[Sytheii]

Hi a third time!

This one had me scratching my head too. I wanted to buy a switch that would allow me to use one keyboard for my pc and my XBOX 360, but the catch is this: I want to be able to switch(select) to which device the keyboard is sending key commands to, but i DONOT want the keyboard to DISCONNECT from either device while the switching is being done.

So i guess what i want is for the keyboard to be simultaneously plugged into each device, but i dont want the singals for me typing this message for example on my pc to be sent at the same time to the xbox.

I dont know if you can buy a switch to do this, or even if its possible, nor do i know what to look for in a device that would do something even remotely similar to this.

One thought does come to mind though, on my keyboard, an apple pro usb i believe it is called, there are 2 usb ports on the top of it...dont know if those are just for additional devices or perhaps they might work for what i want. OH! and i have already tested the keyboard with the xbox, it works fine plugged right in.



Anything anyone can throw my way would be very helpful, i am kind of at a loss as to what to get, and when i do search for items online, im frankly unsure that if i bought something that SEEMED to do what i wanted it too whether or not it actually would.

So thanks again in advance folks, i appreciate you taking the time to read this thread.

Edited by Sytheii, 05 November 2009 - 04:12 AM.

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What you want is a KVM switch. Normally, it is used to switch the keyboard, video and mouse, but you don't really have to have all three attached since normally it uses the power from the keyboard. There are USB or PS2 types, so make sure that you get the correct one.

The KVM switch maintains the keyboard connection to each device so that each does not know that the keyboard is no longer really connected to it.

[Kemasa]

What you want is a KVM switch. Normally, it is used to switch the keyboard, video and mouse, but you don't really have to have all three attached since normally it uses the power from the keyboard. There are USB or PS2 types, so make sure that you get the correct one.

The KVM switch maintains the keyboard connection to each device so that each does not know that the keyboard is no longer really connected to it.

[Sytheii]

What you want is a KVM switch. Normally, it is used to switch the keyboard, video and mouse, but you don't really have to have all three attached since normally it uses the power from the keyboard. There are USB or PS2 types, so make sure that you get the correct one.

The KVM switch maintains the keyboard connection to each device so that each does not know that the keyboard is no longer really connected to it.

AWESOME!!! OKOK...So i need to get a KVM USB switch...are there any other notes you can leave me to make sure that I am getting the right kind of switch?

I see items like this

http://www.officedep...r:referralID=NA

or this

http://www.staples.c..._-613310-C96239

will basically any of these types of items work?

[Kemasa]

If you only want to switch the keyboard, look for a cheap one. Also, it is a good idea to try to determine how you switch between the two. I have a couple of KVM switches and some are annoying as it is not an easy switch, although you can get used to it. My favorite uses the control key to switch. You press the control key twice in a short period of time switches it. Sometimes it switches when I don't mean to, but it is rare.

Also, check to see if the cables come with the KVM.

Example, not a recommendation, the second link is one for $20. If you look around for rebates, you should be able to pay around that amount or less:

http://www.newegg.co...amp;Order=PRICE

http://www.newegg.co...9-021-_-Product

http://bensbargains....z0--search-html

[Sytheii]

Awesome man, i had found that one earlier on newegg, figured it would be the best bet. Thanks again!

[Kemasa]

Just make sure that it comes with the cables or that you have the needed cables, which in your case should just be a USB cable, so you might be able to get a cheaper KVM without cables.