Hardware Review: Iogear MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch - GCS632U

So I've recently replaced all the university-era computer furniture in my home office (and lab) with some snazzy new stuff from Ikea. Not only does it look good, but it gives me 15 linear feet of desk space to spread out.

I keep around 8 computers on my desk(s) for testing, using different operating systems, my servers, and so forth, and having all the monitors for them was really getting to be a drag. So, for my primary PC and Mac, both of which are USB, I've been looking for a USB KVM (that is, a switchbox that shares one keyboard, mouse, and monitor with two or more computers). The key requirement here is that it can't fuzz or blur my monitor, since I run very high resolutions on a 20" flat-CRT-type monitor.

My first attempt at a good KVM is the Iogear MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch - GCS632U, and while it does perform as promised, the video ghosting and burring is horrible above 1024x768. I have a similarly priced PS/2 model (GCS14) from Iogear for my testing machines, and the video images are much clearer. I'm assuming that the electronics for the two are similar, so I'm pretty sure the difference is because of the video cables.

The GC632U uses permanently embedded video cables, as opposed to separate cables, and they are very thin and the lack ferrite chokes (those little metal rings on either end of the cable that suppress electronic noise). The PS/2 model uses somewhat thicker cables that must have more shielding, and the image is much better.

This really is a shame, because otherwise it works great. It maintains the illusion that a mouse and keyboard are connected to the computers at all times, so there's no "disconnect/reconnect" waiting with the peripherals when you switch between computers. It is also compact, looks nice, and is under $80.

I'm currently testing some other USB KVMs for my personal use - stay tuned for the results.

Really, those are too many computers you are using there. Of course you need a great KVM switch. I will consider upgrading some of the machines and virtualizing a couple of these so that I can have 2 or 3 physical displays where I can see all VMs at the same time.

Grand National

I am always searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you
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I realized that I should follow the instructions and put the mouse and keyboard in separate usb ports on the switch (they had been daisy chained). Then I made sure they should be in the correct port (there is an icon on the bottom of the switch for which one takes the keyboard and which one takes the mouse. Then (again, following the instructions more carefully) turned off both computers. Then turned them on again.

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The IOgear kvm is a pile of crap, don't buy it. Go with a D-link instead. I had all sorts of problems with iogear kvm. I ended up going back to my old d-link. What a waste of money.

Two Macs: G5 tower and MacBook SantaRosa. There were two key ingredients for me to get this to work properly:

1) make sure both computers are OFF when you set it up.

2) the timing for setting up the hotkeys is critical. I'm using a full Apple aluminum keyboard (has num pad) and using the stopwatch on my iPod, it took a few tries, but holding "clear" for exactly two seconds then (while continuing to hold "clear") holding "-" for one second then releasing the "-" and then the "clear" in quick succession. Then tap the "T" key once and at that point the KVM will do the switch with two taps of the control key.

It would do IOGear well to figure out a better

I've had many problems with this product (GCS632U). The problems seem to occur after running windows media. I've contacted tech support and got a reply that says essentially they don't have that problem. Really? Come look at my system then.

In order to get it installed I first plugged the mouse (Logitech USB) and Keyboard (Microsoft USB) into each computer directly. I had the specific drivers on each computer before plugging them in. After they were recognized and installed, I plugged the GCS632U in as instructed. Everything works fine until you hit a website that plays video (like ESPN with the small window that automatically plays.) From that point on it's messed up.

What happens is the computer that played the video shuts down the mouse. The keyboard will still work fine. When you jump over to the other computer, the mouse works fine but the keyboard is messed up. That's even when the second computer never having actually played Windows Media player. The systems have to be shut down to fix it.

When I plug the mouse and keyboard directly into the computer and run Windows Media player, it works perfectly fine. Then re-running with the GCS632U, it fails everytime.

But, "they don't have this problem." I guess it's all in my head. Not much help at tech support over at IOGear, but I'm sure they are just trying to not feed my paranoia.

I have a microsoft wireless keyboard/mouse and connect it to the keyboard usb port. Everything works fine except the scroll wheel on the mouse. If I switch the usb port to the mouse port, the scroll wheel works, but I can't switch between computers. Any suggestions?

When I connect a wireless keyboard/mouse combo to the KVM, I can access the menus, change settings, and switch to a server. However, when I switch to any computer (Windows or Mac), the computer will not recognize the keyboard or mouse. The only key that is recognized is scroll-lock, which functions correctly to bring me back to the menu.

