How many ports, and what video standard

Port count is the first decision and the one people most often get wrong — buy for the machines you will have in two years, not the ones on the desk today. This range runs from 2-port desktop units up to 16-port rack switches.

The video standard has to match your weakest link. HDMI and DisplayPort models here support 4K at 60 Hz; USB-C models suit modern laptops that carry video and power over one cable. A KVM will not upscale, so the switch, the cables and the monitor all need to support the resolution you want.

Desktop, rack-mount or LCD console

Desktop switches sit beside the monitor and suit two to four machines. Rack-mount switches fit a 1U slot and are the normal choice in a comms cabinet. LCD console models fold a screen, keyboard and trackpad into a single rack drawer, which removes the crash-cart entirely.

KVM over IP models add remote access, so a server can be reached at BIOS level from another building. That is the difference between a site visit and a five-minute fix.

Secure models for regulated environments

Secure KVM switches enforce one-way data paths and tamper-evident housings to stop data moving between connected machines. If you are working to a government or defence standard, check the specific certification on the product page — these are not interchangeable with standard switches.

Trade pricing and business accounts are available for UK organisations, and bulk orders are welcome — request a quote.