Conclusion
Before I get into the comparative virtues of each switch, there are a few things worth mentioning that apply to both. First, both units were able to switch between machines and reboot without the systems having to redetect the keyboard and mouse. Both also let you use ports that only have a monitor connected, which is perfect if you have a dual monitor setup and want to share your second monitor. Normally, I run two monitors connected to my work machine, with only the secondary monitor shared with other machines.

Unfortunately, both of these switches require large, boxy power adapters, the kind that don't tend to fit well in most surge protectors. Ideally, I'd like to see power pulled directly from one of the connected computers, but I'd settle for a power connector that moves the box away from the plug itself. I've seen a number of devices with power adapters that do just that, so it can't be hard to do.

With that little bit of venting out of the way, it's time to get on with the more difficult task of picking a winner. Honestly, it's a really tough call. Despite the fact that both switches support two USB peripherals in addition to a USB keyboard and mouse, Belkin and IOGear's offerings are quite different. Which switch is right for you very much depends on which you value more: USB peripherals or audio switching.

The MiniView III USB's on-screen display is a really nice feature, but the big thing to pay attention to here is its ability to switch USB peripherals independently of KVM components; that's the ace in the hole. However, unless you're using a USB audio device like Creative's Extigy, you're out of luck if you want to do any audio switching with the device.

Audio switching is where Belkin comes in, and that mission fits well with the SOHO OmniView USB/Audio's small footprint. With audio switching, you need only a single set of speakers, which can potentially free up a lot of desk space. Belkin would be the clear choice, were it not for its inability to independently switch USB peripherals.

So Belkin has the edge when it comes to audio, and IOGear comes out ahead if you want more versatile USB peripheral switching. A MiniView III USB also comes in $70 cheaper than a SOHO OmniView USB/Audio when you add up the cost of Belkin's cables, so that's one more thing to take into consideration. In the end, both are worth your hard-earned dollar. It's up to you to pick the one that best suits your needs. However, if anyone out there knows of an audio switching box for under $70, I'd love to hear about it.