Price : Too low to display
The 4-Port USB PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Audio (TK-423K) provides control of 4 computers/servers with just one set of console controls. Manage 4 computers that have open VGA and PS/2 ports at the touch of a button with one set of PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse, VGA monitor, microphone and speakers. No need for additional cabling, all required cables are included. Independent audio/mic and PC port selection provide additional flexibility. LED indicators show connection status and a buzzing sound confirms port switching. With Hot-Plug, Auto-Scan and Hot-Key operating features, this versatile device is the perfect choice for managing 4 computers/servers.
This review is from : TRENDnet 4-Port USB/PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Audio and Cables TK-423K (Black)
A Great Buy . I bought this KVM switch from amazon.com three weeks ago and received it within two days via SuperSaver shipping. I use the switch with three computers running ubuntu linux 8.04, Windows XP, and Windows Vista and a wide screen monitor at 1680x1050. The switch works perfectly and does what it is advertised to do. I bought this model because I wanted a KVM switch that could work with both PS/2 keyboards and mice and USB keyboards and mice. This has the added advantage of working with audio, having both microphone and speaker connectors. In addition, unlike some KVM switchs, this one comes with a complete set of cables and it combines the monitor, keyboard, and mouse cables into a single cable for each computer, minimizing the number of cables on my desktop. And the monitor, keyboard, and mouse are hot pluggable, that is, you can unplug your keyboard or mouse or monitor and swap in a different one without shutting off the computers, as I did once, without worrying about it affecting the computers.
The hot key is programmable; the default is the Scroll Lock key but you can reprogram the hot key to any key. Press Scroll Lock twice and the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 to switch between four computers. Or you can use the four buttons on the front of the KVM switch. You can also continuously automatically cycle through all four computers and you can set the amount of time each computer is in focus while cycling. What if you are listening to music or talking to a friend on Skype off one computer and want to work on another computer? No problem, you can set the audio to focus on a single computer even when you are working on a different computer.
There are some drawbacks, but in my opinion, they are not very strong, and I'd still highly recommend this KVM switch. Here are the drawbacks so far. When you press the hot key the switch beeps, then when you press the number key to choose which computer to switch to the switch beeps again. The beep is a very low, quiet beep but it's a beep. I can't imagine why anyone would want beeps when switching computers unless maybe this KVM was made for blind people who might need a confirmation that the switch happened. Can anyone tell me why most high end KVM switches come with beeps that can't be turned off?
Secondly, I use a wireless optical mouse. The mouse and keyboard remain powered on at all times, even when all computers are turned off. I came in to my office after Labor Day weekend and found that my mouse and keyboard were still powered on. Not good for an item that runs on batteries so I have to unplug the KVM switch when I shut down the computers. I then discovered that I have to let the KVM switch "warm up" after I power it back on before I turn on any computers. Once, I powered it up and immediately turned on my computers and there was no video from any computer because the KVM switch wasn't "warmed up" yet.
Last, Trendnet advertises that the switch maintains a monitor signal at all times so you don't have to worry about the computers that are not in focus not recognizing a connected monitor. Unfortunately that signal is apparently for a generic monitor and I cannot start up all three computers simultaneously and expect them to come up with the correct resolution. The ubuntu and the Vista computers apparently have to sense the connected monitor as they are starting up or they will go into the wrong video resolution. The Vista machine additionally has to detect that there are speakers connected or it will disable the audio output. The XP machine is the only one that can consistantly start up and find the video resolution it was set to previously without being the computer in focus as it is starting up. The end result is I have to start up my computers one at a time; I start up my ubuntu computer, when the login screen appears I switch to the Vista computer, and when the login screen appears I start up the XP computer. Once all the computers are started there is no further problem. I did have one occurance of the ubuntu computer not being able to come back from energy saver mode and find the right resolution but that was a one-time occurance.
On the whole, I can strongly recommend the Trendnet TK-423. I'm happy with it and it does the job.
A Great Buy . I bought this KVM switch from amazon.com three weeks ago and received it within two days via SuperSaver shipping. I use the switch with three computers running ubuntu linux 8.04, Windows XP, and Windows Vista and a wide screen monitor at 1680x1050. The switch works perfectly and does what it is advertised to do. I bought this model because I wanted a KVM switch that could work with both PS/2 keyboards and mice and USB keyboards and mice. This has the added advantage of working with audio, having both microphone and speaker connectors. In addition, unlike some KVM switchs, this one comes with a complete set of cables and it combines the monitor, keyboard, and mouse cables into a single cable for each computer, minimizing the number of cables on my desktop. And the monitor, keyboard, and mouse are hot pluggable, that is, you can unplug your keyboard or mouse or monitor and swap in a different one without shutting off the computers, as I did once, without worrying about it affecting the computers.
