Review: Belkin Switch2 Wireless kit

With most people now owning more than one computer, or wondering what to do with an old computer after an upgrade, KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) switches are growing in popularity.

Just as with other KVM switches, the Belkin Switch2 Wireless allows you to control two computers with a single keyboard, monitor and mouse, thereby saving desktop space.

This Belkin model is especially convenient because the switch button is wireless and can therefore be placed anywhere on the desk, or even attached to the monitor.

Installation is quite easy with all the plugs and sockets clearly marked. There are two USB sockets for keyboard and mouse (PS/2 versions are also available), an audio socket and a VGA socket.

The installation is as basic as just connecting the wires; no software installation is required. This also means the Switch2 Wireless can be used with any operating system.

The mouse and keyboard are recognised as new USB devices each time the device switches, which means there is a noticeable pause each time you switch from one computer to the other.

During testing, we also found this caused a USB malfunction when we switched too quickly between the computers, although switching back and forth again with a suitable pause solved the problem.

There are alternatives to using a KVM switch, such as remote control software such as VNC (virtual network computing), which is available for most major operating systems. However, VNC involves using a local area network and therefore has disadvantages, not least that the firewall must be opened on both computers - not only an inconvenience but also a security risk.

Although no software is required to use the Switch2 Wireless, there are downloads available for Windows 2000/XP and Mac OS X 10.3 or later. This software allows you to listen to the audio from one computer even when controlling another and to use a keyboard shortcut rather than the button.

We found this worked well and, if both computers are compatible, it does make the wireless switch a little redundant - the Switch2 without wireless is available for around £32 online.

If there's a reasonable distance between the audio, video and USB sockets on your computers you might find the cables too short. However, an audio extension cable is supplied in the package and, as stated in the Belkin's FAQ, a free USB extension will be sent out if required.

One final criticism, albeit a minor one, is that the Switch2 lacks is a microphone input; something that would be extremely useful with software such as Skype.

As far as KVM switches go, Belkin's Switch2 Wireless is a competent device but has a few minor niggles.

Also consider:
Fujitsu Servis
A relatively cheap and basic eight-port KVM switch

Dlink DKVM-8E review
Control multiple servers with this 8-port KVM switch

Avocent Switchview
Share devices using this four-port device

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