What is a KVM switch?

A KVM switch is a device that allows you to connect multiple peripherals (such as keyboard and mouse) and distribute the signal to multiple devices (i.e., laptop, PC, tablet). A suitable KVM switch can also manage monitor connections, allowing you to use a single keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) setup on different systems, switching between them as needed. 🎮

To use a KVM switch, switching between devices can be done with a physical button, although more premium models often include a remote control. Some models even allow switching to be activated with a keyboard shortcut. 🔑

While most KVM switches have this basic configuration, there are different uses, and some have advanced features. For example, you can have a single monitor that switches between systems or multiple monitors that you manage. Some KVM switches also support wireless peripherals and displays and offer additional audio and video ports. 📺

Wait, that sounds like a docking station, right? Well, they're similar, but they're not the same. Both KVM switches and docking stations provide ports for connecting peripherals, but a docking station connects all those peripherals to a single device, while a KVM switch distributes them to multiple devices and lets you switch between them. ⚙️

Even though KVM switches are very useful, they do have some drawbacks. Let's look at the pros and cons below.

Pro: KVM switches are efficient

Nowadays, you can get Bluetooth mice and keyboards for multiple devices (that can be paired and switched between) without spending a fortune. almost replicates the experience of the KVM switch, and if that is all whatever you need, that's fine! 👍

But what if you have a premium keyboard and mouse with wired USB connections? What about monitors, which connect via HDMI or DisplayPort cables? To change that, you'd have to unplug one and plug it into the other, and do it with a keyboard, mouse, or other device. and The monitor is a pain. Ugh! 😩

A KVM switch can organize that for you, and it doesn't have to be expensive if you opt for an option within a reasonable budget. For example, this affordable KVM switch on Amazon costs just $20 and lets you use a keyboard, mouse, and 4K@60Hz monitor with two systems. That means you don't have to limit yourself to using Bluetooth accessories for multiple devices; you can use your mechanical keyboard and wired gaming mouse without any issues. 🖥️

Con: KVM switches can add latency

All KVM switches add some degree of input latency. Not only are you adding more cable length, but the switch also needs to process the signals before passing them on. It may only be a few milliseconds, but certain models make it more noticeable—and it shows. ⏲️

Fortunately, most high-quality KVM switches are designed to minimize latency. Premium KVM switches are barely noticeable, while cheaper ones can be a bit annoying. That said, unless you're gaming or performing tasks that require low latency, you can probably get a cheaper one without too much trouble. 🎮

Pro: KVM switches facilitate compatibility

If you work with multiple and different devices operating systems, then peripheral support can be tricky. Multi-monitor support is handled differently on macOS than it is on Windows. Or maybe there isn't a ChromeOS app for your gaming keyboard, making key remapping difficult. 🔄

That's where a KVM switch can be very useful. Your peripherals don't have to be compatible with every device as long as the KVM switch is. With a cross-platform KVM switch, the only thing that matters is that it can detect your connected peripherals. If it can, it can also redirect those inputs to any supported operating system. 🖱️

For example, Sabrent's Thunderbolt 4 KVM Switch not only supports super-fast Thunderbolt 4 accessories, but also works seamlessly with Windows and macOS computers. Another example is this DXchip Triple 8K KVM Switch, which is compatible not only with Windows and macOS, but also with Linux, ChromeOS, Raspberry Pi, PS4, DVRs, and more. 💻

Cons: Buying a KVM switch can be complicated

When you buy a KVM switch, you need to make sure it can properly support everything you plan to connect. That means you need the right connections. and the right performance characteristics. 🔍

That means if you want to use multiple 4K displays, the KVM switch you choose should not only have multiple DisplayPort and/or HDMI ports, but those ports should also be capable of handling 4K. Don't expect to manage 4K@120Hz monitors with a switch that only has HDMI 2.0. 🚧

Not all KVM switches support multi-monitor setups. Make sure yours does if you need it. 📊

Earlier in this article, I explained the differences between KVM switches and docking stations. The truth is, they're quite similar and overlap in many ways; in fact, a KVM switch can function as a docking station if you connect it to a single system and don't switch. 🔄

But this is only true if the KVM switch you buy actually offers additional ports beyond those used to connect your keyboard, mouse, and display. Fortunately, most KVM switches usually come with extra ports, as long as you're not looking for the most basic model. 📌

So, if you want to transfer photos from your camera's SD card to multiple systems, it would be much easier to connect it to the KVM switch than to unplug and plug in each device individually. 📷

Cons: Quality KVM switches are expensive

Basic KVM switches are fairly affordable, often priced at $$30 or less. However, if you need support for higher resolutions, wireless connectivity, USB-C charging, Thunderbolt ports, HDMI 2.1, and more, then you'll end up spending a bit more. 💰

The price ceiling for consumer KVM switches can reach close to a thousand dollars, but these are high-end models for the more experienced. For example, this KVM switch for three monitors from L1Techs sells for $750, while this TESmart quad-monitor KVM switch costs $800. 😱

That said, expect to spend between $$100 and $$200 for a quality KVM switch that works well and isn't limited in features. 🏷️

Pro: KVM switches save space

Saving space becomes crucial when you're managing a lot of peripherals and accessories in your workspace, and this applies to both professional and personal environments. 🏢

Being able to free up space by using just one keyboard and mouse for your multiple systems is not only good for reducing clutter, but it also helps improve productivity by keeping you focused and freeing up space for other things, like documents and useful gadgets. 📂

That extra space might even be enough to allow you to upgrade to a larger monitor or add another display, further increasing your productivity. 📈

Con: KVM switches can increase cable clutter

While a KVM switch can help you reduce the number of peripherals on your desk, it doesn't reduce the number of cables. For laptops and standalone systems that only need a power cable, a KVM switch could increase cable clutter. 😬

This is because your KVM switch needs to be connected to all your peripherals. and to each device it will serve. Furthermore, the best KVM switches also require an external power supply, so they have their own power cable, which adds to the clutter.

In short, a KVM switch acts as the middleman through which all those cables are routed, so it's not exactly easy to hide it somewhere out of sight. You can organize those cables, but you can't completely hide them. (One way to minimize this is to use wireless peripherals with Wi-Fi receivers, so the KVM switch can be something (separate and you don't have to deal with cables from the peripherals to the KVM switch.)