The hot key is programmable; the default is the Scroll Lock key but you can reprogram the hot key to any key. Press Scroll Lock twice and the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 to switch between four computers. Or you can use the four buttons on the front of the KVM switch. You can also continuously automatically cycle through all four computers and you can set the amount of time each computer is in focus while cycling. What if you are listening to music or talking to a friend on Skype off one computer and want to work on another computer? No problem, you can set the audio to focus on a single computer even when you are working on a different computer.
There are some drawbacks, but in my opinion, they are not very strong, and I'd still highly recommend this KVM switch. Here are the drawbacks so far. When you press the hot key the switch beeps, then when you press the number key to choose which computer to switch to the switch beeps again. The beep is a very low, quiet beep but it's a beep. I can't imagine why anyone would want beeps when switching computers unless maybe this KVM was made for blind people who might need a confirmation that the switch happened. Can anyone tell me why most high end KVM switches come with beeps that can't be turned off?
Secondly, I use a wireless optical mouse. The mouse and keyboard remain powered on at all times, even when all computers are turned off. I came in to my office after Labor Day weekend and found that my mouse and keyboard were still powered on. Not good for an item that runs on batteries so I have to unplug the KVM switch when I shut down the computers. I then discovered that I have to let the KVM switch "warm up" after I power it back on before I turn on any computers. Once, I powered it up and immediately turned on my computers and there was no video from any computer because the KVM switch wasn't "warmed up" yet.
Last, Trendnet advertises that the switch maintains a monitor signal at all times so you don't have to worry about the computers that are not in focus not recognizing a connected monitor. Unfortunately that signal is apparently for a generic monitor and I cannot start up all three computers simultaneously and expect them to come up with the correct resolution. The ubuntu and the Vista computers apparently have to sense the connected monitor as they are starting up or they will go into the wrong video resolution. The Vista machine additionally has to detect that there are speakers connected or it will disable the audio output. The XP machine is the only one that can consistantly start up and find the video resolution it was set to previously without being the computer in focus as it is starting up. The end result is I have to start up my computers one at a time; I start up my ubuntu computer, when the login screen appears I switch to the Vista computer, and when the login screen appears I start up the XP computer. Once all the computers are started there is no further problem. I did have one occurance of the ubuntu computer not being able to come back from energy saver mode and find the right resolution but that was a one-time occurance.
On the whole, I can strongly recommend the Trendnet TK-423. I'm happy with it and it does the job.
Great quality! The product arrived on time. . The trendnet KVM is working well so far. It arrived quickly after the purchase.The quality is good. I recommend this vendor to anyone.
TRENDnet 4-Port USB/PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Audio and Cables TK-423K (Black) Reviews
Trendnet TK423 KVM . I bought and connected this device to three computers, a Dell XPS Laptop with Vista, a Dell PC with XP, and a Digital Storm Gaming PC with Windows 7 Ultimate.
I have seen no issues with the Dell Laptop or PC, but the Windows 7 PC will lock up the keyboard and mouse in the middle of just about anything at random.
I use the set up with a USB Logitech G15 keyboard, and USB Logitech G20 Mouse.
Since I have no issues with two of the Computers, I have to assume it is an issue with Windows 7.
I have heard rumors that the top USB port of the KVM switch is somewhat unreliable, so I have switched to the bottom port.
I did this by plugging the keyboard directly into the bottom port of the KVM switch, and plugging the mouse into the keyboard usb expansion port.
Thus far it seems to be stable.
To get the keyboard and mouse back to normal operation after they lock up, requires resetting the TK423 by removing the power cord.
The strange thing is, when it locks up I can still change computers via the hot key and they work fine on the other machines.
Hence, my basis for the issue being with Windows 7.
I will post again if I solve the problem.
If you are looking for a KVM with Audio and Microphone thats supports 4 computers, and handles USB or PS/2, this is the best one on the market.
I chose this product due to the track record of their higher end 16 port KVM switches, which I use many of, without issue I might add.
I would recommend this device over any other product thus far for use in these types of application.
A note: If the computers are not all on one rack, or one desktop, you may need extension cables.
The video USB/PS2, is about 5-6 Feet, but the audio/mic cables are only around 3.5 ft.
Go figure................
Trendnet TK423 KVM . I bought and connected this device to three computers, a Dell XPS Laptop with Vista, a Dell PC with XP, and a Digital Storm Gaming PC with Windows 7 Ultimate.
I have seen no issues with the Dell Laptop or PC, but the Windows 7 PC will lock up the keyboard and mouse in the middle of just about anything at random.
