Customer Reviews

TRENDnet 8-Port USB/PS/2 Rack Mount KVM Switch TK-803R (Black)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I purchased one of these from Amazon and returned it (after talking to Trendnet tech support) because it didn't work--tried 3 computers, 3 mice, 4 keyboards--got a replacement, and it had the same problems.

I arranged a return (for refund) for the second one and then had a thought--perhaps the Trendnet 8 port KVM uses different KVM->computer cables than the 4 port I was replacing. The cables look the same--DB15 on the KVM end, DB15 and USB on the computer end. To shorten a painful story, you apparently can't use the same cables on the 8 port switch as you can on the 4 port switch. I'm too busy to look into all the details, but make sure that the cable you buy say that they will work with the switch that you buy...despite looking the same, they are not. Groan

This thing is nearly useless with USB keyboard/mouse, at least in our situation.
The mouse won't work at all for 20-30 seconds (cursor is frozen), then might work for 3-10 seconds, then won't work again. Repeat. Mouse clicks are also bad, sometimes you have to click 15-20 times for it to "take".
Keyboard commands are also compromised.
Trendnet tech support had nothing to suggest other than the usual litany of "what cable are you using, have you tried a different keyboard and mouse" etc. Of course we are using Trendnet cables, have tried 4 different brands of keyb/mouse, and still no usable results.
I can't condemn the product wholesale, perhaps the PCs we are using have some magic, voodoo settings that preclude their use with a KVM switch (he said facetiously). Buyer beware.

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this product. Based on it's price, I didn't expect much.
It was easy to setup. The construction seems durable. I now have it hooked up in a server room with eight servers and it works great. It hasn't skipped a beat.
The only negative would be the video quality dropped slightly when run through this box. Not a big deal since you will usually use this with servers.

Great product...

Works just like the ad...easy to setup and just works..

Nohacks

I have the KVM installed and working. I tried to use with a wireless keyboard and mouse and had constant issues with the keyboard and mouse ceasing function. with a regular keyboard and mouse it works fine, even using a PS/2 keyboard and a USB mouse, but wireless devices will not work properly. Also, you must have the item selected when you are booting it otherwise you will not be able to control the computer which means you have to manually power-up on a power failure instead of having systems set to auto-boot when power is restored. Has the standard hit scroll lock twice and then the number to switch between stations.

It does what it is supposed to do without problems. Looks good mounted on a rack and it's not expensive. What else can you ask for?

I purchased this item with the intent to control six different machines with a single keyboard and monitor. I was obviously disappointed when this device was unable to recognize the numerous known-good USB keyboards that I attempted to use. I would strongly caution any potential consumers of this product to consider a similar product from IOGear instead. That is, unless you enjoy going to your local UPS store to return defective merchandise.

Pros:
- It's 1/3 the price of most other 8-port USB KVMs on the market.

Cons:
- No on-screen display makes it harder to set up, use, and troubleshoot
- It stopped working after 2 years of light use (tried resetting to factory defaults, still borked)