KVM Switch
1 product in this category · newest first. Full spec sheets, side by side.
KVM Switch
1 product in this category · newest first
| Model | Video Specification | Max Resolution | Max Computers | Max Monitors | Switching Methods | Built-in USB Hub | Built-in Network | USB Emulation | RGB Lighting | Power Supply | Cables Included | Ports & I/O | Connectivity | Network | Operating System | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TESmart HKS401-M24 4-Port 8K60 HDMI 2.1 KVM Switch with Built-in Network Switch TESmart | HDMI 2.1, 8K@60Hz 4:4:4, 4K@120Hz/144Hz, VRR, FVA, ALLM, ADI Chipset, EDID Emulation | 8K@60Hz / 4K@144Hz | 4 | 1 | Front-panel Buttons, IR Remote Control, Keyboard Hotkeys (Scroll Lock x2), Mouse Wheel, Auto-Scan, Follow Mode | USB 3.2 Gen1 (1x USB-A + 1x USB-C front panel), 5Gbps shared bandwidth | Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch (4-port, shared across all connected PCs) | Passthrough Mode (advanced peripherals), Legacy Emulation Mode (broad compatibility) | RGB Light Bar, 4 lighting modes | External DC power adapter (included) | 4x HDMI 2.1 cables, 4x USB-B to USB-A cables, 1x IR remote with battery, 1x DC power adapter, 1x User manual | 4x HDMI 2.1 Input, 1x HDMI 2.1 Output, 4x USB-B Input, 1x USB-A 3.2 Front (Hub), 1x USB-C 3.2 Front (Hub), 1x Gigabit Ethernet (Built-in Network Switch), 1x DC-in, 1x IR Receiver | Wired (HDMI, USB-B, Gigabit Ethernet) | Built-in Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch (4-port shared connection across all PCs) | N/A — Hardware KVM Switch, OS-agnostic, works with Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS | 2.45 kg (5.40 lbs) | 260 x 82 x 28 mm (estimated, 2.45 kg) |
A KVM Switch (Keyboard, Video, Mouse Switch) is a device that lets you control multiple computers from a single set of keyboard, mouse, and monitor. It's an essential tool for IT pros, sysadmins, content creators, and anyone who works with multiple computers (PC, Mac, laptop) on the same desk. Instead of having 2–3 keyboard-and-mouse sets and 2–3 overlapping monitors, a KVM switch keeps your workspace tidy and boosts productivity significantly.
What to Look For in a KVM Switch
- Number of Computers (Ports): 2-port for basic setups (PC + Mac, or PC + laptop). 4-port for more devices (desktop + 2 laptops + server). More ports means higher cost and complexity.
- Supported Resolution and Refresh Rate: Budget KVMs usually top out at 4K/30Hz or 1080p/60Hz. High-end KVMs support 4K/144Hz, 8K/30Hz, or even 5K/60Hz on Mac. Important if you use a high-refresh-rate (gaming) or 4K monitor.
- Connection Ports: HDMI vs DisplayPort. USB-C for modern laptops (often requires a USB-C KVM or adapter). USB-A for keyboard and mouse. Does it support Thunderbolt?
- USB Hub Functionality: Allows sharing USB devices (webcam, microphone, USB DAC) between computers. Very important for remote workers.
- Switching Method: Physical button, hotkey, or automatic switching (e.g., KVM that auto-follows the active input). Hotkeys and physical buttons are the most reliable.
Key Specs
| Spec | Basic (HDMI) | Mid-range (DP) | High-end (USB-C/Thunderbolt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Computers | 2 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Video Ports | HDMI 2.0 | DisplayPort 1.4 | USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 |
| Max Resolution | 4K/30Hz | 4K/144Hz or 8K/30Hz | 5K/60Hz, 4K/144Hz |
| USB | USB 2.0 Hub | USB 3.0 Hub | USB 3.2 / Thunderbolt |
| Switching | Button / Hotkey | Hotkey / Remote | Hotkey / Auto / App |
| HDR Support | No | Yes (HDR10) | Yes (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) |
Types of KVM Switches
Basic HDMI KVM
UGreen KVM Switch 2-port, ATEN CS22HF. Priced $20–50. Supports 4K/30Hz, USB 2.0. Suitable for offices and programmers who need basic switching between a PC and laptop.
High-End DisplayPort KVM
ConnectPRO DP-1.4-2X, Level1Techs KVM-CDP. Supports 4K/144Hz or 5K/60Hz. USB 3.0, hotkey switching, EDID emulation (keeps resolution when switching). For gamers and designers who need high-end graphics.