I use the set up with a USB Logitech G15 keyboard, and USB Logitech G20 Mouse.
Since I have no issues with two of the Computers, I have to assume it is an issue with Windows 7.
I have heard rumors that the top USB port of the KVM switch is somewhat unreliable, so I have switched to the bottom port.
I did this by plugging the keyboard directly into the bottom port of the KVM switch, and plugging the mouse into the keyboard usb expansion port.
Thus far it seems to be stable.
To get the keyboard and mouse back to normal operation after they lock up, requires resetting the TK423 by removing the power cord.
The strange thing is, when it locks up I can still change computers via the hot key and they work fine on the other machines.
Hence, my basis for the issue being with Windows 7.
I will post again if I solve the problem.
If you are looking for a KVM with Audio and Microphone thats supports 4 computers, and handles USB or PS/2, this is the best one on the market.
I chose this product due to the track record of their higher end 16 port KVM switches, which I use many of, without issue I might add.
I would recommend this device over any other product thus far for use in these types of application.
A note: If the computers are not all on one rack, or one desktop, you may need extension cables.
The video USB/PS2, is about 5-6 Feet, but the audio/mic cables are only around 3.5 ft.
Go figure................
TRENDnet 4-Port USB/PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Audio and Cables TK-423K (Black) Opinions
So Far So Good ! . So far works great. Only time will tell how high quality this KVM really is. Had a Belkin Flip KVM that stopped working properly after about 11-12 months. BTW, this works with both Windows 98 SE and with a newer Linux Ubuntu 8.10 with no apparent problems on either operating system.
So Far So Good ! . So far works great. Only time will tell how high quality this KVM really is. Had a Belkin Flip KVM that stopped working properly after about 11-12 months. BTW, this works with both Windows 98 SE and with a newer Linux Ubuntu 8.10 with no apparent problems on either operating system.
Works perfectly . My connections are 1 PS2 mouse and keyboard controlling 3 computers, all 3 on PS2 mouse/keyboard. Switch works perfectly. Switching between desktops is easy, Scroll Lock twice then 1,2,3,4. If you want the switch not to beep when switching, simply press Scroll Lock twice then B (B for beep I suppose). It comes with all necessary cables for monitor, keyboard, mouse and audio connections. Audio switching is supported in addition to the standard keyboard/monitor switch.
Cons Review
Don't Buy This . I have had a KVM connected to my SOHO system and 3 computers (2 Windows XP & 1 Fedora Unix). All systems are PS2 based keyboard and Mouse. When my Mouse recently failed I tried to replace it only to find that almost 100% of the locally available keyboards and mice were USB based. So I decided to replace the KVM. Not an easy task to say the least. It is unfortunate that most listings do not go into any detail about the connection options, nor do they specify any list of compatible items.
I Purchased the Trendnet unit base on reviews and that it stated that it was compatible with BOTH USB & PS2. After receiving the unit I connected to my system. Following a comment I read I started the systems one at a time with their corresponding button selected. I immediately had problems. My new Microsoft optical mouse did not function. The tracking LED was lit, and the computer recognized a Mouse, but the pointer would not move. The first thing I did was unplug the mouse and attempt to plug it directly into the computer. The mouse instantly started to function. So I tried reversing the keyboard and mouse connections on the KVM. Now the mouse worked, but the keyboard didn't.
I called the TRENDnet support number, which to their credit is 24/7, and the phone was answered by a gentleman where it was obvious that English was not his primary language. After explaining my issue with him and being put on hold several times during the conversation. He set about trying to solve the problem. He first had me disconnect and shut down everything. Then reconnect and restart only one computer, a process that I tried to explain I had already tried several times already. When it still didn't work, no big surprise here, He had me try swapping cables, changing USB ports, and then asked me if I had a "Different Mouse". I happened to have the Logitech Mouse I use for my laptop. Plugging this in it began to work. So then he told me that I should call Microsoft to get the proper drives. I told him the mouse worked when I plugged it into the computer directly, so drivers were not an issue. But he insisted, so I gave up.
I went out and purchased a Logitech mouse, connected it and it worked too. So it's obvious that the KVM is not compatible with some Microsoft mice. I started happy using my new setup, a little disappointed that none of the "extra features" of my mouse or keyboard would work. I figured that was part of the "always on" feature of the KVM. This also proved that drivers don't make any difference since the KVM had no pass-through functionality
After about 4 days my keyboard stopped working. I again went through everything and determined that the mouse or the keyboard would only work if connected to the Lower USB connection on the KVM. I called TRENDnet again, this time getting a woman who again proved that English was not her primary language. I had to go through the whole history again, through the whole testing process; it was obvious they were both reading from the same trouble shooting script. She then announced that the unit was defective and I should contact Amazon for a replacement.
