Do you have multiple computers or systems but only limited desk space? Then a KVM switch will help you with that. Here's how.

If you’re into stock trading, content creation, programming, or systems administration, you’re probably using or at least considered using two or more computers to increase productivity and separate work life from personal life. The problem with using two or more computers is that it is expensive, takes up much space, and is hard to cable manage.

A KVM switch can make your multi-computer setup cost-effective and take less table space while also being neat and easier to cable manage. So, what are KVM switches, and why should you use one?

KVM switches are electronic devices that can help you save money and space and provide a neater setup by allowing you to control and interface with multiple computers using only one keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

KVM switches are basically central hubs where you connect computers and computer peripherals. The most common KVM switch configuration can support switching between two and four computers, where computer peripherals are linked through HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, and USB.

The goal of using a KVM switch is to have a smooth and effortless way to switch from one computer to another. Depending on the KVM, there are multiple ways you can do the switching, the most popular ways would be by pressing a hotkey on your keyboard, clicking your mouse wheel, using an on-screen display (OSD), using a remote, or simply using the KVM’s push buttons.

To ensure you get a KVM that switches fast and supports your preferred switching method through your setup, you’ll need to know the four switching technologies employed in modern KVM switches today. They are:

These types of KVM switches require your computer peripherals to undergo USB enumeration every time you switch computers. This is the equivalent of pulling your peripherals off a computer and then hooking them up to another computer whenever you switch.

Because of this, these switches have the longest latencies (several seconds) when switching from one system to another. They also don’t support hotkey switching, which means you can only switch through the KVM’s dedicated push buttons.

Unlike USB Hub-Based KVMs, Emulated USB KVM switches do not need USB enumeration every time you switch. These KVMs use dedicated USB console ports to emulate your computer peripherals as if they are already connected to all your computers.

This significantly shortens switching time to almost instantaneous. They also support hotkey switching but do not support special keys or mouse function switching.

It uses Dynamic Device Mapping (DDM) to switch as fast as an emulated USB KVM but with switching support to hotkeys, special keys, and mouse functions.

Using dedicated DDM USB console ports, these types of KVM switches provide no latency, meaning switching is instantaneous. The dedicated ports also allow users to switch through computers through all USB-HID class devices.

Integrating a KVM switch into your multi-computer setup provides many benefits. Here are a few of them:

With different types of KVM switches available in the market, you should be using a KVM switch if you are operating in a home office, a small business, a surveillance room, a data center, or a server room. Individuals who use multiple devices, such as a desktop computer, a laptop, and a gaming console, can also benefit from using a KVM switch.

Using a regular KVM switch in your home office can increase productivity by allowing you to use multiple computers without wasting too much space on your desk. They are also great for separating your work and personal life by having their own designated computers.

Data centers and server rooms can greatly benefit from KVM over IP switches, which allows remote access to servers through IP. Racked-type KVMs are also great for system administrators who want to work more securely in server rooms.

KVM switches also support multiple monitors, which are helpful for security personnel working in surveillance rooms.

KVM switches can also switch between PCs and gaming consoles, which is great for gamers who like to use one monitor for gaming, work, and other personal activities.

KVM switches are fantastic devices for multi-system setups. They can improve your setups by saving you time, money, and space. The different KVM configurations also let you access servers through IP, switch between gaming consoles and desktop computers, and have several working monitors to make CCTV surveillance easier.

With the many benefits KVM switches provide, you should consider getting one if you have a multi-system setup.

Craving to learn how things worked, Jayric Maning started tinkering with all kinds of electronic and analog devices during his earlier teens. He took up forensic science at the University of Baguio to where he got acquainted with computer forensics and cyber security. He is currently doing lots of self-study and tinkering with tech figuring out how they work and how we can use them to make life easier (or at least cooler!).

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