Hardware Recommendations Stack Exchange
Hardware Recommendations Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [kvm]

For questions about selecting KVM switches (Keyboard, Video and Mouse) used to share a single set of inputs and display devices between multiple outputs.

Keyboard, Video and Mouse (KVM) switches allow a single set of peripherals (now usually including other devices via shared USB hubs) to be shared by multiple machines. They have existed for quite some time and have supported many different keyboard, mouse and video standards.

Some KVM implementations are based on simple electronic switches. Others abstract the switching to the network and can be managed remotely. Most will provide the option to switch inputs based on keyboard strokes as well as physical knobs and switches.

Key things which differentiate KVM switches are:

  • Number of ports
  • Maximum video resolution supported
  • Manageability (remote or local only)
  • Input technology – for example:
    • VGA/DVI/HDMI/DisplayPort for video
    • Serial/PS2/USB for keyboard and mouse
    • Stereo 3.5mm/HDMI for audio
    • Shared USB hub for other devices
  • Cabling (captive or modular)
61 questions
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KVM with dual output for extended desktop

I'm having trouble finding a solution for setting up a switch for three laptops to two monitors. I'd need a KVM that matches the following criteria: 3 inputs for the laptops 2 outputs to two monitors supporting extended monitor or multiple display…
Greenonline
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Cheap 4 port KVM switch with emulated (or better) keyboard + mouse

I'm running 3 servers and not sure who makes good quality KVM switches. A recommendation for a cheap 4 port KVM switch to improve my keyboard handling, would really help. I have an old home-use KVM already but it works by disconnecting/reconnecting…
Stilez
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Reverse KVM Switch

I'm reconfiguring my home work environment and one of my ideas is having both a sitting and a standing desk (seperate). As part of this though, I'd like to continue to utilize the same computer between the two desks, instead of finding a way to…
Andy
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KVM or Dock Switching Device

Here's my scenario: I have a home gaming PC connected to two 27" monitors. It also has a Razer Widowmaker keyboard and a Razer mouse. I also have a work laptop. This laptop has one HDMI input and one USB-C/Thunderbolt input. I'm looking to find a…
Ryan
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How to share common key board & mouse across laptops?

I have two work laptops. One came with a docking station & external monitor. I’m using two different keyboard & mouse. I want to use same keyboard & mouse & switch across one laptop to another. I am not supposed to install any third party…
goofyui
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Why are DisplayPort KVMs so awful?

The DVI KVMs I've been using for years have the property that they make the computer(s) that one is switched away from think that the monitor is still connected. This is, in general, quite useful; in particular, if one attaches a laptop to the KVM…
Braden
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KVM that supports dual (or even triple) monitors, 3 USB inputs for two machines

I am looking for a KVM switch that can support multiple HDMI monitors with at least 1900 x 1200 resolution. This KVM will be connected to a docking station on a laptop running Ubuntu and desktop computer running Windows 10 Professional. I need the…
Andy
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Questions about KVM devices

When I read that it's a switch I automatically think it just allows quick connection without unplugging each time. What I am looking for is simultaneous use between 2 systems. Is that what these devices do or is there a sub set that I should be…
R B
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What KVM switch for PC and laptop

I have a PC setup and I want to add a laptop in such a way that I can switch between the two and use my existing keyboard, monitors etc. But I'm not sure what KVM switch to get. I will use both for work (no gaming) and not likely to extend it to…
Craig
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Single computer IP KVM - that does **not** use Java

I am looking for a single computer IP KVM that doesn't require Java on the client to connect. I have a computer that needs to be in a location that isn't easy to get to, but occasionally I need to connect to the console during the update process. …
Zoredache
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Auto switch to the active input port on HP Envy 4k monitor

I've a HP Envy 27" 4K monitor which I use with both my home and work laptops. The problem is my work laptop connects via hdmi cable and the personal laptop (Mac Book Pro 2017) connects via USB-C. So I've to manually switch monitor's input mode…
avi
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What KVM matrix switch to buy for 2 computers and 2 monitors?

I am trying to find a KVM matrix switch to switch two computers with two monitors each between two sets of monitors and keyboards. This should be controllable by software. It should also be possible to control one PC from both sets of mouse and…
Raphael Wittwer
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Special needs for KVM switch

We have two computers to be connected to a KVM switch and from there to a touch screen. We want users to be able to switch between computers only by using touch screen. So. Is there a KVM switch, where we could trigger a switch to another computer…
nobody
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KVM Switch for 2 monitors and 4 computers

Most of the details are in the title. DP into the switch and DP out. I don't care about USB 2.0 or 3.0, it's just a mouse and keyboard. There are a ton on Amazon, but from brands that I'd never recognize. Budget: < $500
Darthg8r
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kvm switch with semi\full ddm

I am looking for a kvm switch that will support my Logitech unifying receiver. From my understanding, the only ones capable of that are kvm switches using semi or full DDM. The issue is that most of the kvm's I found are about 150$ or more. What is…
GKman
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