Features Table
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| Manufacturer | Gembird | Keysonic | Lindy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | CAS-431 | IC-714-IK | CPU Switch Lite 4 Port |
| Dimensions | 182 x 102 x 57 mm | 200 x 90 x 45 mm | 190 x 90 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 890 g | 610 g | 265 g |
| Case material | Metal | Aluminium | Plastic |
| Console Connections | |||
| Mouse | 1x PS/2 socket | 1x PS/2 socket | 1x PS/2 socket |
| Keyboard | 1x PS/2 socket | 1x PS/2 socket | 1x PS/2 socket |
| Sound | no | no | 2x 3.5 mm socket |
| USB Ports Mouse / Keyboard | no | no | no |
| USB Peripherals | no | no | no |
| VGA | 1x 15-pin socket | 1x 15-pin socket | 1x 15-pin socket |
| Maximum VGA resolution | 1600 x 1200 | 1920 x 1440 | 2048 x 1536 |
| Video Standards | SVGA, VGA | DDC, DDC2, DDC2B | VGA, DDC1, DDC2 |
| Video Range | 200 MHz | 400 MHz | 400 MHz |
| DVI Connections | no | no | no |
| LAN | no | no | no |
| RESET button | yes | no | no |
| Client Connections | |||
| Mouse | 4x PS/2 | 4x PS/2 | 4x PS/2 |
| Keyboard | 4x PS/2 | 4x PS/2 | 4x PS/2 |
| USB Ports | no | no | no |
| Sound | no | no | 4x 2-3.5 mm socket |
| VGA | 4x 15-pin socket | 4x 15-pin plug | 4x 15-pin socket |
| DVI | no | no | no |
| Power input | no | 9V | no |
| Other | no | no | no |
| Accessories / Supplies | |||
| VGA Cable | no | no | no |
| Mouse / Keyboard Cable | no | no | no |
| Combination Cable VGA / Mouse / Keyboard | yes, 4x 1.8 m | yes, 4x 1.8 m | no |
| Combination Cable KVM+Sound | no | no | yes, 4x 2 Meter |
| Combination Cable KVM+Sound+USB | no | no | no |
| Combination Cable KVM+USB | no | no | no |
| Sound Cable | no | no | no |
| LAN Cable | no | no | no |
| Power pack | yes | optional | no |
| Manual | Yes, English | Pamphlet, multiple languages | Pamphlet, multiple languages |
| Client Switch | |||
| Tracer | yes | no | yes |
| Autoscan | yes | yes | yes |
| Scan Interval | 5 seconds | 5 to 30 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Regulator | no | yes | no |
| Hotkey | yes | yes | yes |
| Acoustic signal | yes | yes | yes |
| Security Function | no | no | no |
| Display on KVM Switch | |||
| Enterprise LED | no | yes | no |
| Client LED | yes | yes | yes |
| On-Screen Display | no | no | no |
| Warning Signal | no | no | no |
Test Procedure
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| Setup of the platforms testedSystem 1Barebone Shuttle Zen Xpc | |
|---|---|
| CPU | Pentium 4 3.2 GHz |
| System Memory | 512 MByte DDR |
| Graphics Card | Onboard Graphics ATI 9500 |
| OS | 3Ware NAS Soho, Linux-based |
| Resolution | 800x600, 60Hz, DOS mode |
| System 2Barebone Jetway MiniQ | |
| CPU | Pentium 4C 2.6 GHz |
| System Memory | 512 MByte DDR |
| Graphics Card | Nvidia Geforce FX 5700 |
| OS | Windows XP, SP1 |
| Resolution | 1280x 1024, 70 Hz, 32 bit |
| System 3Notebook | |
| CPU | Pentium M 1.7 GHz |
| System Memory | 480 MByte RAM |
| Graphics Card | Onboard Intel Graphics 82852/82855 |
| OS | Windows XP, SP1 |
| Resolution | 1024 x 786, 60 Hz, 32 bit |
| Console | |
| TFT | 17" |
| Keyboard | Keysonic ACK-720WK USB* |
| Keyboard | Logitech Internet Navigator USB* |
| Keyboard | Revoltec Lightboard USB* |
| Mouse | Kensington Optical Elite USB |
| Mouse | Microsoft IntelliMouse PS/2 |
| * with PS/2 connection to KVM box with PS/2 adapter |
Systems 1 and 2 were connected with the first two connections on the KVM box. The notebook served as the fourth PC on the 4-port KVM switch. The third client connection remained free so that the operation during manual switchover and in autoscan mode could be gauged. Because most KVM switches work without a separate power unit, various keyboards were used, some of which are illuminated and require various amounts of power.
The boxes were rated according to the following criteria:
- The functionality of the KVM box serves as the basis for evaluation, as well as the accessories included in the package (cables and user manual). Particular consideration is given to how easy it was to switch between the individual clients.
- Concerning the selection of individual test platforms, there should be an appropriate button on the device that can control the individual systems directly. The KVM box should emit an acoustic confirmation signal.
- Switchover must also be possible with a key combination on the connected keyboard. Furthermore, autoscan mode should support various time intervals. The more setting options, the better. Extra points are given for other functions, such as on-screen display and the ability to choose between various key combinations to switch over.
- If the tested KVM switch supports USB input devices, then no new recognition of the mouse and keyboard should take place in Windows XP when switching over. Strong fluctuations in the CPU load in the Task Manager should not occur, and NASCAR Thunder TM 2004 should run completely smoothly.
- When connecting the client computer cable, all cables should lead out from the KVM box in one direction and should not waste unnecessarily large amounts of space. Likewise, the cables should be bundled and not exist as individual video, PS/2, sound and USB cables. They should not be less than 1.8 meters long. It must be possible to screw the video signal connection cable to the KVM switch.
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