TRENDnet 2-Port USB KVM Switch Kit (Includes 2x KVM Cables) TK-207K (Blue)
by TRENDnet
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of TRENDnet 2-Port USB KVM Switch Kit (Includes 2x KVM Cables) TK-207K (Blue)
Customer Review: NOT a true KVM switch! Hybrid cabling!
Summary: 3 Stars
I am a 20 year IT veteran and this review is for folks who have used KVMs before and are looking for one to use at home or at the office. There are some significant limitations to this unit, but I'm going to give it a 3 because it seems to do most of what it advertises.
OK, look at the image and follow the schematic shown on product page. The USB and monitor cable are hybrid. There is NO USB port on this device for the 2 computers. The only USB ports are for the console keyboard and mouse (one for each). The USB connections to the computers come out of the keyboard port in the switch via custom Y cable (VGA on one side, VGA and USB on the other). I'm really sorry , but that is lame for a couple of reasons. First, if you already have a bunch USB and video cables laying around, you probably can't use them unless they are extension cables (male/female). Second, if you need a cable that is longer than 4 feet, you will need to spend another $24.00 to get one of these hybrids from Trendnet.
The device works OK, but since it is powered from the computer that it is pointing to, you lose switching capability at the keyboard if you reboot that computer or if you accidently switch to a computer that is off. I'm moving to this KVM from a d-Link P/S-2 KVM that is powered, so the keyboard and mouse always worked instantly for switching. This is going to take some getting used to. The keyboard switch toggle is scroll-lock -> scroll-lock (same as d-link) when it works. The Windows switching software defaults to ctrl-alt-1 and ctrl-alt-2, but it can be changed. Both work OK although I'm not sure why I would need the software for a 2-port switch.
The short cables are really troublesome. I have a tower unit under my desk return and a notebook dock on my desk. The KVM unit is now under my desk between them, so I have to reach under to switch. Unlike my old d-link unit, I have to do that about half the time.
USB ports: There are a number of really annoying things here. First, the ports are not hot for the unused computer. This means that you hear the kerplunk sound for the conputer you are switching from and the kerplink sound (along with a found new hardware message) for the unit you are switching to. It sometimes takes a few seconds for the computer to find the keyboard/mouse once you switch. If you are used to an instant switch, FORGET IT! If you only plan on switching between computers occasionally or if you don't mind a slight pause, this should be tolerable. Unfortunately, I do not have any other USB KVM switches to compare against, so this might be the norm. ...Very sad to think that the days of instant switching using the older P/S-2 ports might be gone.
Keyboard functions: All of the special functions on my keyboard work fine. Volume, mute, gadget keys, etc. all function. This is really a function of USB, though, so I'm not surprised.
Wireless: Wireless keyboard/mouse connectivity also seems to work fine once the unit is set up. The KVM has a separate USB port for mouse and keyboard, but I plugged my single-dongle wireless transciever into the keyboard port and everything is fine. I suspect that the KVM switch is just a USB hub. I cannot tell if it is 2.0 or not but it probably is. I'm sure it is not USB 3.0. What that means is that if you really have to plug a printer or scanner into two computers, you MIGHT be able to use this switch as long as the device doesn't draw power from the USB. Remember, though, that anything you plug into it goes dark when you switch away and has to be recognized again when you switch back. So don't switch away while printing or scanning if you decide to try it.
Bluetooth keyboards and mice: One of my wireless keyboard/mouse set-ups is a bluetooth set from Microsoft. I use it in a home theater set-up that allows me to work from my couch and compute using a giant-screen HDTV projector (great for MS project). Unfortunately, my particular bluetooth set-up is very finicky with this switch. The mouse works fine and switches back and forth, but the keyboard (MS entertainment keyboard 7000) requires that you run the set-up software about every-other time you switch. And, of course, you can't switch back via the keyboard if it is not working... AND you have to run it again on the other computer, too. Simple answer? Forget it. Doesn't work...at least with this set up. I did not try any other bluetooth devices that I use with the bluetooth transciever...like earphones or a gaming headset.
So, for $22.00, you get what you pay for. Don't expect this thing to work flawlessly.
Customer Review: Erratic- read my edit
Summary: 2 Stars
I've been using it for about 3 weeks, so I feel like I have a good picture of what it is and how it works. But I haven't used the software that comes with it because I just don't feel the need.
I'm using it between 2 desktop computers, one an emachine with Windows 7 64-bit, the other a Compaq with Windows XP. I always use the buttons when I'm switching between machines, but I have used the double-Scroll Lock, and it works fine. Switching between computers is never a problem as long as they're both awake. I find that this thing works reliably and consistently but with the following problems. (I initially thought the Trendnet was flaky and intermittent, but it's just about finding out how it works.)
