcro strip to keep hidden and desk uncluttered
5. Easy install and plug and play. Easily mark USB ports for keyboard and mouse inputs
6. Self powered by USB connection, no external power supply needed

Con:
1. Not necessarily KVM switch fault but desktop sometimes needs to re-load drivers for keyboard and mouse after reboot [Fact that KVM is USB powered when desktop reboots, USB connection is activated upon start up which may cause Windows 7 to search and load drivers]
2. Even thou there are two distinct USB ports out to separate devices [laptop/desktop] - you can't set which one comes up first. Remember its USB activated - so if you were on port 1 for laptop and shutdown the laptop and then powered the desktop - you would automatically flip to desktop port 2. Not really a flaw, as you probably want the kvm switch to default to which ever device boots up first.
3. No hot key to switch from device, only remote switch. So if remote fails. It's no good. This is the only reason why I gave this a 4 and not 5 stars

Overall: Great purchase for price. Would highly recommend!

There is a significant microphone and speaker signal degradation.

On a speaker you can increase the volume, so it's not a big deal.
On a microphone the quality is much worse than without the KVM. I ended up connecting mic directly.