Strafe RGB and KVM

I just purchased a Corsair Strafe RGB keyboard, which I like a lot, because it's quieter than any of my other mechanical keyboards, while preserving most of the good typing feel I need (hence preserving both my productivity and my domestic tranquility). The RGB LED display is for me just a bonus, although backlighting is a must for me since I first got a CODE keyboard.

Here's the problem, though: because this new keyboard requires USB 3.0 and a lot of extra current, I can not use it with my KVM. I switch back and forth between a Windows machine, a MacBook, a couple of Linux boxes. Currently I use a IOGear MiniView HDMI switch, which was working just fine with the CODE keyboard.

Has anyone on the forum gotten a decent HDMI/USB3.0 KVM switch to work with the Strafe RGB? I was looking at this switch (Syba USB 3.0 4 Port HDMI KVM Switch with 2-Port USB 3.0 Hub and Audio/Mic Support with Push Button and Hot Keys Switching, http://www.amazon.com/Syba-Switch-Support-Switching-SY-KVM31036/dp/B00E1HGJ7Q), but before I buy, I wanted to see if there was a tried and tested alternative available. Any recommendations?

The STRAFE only needs a USB port, the second plug is for the USB pass through located at the front of the keyboard.

The plug with the two arrows is the USB pass through plug.

The STRAFE only needs a USB port, the second plug is for the USB pass through located at the front of the keyboard.

 

The plug with the two arrows is the USB pass through plug.

Yeah, I tried that. No keypresses get through to the computer. That's why I posted the question to the forum. I think my KVM isn't supplying the required current to power the keyboard.

I am looking at this KVM, has anyone tried it with the Strafe RGB?

http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/hkm-pros.html

Followup: I bought this (AdderView Pro 4-port DVI KVM)

http://www.adder.com/products/adderview-4-pro-dvi

and it works great with my setup. All of my machines recognize the keyboard. It was a little pricey but now I have the setup I wanted, so I'm OK with that.

I'm kind of in the same situation. One PC and Mac and I want to use my K95 in both. I'm considering to buy this: http://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Sharing-One-Button-Swapping-Computers/dp/B00JX3Q28Y

Looks like being USB 3.0 should be fine... (I hope)

Yeah, I tried that. No keypresses get through to the computer. That's why I posted the question to the forum. I think my KVM isn't supplying the required current to power the keyboard.

I just went through the effort of setting up a Strafe through an ATEN CS1784a KVM. In trying to find solutions for the issue of the keyboard not being detected, this thread came up as one of few hits addressing my search. I managed to get things working through trial and error, and thought I would share the experience.

As well as power being a possible issue, a larger issue is that of of emulation. KVMs use emulation which may or may not be compatible with the Strafe (or other gaming keyboards).

The USB 2.0 of my KVM is fine for connecting the Strafe (one connector to pass through, one connector to the keyboard port). However, without activating the units firmware mode and over riding emulation, the Strafe will not be recognized by the Corsair software (even though Windows recognizes it). Without recognition by the Corsair software, the Strafe won't function with emulation active (default for the KVM).

Once emulation is overridden, installation and use becomes straight forward.

Corsair CUE software, however, isn't the best at responding to the environment within a KVM system, and could really use some tuning.

I have the same issue w/ my older Avocent Switchview DVI. I may have to go the same route as pbrennan. Anyone else had success w/ other units?

Alatriste - did you get it to work w/ this device?

Digi

I just went through the effort of setting up a Strafe through an ATEN CS1784a KVM. In trying to find solutions for the issue of the keyboard not being detected, this thread came up as one of few hits addressing my search. I managed to get things working through trial and error, and thought I would share the experience.

As well as power being a possible issue, a larger issue is that of of emulation. KVMs use emulation which may or may not be compatible with the Strafe (or other gaming keyboards).

The USB 2.0 of my KVM is fine for connecting the Strafe (one connector to pass through, one connector to the keyboard port). However, without activating the units firmware mode and over riding emulation, the Strafe will not be recognized by the Corsair software (even though Windows recognizes it). Without recognition by the Corsair software, the Strafe won't function with emulation active (default for the KVM).

Once emulation is overridden, installation and use becomes straight forward.

Corsair CUE software, however, isn't the best at responding to the environment within a KVM system, and could really use some tuning.

Wow! This is handy! I'm looking to use a Strafe RGB with an ATEN CS1782A!

Are you able to clarify what the issues are with actually getting the keyboard to work? Did you have to plug a usb lead from the keyboard into the KVMs keyboard socket, and another one into another USB socket on the KVM too?

Also, are you able to explain how the keyboard works when flicking between different PCs? Do you have to run the associated software on all the PCs? And can you then have the keyboard display different colours depending which PC it's connected to (via the KVM)? eg: Flick to PC-A red keyboard, flick to PC-B blue keyboard?

And if a PC has multiple accounts/users? How does the software react to that? Do you need it setup on each account?

I had a flick through the KVM's manual about turning off emulation mode, and it implies some of the function keys etc will stop working on the keyboard? :bigeyes: