A KVM switch is a hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from one or more sets of keyboards, video monitors, and mice. KVM stands for "Keyboard, Video (monitor), Mouse". The main function of a KVM switch is to control, switch between, and manage multiple PCs or servers via a single set of keyboard, monitor, and mouse. KVM switches offer different methods of connecting the computers, such as native connectors on the device where standard keyboard, monitor, and mouse cables can be attached, or a single DB25 or similar connector that aggregated connections at the switch with three independent keyboard, monitor, and mouse cables to the computers. KVM switches were originally passive, mechanical devices based on multi-pole switches, and some of the cheapest devices on the market still use this technology.
KVM switches are useful for improving productivity, saving space, and money by allowing the use of multiple computers with one set of keyboard, monitor, and mouse. They are commonly used in data centers to allow data center personnel to connect to any server in the rack. They are also used in home settings to enable the use of the full-size keyboard, mouse, and monitor of the home PC with a portable device such as a laptop, tablet PC, or PDA, or a computer using a different operating system.
KVM switches can be purchased in a range of prices, with some of the cheapest devices on the market still using mechanical switches, while more expensive models offer additional features such as automatic monitor input switching.