I have swapped the keyboard and mice ports, but that doesn't seem to help.

I have also tried several wired keyboards and mice, but they all have the same problem. I contacted support and was told to try a different keyboard and mouse. I am on my seventh... am I missing something?

Has anyone solved this problem? I would love some help.

I fought this problem for a while. Found if I DO NOT load drivers with mouse, using only default PS2 driver that come with Windows, the scroll and basic other buttons will work when switching between computers. But then you do not benefit from other special funtions that many mice have available. The KVM's that do not require any drivers be installed seem to work best, but it's not a guarantee. The new cordless mice with small usb receivers will not work thru my current KVM (Belkin), even when power seperately. So that means that the computer needs to "see" the receiver to work correctly. (Works fine when plugged in directly.) Why can't manufactuers keep backward compatibility in mind when they move forward!!??

I tried to use this switch with my intel-based mac and the keyboard would not work at all but the mouse functioned normally. Then I switched the two on the device and the keyboard worked fine but moving the mouse started to type random characters...called their tech support and he suggested trying another keyboard (that I didn't have). So I took it back and got another one... This also didn't work. So, I'm giving up. I would not recommend this for anyone with a Mac and maybe not even a PC

I'm tearing my hair out - one monitor (viewsonic) for the pc desktop works fine with keyboard, mouse, etc. - the other monitor (HP Pavilion laptop) worked fine in the beginning but now give me "no signal - analog" message ! argh......does anyone know how to get around this?

I haven't even started thinking about how to get my macs connected...jeez

kris

My HP Pavilion Laptop (dv4-1140go) also worked great initially with this KVM switch, but when I connected a Dell Latitude D600 laptop and "switched" over to the Dell, the Dell worked fine but the HP became completely unresponseive. I could not switch back over to it, even rebooting it is now problematic. I'm still working on this however...I'll let you know if something falls into place for me (unlikely!). Please do the same for me. Thanks.

I have two computers i'm trying to use the KVM switch for, the one (a dell) works great with it, the other however (a toshiba laptop) wont recognize my keyboard thru the KVM switch. Does anyone have ideas?

KVM extender allows you to extend PS2 keyboard, PS2 mouse and VGA video remotely up to 1000 feet away from a computer. KVM extenders are ideal for applications like public broadcasting, banks, classrooms, tradeshows, and other mission critical locations.

I tried everything to fix my iogear switch and it just would not work then I tapped on a key that says F lock (next to ScrLK) and that fixed it must have hit this key by mistake but working now.!

It appears the problem is due to the ignorant engineers over at IOgear. They seem to be *oblivious* to the fact that many keyboard/mouse desktop systems have ONE USB connection. The IOgear switchbox is NOT true-USB compable. It ignorantly ignores the second device on the USB connection.

It is also morally and ethically repugnant that they claim it is compatible with these systems, when they have actively ( and probably intentionally ) designed the system NOT to work with the better keyboard/mouse combo's.

Same as other Mac user comment, indeed to get Hotkey Option,,, I tried both "Num lock" key + "-"key & "Clear" key + "-" key conbos both on MAc keyboard nd didn't Work at all.. ggrrrraaaa,, Nothing happend. So I can not switch my Machines at all. cold sore
I am using this KVM cable between Mac G4 & PC/Linux. When I use PC keyboard, it's Fine. I ve heard Ghost on screen often but no problem with this cable and Philips Flat Monitor for me. Well, basically I m MAC user, I ll ask refund in anycase :-p

I understand your frustration as I ran into the same situation. I bought an iogear miniview kvm to switch my logitech wireless keyboard/mouse between two systems.

When I first connected everything, I couldn't get the hotkey switching (scroll-scroll) to work. But when I put the mouse/key cable in the other kvm port, the hotkey switching began working.

I was having the same problem with the stupid Iogear KVM I bought and your solution of simply switching the mouse and keyboard USB cables worked like a charm. Kudos to you!!!....go screw yourself Iomega.

Thanks for the tip. that solved the problem

same thing for me. Microsoft natrual keyboard (the black one... is that a 4000?) (microsoft wireless intellimouse)...

For some reason i cant get the mouse to be happy, but I did get the switching to work.. once i moved the keyboard to the other usb port on the kvm. that's lame. thanks for the tip.

Just switched USB connectors in the main switch component and now it works. Thanks so much for the tip!

That did it! I put a little Micro USB 4 port hub on the mouse port for the iogear miniview which connects to:
- a Logitech cordless Trackman Wheel
- USB external port
- Apple 20" Cinema Display USB connection; Which provides the data path for:
* an Apple aluminum keyboard
* ipod shuffle dock

Everything is working just fine so far!

What about switching between computers (through Ctrl+Ctrl or SrlLck+SrlLck). Does that work for you?

Have Logitech S510 wireless keyboard/mouse. Had to move usb connector into KVM with Keyboard label, it worked afterwards. Thanks!

This was exactly my issue! I attempted connecting both a logitech and microsoft wirleless keyboard/mouse to the right hand port on my iogear gcs1764 but could not send either "scroll lock, scroll lock (can't on logitech as there was no scroll lock...nice)" or "ctrl, ctrl" until I swapped the receiver to the keyboard port.

USB should be USB so this really doesn't make sense, but then again the lame engineers at iogear built a USB 1.1 port on the back of this guy as well when USB 2.0 has been out for how many YEARS now? Almost returned it, but the only other KVM I found with the same functionality and USB 2.0 that I liked was the avocent which would have been another $100 with cables.

Anonymous,

You're a genius (really). I had the same problem where the scroll-scroll hotkey didn't work with my wireless kbd/mouse (Microsoft Wireless Photo Keyboard). Switching to the other kvm port fixed the problem. Don't know why I didn't think of that. Thanks!

Was using a microsoft natural ergonomic keyboard 4000.

After install microsoft keyboard driver on Windows XP, switching between computers with Scroll Lock - Scroll lock no longer worked.

When plugged the keyboard into other port on the KVM switch it to the other port on iogear KVM switch, it now works.

Thank you very much for the suggestion.

I had the same problem, the box nor the shop said nothing about using it with wireless but it turned out to be useless. However buried in the support section of their web site they do admit to it not working with wireless combos - thanks IOGear. Take a look at ConnectPro, their product gets some good reviews from customers on Amazon who claim to have successfully used it with wireless combos.

All,
Thanks for all tips and notes, but which got me quite worried / desperate after purchasing the IOGear KVM (GCS632 - the simplest 2x PS/2 VGA one, you can find for ~25$).

I have a wireless keyboard & mouse combo by Logitech (A PS/2 version, lacking scroll-lock button).

So I thought I'll through it a way (After reading all this thread), but - luckily - I didn't give up.
I originally planned on using it with either my PC (Win/Linux) and a laptop. But lately - I got a Mac mini, so thought it could be used for that too.

My PC has a PS/2 inteface (An old machine), both Laptop and MAC supports the USB connection only.

I used the KVM the following:
- One KVM port, directly connects to the PC, via the PS/2 interface and VGA monitor plug.
- Second KVM port, connects to Laptop/MAC via a USB to PS/2 adapter, while the video cable goes straight to the DVI input of the display (Sony 19" LCD).

Now the tricky part - switching between computers, is done by using the "Scan/Monitor" function supported by the KVM. Using "Shift-L" "Shift-R" (one after the other, in 0.5 sec max delay) turns on the "scan / monitor" mode, where the KVM automatically toggles between the two computers every 'N' seconds (configurable). Selecting the source at this time, is done by press on "Space" while viewing the appropriate screen.

Since I don't use the other VGA, I sometime have to switch Video sources manually at the display. But sometimes, the display would auto detect, and switch by itself.

So - don't give up, it can work, even without the scroll-lock key.

Y.A.

In my note above, the mentioned of KVM model was incorrectly listed.
The model I use is GCS62.
Y.A.

http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/sw4-usb.html

It switches between 4 computers and is also a 4-port USB hub.

Can be found for $130 on line. It comes with 2 6-ft cables.
I bought two longer cables to make use of all 4 ports; I think that cost an extra $40.

Luckily, I was able to buy USB to PS/2 adapters...
My wireless keyboard and mouse set (Microsoft Wireless Desktop Elite Keyboard and Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer 2.0) has one USB connection, but you can use a USB to PS/2 adapter (included with the kybd & mouse set) for the mouse and it comes with a PS/2 plug for the keyboard. But, when I plugged the USB from the receiver into the mouse port on the switch, I couldn't use any Hotkeys, and when I used the USB from the receiver from the receiver to the keyboard slot on the switch, I couldn't use the mouse!
So: I bought 2, single PS/2 to USB adapters, to see if that would work with my wired mouse and kybd (both have separate PS/2 slots), and could activate the Hotkey Mode, but I could only switch between computers using the ScrLk key on my wired kybd, nothing else. The adapter package warned that keyboards and mice using drivers that weren't installed might not work properly when using the adapters, but my wired kybd and mouse are plug & play, no driver needed. Confused? So am I. The bottom line is: I can't work with the switch on my wireless kybd & mouse set, and I can't work with it on my wired kybd & mouse. So, does anybody have a remedy for this? I am at my wit's end, ad I don't want to call the company, they will probably just send me a new switch, and I don't want to bring this switch back to Bestbuy. Thanks in advance for any help.

