Hardware Review: Iogear Miniview PC 4-port PS/2 KVM Switch - GCS14

You recall, of course, that I am looking for a few good KVMs (that is, switches that allow you to share one Keyboard, Video Display, and Mouse with multiple computers). I disliked the Iogear GCS632U so much that I returned it, but the GCS14 model I also bought is good enough to keep in my lab, though it is not perfect.

For starters, it is cheap; $60 after rebate, and it controls 4 PCs equipped with PS/2 keyboards and mice. It includes 4 sets of KVM cables, and while I would not consider them "high quality" cables, they are good enough to not blur the monitor too much at 1024x768 resolutions, which is what my servers and test machines run at. My wife doesn't notice the image quality degradation on my Trinitron-equipped 17" monitor, but I can slightly. If I use some high-quality video cables instead of those provided with the unit, the image is completely good. Clearly, Iogear has a cheap-cable problem (The GCS632U is even worse in this regard, since the cables are cheaper and permanently embedded in that device), though at these price points, I don't see a way around it.

The biggest problems relate to cable management. Most KVMs have a one or two cables plugging into the front of the device, while the rest connect at the rear; and with 4 computers, that is (counts fingers and toes) 15 cables total. Some others have all the cables plug into the back. Not so here; cables plug into three sides of the GCS14, making for a little "octopus" of cables on your floor or desk. It is somewhat unsightly when in full view, and you'll want to keep it hidden.

Fortunately, you can keep it hidden, since in addition to a hardware button the device to switch computers, there are keyboard shortcuts. They are a little unwieldy (Control-Shift, then a number 1-4, then Enter), but they work all the time. This KVM also emulates a keyboard and mouse for the other computers, so they can boot and run without detecting a disconnected input device.

So, while by no means perfect, the Iogear Miniview PC 4-port PS/2 KVM Switch Model GCS14 is a perfectly adequate KVM device, and if your resolutions aren't too high, work just fine with the included cables. Otherwise, buy better cables where needed. Overall, I recommend it.