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Most of us will begrudgingly admit that switching between different computers requires some cable swapping, device moving, or other general hassle. But with a KVM switch (KVM stands for “Keyboard, Video, Mouse”), you can leave these hassles behind and save time, space and money. Not to mention, a lot of trouble.
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Simply put, KVM is a type of hardware hub with intelligent switching. Imagine you are using your desktop and want to switch to another computer during your lunch break. (Perhaps it’s your gaming desktop or personal laptop.) Just push a button on the KVM switch and you’ll instantly see another computer on the same desktop screen as yours, controlling the same inputs. Now you’re on the computer until you’re ready to come back
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If this kind of teleportation magic sounds like what your home needs, here’s a guide to finding the right KVM switch. KVMs are well-respected technology, but once you start shopping around, you’ll find quite a bit of subtlety surrounding them. We are here to help.
The first step in finding the right KVM switch is to take inventory of what you plan to use it with: specifically, the number of computers, monitors, and additional peripherals such as keyboards and mice. You might want to connect a directly connected printer, webcam, speakers or an external microphone (all streamers and podcasts). Most mainstream KVMs support two to four computers, one to three monitors, and two switches. Four peripherals.
Next, check what ports your computer has. Different KVMs work with different cables (HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, USB-A, USB-C, etc.). The maximum match is created between the video output of the KVM and your monitor or monitors. It’s best to get a KVM that matches one of the original inputs on your panel. (These days it’s usually HDMI or DisplayPort.)
You’ll also want to make sure the KVM supports at least the native resolution of the display at the refresh rate you’re using it at. For most people, that’s 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) at 60Hz, but if you have a 4K (3,840 x 2,160) or 1,440p (2,560 x 1,440) display, you’re limited to that resolution. support for Gaming monitors these days often run at refresh rates above 60Hz, and you’ll probably want to connect one of these directly instead of running it through a basic KVM.
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If one or more of your computers are slim laptops, port matching is a primary concern. They usually don’t have a VGA video output or sometimes even a USB Type-A port. Most KVMs come with the necessary cables for the “most common” setup, but you’ll want to make sure, especially with display cables, that you can connect them to your computer without fiddly converters or adapters. Buy adapter cables with different ends.
This two-PC KVM switch uses an HDMI connection to connect the input of the primary display as well as the outputs of the attached system. (Credit: Kyle Cobian)
After evaluating your ports and peripherals, consider your home. Where do you put the KVM box? How long should the cables be to keep your space from cluttering up? Can you push a button on a KVM to switch PCs or do you need a remote control? If you need a remote control, do you want a wireless unit or a wired unit (connected to the KVM switch with a cable)? To help you get through, we’ve tested six basic KVMs for ease of use and installation.
Start shopping for a KVM switch and you’ll see an amazing number of different brands available online. Some of them are known, many others are reboxed and rebranded imported products sold on the websites of large retailers. As you can see, some have weird, made-up-sounding names for the typical low-cost tech that’s common on Amazon and other major online retailers.
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Our take on this project: Since many buyers buy based on price alone, we’ve selected six of Amazon’s best-selling and cheapest KVM switches. Our price cap was $100, most models cost much less.
Each one here works with a single monitor (see below for some dual-monitor suggestions) and lets you switch between two or four computers using a single peripheral. They all use HDMI cables (no VGA or DisplayPort cables, although you’ll certainly find KVM switches that use them). Most new computers and monitors connect via HDMI for superior sound and picture quality. For less hassle, you should choose a KVM that works natively with all the video outputs of the connected computers (assuming they all support one!) to avoid clunky adapters.
Our testing equipment included the Viotek GNV27DB (opens in a new window) curved gaming monitor, two Windows 10-based desktops we’ve recently reviewed (the Geekom IT8 and the Beelink GK Mini), and a standard wired gaming keyboard and mouse. . from Logitech (opens in a new window). Instead, we configured each KVM device and switched between or between computers 10 times, measuring the switching time with a stopwatch and then averaging the results. To test the sound and video quality, we played a 4K HD movie (our old tester,
) to our Viotek monitors through every KVM switch on every PC. We watched the same video on computers connected directly to the monitor to see if there was any noticeable difference.
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Result? We found that all of the KVMs were easy to set up and everything worked flawlessly, which was surprising for this often flimsy hardware (and considering most models were under $50). All six are immediately identifiable when a computer is connected, usually by turning on “PC 1” or “PC 2” on the KVM itself. There was no blurring or lag in video playback, and the change times were similar, just half a second apart.
So, in the end, in our short survey of our affordable KVM switches, the main differences are related to the number of computers supported, the number of USB ports for peripherals, the cables/ports required and the physical connection method. Here’s a breakdown of the six models we looked at.
This KVM is just the right height for a premium feel without being bulky, and has a sturdy metal case. It has four round gel pads that attach to the base and provide a non-scratch and non-slip base. It can switch between two PCs and includes four USB ports for peripherals, making it the most USB-centric of the two-PC KVMs we tested.
The biggest problem is the lack of a remote control, which means you can switch between computers with a button on the device. (This is why the KVM box needs to be in an easy-to-access location.) This can create a cluttered workspace, especially considering the two input cables per computer (HDMI, USB-B). After adding the four peripheral cables and the display, this little box can hold up to nine cables on each side. Additionally, the USB 2.0 nature of the USB ports is fine for connecting peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, or printer, but we wouldn’t use these ports for external storage (especially portable drives that need USB 3.0 speeds and power ports over USB). .
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This affordable KVM costs a little more than the GreatTech because it comes with a wired remote. This means you can place the KVM out of sight as long as it’s close enough to run the cable to the remote. But it only has three USB ports for peripherals if you need GreatTech’s fourth.
The included computer KVM cables are versatile and have an HDMI on one end that connects to the KVM. Only one cable per PC keeps the KVM area less cluttered. The other end of the same cable splits into two parts for connecting to a PC: HDMI for PC video output, with an additional USB cable attached. It’s more elegant than many KVM solutions.
For an additional $35, this KVM has a more attractive look and feel, and the input cables are permanently attached to the KVM. This makes installation easier and in the long run reduces the chance of a loose or accidentally broken connection that degrades sound or picture quality or breaks the wiring diagram. (Who wants to dig for wires behind the desk to figure this out?) It had the fastest connection time of any KVM we tested, just over 2 seconds.
The downside is that the IOGear only has two USB ports, while other KVMs we tested had three or more. if you
