KVM Switches

Control Multiple Computers from One Keyboard, Monitor, and Mouse

KVM switches eliminate the cable-swapping and desk-cluttering that comes with managing multiple computers from a single workstation. Reaching behind racks to swap video and USB cables every time you need to access a different server wastes time, invites mistakes, and wears out connectors. Desktop 2-port and 4-port units serve developers and traders, while rackmount 8-port and 16-port consoles with IP remote access manage entire server rooms from StarTech, Eaton, and IOGEAR.

KVM Switches for Every Environment

• Server rooms and data centers — rackmount KVM consoles reduce the number of monitors, keyboards, and mice required while giving administrators instant console access to any server in the rack
• Trading desks and financial workstations — multi-port KVM switches let traders control dedicated platforms, risk tools, and market data feeds from one set of peripherals without losing desk space
• Software development and QA testing — developers working across multiple operating systems or testing on physical hardware toggle between machines with a hotkey instead of turning around to another desk
• IT help desk and imaging labs — technicians diagnosing software issues, testing patches, or imaging machines cycle through multiple test systems efficiently without swapping cables
• Broadcast and A/V control rooms — operators manage media servers, graphics generators, and playback systems from a single position with low-latency video switching
• Secure and government environments — NIAP-certified KVM switches with hardware-level isolation prevent data leakage between classification levels on classified networks

How to Choose the Right KVM Switch

Start with port count and form factor. A 2-port desktop KVM is sufficient for a developer or power user toggling between two machines. Trading desks and help desk stations typically need 4-port units. Server rooms and data centers require 8-port or 16-port rackmount models, many of which support daisy-chaining to scale to 64 or more connected servers. Match the KVM to the video standard your monitors use: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA. Modern 4K workflows demand HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4 connections for full 4K at 60 Hz fidelity.

IP-based KVM switches extend keyboard, video, and mouse control over a TCP/IP network, letting administrators manage servers from anywhere with an internet connection. IP KVM units provide BIOS-level access, virtual media support, and encrypted sessions for remote data center management, disaster recovery, and distributed infrastructure. For environments handling classified or sensitive information, look for NIAP Common Criteria certified units with hardware-level port isolation, tamper-evident enclosures, and restricted USB peripheral support.

Switching method and latency matter for daily usability. Hotkey switching (typically Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock) is the fastest way to toggle between machines for keyboard-centric users. Front-panel buttons and on-screen display menus provide visual confirmation of which machine is active. Audio passthrough is available on select models for routing the active computer's sound through speakers or a headset connected to the KVM. When evaluating cable requirements, many KVM switches use dedicated cable sets that combine video, USB, and audio into a single bundled run. Using the manufacturer's recommended cables ensures signal integrity and avoids compatibility issues, especially at 4K resolutions where cable quality directly affects image stability.

KVM Switches by Brand

• StarTech KVM Switches — the largest selection in the catalog covering desktop, rackmount, and IP KVM configurations in HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA standards
• Eaton (Tripp Lite) — enterprise-grade rackmount and desktop KVM solutions with NetDirector IP remote management and robust build quality
• IOGEAR — compact desktop KVM switches, secure NIAP-certified models for government environments, and wireless KVM options

KVM Switches by Port Count

• 2-port KVM switches — ideal for developers, designers, and power users who toggle between a work laptop and a personal desktop or test machine from one keyboard, monitor, and mouse on a single desk
• 4-port KVM switches — the standard choice for trading desks, help desk technicians, and QA labs where three to four machines need to share a single set of peripherals without cable swapping
• 8-port KVM switches — rackmount form factors designed for server rooms and small data centers, giving administrators console access to a full rack of servers from one monitor, keyboard, and mouse position
• 16-port and higher KVM switches — enterprise-scale console solutions that support daisy-chaining to manage 32, 64, or more servers across multiple racks with centralized on-screen display navigation and IP remote access

Complete Your KVM Setup

• KVM Cables — dedicated cable sets that bundle video, USB, and audio into a single run for clean installations and signal integrity
• Rack Cabinets & Enclosures — standard 19-inch racks and enclosures for mounting rackmount KVM switches alongside server equipment
• Keyboards — wired and wireless keyboards to pair with your KVM for reliable console input
• Mice — precision mice compatible with USB and PS/2 KVM connections
• Networking — switches, routers, and infrastructure that supports IP KVM remote management
• Servers — rackmount and tower servers to connect to your KVM console
• UPS & Power Protection — battery backup and surge protection for server rooms and data center infrastructure