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KVM switches are useful little devices which allow you to seamlessly switch between multiple computers whilst still using the same keyboard, mouse and video monitor. There are different types and features to consider which we will look at in this guide.
The main focus of this guide though, is finding the best KVM switches for wireless keyboards and mice. Compatibility issues are notorious between these devices, but the DDM technology in the ConnectPRO UR-12+ does seem to fix this problem. Other KVM switches are available of course, but it’s hit and miss as to whether they will work with a wireless keyboard and mouse.
- Subtype: KVM
- Ports: 2 x KVM port(s)
- KVM users Qty: 1 local user
Features To Consider
All KVM switches basically do the same thing – allowing you to control multiple computers with one keyboard, video monitor and mouse. However, some KVM switches come with additional features – such as audio support or an onscreen display. You will also need to consider how many ports you need (how many computers you want to connect to) and the video connection type (VGA, DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort).
Of course, the main feature required is compatibility with a wireless keyboard and mouse. The next section is dedicated to that, but below is a rundown of the other features you are likely to come across when searching for a KVM switch.
Number of Ports
This is the number of computers you can connect to the KVM Switch. Typically, this ranges from 2 – 64 ports. The most common models have 2 or 4 ports and that’s what this guide is focusing on.
Power Supply
Some KVM switches draw power from the computer whilst others have a standalone power supply. Usually, a KVM switch with a standalone power supply is preferred.
Audio Support
A few KVM switches come with audio support. However, be aware that some users have found the audio quality to be quite poor with some KVM switches. A potential fix which has seen some success is to use a ground loop noise isolator such as this one from Amazon.
Video Connection
The type of video connection used by the KVM switch will affect the video image quality. There are four types you are likely to encounter: VGA, HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort. Generally speaking, HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort connections are better than VGA. This is usually reflected in the price of the KVM switch.
Onscreen Display
Some KVM switches come with an onscreen display which is useful for configuring more complicated setups.
Compatibility With Wireless Keyboards & Mice
KVM switches and wireless keyboards and mice have a bitter relationship. There are many reports where people have simply given up on finding a solution and gone back to wired keyboards and mice.
But don’t despair!
There may yet be a solution. The ConnectPRO UR-12+ and UR-14+ uses DDM technology. This maps the devices to each port and means the keyboard and mice don’t need to initialize each time you switch ports. In most cases, users who have had problems with previous KVM switches were able to connect seamlessly to these ConnectPRO KVM switches. An additional benefit of DDM is that it recognizes the extra mouse and keyboard buttons that most others don’t.
Unfortunately, good things don’t come cheap and the ConnectPRO DDM switches are considerably more expensive than the alternatives. Some people have had success with the other KVM switches, but it’s hit and miss. A possible solution is to purchase one of the cheaper switches and return it for a ConnectPRO if you can’t get them to connect. Make sure you check the returns policy first though!
Our Top Pick: ConnectPRO’s UR-12+
If you have previously had problems connecting your wireless keyboard and mouse to a KVM switch, the ConnectPRO’s UR-12+ is probably for you. Pretty much everyone who has used this switch with a wireless keyboard and mouse have had no compatibility problems. The same can’t be said for most other KVM switches!
Due to the DDM technology (which is also what allows the wireless keyboard and mouse compatibility), the ConnectPRO UR-12+ will also recognize all of the extra keys on your keyboard and mouse. Other switches will usually only emulate the basic keyboard and mouse keys.
The overall build quality of the ConnectPRO UR-12+ is very good. However, this is what you would expect with the price tag. Unfortunately – due to the DDM technology – the UR-12+ is much more expensive than some of the alternatives.
Although the UR-12+ uses a VGA connection (generally not as good as HDMI or DVI), ConnectPRO does have another KVM switch, the UD-12+, which uses DVI although it is slightly more expensive.
- Supports USB 2.0
- Works with monitors with a resolution up to 1920×1080
- Hot-key support to easily switch between ports with your keyboard
- All-Time Full DDC prevents the computer from losing connection to the monitor, even when it is not active
Unfortunately, neither of these support audio.
Both the VGA and DVI switches from ConnectPRO are available with 2, 4 and 8 ports. The DVI version is also available with 12 ports.
