Share a keyboard, monitor and mouse

OmniView SOHO 4-Port KVM with Audio (USB Platform)

There have been some very interesting advances in KVM switch technology and many are incorporated in this new KVM switch from Belkin.

Courtesy of Belkin

First, this model uses USB connectors and cables as the means to connect to the computers. The USB connection and the related feature set of this switch provide a number of advantages including:

• Only one USB cable is required between the KVM switch and each computer to control both the keyboard and the mouse.
• New USB mice often have numerous buttons and, via the USB cable, this Belkin switch is compatible with 5, 6, 7 or even 8 button mice.
• Since new Macs use USB for keyboard and mouse control, this Belkin switch can control Macs right out of the box (without adapters).
• Other USB devices, including joysticks, etc., can also be shared with this switch using two additional USB ports provided.
• Obviously, like any USB devices, the cables can be "hot plugged," meaning plugged and un-plugged while the computer and KVM switch are turned on.

Second, this model has a unique configuration with the ports accessible from the top and a nifty cable-management system...essentially a top that slides on. The convenience of this can't be overstated, since most KVM switches have the ports on the back and require a bit of head and neck contortion to change plugs. The front of the switch, which is conveniently angled up toward you, includes four buttons to switch between computers and four large LEDs to indicate which is currently being controlled.

Third, this Belkin switch also handles both audio and microphone connections. While not unique (other switches also do this), we think this is an absolute great function for those, for example, who have a computer for work and one for gaming. Very nice.

Fourth, this switch has excellent specifications. One switch we've used before, for example, retails for $695 and supports video resolutions of up to 1600x1200. This Belkin switch on the other hand, which retails for $170 (but we found it for $119 at buy.com), handles resolutions up to 2048x1536@85Hz. That is impressive.

Fifth, the switch comes with a special cable that can be used to upgrade the firmware inside the switch using flash code downloaded from the Belkin site for free. That, again, is the kind of feature you would expect to find on a KVM switch costing hundreds of dollars more.

You need to carefully follow the well-detailed installation instructions when you set up this switch (and we go through those steps next). Once installation is complete, we think you'll be very pleased with this switch. Because it is based on USB connection, when using this with XP machines we did find one odd quirk. It often takes an extra second or two when switching between computers for the USB connections to be recognized (you'll hear that familiar "bing" sound when Windows recognizes a USB device). Still, most KVMs we've worked with in the past take a second or two when switching, so it's really not a big deal.

With all of these outstanding specifications, great features, a good price and detailed installation guide, we give the Belkin SOHO 4-Port KVM with audio on the USB platform an A+ score. If you're looking for a KVM switch, we recommend you give this model, or similar Belkin models, a very good look.

Now, let's take a look, step-by-step, at setting up a typical KVM switch.

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This page last updated 03/22/2003