1) When you have only one keyboard and mouse, you can wake up a sleeping computer by moving the mouse. With the Trendnet, I usually have to wake up the computer (either one of them) by pressing the power button on the computer. (Both of my computers are the kind where you have to hold the power button for about 4-5 seconds in order to turn it off.) Pressing the power button wakes it up and then the Trendnet will work with it. Sometimes, moving the mouse around a lot will wake up the computer, but usually that doesn't work and it's just as easy to press the power button. This is not a problem as long as you know what to expect.
2) This is a BIG problem: the USB connector for the mouse is not a snug fit. Lucky for me, I'm using a cordless mouse (MS Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000) so the only time I have a problem is when I move a cord or something and it nudges the mouse receiver in the Trendnet. Then the mouse operation is very jerky. I have to finagle the connector in the USB port until I get it in the right position for the mouse to work right. Then it's okay until something moves it again. Just IMAGINE if the mouse were on a cord: every time I used the mouse, it would move the connector in the Trendnet. This thing would never work right, and I'd have taken it back the same day.
3) Switching speed: If you want something that will switch between computers quickly, this is not it! Now, there are times when it will switch in about 2 seconds, and it's a clean switch. (Mouse and keyboard both working immediately.) But there are other times (most times, actually) when it will take 10-20 seconds; first the screen comes up, but the mouse or keyboard doesn't work for a little bit. For some reason, if you're switching back and forth really often, you get quicker switch times. But I use one computer most often, and only go to the other one every now and then, and it's a pretty slow switch, even if both computers are awake.
UPDATE 07-14-10
The mouse now doesn't work at all because the USB port has gotten looser. I'll have to take it back to the store today.
UPDATE 07-29-10
The USB port on the new one is nice and snug but there may still be a problem with the mouse; I'm not really sure. Because even though the connector doesn't feel loose, a lot of times the mouse gets very jerky and almost impossible to move. But if I plug the mouse receiver right into the computer itself, there's no problem.
Here's another problem with the new unit: About half the time, when you're in the middle of rebooting, the KVM switches to the other machine! Now, besides the fact that, if I wanted to be on the other machine, I'd just SWITCH IT (!), you're definitely not supposed to switch it when one of your machines is rebooting, because it screws up your screen resolution. Consequently, sometimes after the machine comes up and I switch the KVM back to that machine, the screen resolution is off and I have to reset it. What a pain!
In short, if there was another KVM that got consistently (or even mostly) good reviews, I'd definitely get it and give this back to Radio Shack.
Customer Review: Works well, except with VMware
Summary: 4 Stars
On the whole, I am pleasantly surprised that this inexpensive little switch works as well as it does. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that the switch will recognize Num Lock key-presses as well as Scroll Lock. (Scroll Lock can be problematic due to the horrible F Lock key arrangement on Microsoft keyboards.)
I am using it with a Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse set, which has one USB connector and one PS2 connector (disconnected). It seems fully compatible with the mouse and keyboard. All the special keys and mouse buttons work just as when directly connected.
I am only using the keyboard and mouse portion of the switch since both computers have their own monitors, so I can't speak to display quality or performance.
The only major problem I've found is the one others have reported with VMware. When moving the mouse in and out of a VMware window where a VM is running, it can cause the switch to jump to the other computer. Worse, if VMware is set for the VM to capture new USB devices when in focus (I believe this is the default), it will try to connect to the KVM directly when you switch it back to the first computer. So, there is no way to regain keyboard and mouse control on the first computer without removing the switch and directly connecting the keyboard/mouse. I don't think this is a problem so much with this switch as with VMware itself, which apparently generates multiple Scroll Lock and/or Num Lock key-presses when switching focus to/from the VMs; so I'm guessing any KVM switch that uses these keystrokes would be affected.
You should also know that switching between computers effectively disconnects the USB keyboard and mouse device(s) from the first computer and connects them to the second one. This generates a cacophony of Windows kerplonk USB connect and disconnect sounds along with causing a couple of seconds of delay before the keyboard and mouse are connected to the new computer. Not a big problem, but something to keep in mind. Given the way this works, a simple mechanical USB A/B switch might work just as well or better for my needs.
My only other minor gripe is that I have to press Num Lock (or Scroll Lock) twice more slowly than is natural (about 1/2 second between presses). Any quicker and the switch does not seem recognize the keystrokes and doesn't switch between PCs.
The little instruction booklet that comes with the switch is put together in an interesting way. It seems to flow from back to front with no real rhyme or reason as to how the different languages are ordered. Whole pages of Russian, French, etc. are interspersed seemingly at random with English pages. I don't mind having the other languages in there, but the random layout must be a printing mistake which doesn't speak well to quality control.
None of these issues would prevent my from keeping this switch, except for VMware which I use frequently. I've not yet found an acceptable workaround for this, so I'm going to try the simpler IOGear switch that has a wired remote button and may not be sensitive to these keystrokes. The reviews of that switch have me questioning whether it will work with the wireless mouse and keyboard, but I'm going to give it a try.
Update: I received the IOGear GCS22U switch with the wired remote IOGear 2-Port USB KVM Switch with Cables and Remote GCS22U (Black) . It works just as well as this Trendnet for my needs, but avoids the issue with VMware altogether since it does not listen for Num Lock or Scroll Lock. I actually prefer the IOGear's small wired remote in any case.
Customer Review: Works w/Dell Precision (360) dual-monitor & Latitude (e6400) & IOGear Wireless combo
Summary: 5 Stars
Power off Precision and plugged in TrendNet's TK-207K, IOGear's GKM541RA (using keyboard USB port), and NEC's LCD22WV (native resolution 1680x1050). Dell's 19" CRT also attached directly to the workstation via DMS-59 Dual-display VGA Video Splitter powered by NVidia GPU. Took up to a minute for desktop to recognize hardware on the boot; Image quality (NEC) and input devices (IOGear) response time consistent with the original (w/out KVM) setup. Windows warning message that dual-monitor not supported [anymore]...oops. My Precision's extended CRT is in black-out.
Power off Latitude and plugged in TK-207K. Laptop recognized hardware in about 40 seconds on a boot (Intel T9400 w/fine-tuned XP pro baby is up in 14 sec. flat from power-on - oh yeah!). Dual-mode display on E6400 powered by NVidia GPU via VGA works, but native resolution NEC image quality down about 10-15% and not as sharp compared to original (w/out KVM) setup, but still adequate. [legitimate] NEC video drivers to possibly address this issue nowhere to be found.
Double-"Scroll Lock" switches between Desktop (PC #1) and Laptop (PC #2) with video rendering almost instantaneous and input devises active in just under 2-3 seconds.
When either desktop or laptop in "Stand by" or "Hibernate" use hard buttons on TK-207K to switch between the two (check manufacture BIOS for "wake-up" settings).
If you paid any attention my IOGear combo only uses one USB port reserved for keyboard. Guess what I do with the second USB reserved for mouse - yep, to share memory stick (Kingston). (I'll try other things when I'm really bored.) Keep in mind that it is USB version 1.1 operating at about 12 mbit/s about 40 times slower than now adopted USB 2.0 at operating at theoretical max. 480 mbit/s.
For $10 (after mail-in rebate) if this little device could handle my particular setup I'll have to send above-and-beyond card to TrendNet's engineers, but for now it seem like does what it design for and then some.
Time will tell how long will it last. If you don't hear from me on this post for awhile it probably still working.
I'll update if find solution to my dual-monitor setup.
*** UPDATE
It has been 10 days now as I start using this KVM switch and it still going strong.
Dual-monitor issue has been resolved on both, Precision 360 (GPU driver upgrade) and Latitude E6400 with few clicks on Device Management console.
Bottom line is with $10 and about 1 hour time invested into setting up my configuration I'm much more productive and can't be happier with this TrenNet's product.
Customer Review: Wow! Great product, great price...
Summary: 5 Stars
I initially dismissed this product because it looked cheap, and seemed to be priced accordingly. But after reading some of the reviews, I decided to buy it and risk a whopping 24 bucks. It was a great buy.
What it does - It switches your VGA monitor between two computers, along with your USB keyboard and USB mouse. It has two buttons on the device to control the switching. It has two USB ports that go to your keyboard and your mouse. It has three VGA ports. One goes to your monitor (you use the cable you already have). Two go to your two computers. Interestingly, the KVM-to-computer cable, a special cable that is included (two of them), also carries the USB signal. The cable splits at the computer end and you connect the VGA connector and the USB connector to their respective ports on your computers.
What it does not - It does not switch audio. It is not designed to switch additional USB devices, although it may work for some devices that do not need high bus-power, if your keyboard acts as a unpowered hub. The device itself is powered by the computer's USB bus and it does not have a separate power supply.
This is exactly what I needed. KVM stands for keyboard, video, and mouse. That's all I wanted to switch between two computers (a Mac and a Linux PC laptop). I considered other KVM devices, and they had more features such as audio switching and special software, but they cost much more than this simple device. The package comes with software for switching, but it is for Windows only. The docs say it has a hot key, the scroll lock key hit twice in succession, that controls the switch. However, it did not work for me, probably because of my Mac keyboard which does not have a dedicated scroll lock key. However, the device is sitting next to my keyboard, and I just hit the appropriate button (1 or 2) to switch. It is quite small. The switching is nearly instant. What could be more simple than that?
A few things I have tried... It works fine at 1600x1200, 75 Hz. My normally used Mac resolution is 1280x960 at 75 Hz. My Linux laptop is old and can only externally output 1024x764 at 60 Hz, which also works fine. I do not see any degrading of picture quality going through this KVM. My monitor is 19-inch CRT.
In summary, the Trendnet TK207K 2-Port USB KVM Switch works great at a great price. If a simple two-way KVM for VGA/USB is what you need, I recommend this one.