Belkin Switch2 review

If you have an Intel Mac running Parallels Desktop, the idea of running a Mac and PC side by side, connected using a KVM, to one display, keyboard and mouse might seem like something from the dark ages.

But for most of us, having separate machines is the only way to run native Mac and Windows applications from the same desk without sacrificing performance. And for that task, a KVM such as the Switch2 from Belkin, is an essential piece of equipment.

One look at the Switch2 tells you immediately that it's designed to sit underneath a Mac mini and is perhaps aimed at the PC switchers Apple tried to attract with the mini but who couldn't quite bring themselves to get rid of their PC. However, it will work with any USB Mac.

The Switch2 has a couple of nifty features. Firstly, it has a volume control on the front for the speakers that can be connected to it. Secondly, it has an eject button for optical media on whichever computer is currently in use. The volume control is a giveaway that the Switch2, in addition to allowing you to share a monitor and keyboard, also allows you to share a set of speakers.

The captive cables, to which Mac and PC, or Mac and Mac, are connected, have VGA, USB, and 3.5mm mini-jack plugs. The sockets on the back of the box provide outputs for the same three connections. It's worth noting that, somewhat disappointingly, the display cable is VGA, a connector that disappeared from the Mac some time ago. So if you have a Mac mini, or any other recent Mac, you'll need a DVI to VGA adaptor. In our experience, the additional weight of the adaptor on the mini's DVI output can be problematic and cause the display connection to falter. We would have been much happier if there was a DVI connector on the Switch2.

Aside from that lone quibble, the Switch2 is well made, looks good and is easy to use - which, apart from DVI support, is about as much as you can ask for in a KVM switch.