TRENDnet 2-Port USB KVM Switch Kit with Audio (Includes 2x KVM Cables) TK-209K (Blue)

by TRENDnet

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.2 x 7.1 x 7.9 inches ; 3.5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000L4D42Q
• Item model number: TK-209K
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (345 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #4 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > External Components > KVM Switches
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 16, 2007

Product Description

Size: 2-Port

The 2-Port USB Audio KVM Switch lets you control multimedia PCs with just one keyboard, monitor, mouse, microphone, and a set of speakers. The KVM switch not only allows you to share your monitor, keyboard and mouse but you can also share microphone and speakers. With just a simple press of a button, this KVM switch eliminates the hassle of cable swapping and switching between 2 PCs. With its Hot-Plug, Auto-Scan and Hot-Key operating features, the TK-209K is the perfect choice for managing 2 PCs. Separate KVM cables are included.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

135 of 135 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works with Mac Mini and PC, few minutes to setup, January 13, 2008

By 

Rachelle Ayala (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: TRENDnet 2-Port USB KVM Switch Kit with Audio (Includes 2x KVM Cables) TK-209K (Blue) (Personal Computers)

This switch simply works. No complicated setup, no software to install. Just turn off both computers. Plug the shared keyboard, monitor, mouse, speakers and microphone into the switch, connect the included cables into the switch and the two computers. Then turn on the first computer, the one you want to designate as #1. After the first computer boots up and everything is okay, then push the #2 button and boot the second computer. That's it. From then on, you just push the button #1 or #2 to make the switch. It switches instantly, if both computers are not asleep. If one is asleep, it gives the signal, and then the PC takes only a few seconds to wake up.

I read a lot of reviews and I'm glad I did. Other switches seem to need software to work well, and rely on keystrokes to change. Because this switch has a button, it just truly switches over without any need to install software, making it the most generic. For PCs, you can use the scroll-lock+scroll-lock key combination to elicit the switchover. But it's simpler just to teach my kids to select button 1 or button 2.

72 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, slightly ugly cabling, yet works perfectly, September 13, 2007

By 

P. Dejarnett "OverZealous" (KY, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: TRENDnet 2-Port USB KVM Switch Kit with Audio (Includes 2x KVM Cables) TK-209K (Blue) (Personal Computers)

I also own an expensive Belkin 4-computer model (USB w/audio), but this one actually works better. The Belkin one breaks my multi-function KB, as well as preventing my monitor from sleeping. The TrendNET one works perfectly on both counts, I can switch from my PC to my Mac using ScrollLock+ScrollLock, and it includes the cables. (The cabling weighs about 10X the actual KVM ;-)

One small warning - a Mac cannot use the ScrollLock+ScrollLock keystroke to switch between inputs, so you have to be able to reach the physical buttons.

My only complaints are minor. One is that the cables come off of all 4 sides (which I knew from the pictures), making it very difficult to look nice. You might need some cable ties.

The other complaint is that all of the cables in included are proprietary on the KVM-side - you cannot replace them with your own cables or longer ones. Even the audio cables use a mini-USB connector instead of miniplugs (why?), and the video AND USB ports come off of the VGA connectors! However, this doesn't prevent it from working, but may be a problem if your computers are very far apart, since you'll need 4 different extension cables.

Overall, I really like the product: it works well, doesn't require additional power, and includes all of the cabling.

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good unit, but could be better, August 24, 2007

By 

T. cda (Florida, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: TRENDnet 4-Port USB KVM Switch Kit with Audio (Includes 4x KVM Cables) TK-409K (Blue) (Personal Computers)

This kvm has the advantage that it only needs one single usb port on each of your pc to work. I connected a set of usb mouse and usb keyboard (both microsoft) to the kvm, and all was recognized with no problems. The audio quality is very good. When you switch, there's no beep sound (for me this is good). Also this kit doesn't need ac power adapter, however, there are some disadvantages that can be a deal-breaker for some. It inclues:
-if you have one linux box, the hotkey doesn't work and you need to push the button on the kvm to switch between machines. No big deal.
-when you switch, there is a delay, ie. you can't use immediately the keyboard and mouse, I guess that is because they need to draw power from usb port. This delay is about 5 secs long. I'm used to it now.
-on my windows vista box, I have installed a winxp virtual machine, and when I'm starting this virtual machine, the kvm switch automatically to the next pc connected. The same happens if I'm on Vista and focus back to the vmware window with xp. This is very annoying and the reason I give it 4 stars, because I use virtualisation all the time.
To sum up, this is a good solid and reliable unit, and supports usb devices, very popular nowadays. The price can't be beaten, so if you don't mind the little cons, this may be for you.

2115|R2FQAC94Y87QRN;2115|R1CX0YHJB1D1J3;2115|R1HRQC0OCFFPZA;