Pros
- Compatible with wireless keyboard and mouse.
- Recognizes special keyboard and mouse buttons
- Good build quality.
- Available with VGA or DVI connections.
- Supports hotkeys.
Cons
- More expensive than other KVM switches.
- Doesn’t support audio.
Verdict
If you have previously tried connecting your wireless keyboard and mouse to a KVM switch without success, the ConnectPRO UR-12+ might be the perfect solution. However, if you haven’t yet tried a KVM switch with your wireless keyboard and mouse, you might want to try an alternative first due to the cost of the ConnectPRO KVM switches.
Budget Pick: IOGEAR 2-Port
If you’re looking for a cheap and simple solution, the IOGEAR 2-Port is a great choice. However, be aware that there are reports of compatibility issues with wireless keyboards and mice.
IOGEAR 2-Port is a very simple KVM switch, but is a great option if that is all you need. Compatibility with wireless keyboards and mice is hit and miss with this switch. For some, it works flawlessly, whereas others can’t get them to connect at all. If you don’t want to spend too much on a KVM switch, it is probably worth at least trying this one before the ConnectPRO UR-12+.
The IOGEAR is also available with 4 ports, the cheapest model being the 2 port with VGA. They also do 2 port models which use DVI or HDMI connections. They will output a better quality image but are quite a bit more expensive than the switches which use a VGA connection.
As you would expect with a cheaper product, the overall quality isn’t as good as the ConnectPRO KVM switches. A few users have complained about the cables being too short, and the cable which connects to the switch is very thin and flimsy.
The IOGEAR switches with VGA connection can only be switched via the physical switch included. With the DVI and HDMI models you can use keyboard hotkeys to switch computers.
Pros
- Low cost and good value for money.
- Available with VGA, HDMI or DVI connection.
- Some models support audio.
- HDMI and DVI models support hotkeys.
Cons
- Compatibility issues with some wireless keyboards and mice.
- Cables are quite short.
- Switch cable thin and flimsy.
- VGA models don’t support hotkey switching.
Verdict
If you haven’t yet tried a to use a KVM switch with a wireless keyboard and mouse, I would start this model if you just need a basic solution. The build quality isn’t great and it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles, but it does the job. If you have previously tried KVM switches with your wireless keyboard and mouse without success, you will probably find this one doesn’t work. In which case the ConnectPRO UR-12+ is what I recommend.
For Audio Support: IOGEAR 2-Port with Audio
The IOGEAR 2-Port with Audio is a great option if you need audio support for your KVM switch. However, like with the IOGEAR 2-Port, there are reports of compatibility issues with wireless keyboards and mice.
The IOGEAR 2-Port with Audio is basically the same as the IOGEAR 2-Port except it supports audio. So, just like with the IOGEAR 2-Port, if you have already tried a KVM switch with your wireless keyboard and mouse and not been successful, you should try the ConnectPRO UR-12+.
Some users have experienced poor audio quality with this model. A potential fix which has seen some success is to use a ground loop noise isolator such as this one from Amazon.
The IOGEAR 2-Port with Audio is available with VGA, HDMI or DVI video connections. Unfortunately there is no 4 port model.
Pros
- Low cost and good value for money.
- Available with VGA, HDMI or DVI connection.
- Supports audio.
- HDMI and DVI models support hotkeys.
Cons
- Compatibility issues with some wireless keyboards and mice.
- Cables are quite short.
- Switch cable thin and flimsy.
- VGA model doesn’t support hotkey switching.
Verdict
If you are looking for a 2 port KVM switch which supports audio, this switch is a great option. Just be aware – as I have pointed out before – there are reports of compatibility issues with this switch and wireless keyboards and mice.
Conclusion
These are our top picks for the best KVM switches for wireless keyboards and mice. Unfortunately, many people have had problems finding a KVM switch which supports wireless keyboards and mice. The ConnectPRO UR-12+ has seen the most success and has shown to work in almost all instances. However, it is quite an expensive option. The IOGEAR 2-Port with or without audio has connected successfully with some wireless keyboards and mice, but there’s a good chance you will have issues getting them to work properly.
Last update on 2022-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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