I agree with AceTomato.
I had two B****n 4-port VGA KVMs from 1994, and continued to use them into the millennium until about 10 years ago. I replaced them with a single A*****t 4-port KVM with DVI ports for the video, so I had to buy HDMI-to-DVI cables. Somehow, DVI cables seem more unwieldy. And that 4-port KVM took too much space on my desk, which is cluttered enough regardless of my effort to keep it in order.
Then, I had a static-charge accident with my flagship computer in January 2021, and quickly took the A*****t KVM out of the equation to troubleshoot what emerged as a blown motherboard USB controller. I never reinstalled it. I became unhappy with the clutter on my desk exacerbated by multiple keyboards and meeces.
Since one of my three under-the-desk systems will soon become a media box attached primarily to my HDTV, I figured I only really needed a two-port switch. I scoured Amazon to pick one. I once installed a cheap two-port switch for my sister-in-law, and (I especially) was lucky that it worked well enough for her over several years. But the customer-reviews on the less expensive units finally propelled me toward the StarTech offerings. StarTech has a pretty stellar reputation on a wide range of devices.
Sure -- you have to wait about two seconds before the HDMI switchover brings up the desktop for the second (or first) computer when changing PCs, but the HDCP and EDID features work great. Especially, I don't have the desktop clutter I had before. KBD and Mouse response is quick. And, of course, if you want to share a USB flatbed scanner between the two PCs, that works as well. [Just be sure you don't switch PCs in the middle of a scan. Makes sense, no?!]
These days, I don't pinch pennies when I buy peripherals for my household network. I don't need flakey devices complicating a maintenance regimen which I accept and choose in my digital lifestyle.
So, two thumbs up for the Startech SV231HU34K6. If you need more ports, Startech has a 4-port switch of the same basic design, and they have another set of models for "dual monitor" configurations.
MINOR UPDATE: The only drawback for this Startech KVM switch involves sleep and hibernate for connected computers. PCs don't remain asleep when switching to the alternate computer. No problem, really. Disable all HID devices -- mouse and keyboard -- in their "power management" to avoid waking from USB. Then use the computer's power button to wake either system. Actually, a better idea. You could be fiddling around with a paper-clip on your disk and accidentally move the mouse to wake a system unintentionally. This is not a serious drawback, nor of any consequence.
| Connector Type | Hdmi,usb |
|---|---|
| Brand | StarTech.com |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 6.3 x 3.9 x 1.6 inches |
| International Protection Rating | IP54, IP67 |
| Connectivity Protocol | Hdmi |
| Color | Black |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Series | KVM Switch |
| Item model number | SV231HU34K6 |
| Operating System | linux |
| Item Weight | 1.41 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 6.3 x 3.9 x 1.6 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.3 x 3.9 x 1.6 inches |
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| ASIN | B09BDD32T3 |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | July 28, 2021 |
