StarTech 2 Port Professional USB KVM Switch Kit with Cables (SV231USB)

by StarTech

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 4 x 8.5 inches ; 14.9 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006B8EC
• Item model number: SV231USB
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #30 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > External Components > KVM Switches
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 21, 2002

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The SV231USB is a reliable StarView KVM switch that combines the simplicity of universal serial bus (USB) technology with the reliability and power of the StarView line of KVM switches. This package comes complete with cables allowing it to be used right out of the box with no hassles.

A ready-to-use, out-of-the-box solution, the SV231USB 2 port KVM switch kit comes complete with two reliable StarTech.com USB KVM cables to remove tangles and help organize your workspace.

Cable ports are located at the rear of the SV231USB providing easy, no-nonsense cable identification and organization. Switching between computers is as easy as pressing a button on the front of the unit. Its low cost, super small footprint design, and high 1920x1440 resolution display capability make this switch perfect for any application where reliability and cost-effectiveness are a necessity.

StarTech.comÕs SV231USB is the reliable solution for call center, help desk and SOHO environments, environments where PCs and Macs are used togther and when integrating enterprise computer systems together. The SV231USB is a reliable computer management tool that allows you to control multiple computers from one source, minimizing downtime by making connected computers and input devices available as soon as they are attached.

Product Description

The SV231SUB 2 Port Professional USB KVM Switch Kit with Cables offers simple control of two Mac or PC computers from a single monitor/display and USB peripheral set (keyboard, mouse).The 2 Port KVM switch includes 2 USB KVM cables, providing a complete out-of-the-box KVM solution saving you time and money. An integrated 3 port USB hub allows you to share connected USB peripherals between connected computers as though they were connected directly. A compact form factor design and rear-port connections to master and slave computers minimizes disruption to your workspace. A cross-platform solution, this OS independent KVM switch supports high resolution applications up to 1920x1440, and provides a smooth operating experience when controlling mixed (Windows/Mac/Linux) environments. Backed by a StarTech.com 3-year warranty and free lifetime technical support.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I Would Have Bought This Unit First!, July 5, 2005

By 

Daniel Johnson (Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: StarTech 2 Port Professional USB KVM Switch Kit with Cables (SV231USB) (Personal Computers)

I bought a Starview 2-Port KVM Switch Kit with Cables (PC/Mac) and everything works great. When switching to the imac mini there is about a 0.5 second delay and when switching to windows there is a 2 second delay, can't complain. Also all 5 buttons and the scrollwheel work on the Starview. I would recommend anyone if you don't mind pressing a button on the unit to switch.

I originally had a IOGEAR GCS632U and had nothing but problems. Couldn't get it to work with my Windows XP. See the GCS632U page for my review on it.

I wish I would have bought the Starview to begin with. 5/5!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just works, November 15, 2005

By 

Frederik Strahl (Maui, Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: StarTech 2 Port Professional USB KVM Switch Kit with Cables (SV231USB) (Personal Computers)

I've been trying several other products in this space and after several recommendations ended up giving this solution a last shot. For once I ended up with a working solution right from the start.

Setup:

Dell Inspiron 8500
Generic P4 Server
Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro (usb)
Microsoft USB Intellimouse Optical - wireless (usb)

I had major issues with a D-Link and Belkin solution before - in both cases the keyboard was stuttering and the mouse not consistently handling clicks.

No issues here with either with the keyboard or mouse. Even the USB ports on the keyboard work...

The only minor downside is that the sync between machines is a little slow - it can take a few seconds for the laptop especially to get mouse/keyboard active although the screen switch is instant.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Far superior to Belkin KVM, July 15, 2007

By 

R. Taylor "TechBob" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: StarTech 2 Port Professional USB KVM Switch Kit with Cables (SV231USB) (Personal Computers)

For about a year and a half I struggled with a Belkin KVM switch to allow me to have instant access to my Mac Mini and Dell computers. It was extremely buggy: it would often switch on its own from one computer to the other; monitor quality using one computer was very good, and on the other it had a greenish tint; sometimes the switch would not allow me access at all to one or the other computers. Another problem with the Belkin was that wires came out of both ends of it making it difficult to position physically. Belkin tech support was helpful, but after hearing about the Starview switch, I had to give it a try.

As other reviewers have noted, you simply plug everything in, and it works! What could be better. I've been using it now for about a month and have had no problem. I have a very large 24" wide-screen Dell monitor, and both the Mac and PC look beautiful on it. I am also using a wireless keyboard and mouse with no problem. The USB printer I hooked up to the KVM switch also works flawlessly on both machines. All the wires come out the back, so if you want to position this on your desk, you can do so in a way that the wires don't show.

Its only minor downside is its appearance - it's a very utilitarian metal box. But I hide mine just within reach under my desk, so no one sees it anyway.

In a nutshell, if you need a KVM switch, this is the one!