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About KVM Switches
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What was a KVM switch?
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What types and types of KVM switches are there?
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KVM switch buying criteria – what's it all about?
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Our practical tip: Convenient use of several devices
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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about KVM Switches
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Conclusion: How to buy the right KVM switch
What was a KVM switch?
A KVM switch allows two or more computers to be operated with only one keyboard, mouse and one monitor. The abbreviation KVM stands for Keyboard Video Mouse, i.e. for the peripherals typically required for operating a computer.
With KVM switches, it is possible to switch between two or more computers by pressing a button on the device or by using keyboard shortcuts on the keyboard. The KVM switch still simulates to the computer or computers that are not currently controlled that both the mouse and the keyboard are still connected. This emulation is important so that no faults occur during the running operation of the individual computers.
KVM switches also act as USB hubs and often have additional connection options for audio.
KVM switches can be used to operate multiple computers simultaneously.
What types and types of KVM switches are there?
KVM switches are available in different designs. A so-called cable KVM switch integrates a permanently attached cable set with a small housing. Such KVM switches are typically designed for two or a maximum of four computers.
KVM switches for 8, 16 or 24 connectable computers require a larger housing due to the higher number of connectors. They are available as desktop units and for mounting in 19" racks. Many desktop devices have separate buttons and corresponding coupled LED indicators for easier assignment of which computer is currently active. The so-called KVM consoles represent another design. These are intended for installation in network cabinets and integrate a complete operating system, consisting of extendable keyboard, touchpad and foldable display along with KVM switch in a flat housing.
For network applications, there are dedicated KVM-over-IP switches that allow other computers to be controlled over a network, sometimes from outside, or worldwide. These are partly designed as computer plug-in cards for standard PCI slots.
An HDMI KVM switch is often also used to control different image playback devices such as projectors and devices from the field of entertainment electronics.
KVM switch buying criteria – what's it all about?
First of all, it is important that the KVM switch has the sufficient number of ports. A 4-port KVM switch serves a maximum of four computers, but can be used equally well with only three or two computers connected to it. In order to enable future enlargements, it is therefore better to plan a corresponding reserve immediately. With regard to the individual ports, make sure that they are compatible with the respective hardware. For example, a KVM switch with 15-pin VGA ports does not help much if the existing hardware is using HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort video ports. The same applies for the remaining ports, which must be available in sufficient number and in accordance with the standards used.
Depending on the operating system used, the KVM switch must also be able to handle it. For example, a KVM switch specifically for Sun/Oracle operating systems is not suitable for Microsoft Windows environments—and vice versa. However, there are KVM switches that are suitable for several operating systems. Such models are recommended if future changes are likely and/or different operating systems are used.
High-resolution image formats play an increasingly important role. Currently, HD resolutions of 1920 x 1080, 1920 x 1200 or 1920 x 1440 are generally standard, depending on the display format. Higher resolutions are used for certain applications, for example in medical technology and in development and architecture applications. Here, care should be taken to ensure that the KVM switch has as much reserve as possible to continue to be used for future hardware updates.
Audio output from speakers in the workplace is often standard nowadays. When using video conferences via Skype and other applications, an audio functionality of the KVM switch is absolutely necessary. The required audio sockets must therefore be available in the required number of units; both for speakers and microphones.
Our practical tip: Convenient use of several devices
Using multiple computers in one place is no longer unusual today. This is due to increased security, for example, when sensitive customer or patient data is handled and one of the computers is therefore operated "isolated", i.e. deliberately not connected to the Internet. KVM switches allow lightning-fast switching between the computers and the installed applications, without the need to set up a second or even a third workstation. The previously cumbersome and error-prone manual switching back and forth with several mechanical switches is now a thing of the past. A single push of a button or a keyboard shortcut is enough to change the computer without any problem. Therefore, it should always be considered carefully whether a KVM switch can be used instead of another workstation. This can often be the more economical and easy-to-use solution.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about KVM Switches
Is a KVM splitter the same as a KVM switch?
No. A KVM splitter enables the connection of several keyboards and mice to a single PC, exactly the opposite to KVM switches. KVM splitters are required if a computer is to be operated from several workstations.
ich seldomly eine Switchover-Option. Alternatively, ich nicht mich mich umschrekt keyboard, mouse und monitor, instead of using a KVM-switch?
Apart from the fact that many peripheral devices (PS/2 mice, for example) are no longer recognized after disconnecting from the port while the computer is running and that a restart would be required each time, other problems with the operating system, drivers and hardware can also be expected.
Conclusion: How to buy the right KVM switch
If there is little space available, it is recommended that KVM switches are compact and already equipped with permanently connected cables. If the KVM switch cannot or should not be placed on the desk, then a model is required that can be switched with the keyboard.
If sound output via speakers or headphones is required, the KVM switch must have the appropriate jacks for audio. The same applies to any additional USB devices. Pay attention to the maximum possible video resolution: If the KVM switch does not provide the required resolution, the screen simply remains dark. Different operating systems also have different requirements for KVM switches. Both must match. The respective product descriptions provide information on this.
When the space is available on the desk, KVM switches with buttons and LED indicators are convenient, which clearly indicate which port and computer is currently active.