A KVM seems like overkill for only 2 boxes but if you already have it, I guess it makes sense. KVM heads (the part that connects to your pc) are available in USB that is what we for our USB boxes.
Logitech K400 920-007119 Plus Wireless Touch Keyboard with Keyboard for TV Connected Computer
Set the bios to boot up without a keyboard and mouse attached and use either Windows Remote Desktop to connect to the second computer or use TeamViewer.
I have several (ok, five) computers only one of which has a keyboard and mouse. The rest I all remote desktop to, no KVM necessary!
Connect the keyboard and mouse directly to eliminate any problem with the kvm box.
Not 100% sure of what you are looking for so I will post a couple of things
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817107417
If you live around Austin or San Antonio (implied by your login), take your KVM to Altex and explain your needs to them. There are PS2-to-USB and USB-to-PS2 conversion cables that will probably fix your issues. A word of warning, don’t get the cheapest cable they have. Those generally do not have the electronics included to make things work correctly. There are some signals and voltages that must be jiggered with internally to properly convert these plugs.
I have several of these type of ‘pigtails’ in use around here. One type has a USB plug on one end and a small chunk on the other end. The chunk has the internal electronics and two PS2 female plugs, one for the mouse and one for the keyboard. The USB side goes into the computer and the PS2 cables plug into the KVM.
Works just fine ... not expensive.
I bought a 4 machine KVM switch about 5 or 6 years ago.
It accepts PS2 or USB for keyboard or mouse and was under $100.
I think I got it on Amazon. I don’t know if it is still available though. The one I got was yellow and I think it was from IOGEAR.
I believe there are PS2/USB KVM switches...
Do a search to find the options you need. It will be cheaper than replacing a high-end keyboard that you love.
Mark
I appreciate the time and input. The back and forth got this ancient mind thinking again and I think I can get it fixed. I didn’t want to complicate the configuration and I did not say that my mouse is USB but before it plugs into the KVM switch (which only accepts PS2) I have a USB to PS2 converter. This is going into the KVM, not coming out. And it has always worked.
So I disconnected the mouse from the KVM and plugged it directly into the USB port of the primary machine and it started working immediately with no reboot. That surprised the hell outta me.
So I’ll get a USB keyboard and cheap USB KVM switch and use the USB ports on the both machines with no converters. Thanks again.................
Yes, there is a known problem. Not all PS2 to USB cables will work. The cable has to have some internal handshaking (small amount of electronics built into the cable) to "translate" the comms correctly. I ran into this last year. Sorry I can't give details, as I long ago lost the receipts and specific part numbers. But there "is" information about this on-line.
Dunno if this will help your or not, but here is something I experienced:
Had to replace the HDD on a dual-boot ‘doze/linux machine and restored the XP partition from a “PartImage” older image file. Minor problem was that when XP originally installed on the machine the KB and MS were PS2 devices and I had later on switched over to USB ones instead.
Right, well, after XP came up and re-scanned the HDD and then rebooted, I no longer had any KB or MS functionality. Went quietly bonkers a bit trying to figure it out.
After all else failed, I finally gave up and powered off the machine - “pulled the plug” (I use a power centre that uses illuminated rocker switches to shut off the mains source).
Turned it on again the next morning and KB and MS were working and I went ahead and installed the drivers for the machine with little difficulty.
Linux, on the other hand, had absolutely no problem and booted up beautifully.
YMMV.