Top 5 Considerations When Choosing a KVM Switch

A KVM switch is a simple and inexpensive way to connect to many PCs using a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It can save more room and money, boost job efficiency, and make your life easier while working from home, especially during this pandemic. However, there are many different types of KVM switches on the market, making it difficult to choose the proper one. Here are five main factors to consider when selecting a KVM switch.

Number of Source Computers and USB Peripheral Devices

The number of ports defines how many source PCs, servers, or other devices you can connect to and access via a KVM switch. First and foremost, determine how many computers you will need to access, as well as how many USB peripheral devices will be required to control those PCs. For example, suppose you have a business PC and a gaming PC at home that you need to control using a set of USB peripheral devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and gamepad. Then you can select a KVM switch with two USB-B and three USB-A ports, such as the FS 16 Port KVM switch. In a data control center, operators typically require one KVM console to handle a large number of machines, so a KVM switch with dozens of USB ports is required.

Number of Users for Controlling the Computers

When selecting a KVM switch, you should also consider how many users you want to be able to access the sources at once. There are multi-user KVM switching solutions available, ranging from tiny 4-user switches that can handle dozens of servers to integrated KVM switching systems that allow hundreds of administrators to oversee thousands. Some KVM over IP solutions are suited for this type of scenario, in which KVM extension and switching are required to enable multi-user control. They are more adaptable, powerful, and scalable than conventional KVM switches.

Video Type & Resolution

A KVM switches can support a number of digital and analog video connectors, including HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, and USB-C. Video support varies depending on the switch: some support VGA, DVI, HDMI, and DP at the same time, while others may only support HDMI. Nonetheless, you can use video adapters to convert or adapt between different video formats.

Another important consideration is video resolution, which might vary by device. Some KVM switches, such as the KVM-080217IP, support up to 1920×1080@60Hz.

Single or Multi-Monitor

KVM switches are available in single or multi-monitor configurations so that you can control and switch between your single-monitor, dual-monitor or even quad-monitor sources. Some KVM switches can also be cascaded for 8-monitor applications. Some KVM-over-IP units allow you to group multiple computer sources and route them to an unlimited number of monitors. Besides, you can view multiple sources within one monitor using a multi-viewer KVM switch.

Distance Requirements

KVM switches offer longer connection distances over standard KVMs by using CatX user stations. And some KVM over IP solutions allow users to access a server from unlimited distances. KVM sources can also be extended using KVM extenders. The maximum distance with a Cat5 KVM extender varies; some high-end analog Cat5 extenders allow users to be up to 1,000 feet away from the servers. For the greatest distances, consider fiber KVM extenders, which can extend access over distances of six miles or more.

Conclusion

In conclusion,the above are the five key elements you need to consider before you buy a KVM switch. Knowing your specific needs can help you save money in the long run, because you’ll know exactly what you need and won’t end up buying unnecessary equipment. We hope this article will be helpful to you on choosing the right KVM switch.