Input Device compatibility testing with KVM & KM switches

[Wootenblatz]

Additional testing I've done:

Red Dragon K588-RGB: TenKeyless KB (named "Broadsword") - General device notes:

• There is no dedicated software for this keyboard but I was able to use the K587RGB-Pro software.
• G key macros recorded in hardware seem to store the key was pressed, as opposed to the output of that key. By that I mean a G key set to NUM* will play back as the USB HID value for NUM* and not just *.

GOOD - ShuOne: use the REC button to assign G keys to Sync On and direct port swapping. Direct swapping works with both of the ShuOne's WINKEY+# and ALT+# port swapping options. I used this keyboard for at least 3 weeks with my ShuOne and it was great.

OK- AIMOS 4+8: The device works and you can use the K587 software to record macros to the G-keys (not the case for all Red Dragon keyboards). The lack of a numpad means hardware recording of the AIMOS sync/swapping shortcuts requires software macros. Software macros stored on a G key played back unreliable for me. While I did not test the rebind approach I ended up using for the K586, it may work better (see below). If you do not care about recording AIMOS hot keys to the G-keys, you might consider this GOOD instead of OK.

Red Dragon K586RGB-Pro: Full size keyboard (named "Brahma Pro") with a similar layout to the 588 - General device notes:

• Dedicated software available but you cannot record software macros to the G keys
• Hardware macros seem to store the output of the key pressed instead of the USB HID value for the key pressed. A G key bound to NUM* will play back as *. NUM5 plays back as 5 and not NUM5. I could not find any resources for if this was a hardware limitation or some kind of toggle.
• Software macros bound to non-G keys play back by USB HID value and not output of the key. This keyboard seems to behave in the opposite fashion compared to the K588. Honestly, it baffles me they're so different.

(out of the box) OK - ShuOne and AIMOS 4+8: The device works as a keyboard. Pressing KM sync command hotkeys manually results in the proper behavior on the device. However, recording a KM sync hot key on a G key via a macro recorded in hardware mode did not work for me. For instance on the AIMOS a G key bound to NUM*+NUM2 would play back as *2 and the AIMOS would stay on port 1. NUM*+NUM0 would play back as *0 and Sync would stay off. This is what I am referring to with all of my "USB HID value vs output of key" talk is about above.

(minor macro rebinding) GOOD - AIMOS4+8, probably the ShuOne as well. I have this working great with the following changes:

• Create a hardware macro that maps the G1 to F1, G2 to F2, G3 to F3, G4 to F4 and G5 to F5
• In software record the port swap command for your KM sync to each of the Function keys. For example, F1 has a macro that issues NUM*+NUM1
• Pick one other "Regular" key to add a software macro to for Sync On. I used INS but any non-G key will do. You can bind this key to any of the G6 through G10 keys if you want.

Essentially you're turning the G keys into into function keys and then using function keys for macros. It works great so far. As I noted above this method may work for the 588 and the AIMOS but I did not test it.

[yeaunome]

Red Dragon K586RGB-Pro: Full size keyboard (named "Brahma Pro") with a similar layout to the 588 - General device notes:

• Dedicated software available but you cannot record software macros to the G keys
• Hardware macros seem to store the output of the key pressed instead of the USB HID value for the key pressed. A G key bound to NUM* will play back as *. NUM5 plays back as 5 and not NUM5. I could not find any resources for if this was a hardware limitation or some kind of toggle.
• Software macros bound to non-G keys play back by USB HID value and not output of the key. This keyboard seems to behave in the opposite fashion compared to the K588. Honestly, it baffles me they're so different.

(minor macro rebinding) GOOD - AIMOS4+8, probably the ShuOne as well. I have this working great with the following changes:

• Create a hardware macro that maps the G1 to F1, G2 to F2, G3 to F3, G4 to F4 and G5 to F5
• In software record the port swap command for your KM sync to each of the Function keys. For example, F1 has a macro that issues NUM*+NUM1
• Pick one other "Regular" key to add a software macro to for Sync On. I used INS but any non-G key will do. You can bind this key to any of the G6 through G10 keys if you want.

Essentially you're turning the G keys into into function keys and then using function keys for macros. It works great so far. As I noted above this method may work for the 588 and the AIMOS but I did not test it.

thanks for the breakdown, works perfect. Was worried it was going to cause issues with my mouse, as I use 12 keys on the naga trinity for most of my abilities, and those are bound to the function keys already. I have my F1-F6(Aimos Slots) bound to my 6 chars (5sham x 1mage) on the KB, Broadcast to tilde. Not sure how, but Function 1-6 on my mouse doesnt interfere with the Function 1-6 on the KB.