A Guide to Choosing the Best KVM Switch for Your Setup

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What is a KVM Switch?

A Guide to Choosing the Best KVM Switch for Your Setup - Blog - Ampheo

KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse. A KVM switch, as the name implies, serves as a central control hub, allowing you to administer many computers from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse. Imagine switching smoothly between your work PC and your gaming setup with a single button click. This avoids the need to often swap wires or buy different peripherals for each computer.

What does a KVM Switch do?

Beyond the primary operation of managing many computers with one set of peripherals, KVM switches offer the following features:

Video Sharing: Some KVM switches allow you to share a single monitor across numerous computers, making it easier to compare images or transfer data.
Audio Switching: Advanced KVM switches can control audio in addition to video and USB signals, allowing you to effortlessly switch audio output between machines.
Multi-Platform Compatibility: Most KVM switches are compatible with a variety of operating systems, making them suitable for a wide range of computer configurations.

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How does a KVM Switch Work?

The power of KVM switches is in its capacity to operate as a bridge between your peripherals (keyboard, monitor, and mouse) and your PCs. Here's a breakdown of the procedure:

Connection: Each computer connects to the KVM switch via dedicated connectors for video (usually HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA), USB (for keyboard and mouse), and audio.
Selection: On the KVM switch, you use a button or hotkey to select the computer you want to manage. The KVM switch simply routes keyboard, mouse, and display signals to the specified computer.
Communication: The selected computer accepts input from your keyboard and mouse, processes it, and transmits video output to the monitor via the KVM switch.

How to Use KVM Switch?

Connect the computers: Connect each computer to the KVM switch's specified ports using the necessary cables (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, and USB).
Connect your peripherals: Connect your keyboard, mouse, and monitor to their respective ports on the KVM switch.
Select your computer: Use the KVM switch's buttons or hotkeys to select the computer you want to control. The keyboard, mouse, and monitor signals will be directed to the specified computer.

How to Connect a KVM Switch to 2 Computers?

Here's a step-by-step guide on connecting a KVM switch to two computers:

Gather your tools: You will need a KVM switch, video cables (HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA) for your PCs and display, and USB cables for your keyboard and mouse.
Power off your computers: Make sure both computers are shut off before connecting any wires.
Connect the computers: Connect the video output ports of each computer to the KVM switch's allocated video input ports using the video cables. Most KVM switches will have labels identifying which ports connect to which computers (for example, "PC1," or "PC2").
Connect the peripherals: Connect your keyboard and mouse to the USB ports of the KVM switch. Some KVM switches feature separate ports for keyboard and mouse, but others may have shared USB connections. For precise instructions, go to the documentation for your KVM switch.
Connect the monitor: Connect your monitor's video input connector (usually HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA) to the KVM switch's video output port.
Turn on your devices: Turn on the computers and KVM switch.
Select your computer: Use the KVM switch's buttons or hotkeys to select the computer you want to control. You should now be able to interact with the selected computer via your keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

What is a KVM Switch Used for?

Managing Multiple Servers: KVM switches are critical in data centers and IT settings for administering and troubleshooting multiple servers from a single location. This eliminates the need for separate keyboards, monitors, and mouse for each server, conserving space and clutter.
Creative Workstations: KVM switches are useful for creative professionals who use numerous computers for jobs such as graphic design, video editing, or audio creation. They can effortlessly move between their primary editing machine and a secondary computer for reference materials or supplementary applications with a single keyboard or button press.
Personal Use with Multiple PCs: If you have a desktop computer and a laptop, a KVM switch can be a useful tool for controlling both computers with the same hardware. This is important for operations such as moving files, working on different projects across devices, and monitoring numerous systems at the same time.
Gamers with Multiple Setups: Some gamers may have a gaming PC and a different computer for everyday tasks. A KVM switch enables them to utilize the same high-performance keyboard, mouse, and display on both machines without constantly swapping wires.

Do KVM Switches Add Latency?

Latency is the time lag between an action and its associated reaction. While KVM switches do introduce some latency owing to the signal routing procedure, it is usually negligible for the majority of users. High-performance KVM switches reduce latency, making them appropriate for jobs like gaming where responsiveness is critical.

Can KVM Switch Damage Monitors?

No, connecting a KVM switch to a suitable monitor will not harm it. KVM switches route existing signals without introducing any hazardous voltage or current.

Conclusion

KVM switches provide a powerful and handy way to manage numerous PCs using a single set of peripherals. Understanding their features, applications, and key selection factors will help you choose the best KVM switch to improve your workflow and create a more efficient and organized workspace.