USB-C / Thunderbolt KVM
Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 KVM, CalDigit TS4 (KVM integrated in a dock). For modern MacBooks and PCs. Charges laptop over USB-C, connects USB-C/HDMI/DP monitors simultaneously. Expensive ($200–400) but compact.
Quad-View / Multi-View KVM
ATEN CS1924, TESmart 4x2. Lets 4 computers connect to 2 monitors. Split-screen mode (view 2–4 computers at once). Suitable for sysadmins, traders, and control-room staff.
Software KVM (Wireless)
Synergy, Barrier, ShareMouse, Mouse Without Borders. Software that lets you share a mouse and keyboard between computers over LAN. Cheaper and more flexible, but cannot share screens and depends on network quality.
Budget Tiers
| Tier | Price (USD) | Product Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $20 – $60 | UGreen 2-Port HDMI KVM, ATEN CS22HF, IOGEAR GCS62HU |
| Mid-range | $60 – $200 | ConnectPRO DP 2X, Level1Techs KVM, TESmart 2x1 4K60 |
| High-end | $200 – $400 | CalDigit TS4 + KVM, Cable Matters TB4 KVM, ATEN CS1924 |
| Enterprise | $400 – $1,000+ | Raritan Dominion KX IV, Vertiv Avocent, ATEN CS1764A |
Top Brands
ATEN — The world's number-one KVM brand. The CS (consumer) and CE (enterprise) lines cover nearly every tier. The ATEN CS1924 is the most popular 4-port 4K KVM. ATEN's management software is also solid.
ConnectPRO — The best DisplayPort KVM for high-end users. The DP-1.4 line supports 4K/144Hz with EDID emulation, keeping the correct resolution when switching — something cheaper KVMs often get wrong. Supports firmware updates.
Level1Techs (KVM Switch) — An independent brand beloved by the IT community. Wendell from Level1Techs designed these KVMs with the best Mac/PC compatibility. The CDP series supports DisplayPort 1.4 and USB-C.
CalDigit / Cable Matters — Specialists in Thunderbolt docks and USB-C KVMs. The CalDigit TS4 is a premium dock with KVM functionality. The Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 KVM is a rare option for MacBook Pro M-series users.
KVM Switch vs Software KVM
| Criterion | KVM Switch (Hardware) | Software KVM (Synergy/Barrier) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sharing | Yes (shared physical monitor) | No (each machine has its own screen) |
| Speed & Latency | Zero latency (physical switching) | Depends on LAN (a few ms) |
| Clipboard Support | USB HID (can share USB devices) | Yes (clipboard sharing over network) |
| Drag & Drop Files | Not directly | Yes (some software) |
| Price | $20 – $400 | Free (Barrier) or $30–60 |
| Security | High (physical isolation) | Low (data travels over network) |
A hardware KVM is essential if you're sharing a single monitor. Software KVM is cheaper and more flexible if each machine has its own screen. Many people use a combination of both.
Common Mistakes When Buying a KVM Switch
- Buying a 4K/30Hz HDMI KVM for a 144Hz monitor: An older KVM limited to 30Hz will make your gaming monitor feel laggy and stutter. Always check the supported refresh rate before buying.
- Not checking Mac compatibility: Many budget KVMs don't work properly with MacBooks (wrong resolution, USB not recognized, no charging). Macs need a USB-C KVM or Thunderbolt KVM.
- Buying a KVM with too few USB ports: Basic KVMs only have USB 2.0, which isn't enough for a webcam, microphone, and USB DAC. Choose a KVM with USB 3.0 and enough ports.
- No EDID emulation: When switching computers, the monitor loses signal for a few seconds because EDID must re-negotiate. A KVM with EDID emulation switches quickly and keeps your resolution.
- Buying a bus-powered KVM (no external power): KVMs that draw power from the computer's USB can lose connectivity when the computer shuts down or sleeps. Get a KVM with its own power adapter.
Conclusion
A KVM Switch is a small device that makes a big difference in multi-computer workflows. For basic needs (PC + office laptop), a UGreen HDMI KVM for $30 is enough. If you use a 4K/144Hz monitor for gaming or design, the ConnectPRO DP-1.4 KVM or Level1Techs CDP is the right choice. And for a MacBook Pro M-series, the Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 KVM or CalDigit TS4 delivers a seamless experience.
Further reading: ATEN Global — the world's leading KVM brand, Level1Techs KVM — KVMs for gamers and IT pros, and Synergy — software for sharing mouse and keyboard.