I know it's a while since the original post but I thought others might like some insight into my solution. I have the same (above) hardware and was looking at the same outcome ie junking it all, and taking up space with two keyboards/mice. Then reading the messages here suggested that I didn't need BOTH usb and ps/2 connections made (I'd obviously forgotten/ignored that when setting up the wireless a few years back).
While plugging both usb mouse and ps/2 keyboard connections directly to a PC with XP works fine - connecting both (with an adapter for the PS/2 keyboard) via the KVM does not.
The answer is to disconnect the PS/2 and plug the USB port ONLY into the KEYBOARD section of the KVM.
Now it all works - everything - including 'my favorites' buttons (which had not worked when both USB and PS/2 were plugged directly into the new Vista machine - I'd put it down to vista but there must have been a problem with communication somewhere- probably the USB-PS/2 adapter).
So now I am a very happy camper!!! I switch directly on my LG monitor for HDMI to DVI but can tap the keyboard and switch mouse and keyboard faster than the monitor changeover.
Now I'm off to play and see whether I can switch actual USB hubs as was suggested by somebody above... That would be very very cool.

Mike S.

Hmm, that's weird, alright. Apparently, the KVM is expecting discrete inputs for both the mouse and the keyboard, and they are hard-wired into the "mouse" and "keyboard" usb ports on the KVM itself. If you happen to plug a mouse into the "keyboard" UDB port and vice versa, nothing works. At least not for me. Therefore, I would expect the one-port wireless keyboard/mouse combo not to work, which you seem to confirm.

I wish I had a resolution for you...

Same as other Mac user comment, indeed to get Hotkey Option,,, I tried both "Num lock" key + "-"key & "Clear" key + "-" key conbos both on MAc keyboard nd didn't Work at all.. ggrrrraaaa,, Nothing happend. So I can not switch my Machines at all.
I am using this KVM cable between Mac G4 & PC/Linux. When I use PC keyboard, it's Fine. I ve heard Ghost on screen often but no problem with this cable and Philips Flat Monitor for me. Well, basically I m MAC user, I ll ask refund in anycase :-p

I'm switching between a G4 and a PC/XP and got it to work by switching the USB plugs in the KVM hub as suggested above. The hotkey combo (Clear key and minus key) didn't work until I switched the plugs.

Note that my G4 has a keyboard into which you plug a USB mouse. This config didn't work. I had to plug the mouse directly into the KVM hub. And the MAC keyboard is working fine with the PC.

btw... to the above poster... thanks for the bit of genius about switching the USB plugs in the KVM hub... you really saved me.

Same problem here. I could not get the num lock/ clear + "-" key working either it just does not work on a mac with std apple usb keyboard. I got the switching to work with a mac ally iKey which has a scroll lock key BUT no video with any of my B&W G3's. I tested it on a USB PC and it all works. This is not a KVM for a Mac, how IOGear can say it works I don't know. Even the hot keys default to PC standard. I paid extra for this as it said it works with USB Macs using OS 8.6 and up. What a waste of money. I'll ask for a refund and see if I can get a Dr Bot switch.

that this device will not wake up the Apple Studio Display 17" CRT that shipped with many G3 B&Ws. I bought the Belkin USB Flip as a replacement and it works fine with that monitor.

ooops, I forgot,,, Sound via Audio cable connection is Very BAD. U can not use this KVM if you want to listen Classic music. Dunno why this bad sounds like 16Kb/s compression...

Does anyone know if this works without a display connected?

My monitor has two video ports, and to bypass the fuzziness issue, I was simply going to plug both computers directly to my monitor and switch video using it.

But I need to know if this KVM will work without a display connected.

Thanks.

just wondering if anyone tested this with a wireless keyboard/mouse combination? i don't care so much about the video switching as i will be using two monitors. one home monitor, one work monitor. just allows me to multi-task while i work from home. is the ctrl-key the only hot key to switch between the two? or can others be assigned?

