Do you have two computers on your desk, each with its own keyboard, mouse and monitor? The desk is crowded and switching is annoying. The solution is a KVM switch, which simplifies everything. Let us explain what it is and when it is worth it.

What a KVM switch is

A KVM switch is a small device that lets you control several computers with one keyboard, mouse and monitor. The abbreviation KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, Mouse. With one button or shortcut you switch which computer you are currently controlling.

How it works

You plug the keyboard, mouse and monitor into the KVM switch, which connects them to several computers at once. When you switch, the same peripherals start controlling the other computer. You do not need two keyboards and two monitors on the desk, one set is enough.

When it suits

  • You have a work and a personal computer and want to switch quickly between them.
  • You work with several machines at once, for example in development or server administration.
  • You want to free up desk space and get rid of duplicate peripherals.

Types of KVM switches

  • By the number of computers: for two, four or more.
  • By connector: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, depending on what your computers and monitor have.
  • By the number of monitors: single- or multi-monitor versions.

Common desktop switches come with 2, 4 or 8 ports. With more than two computers, switching by a keyboard shortcut or a rotary selector is handy, because pressing one button repeatedly is slow. There are also dual-monitor KVMs that switch two monitors of one computer at once, which you appreciate when working on two screens.

KVM over IP for remote management

A separate category is KVM over IP. It does not switch computers on your desk but lets you control a remote computer or server over the network as if you were sitting at it, including the screen during boot and entering the BIOS. Thanks to that, a machine can be managed even when the operating system does not boot. It is used by server administrators and companies with several branches.

What to watch out for

  • Resolution and refresh rate. The KVM must support your monitor’s resolution, especially with 4K and a high refresh rate. This is related to HDMI and DisplayPort versions. A cheap switch may crop the picture to a lower resolution or reduce the refresh rate.
  • EDID. The monitor sends the computer information about its capabilities (EDID). When switching, the computer may “lose” the monitor and windows rearrange. Better KVMs have EDID emulation that prevents this.
  • The number and type of USB ports for the keyboard, mouse and possibly other devices. Mind gaming mice with a high polling rate or specific keyboards, cheaper switches may not handle them reliably.
  • The switching method, by a button, keyboard shortcut or remote control.
  • Audio and extra ports. Some KVMs also switch speakers, a microphone or a USB drive, others only the picture, mouse and keyboard. Check what you need to switch together.

Dealing with a crowded desk or working with several computers? Get in touch, we will advise on the right KVM solution and on connecting monitors.

This article is part of our Hardware and components overview.