Two PCs. Two keyboards. Two mice. Two sets of speakers. And a cable tangle that looks like a spider built a nest under your desk. You're reaching across the bench to grab the right mouse and wondering why this setup still feels like 2004.
The ATEN CS1742C cuts that mess in half. One keyboard, one mouse, one pair of speakers, two VGA displays – all talking to both machines. Flip a front-panel button or hit a hotkey and you're on the other PC. No driver installs. No dongle hunts.
Video runs clean up to 2048 × 1536 with DDC2B, so both screens stay sharp whether you're running a dual-monitor workstation or a paired server setup. The built-in 2-port USB hub means each server shares peripherals without extra adapters. Audio goes both ways – speakers and mic – so you don't need a second headset.
OS coverage is broad: Windows (2000 through Vista and later), Linux, Mac, Sun, FreeBSD. SUN and Mac keyboard emulation is built in, with the usual caveat that each keyboard pairs with its own platform.
Two custom KVM cables are in the box. Plug them in, press a button, done. Firmware is upgradeable when ATEN ships an update, so the unit doesn't get left behind.
Add to cart and cut your desk in half
| brand | ATEN |
| model | CS1742C |
| ports | 2 |
| video_resolution | Up to 2048 x 1536 |
| video_standard | DDC2B |
| display_type | VGA / SVGA / Multisync (dual) |
| usb_hub_ports | 2 |
| audio | Speaker and microphone support |
| included_cables | 2x Custom KVM Cables |
| os_support | Windows, Linux, Mac, Sun, FreeBSD |
| switching_method | Front-panel pushbuttons and hotkeys |
| firmware | Upgradeable |
| category | Desktop KVM |
