KVM Switches?

[Gallo]

So, I'm currently 2 boxing with 2 full systems, but I want to expand to 5 boxes. I use the wireless keyboard setup.

Does anyone know much about KVM switches? I figure I can run 5 computers on only 2 monitors (1 monitor for my priest and another monitor for my 4 DPS warlocks) and have a KVM be able to switch displays for the DPS classes. When using a KVM, do you HAVE to use a keyboard input from each computer? I was hoping that I could continue with my current wireless keyboard setup, but only connect the mouse and monitor to the KVM switch.

Any thoughts?

[Steph]

Hey Gallo,

you can have more than one keyboard connected to a computer as long as it is USB keyboards. Your wireless keyboard should be USB, so that is fine, even if the KVM keyboard solution is PS/2.

Also, switching the Video is basically independent of the mouse and keyboard, you dont have to actually use it - unless its the switching hotkey of course. =]

[Xzin]

Also keep in mind that KVMs have latency - which is a BAD THING when you need to switch FAST.

I know it is not always possible but I encourage people who are looking to go for a true 5 box setup to do it right from the beginning - 17" or even 15" monitors are not THAT expensive nowadays. I still strongly suggest a hardware input solution and I would suggest avoiding KVMs. I don't use any except a single keyboard one to switch to rarely send text to all of the Zins at the same time.

[Gallo]

Well, I realize that KVM's aren't the best solution... but I wouldn't be using them how you might think. For controlling the characters, I would be using a single wireless keyboard that broadcasts to all 5 characters, and I'd base my spells/macros based on that. With the KVM, the thing I'm looking for is simply to be able to see the screen of seperate machines at seperate times, as well as use the mouse when I need to (like selecting a flight point).

I don't feel that it's necessary to have a monitor for each character... and though its cool, I'd rather save the money. I plan on building some mid-grade athlon computers (3-4, depending if I decide to use my current secondary computer in the setup or not) and at $300 a pop, I'd rather not add another $150 for a cheapo LCD monitor for each.

I dunno, I have to pick my battles. I also have to pitch it to my wife that I want to build at least 3 new computers :)