ConnectPRO 4-Port USB KVM Switch UR-14-KIT

Now that I understand the idiosyncracies of the product, I find the operation of the unit reliable and acceptable.This unit (or at least the model and firmware that I received) does NOT retain the USB status on all ports. In other words, when you switch to another computer, the computer that was being used looses the keyboard and mouse (and any other USB device) - effectively disconnecting all USB devices. My computers (Lenovos with XP and Vista)react fairly quickly (1 to 3 seconds) to the disconnect / connect, so I don't have much of a problem now that everything is set up properly. Other computers may react more slowly.Set up was a significant challenge. I am convinced that on first installation, the KVM corrupted all other USB slots on my Lenovo A58 desktop w/ Vista. This was later confirmed when I first installed my Thinkpad w/ XP on the KVM. The first time set up, all the USB ports on my docking station were disabled (erroneously). I needed to plug the USB cable directly into the laptop to get the Keyboard and Mouse to initialize.The problem may have been exacerbated because I intially tried to use a wireless keyboard and mouse on the KVM. To resolve the issue with the desktop, I had to bring the system back to a restore point prior to the use of the KVM. I installed everything again, using a wired Keyboard and mouse. It then worked fine. With the Thnkpad, simply shutting down, undock, recable and redock worked.With all this done, I've now had the KVM working for a few weeks and all seems stable.I am hesitant to go back to a wireless Keyboard and mouse. I will try it again after a month or so when I'm sure the KVM is truly stable.I purchased this unit primarily for the clean design - all cabling is in the rear, with one aditional USB port in the front. Switching between computers is fine using the front panel buttons. I have no need for hotkeys, so I have not tested that feature.

I bought this switch about 2 months ago and I'm not terribly happy. I have 2 PCs and one Mac connected to the switch. When the Mac hibernates, the switch sometimes fails to recognize the mouse and keyboard - forcing me to re-boot the Mac. This is very frustrating. I dont recall any problems with the Dell and HP computers I also have on the switch.One more note: I sure wish there was a way to change port with teh keyboard (on my old KVM I could type CTRL CTRL 1, or CTRL, CTRL 2 for port 1 or 2 (respectively). I am unaware of a way to to that with this switch (although I have not done any searching for tips online).Overall - I havent returned the KVM, but I am not happy. My problem happens only once every few days.

I purchased this to switch between my PC and a new mini Mac.Design:The cords are premium quality and come with velco snaps, which really impressed me. They didn't have to do that (no one else does), and that demonstrates how committed they are to little details. Also, having buttons to switch between computers is essential. I DO NOT recommend any KVM that relies on "hot-keys" whatsoever; I speak from experience. Again, I *STRONGLY* advice against buying any KVM that relies on "hot-keys" rather than providing actual buttons on the unit.USB:The USB on the Mac is immediate; the mouse is active as soon as I switch, which really surprised me. It takes about 5-10 seconds on my PC (Windows XP), but that's acceptable. Also, having the extra USB ports is nice because I can share my USB printer/scanner between both computers.Speaking of which... Every so often, when I switch back to my PC, it decides to "re-recognize" the printer -- you can see the "New Hardware Found" dialogue pop up in the system tray -- which also automatically sets this printer as my default printer. This is HIGHLY annoying, as I don't realize what happened until I send a document to be printed and it starts printing in my color printer. Like I said, this probably has nothing to do with the KVM, just FYI.Video:There is a noticeable difference. It's like the difference between aliased and non-aliased text, i.e. the text is just a bit blurry. You may not notice for lower resolutions like 800x600 or possibly 1024. I was able to change my monitor settings so that the display for one PC was perfect, but then my Mac displays a bit blurry.Conclusion:If crisp video is not essential, this is a great choice. I've tried MANY models, and so far this is the best. And, like I said, since I haven't been able to find a KVM that didn't reduce video quality, I can't really fault this one too much.FYI, I received a black unit even though the Amazon picture is white, which I prefer anyway.

This KVM switch is very well built. I switch it between Windows and Linux machines without issue.CAVEAT: The unit only switches using the front panel buttons. It does not support a hotkey sequence. The manufacturer's website incorrectly represents this. If this feature is significant to you (like it was for us) you need to purchase the UR-14+, and not the UR-14 or UR-14-KIT. Very easy-to-confuse part numbering doesn't improve my opinion of this manufacturer.Another item to keep in mind about this device: whenever you switch PCs, it emulates plugging and unplugging of your keyboard & mouse. Doing this repeatedly can cause instability in some less mature USB stacks. The UR-14+ doesn't do this; it emulates an idle mouse & keyboard for all the other PCs.