11 Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) Switch Manufacturers in 2022
This section provides overview, applications, and principles of keyboard/video/mouse (kvm) switches. Also, please take a look at the list of 11 keyboard/video/mouse (kvm) switch manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
What Is a KVM Switch?
A KVM switch is a piece of hardware that allows you to control multiple computers with a single keyboard, a display (Video/VisualUnit), and a mouse. It is also sometimes referred to as a CPU switcher or PC switcher.
Basically, one set of KVMs controls multiple computers, but some products allow multiple KVMs to control a single computer. Some multifunctional KVM switches also offer the ability to share USB devices and speakers. They can also be used for data servers as well as computers.
Uses for KVM Switches
KVM switches can be used in the home, but are most commonly used in industrial and commercial applications. Some examples are listed below.
- Data centers with many servers running
- Factories, offices, and laboratories with multiple PCs
- Factories with a structure or layout that makes access to the PCs difficult
- Large premises or locations where multiple PCs are installed
Principle of KVM Switches
A KVM switch connects the cables from each device to the KVM switch and outputs to the computer via a special cable that combines USB and VGA.
There are two types of KVM switches, passive and active, each with a different principle, and the characteristics of the PC and operating system will affect the compatibility of the KVM switch, so an appropriate KVM switch should be selected.
1. Passive KVM Switches
Passive KVM switches, also called mechanical KVM switches, physically switch electrical circuits. PCs are switched by select switches or pushbuttons.
While the structure is simple and inexpensive, the maximum number of PCs that can be connected is limited to 12. Also, since the interface device is perceived as physically disconnected from the unselected PC, it may fail to boot or boot without a mouse, depending on the PC and OS.
2. Active KVM Switches
Active KVM switches, also called electronic KVM switches, use simulated signals to switch peripherals. Unlike mechanical KVM switches, they emulate the connection of interface devices to a non-selected PC. This prevents non-selected PCs from failing to boot.
Active KVM switches are also useful for PCs and operating systems that require continuous monitoring of interface device connections, and PC switching can be done by quickly pressing a specific key, eliminating the need to touch the KVM switch itself for convenience.
Long Distance Communication for KVM Switches
KVM switches are available as "remote KVM devices" that can be operated from long distances. There are two types of remote KVMs, analog KVM and digital KVM, depending on the control method.
1. Analog KVM
Analog KVM switches are designed for operation over a distance of up to 300 meters. A LAN cable is used for connection, but the communication protocol is proprietary to the product, so it cannot be connected to other LAN devices.
Because it uses a proprietary protocol, it does not have much communication delay time. 256 or more access points can be configured, and more than 8,000 PCs can be controlled.
2. Digital KVM
Also called KVM Over IP, it can send and receive signals over the internet via ethernet communication. Although there is a slight delay in operation due to the use of the Internet, it can operate over a longer distance than an analog KVM. Because of this characteristic, they are also used for remote work.
Most digital KVMs allow remote control of PCs via a browser or dedicated viewer software. Remote software that can remotely control a PC over the Internet includes VNC and terminal services. Digital KVM switches have the advantage over those that do not require installation of remote software.
List of 11 Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) Switch Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
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- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- China
- France
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
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ATEN INTERNATIONAL Co., Ltd.
KVM
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Vertiv Group Corp.
IP KVM Switches
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Dell Inc.
KVM Switches
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StarTech.com Ltd.
KVM Switches
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Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) Switch Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of January 2023 in United States
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shenzhen CKL Technology Co., Ltd. | 21.4% |
| 2 | ASIX Electronics | 14.3% |
| 3 | Dell Inc. | 14.3% |
| 4 | PLANET Technology Corporation | 7.1% |
| 5 | Rextron International Inc. | 7.1% |
| 6 | IEC | 7.1% |
| 7 | Adder Technology Limited | 7.1% |
| 8 | PROSUM | 7.1% |
| 9 | StarTech.com Ltd. | 7.1% |
| 10 | ATEN INTERNATIONAL Co., Ltd. | 7.1% |
Ranking as of January 2023 Globally
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shenzhen CKL Technology Co., Ltd. | 21.4% |
| 2 | ASIX Electronics | 14.3% |
| 3 | Dell Inc. | 14.3% |
| 4 | PLANET Technology Corporation | 7.1% |
| 5 | Rextron International Inc. | 7.1% |
| 6 | IEC | 7.1% |
| 7 | Adder Technology Limited | 7.1% |
| 8 | PROSUM | 7.1% |
| 9 | StarTech.com Ltd. | 7.1% |
| 10 | ATEN INTERNATIONAL Co., Ltd. | 7.1% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the keyboard/video/mouse (kvm) switch page as of January 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
- Shenzhen CKL Technology Co., Ltd.: 2004 (19 years ago)
- Rextron International Inc.: 1998 (25 years ago)
- ASIX Electronics: 1995 (28 years ago)
Company with a History
- Adder Technology Limited: 1984 (39 years ago)
- PROSUM: 1992 (31 years ago)
- PLANET Technology Corporation: 1993 (30 years ago)
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