KVM for dual-monitor DVI setup is hard to find

A KVM switch allows you to control multiple computers via a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor — or set of monitors. It's that emphasis on monitors plural which is of particular interest to me, both because (1) it's what I use and (2) it was quite difficult to find a KVM switch which matched.

My intended setup is to share 2 monitors (and keyboard + mouse) between my Mac Pro and Windows PC. Right off the bat, that narrows it down to switches which support USB and not PS/2, since the latter is heinously ancient and isn't supported by Macs. And then comes the criteria of requiring 2 ports for each monitor — a total of 4 inputs — and not just that, but they must be DVI.

With those specs, the price climbs quite steeply. A basic KVM for one monitor can be had for US$20, but in my searches, what I was looking for scaled upwards to — ulp! — the likes of US$500! On top of that, I had to bushwack past setups designed for 4 computers to share a single monitor (4 inputs in a different config), and even Newegg's search wasn't very accurate. I finally narrowed it down to a couple models, wondering why such a modern setup wasn't more affordable. Most KVM boxes look aesthetically unattractive, perhaps because their perceived market aren't creative types.

As life would have it, I found a good deal on eBay for an older-labeled version of Gefen's 2×2 DVI Switcher @ US$150. It's clearly in used condition and reminds me of my beat-up old Opcode Studio 4. I've only done limited tests with it because I lack enough DVI cables (more've been ordered), but so far, it seems to be working well with a single monitor. I've unplugged it for the time being until those cables arrive. Followup on how the full setup performs daily is planned, and if you're looking for a KVM switch for your similar config, well, there isn't much choice anyway.

Tagged as: General