I had a rotary kind.  I never had problems with the mouse though; 
just during boot up with the keyboard.  I would invest in a KVM to 
respond to keyboard sequences rather than rotary switches.  Also, 
it's true the cables certainly add up if you're not careful.  I think 
all of mine cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $60 for four ports. 
Now, I don't use them.
I think my next one may be a Raritan, Cybex, or Lightwave.  I see 
their ads in the Processor rag every month, and they look pretty 
good.  I called Cybex last year, and they told me all of theirs are 
made in the USA.  I never buy crucial hardware made in China or 
Taiwan--the quality and reliability simply isn't there.  If you can 
afford it, see what sysadmins use in production.  You'll find some of 
the bigger pricey brand names.  I know some units from the three 
makers above can haul everything (even sound) over a proprietary 
protocol over CAT5 up to 1000 feet.  Not to sound or be confused with 
X.
Mario
>On Mon, 10 Dec 2001, Bill wrote:
>
>>  On Monday 10 December 2001 20:20, you wrote:
>>  > Anyone have any experience with KVM's and Linux, and whether it
>>  > matters if it's a rotary dial or push-button switch?
>
>>  I use a rotary (el-cheapo) kvm and it was trashing the mouse upon my
>>  return until I learned to only switch it while I was at a tty ...
>
>hmmm ... I have the electronic from LinkSys -- $54 at Buy.com,
>WITH cables, when I bought it.  Remember to quote apples to
>apples when you shop -- it seems to be cheaper to buy a set
>with the proper cables ...
>
>I solve the mouse issue by not using the mouse part -- I have
>two mice (30button illuminated for Linux, two button MS
>House shaped for Win'95), and switch by touch without taking
>my eyes off the screen
>
>I tap-tap Ctrl, and it switches; the 4 port ones, you tap-tap
>Ctrl then {A|B|C|D} ... and it switches...
>
>And this is a real benefit -- I had the mechanical rotary
>type, and it was much more disruptive.  Electronic holds
>keyboard detection through reboots, too.
>
>-- Russ Herrold
--
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