KVM Switches (Keyboard Video Mouse)

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	B004-008 Tripp Lite	SWITCH KVM 8 PORT 1U RACK MT PS2	0
	0DT23010 Tripp Lite	MINICOM KVM CONSOLE SWITCH EXT	0
	B050-000 Tripp Lite	REMOTE ACCESS UNIT IP FOR KVM	0
	0SU70037 Tripp Lite	MINICOM SMART 232 IP 32-PORT	0
	B062-001-PS2 Tripp Lite	MODULE INTERFACE PS2 CAT5	0
	B060-032 Tripp Lite	SWITCH KVM 32PORT 1U CAT5 1U	0
	B030-002-R Tripp Lite	SWITCH KVM 2 PORT PS/2 W/CABLES	0
	B005-002-R Tripp Lite	SWITCH KVM PS/2-2PORT W/O CABLES	0
	B013-000 Tripp Lite	CONSOLE KVM EXTENDER PS2 CAT5E	0
	0SU70050 Tripp Lite	MINICOM SMARTRACK 16PORT IP CAT5	0
	B034-002-R Tripp Lite	SWITCH KVM USB 2 PORT W/CABLES	0
	B062-001-USB Tripp Lite	MODULE INTERFACE USB CAT5E	0
	B020-008 Tripp Lite	SWITCH KVM 8PORT 1U W/LCD PS/2	0
	B004-004-R Tripp Lite	SWITCH KVM PS/2-4PORT WO/CABLES	0

KVM Switches (Keyboard Video Mouse)

1. Overview

KVM switches are hardware devices that enable users to control multiple computers using a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse. These devices maintain consistent peripheral compatibility while providing secure, low-latency switching between systems. Modern KVM solutions support high-resolution video transmission (up to 4K/8K), USB 3.0+ data rates, and IP-based remote access capabilities. Their importance spans across data centers, industrial control systems, and multi-computer workstations where space efficiency and operational security are critical.

2. Major Types & Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Local KVM Switches	Direct physical connection via PS/2 or USB, manual switching	Home offices with 2-4 PCs
IP-based KVMs	Network-enabled remote access, encryption support	Data center server farms
Matrix KVMs	Multi-user support with permission levels	Industrial control rooms
USB-C KVMs	Single-cable USB4/Thunderbolt 4 connectivity	Modern workstation setups

3. Structural Composition

Typical KVM switches feature:

Front panel: Physical buttons or touchscreen interface
Rear panel: Multiple computer ports (HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C), peripheral ports
Internal components: Video signal processors, USB hubs, network interface controllers (for IP models)
Cabling options: Fixed cables or detachable Cat6/6a/8 assemblies

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Port Density	Number of supported computer connections	Dictates scalability
Video Bandwidth	Up to 32 Gbps for 8K@60Hz support	Ensures resolution compatibility
Switching Latency	Measured in milliseconds (typically <5ms)	Affects user experience
Protocol Support	Compatibility with USB 3.1, HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4	Determines device compatibility
Security Features	Physical data path isolation, AES encryption	Critical for sensitive systems

5. Application Domains

Data Centers: Managing hyperscale server clusters
Education: Computer lab administration
Healthcare: Medical imaging workstation control
Finance: Secure trading floor operations
Broadcast: Live production equipment control

6. Leading Manufacturers & Products

Vendor	Flagship Product	Key Features
ATEN	VM0404T	4-port 4K HDMI switch with touchscreen
IOGEAR	GCS1644	4-port USB-C KVM with 10Gbps bandwidth
Raritan	Paragon II	Enterprise-grade matrix KVM system
StarTech	SV431DPUKA	Dual-display USB 3.0 switch

7. Selection Guidelines

Assess required port count with 20% future expansion capacity
Verify compatibility with existing peripheral interfaces
For IP models: Ensure network security compliance
Consider hotkey vs. button switching preferences
Evaluate required video resolution and refresh rates
For critical systems: Select models with hardware-based isolation

8. Industry Trends

Market evolution shows:

Transition from local switches to IP-based solutions (CAGR 12.3% through 2028)
Integration with cloud management platforms
Emergence of AI-powered connection optimization
Adoption of USB4/Thunderbolt 4 single-cable solutions
Increased focus on cybersecurity certifications (Common Criteria EAL4+)