{"id":447423,"date":"2022-05-15T16:00:13","date_gmt":"2022-05-15T13:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/what-is-a-kvm-switch\/"},"modified":"2022-05-15T16:00:13","modified_gmt":"2022-05-15T13:00:13","slug":"what-is-a-kvm-switch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-kvm-switch\/","title":{"rendered":"#What Is a KVM Switch?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2fded596d5f\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2fded596d5f\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-kvm-switch\/#%E2%80%9CWhat_Is_a_KVM_Switch%E2%80%9D\" >&#8220;What Is a KVM Switch?&#8221;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-kvm-switch\/#What_Is_a_KVM_Switch_and_How_Does_It_Work\" >What Is a KVM Switch, and How Does It Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-kvm-switch\/#Types_of_KVM_Switches_Explained\" >Types of KVM Switches Explained<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-kvm-switch\/#Do_I_Need_a_KVM_Switch\" >Do I Need a KVM Switch?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-kvm-switch\/#KVM_Switch_HDMI_4_Port_Box\" >KVM Switch HDMI 4 Port Box<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CWhat_Is_a_KVM_Switch%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>&#8220;What Is a KVM Switch?&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<div>\n<figure style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"type:primaryImage size-full wp-image-800454\" data-pagespeed-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/kvm-switch-3.jpg?width=398&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1 400w, https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/kvm-switch-3.jpg?width=1198&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, 400w, 1200w\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/kvm-switch-3.jpg?width=1198&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Closeup of a KVM switch with VGA connections.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"type:primaryImage imagecredit\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/kvm-keyboard-video-mouse-switch-isolated-134058065\">Vac1\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you run several computers, your array of mice, keyboards, and monitors can quickly get out of hand.\u00a0KVM switches can reduce your number of peripherals to a minimum using relatively simple hardware or software. Let\u2019s take a look at how they work.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_KVM_Switch_and_How_Does_It_Work\"><\/span>What Is a KVM Switch, and How Does It Work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In simple terms, a KVM switch allows you to switch between different computer sources (or computer cases) while still using the same keyboard, monitor, and mouse; in fact, that\u2019s what KVM stands for: Keyboard, Video, Mouse. That means if you have several PCs you need to work with, you don\u2019t have to buy separate monitors, keyboards, and mice for every single PC. Instead, you just buy one of each and use the switch to go from PC to PC.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, the term KVM is a bit misleading, and while original KVM switches only handled those three, modern switches will often handle more, including things like audio and USB ports. There are even KVM switches that switch between only one input, such as this <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/HDMI-Switch-GANA-Splitter-Supports\/dp\/B06VX1PKQ7?tag=hotoge-20\">Gana 3-port HDMI switch<\/a>, although these are usually referred to simply by the data that they handle, such as an audio switch or a keyboard switch.<\/p>\n<p>So how do they work exactly? Well, in the old days, plug-and-play <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/technology\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"4\" title=\"Technology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">technology<\/a> didn\u2019t exist, so every time you wanted to change a keyboard or mouse, you would have to restart the computer so the CPU could detect any peripherals. While this isn\u2019t the case anymore, KVM switches still do something similar in that they fool the CPU into thinking there is a connection so that when you do end up switching, it goes smoothly.<\/p>\n<p>How it does that is a bit complex, but basically, it emulates the peripherals for the computer and constantly maintains a \u201cfake\u201d signal. When you switch, the KVM switch replaces the emulated signal with your actual peripheral\u2019s signal, providing a smooth and unnoticeable transition.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_KVM_Switches_Explained\"><\/span>Types of KVM Switches Explained<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>KVM switches tend to come in two main flavors: hardware and software.<\/p>\n<p>Hardware switches are the most common and the kind you\u2019re most likely to run into or use. For example, consumer-grade KVMs can usually switch between two to four sources, although some can go up to eight, and they tend to be marketed a bit more to those who run small offices or businesses. For large corporations, some of the biggest KVM switches can go up to 64 and are sometimes connected to a server running many virtual machines that several people need to access.<\/p>\n<p>Besides just the number of sources you can switch between, there\u2019s also the video type, with the most common KVM switches being for <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lifesavvy.com\/reviews\/the-best-vga-cables-for-your-monitor\/\">VGA<\/a>. Thankfully, KVM switches with HDMI and Display Port are becoming more common, but they tend to be a little bit more expensive than the VGA ones.