I couldn't use IOGear GCS84B because their choice of using the CTRL key to switch video - this wreaked havok with my game playing so I sent it back.

I got the Belkin Omniview - man is this a good switch, switch is about the same price however cables are not included, I purchased the Belkin Omniview E Series cables, about 11.00 a set- All done I have about $150.00 invested.

OK about the switch - The looks are good modern and sleek, the cables are covered by a removable cover. The switch is flash upgradeable with included cable. The inputs on this switch are PS/2 (I have to have PS/2 because I am a system builder and USB is so flakey on some systems) but you can either use PS/2 or USB to connect to the PC's. The toggle keys are ScrLk two times then port number for direct access, or ScrLk two times then up or down arrow keys to advance to next port. it also scrolls for active ports. This works well and is never hit accidently.

This is the best SOHO KVM I have ever used hands down, both the keyboard and mouse features all work ( you need to re-install the software after the switch ) The cables are 4 times the thickness of the IOGear and monitor will sleep normally.

The switch includes sound and mic ports, but they will only work with stereo speakers, or speakers with only one jack - this is fine with me I don't even use sound :-)

Switch warranty is 5 years , cables are lifetime

Have you used this setup with one machine a PS2 and another machine a USB? (I have one machine that only has USB for Mouse & Keyboard)

jimv

Thanks for the mini-review. I'm usually pretty happy with Belkin products. I think I'll check this one out when I get a chance.

I've had this thing set up between my Mac Mini and my PC. I don't see the ghost problems that are mentionned here, but I do have an issue where the keyboard sort of 'locks up'.

What basically happens is that the keyboard no longer responds. I can unplug it from the KVM and plug it back in, with no difference. The mouse however still works (go figure). Only way to recover is to unplug the unit from the Mac and/or PC, effectively pulling it's plug which resets it. I then plug it back in and it works again.

There's really no rhyme or reason why it locks out the keyboard.

Also, although there is no NUMLOCK on the apple keyboard, I believe the CLEAR key, perfoms the same function, as far as the KVM is concerned.

I had the exact same problem, connecting my Mac Mini and my Mac G4. Iogear tech support eventually had me exchange the unit for another one. Same problem with the new unit.

I just bought this today to user between a mac Quciksilver G4 and a sony PC. The packaging says that is works with Mac and PC's however, it clearly has problems using the Mac keyboard with the PC. In the instructions it doesn't give a configuration for using a Mac keyboard with the PC, so I'm sure they know about this issue.

My roommate has a Saitek keyboard which I thought about buying, but that doesn't work at all with this switch... it just flashes!

I can change the hot key settings no problem, and the picture is clear using my LCD flatscreen. BUT I want to use my nicer Mac keyboard so I'll be returing this dissapointing switch tomorrow.

On a side note I am also using it with a Logitech wireless mouse, and that works fine.

The package clearly says that this switch works with Apple keyboards. I would read that and assume it works with a new one too. But no, it doesn't. In order to operate the switch, you need a scroll lock or a num lock key - Neither of which the new Apple keyboards have. No other button that I've tried works for this.

Too right this thing does not work with an apple keyboard. IO Gear say it is made for Mac but it is not. If you made it for a Mac you would assume Mac users would be using the Apple keyboard that cam with their Mac! This thing is just another PC only switch made in white to fool the Mac users.
Just a load of Junk. Their tech support don't even answer their e-mails.

Hardware Review: Iogear MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch - GCS632U

Boy, that's a lot of computers

I am always searching online

I realized

IOGear KVM

Just got one THEN I found this page - but it's WORKING!

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scroll wheel

Keyboard works for choosing but not for operating

All mouse funtions don't work with KVM

Mac Compatable...please, give us a break

getting "analog" error message

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actually, try putting the mouse/key cable in the other kvm port

Thank you...

That worked for me too!

crazy

Worked for me too!

Hot Damn!

What about switching between

IOGEAR GCS932U KVM Not Switching

Thanks!

RE: actually, try putting the mouse/key in the other kvm port

Switching Keyboard Port ALso worked for me, Fixes Scroll-Lock

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Minor correction - IOGear model is GCS62

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WERID

Doesn't work with MAC at all

Re: Doesn't work with MAC at all

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Tech support confirms

PS

Without display

wireless?

KVM Switches

PS2/USB

Thanks for the mini-review. I

This unit locks up

This unit locks up

Mac keyboard with PC does NOT work.

Doesn't work on an Apple keyboard

does not work with apple keyboard

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