4-Port DisplayPort KVM Switch - 4K 60Hz

KVM stands for Keyboard Video Mouse and KVM switches allow you to switch the use of a keyboard, display and mouse between multiple computers.  KVM switches also commonly let you switch audio and USB devices between computers.

There are different types of KVM switches as well.

• Standard box KVM switches. (e.g. SV231USB)
• Cable KVM switches. (e.g. SV211USB)
• Multi-Monitor KVM switches.  (e.g. SV231DDUSB)
• IP KVM switches. (e.g. SV841HDIE)

Standard box and cable KVM switches are a simple way to switch the use of a keyboard, display, and mouse between multiple computers.  Multi-monitor KVM switches allow you to switch multiple displays between computers, and IP KVM switches allow you to remotely control the KVM switch and connected computers over a network.

Here are some important things to consider before purchasing a KVM switch.

• How many computers do you need to control?  Purchase a KVM switch that supports the number of computers in your setup.
• Which video connections do your computers and display(s) support?  It is best practice to use the same video connections wherever possible.
• Will you be using a PS/2 or USB mouse and keyboard?
• Do you need multiple monitor support?  Ensure every computer can support the number of monitors you are looking to use in your setup.
• Do you need audio support?
• What resolution(s) do you want your display(s) running at?  The KVM switch must support the resolution(s) you want to use.
• Would you like hotkey support?  Some KVM switches support the use of hotkey combinations to complete tasks such as switching between computers.

There are a couple of other important things you may want to take note of:

• Some KVM switches require proprietary cables to function.  These KVM cables may vary by each KVM switch.  For StarTech.com KVM switches that require proprietary cables, the KVM switches will either come with these cables, or they will be listed in the Accessories tab on the individual product pages.  For more information, see our video dedicated to KVM switch cables.
• Basic mice and keyboards are recommended for use with KVM switches.  Wireless, gaming or combo mice and keyboards (mice and keyboards that use a single USB connection / receiver for both units) can cause performance issues, and in general, are not supported for use with KVM switches.

Whether a specific mouse or keyboard will work with StarTech.com KVM switches can depend on the type of mouse or keyboard you use.  Any mice with additional functionality or keyboards that are not standard 104 key keyboards could cause issues.  This includes wireless, gaming, combination (one USB receiver for both the mouse and keyboard), and Apple keyboards.  We recommend that you use a standard wired mouse and keyboard with our KVM switches, especially when you troubleshoot issues.

If you cannot get a specific mouse or keyboard to work with your KVM switch, connect the mouse or keyboard into the USB hub ports, if available (they are marked on the back of the KVM switch). If the KVM switch has hotkey functionality, you will lose the functionality when using these hub ports.

This device outputs DisplayPort video signals. If you have a display or video destination that uses another type of video connection, there are ways that you can convert the video signal or connection. These options are outlined below and organized by the target connection.

Passive and active conversions

The converter that you require depends on the type of DisplayPort video source that you are using. For more information about converting DisplayPort video signals, refer to the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/faq/DisplayPort_Converter_DP_Multi_Mode.

This device has a DisplayPort input port. If you have a video source that uses another video connection, there are options available to convert the video signal or connection. These options will be outlined below for each video source connection.

Note: You might need to use more than one converter as part of your solution; however, you should try to use the least number of converters and cables to connect your source and destination. If you have the option to convert from multiple source video connections, choose the option that requires the fewest number of conversions.

1. Turn off all of the computers and monitors that will be connected to the KVM switch.
2. Connect the power adapter to the KVM switch.
3. Connect the video cables from your monitors to the console video port on the KVM switch. 
4. Turn on the monitors.
5. Connect your keyboard and mouse to the console PS/2 or USB ports on the KVM switch.
6. If you have not done so already, change the KVM switch to focus on port 1.
7. Connect the video cables from PC1 to the KVM switch.
8. Connect the PS/2 or USB cables from PC1 to the PC1 PS/2 or USB ports on the KVM switch.
9. Turn on PC1. You should see the computer load the operating system that you are using on PC1.
10. Make sure that the mouse and keyboard can control PC1.
11. Repeat steps 4 to 8 for each additional computer that you want to connect to the KVM switch. Leave the computer in focus until you make sure that the mouse and keyboard can control the computer in step 8.

There are some quick tests that you can perform to rule out potential issues. Start by turning off all of the connected computers and peripherals, unplugging everything from the KVM, including power, and leaving it for 10 seconds.  Then connect everything to the KVM following the procedure in the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/faq/kvm-switches-setup.

You can test to make sure that the following components are working correctly and are not the source of the issue:

• Video cables

• KVM switch

• Video source (such as a DVR or computer)

• Video destination (such as a monitor or projector)

Note: When you are testing your setup components, it is recommended that you avoid using any video adapters. For example, if you are converting a VGA source to HDMI to be used with an HDMI extender, you should test with an HDMI source.

To test your setup components, try the following:

• Use the video cable, KVM switch, video source, and video destination in another setup to see if the problem is with the components or the setup.

• Use a different video cable, KVM switch, video source, and video destination in your setup to see if the problem persists. Ideally, you should test a component that you know works in another setup.

When you test your cables, it is recommended that you do the following:

• Test each cable individually.

• Use short cables when you are testing.

When you test the video source and video destination, it is recommended that you do the following:

• Remove the KVM switch from your setup and test to make sure that the video source and video destination work together without the KVM switch.

• Test to make sure that the video source and video destination work together at the resolution that you want to use.

Note: In order for your setup to work properly, the video source, KVM switch, and video destination all need to support the resolution that you are using.