<\/p>\n<p>Another option is how many monitors you want to support, with one being the most common option and three being available, although rare. Again, you\u2019re not likely to find an HDMI KVM that handles two or more monitors, although the tech is becoming more common at the time of writing in early 2022. Maybe in a few years, we might see HDMI as the default, rather than VGA, at least in the consumer market.<\/p>\n<p>As for software KVM switches, they\u2019re also a bit of a misnomer, as they usually don\u2019t support monitor switching and are therefore technically KM switches. They work by installing an <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>lication on your computer\u00a0that allows you to directly control a mouse and keyboard on any computer that\u2019s connected to your network. These tend to be pretty handy in large corporations with many servers that need to be checked by several different IT and admin folks.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_Need_a_KVM_Switch\"><\/span>Do I Need a KVM Switch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>KVM switches can be pretty handy for personal use, although you\u2019re looking at spending around $50 at the lower end, such as for this <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Switch-Supported-Downward-Compatible-Cables\/dp\/B07VK3STG5?tag=hotoge-20\">PWAY KVM<\/a>, it depends largely on your usage. If you find that you\u2019re constantly going back and forth between two PCs, then the $50 entry cost might very well be worth it. Or, if you don\u2019t have much desk space and can only fit one monitor, mouse, keyboard, a KVM switch can be an excellent investment.<\/p>\n<div class=\"product-box  \">\nAn Affordable KVM Switch<\/p>\n<div class=\"product-img \">\n<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"presentation\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Switch-Supported-Downward-Compatible-Cables\/dp\/B07VK3STG5?tag=hotoge-20\" onclick=\"fbq('track', 'Buy Button'); if (fb_t_convert){fb_t_convert();}\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" data-pagespeed-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51ewmHpqKML._SL160_.jpg\" height=\"147px\" alt=\"\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"\/pagespeed_static\/1.JiBnMqyl6S.gif\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><br \/>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-title \">\n<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Shop for KVM Switch HDMI 4 Port Box\" aria-label=\"Shop for KVM Switch HDMI 4 Port Box\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Switch-Supported-Downward-Compatible-Cables\/dp\/B07VK3STG5?tag=hotoge-20\" onclick=\"fbq('track', 'Buy Button'); if (fb_t_convert){fb_t_convert();}\"><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"KVM_Switch_HDMI_4_Port_Box\"><\/span>KVM Switch HDMI 4 Port Box<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"product-features\">Easily control four different systems with this KVM switch that supports HDMI connections and that won&#8217;t break the bank.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>One other option is to use a software KVM and just have an extra monitor running; that way, you at least save some space while also being able to functionally use your other PC source.<\/p>\n<p>If you run a business that tends to handle a lot of servers or machines, then a KVM switch can also be very useful, especially software ones, as they allow you to remotely access devices, saving you a <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/trip-and-travel\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"10\" title=\"Trip &amp; Travel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trip<\/a> to the location.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>How to Control Multiple PCs With One Keyboard Using Synergy<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\n setTimeout(function(){\n  !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)\n  {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?\n  n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};\n  if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';\n  n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;\n  t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];\n  s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s) } (window, document,'script',\n  'https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');\n   fbq('init', '335401813750447');\n   fbq('track', 'PageView');\n  },3000);\n<\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMLG0nwswvr63Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technology category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/799968\/what-is-a-kvm-switch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;What Is a KVM Switch?&#8221; Vac1\/Shutterstock.com If you run several computers, your array of mice, keyboards, and monitors can quickly get out of hand.\u00a0KVM switches can reduce your number of peripherals to a minimum using relatively simple hardware or software. Let\u2019s take a look at how they work. What Is a KVM Switch, and How&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":447424,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/kvm-switch-3.jpg?height=200p&trim=2,2,2,2","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-447423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/447423","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=447423"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/447423\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/447424"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=447423"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=447423"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=447423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}