From TNPC issue #4.06...

Superlative and Smart Switchboxes

by T.J. Lee
March 22, 2001

Something as simple as a switchbox may seem a bit outdated given the ease with which we network even our home computers these days. But simple mechanical A-B switches that used to let you share one printer between two computers have given way to electronic marvels.

At my workstation I have at least two (sometimes more) computers hooked up to a single monitor, mouse, and keyboard at all times. I use a "smart" switchbox that lets me easily switch from one computer to another using keyboard commands. This lets me test something (usually beta software) on one computer while writing about it on the other. If you own more than a single computer you should consider a switchbox.

The new switchboxes are called "smart" because they can fool all the computers hooked up to them into thinking each computer has all three components (monitor, mouse, keyboard) plugged into it at all times. The big savings for me is space. Unlike Dan who has room for two monitors on his desk hooked to a single PC, I have very limited monitor space. A switchbox for monitor, keyboard, and mouse makes perfect sense. Switching can be done mechanically by pressing a button on the switch, or by a simple keyboard command.

These switches are called "KVM" switches (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) and I've used several types over the years, going all the way back to the mechanical turn-the-crank models. Two of my modern favorites are the Belkin OmniCube and the Black Box ServSwitch Spectra. Both are small devices that take up very little desk space. One thing I don't like is that once you hook up two sets of cables running to each computer (more cables if you have more than two computers) plus a set of cables to your actual keyboard, monitor, and mouse, the weight of the cables tends to pull the switch off the side of the desk. I stabilize things by mounting the switch to a length of 1x6" board.

The ServSwitch has a feature that the OmniCube lacks. In addition to switching the keyboard, monitor, and mouse, it lets me have one set of speakers that get switched between computers along with everything else. That one feature was enough to get me to try this nifty switch. You can even control which computer gets the speakers through keyboard commands. That way, if I'm playing a CD or MP3 on one computer and I switch to the other computer the speakers can be switched along with everything else or just keep on playing. The ServSwitch is pricier than the OmniCube but in addition to dealing with speakers (the OmniCube does not) the ServSwitch does not require a separate power supply. It draws its power from the PC connections and means I have one less thing to plug into my UPS which I like.

The trick in setting up a switchbox for your systems is to be sure you have cables that will work between the switchbox and your computer. Your best bet is to buy a set of cables just for this purpose (both Belkin and Black Box sell cables to go with the switchboxes). There are hydra cables that let you hook the three primary devices (keyboard, monitor, and mouse) using a single cable that has three connectors at each end.

While I like the Black Box ServSwitch Spectra (it's what I'm currently using) let me tell you a story about Belkin that makes the firm a very serious contender as far as customer service goes. About two years ago I purchased a Belkin Omnicube. Fast forward to the present; one day my OmniCube gave up the ghost after many hard hours of switching back and forth between various computers. I thought two years probably put me outside the warranty but I figured I'd check the invoice for the exact purchase date and review the accompanying documents to see if I was still covered. Well, since I purchased the switchbox I've moved my entire household and office from Southern to Central California and despite being somewhat of a packrat the paperwork on the OmniCube was not to be found.

Without even an invoice I called Belkin's customer service number and explained my problem, that I'd had the device for at least two years, no paperwork to prove it, etc. Only to find out I had no problem at all. The Belkin customer service representative faxed me an RMA number along with instructions on where to ship the broken switchbox. I sent them the broken unit and Belkin sent me back a new one, no discussion, no hassles. Yeah Belkin!

Belkin OmniCube
http://www.TheNakedPC.com/t/406/tr.cgi?tjl1

Black Box ServSwitch Spectra
http://www.TheNakedPC.com/t/406/tr.cgi?tjl2

You can reach T.J. Lee at:
mailto:tj_lee@TheNakedPC.com

Return to Top

TNPC Hot Tips:

• Email out of control? Spam filling your inbox? People trying to steal your identity? Same here - until I applied these tips. You can too in a new multimedia e-book. Tame Your Email.

• DO YOU MAKE THESE MONEY MISTAKES? Do you know that trying to pay off your high interest rate debts first and/or paying extra on more than one debt is the SLOWEST way to get out of debt? Don't make these same mistakes. Learn more at by clicking here...