Amazon was very helpful and had my replacement with a return label in my hands the next day. I plugged everything in, restarted the one computer, and I still had the same issue. Only the lower USB worked.
So now I am returning the TRENDnet unit and getting the Belkin, which is the same manufacturer of the KVM that I have had for the last 5 years. Bottom line, don't bother with this unit, Support is useless and the product is not usable. Look for something else
I Purchased the Trendnet unit base on reviews and that it stated that it was compatible with BOTH USB & PS2. After receiving the unit I connected to my system. Following a comment I read I started the systems one at a time with their corresponding button selected. I immediately had problems. My new Microsoft optical mouse did not function. The tracking LED was lit, and the computer recognized a Mouse, but the pointer would not move. The first thing I did was unplug the mouse and attempt to plug it directly into the computer. The mouse instantly started to function. So I tried reversing the keyboard and mouse connections on the KVM. Now the mouse worked, but the keyboard didn't.
I called the TRENDnet support number, which to their credit is 24/7, and the phone was answered by a gentleman where it was obvious that English was not his primary language. After explaining my issue with him and being put on hold several times during the conversation. He set about trying to solve the problem. He first had me disconnect and shut down everything. Then reconnect and restart only one computer, a process that I tried to explain I had already tried several times already. When it still didn't work, no big surprise here, He had me try swapping cables, changing USB ports, and then asked me if I had a "Different Mouse". I happened to have the Logitech Mouse I use for my laptop. Plugging this in it began to work. So then he told me that I should call Microsoft to get the proper drives. I told him the mouse worked when I plugged it into the computer directly, so drivers were not an issue. But he insisted, so I gave up.
I went out and purchased a Logitech mouse, connected it and it worked too. So it's obvious that the KVM is not compatible with some Microsoft mice. I started happy using my new setup, a little disappointed that none of the "extra features" of my mouse or keyboard would work. I figured that was part of the "always on" feature of the KVM. This also proved that drivers don't make any difference since the KVM had no pass-through functionality
After about 4 days my keyboard stopped working. I again went through everything and determined that the mouse or the keyboard would only work if connected to the Lower USB connection on the KVM. I called TRENDnet again, this time getting a woman who again proved that English was not her primary language. I had to go through the whole history again, through the whole testing process; it was obvious they were both reading from the same trouble shooting script. She then announced that the unit was defective and I should contact Amazon for a replacement.
Amazon was very helpful and had my replacement with a return label in my hands the next day. I plugged everything in, restarted the one computer, and I still had the same issue. Only the lower USB worked.
So now I am returning the TRENDnet unit and getting the Belkin, which is the same manufacturer of the KVM that I have had for the last 5 years. Bottom line, don't bother with this unit, Support is useless and the product is not usable. Look for something else
Blank screen with Ubuntu . I bought this product for several Ubuntu 10.04 machines. When booting them with the monitor connected via the KVM, they all give me a blank screen after booting. The BIOS screens show up, but I get a blank screen instead of a login in screen after booting. The only way around this is to boot with the monitor plugged into the PC directly and after booting connecting it to the KVM, after which I can switch between the machines successfully.
Does Not Work . The AC plug does not fit the KVM, and it will not power up without it, so I sent it back and the next one same problem . I went with the cabletogo tru link and very happy with this KVM .
Product Image
Feature TRENDnet 4-Port USB/PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Audio and Cables TK-423K (Black)
- Manage up to 4 computers/servers with one set of console devices
- Cables from the KVM switch to the computers/servers feature VGA and PS/2 connectors
- Supported console connections are as follows: PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse ports, VGA monitor port and speaker/mic port
- Audio/mic port selection may be independent of keyboard, video and mouse port selection
- Control computer/server selection with front push buttons and keyboard hotkeys Supports Universal Host and Open Host Controller Interface (UHCI/OHCI)
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Product Details
EAN : 0710931304404UPC : 710931304404
MPN : 0710931304404
Brand : TRENDnet
Weight : 6 pounds
Height : 7 inches
Length : 11 inches
Width : 8 inches
Binding : Personal Computers
Format : CD
Hardware Platform : Pc
Manufacturer : TRENDnet
Model : TK-423K
Operating System : Windows
Platform : Windows
Publisher : TRENDnet
SKU : AZDH-TK423K
Studio : TRENDnet
Where To Buy
You can buy TRENDnet 4-Port USB/PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Audio and Cables TK-423K (Black) on Amazon . Click here to Read More
