Customer Reviews

Linkskey LDV-DM702AUSK KVM Switch

5 star:		(2)
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I am running dual DVI monitors with a desktop PC and a Mac Pro. This KVM switch offers just about everything I could have hoped for in a high end device. Dual monitor support is, of course, the key attraction but also the fact that it handles DVI monitors exclusively is excellent. Scroll Lock (twice--key is configurable) plus backspace cycles between the machines and is easier than having to push a number to select the system. With a 4-port KVM (also available by Linkskey), numbers would be more important. I am also very pleased with the other keyboard shortcuts that allow the sound or USB ports to be locked to a specific computer. I am able to attach my scanner and other special devices through the USB ports and with a few keyboard strikes, I can use the scanner on either my Windows or Mac machine. I also greatly utilize and appreciate the audio switching which again, can be locked to a specific machine.

One feature I feel is missing is the ability to switch one monitor but not the other. Then, a person could have a reference piece on monitor #1 from computer #1 but be working on monitor #2 from computer #2. After emailing the company asking if it was possible, they said that such an ability is available in a video matrix and not a KVM switch. However, this is a minor shortcoming.

The device is sturdy and solid. I have added small rubberized adhesive pads to the side of the unit because my setup prefers it to be sideways standing upright. The unit includes a power adapter but it is not required. I have had no problems with the unit and am insanely pleased with its abilities and reliability. The moment I decided to add a Mac Pro to my setup I knew I would have to spend some time finding the perfect KVM. I did not want to give up dual monitors nor ignore my audio abilities either. USB handling has been an unexpected improvement that is very helpful. The single greatest ability is the list of keyboard shortcuts available to switch things around. It helps to memorize these quickly.

I always look at reviews these days,and I frown on incomplete or uneducated reviews. So, what am I going to do?!? That is right, making an incomplete review.

I have recently purchased this KVM from a separate site. Many online descriptions incorrectly list this item as coming with DVI-D cables, but I am here to attest to the fact that it ships with DVI-I cables. For those of you scratching your heads, a DVI-I cable has 24-pins in 3 rows x 8 columns. It also has two pins above & two pins below the flat spade blade to one side.

So, buyer beware. If your computers or monitors will not support the fully pinned DVI-I cables, you will be looking for other cables. Personally, I was aware of this possibility, but my DVI-D cables did not arrive at the same time as my KVM. Ahh, the joys of online purchases.

Once I have this KVM up & running, I will provide an updated review. Until then, verify your DVI ports (and order the right cables as needed) if you are looking at purchasing this KVM.

===== UPDATE =====

So far, this has been the absolute best KVM that I have owned. I have had zero issues swapping my Logitech G15 keyboard, Microsoft SideWinder Mouse, and dual Dell 2407WFP-HC monitors all swap between my work laptop & home PC. I have no need for swapping audio between computers, and I use an external USB sharing device for my other peripherals. As such, I have no real need for many of the extra features that this KVM is capable of providing.

Overall, I am very pleased. I had previously battled with USB devices randomly deregistering on one, if not both, computers. I have also had the USB system become completely locked up to the point where no USB device would work on a system--even if plugged in directly. I have also had problems with one computer going into energy save mode, and the monitors being unrecognized when you swap back to that computer. All of these issues (and a few more) are completely gone. It has been, quite honestly, some of the best money that I have spent lately.