fracturedmind

Hey guys,

I currently have two desktop computers here on my tiny desk, and it's annoying to switch between keyboards, mice, and audio equipment all the time.

I'm wondering if theres such a product that I can be using my keyboard (and/or) mouse and then hit a key (or button, switch) to switch it to use the same one on my other computer, so basically, two USB cords (or PS/2, whatever works) feed into one of each computers and I can hotswap between which I want to use...

Also, I'd like to do the same with audio... I have really nice Z680 speakers, and one computer has an Audigy 2, the other has on-board nforce2, but I only want to use one at a time, and each uses 3 audio plugs, which is a hassle to switch - so having a nice switch to flip on my desk which feeds from my speakers to each of the computers would be great also...

So - I'm looking for these types of handy products, or other recommendations, thanks in advance!

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It won't give up, it wants me dead, god damn this voice inside my head.

juanvaldes

KVM = keyboard video mouse

not sure what to do about the audio though, but I got a pair of $5 speakers which work fine.

Konichiwaneko

the z680's have dual inputs. Use the optical output on your nforce 2, and the analog outputs on your audigy.

KVM switch would be perfect for you, or I would suggest getting a logitech elite dou for your other computer. Mx700 can't be beaten...the king of rodents.

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Boner

I have an ATEN 2-Port USB KVM. It accepts PS2 keyboard and mouse up front, VGA and USB in the back. Its actually a USB 2.0 hub. Keyboard and mouse are passed to the machines via USB, so you just have one USB cable and one VGA cable going to each machine. I picked it up on eBay for $26, new.

As for audio, I'm getting ready to tackle that problem as well. I haven't found a switch that I like yet for audio, so I'm going to build one.

I'm going to get a 3-pole 4-position rotary switch (make sure to get a non-shorting switch), a knob, 5 3.5mm stereo jacks and a plastic project case. Audio out from the machines will go into the unit, and the output from the switch will go to my speakers. I'll use the extra inputs for an FM radio, etc.

Cables and all, I think the project will run me around $20 (parts at mouser.com). You could probably do it for less if you just bought enough parts for only two inputs, but expanding it out to four inputs isn't go to add that much to the cost.

Another thing that you could try is to channel the line-out of machine two into line-in of machine one. Then just have machine one always on the speakers and adjust the level using the mixer. I prefer the switch method over this though.

steveincolumbus

vheck with www.partsexpress.com for those parts they might be cheaper, i know theit parent company Mendelson's would be but never ordered from them just been in their million + square foot store, it is very cheap....

fracturedmind

Cool I looked up the KVM, thats just what I need, except the video part. I assume these all work fine if I just don't plug in any video? I want to use two monitors (theyre right next to one another) but swap Keyboard/Mouse.

Also, if I'm not doing video swaps, is the change instant? Like if I hit the hotkey (the one I like has a keyboard hotkey I can use to swap) will I be able to use it instantly on the other? (USB maybe not, but I'm getting a PS/2 one, btw)

__________________
It won't give up, it wants me dead, god damn this voice inside my head.

Boner

I think it will depend on the KVM and what it uses to detect an active "port". Most use the keyboard/mouse I believe.

My USB KVM takes about 3 seconds for the switch, but that's because my PCs have to detect the USB change and run with it.

Boner

Thanks, I forgot about them. I ordered some stuff from them a long time ago.