


KVM is an acronym for keyboard, video, and mouse.

By contrast, a graphic design artist might require the ability to work seamlessly across two different operating systems with the ability to control them using a single workstation. Everything needed to complete tasks on a laptop is in one place with fully-integrated processing power and connections for peripherals. The same can be said for the laptop user. A person using a desktop computer, for example, has a central processing unit (CPU) tower that houses the major internal components of their system, a keyboard, mouse, and a video monitor to complete their work. The majority of consumers in today's technological world are familiar with a single computer setup. Also, we especially like the E-SDS because it has one dedicated USB port each for keyboard and mouse, and then two additional USB ports for other peripherals most models only have a single USB port for things like printers and dongles. If it's not meant for UHD entertainment, TrendNet makes one that's suitable for consumers as well. In that case, TESmart makes two of the most feature-packed options, and in fact they make a couple with full HDMI 2.0 compatibility that allows for 4K operation and even supports HDR metadata. Then there are home users, who may be using two computers at once for a variety of reasons. If you only need to access two computers with the same set of input devices, UGreen makes a couple excellent choices for doing so. Depending on how many devices you need to control, the TNP, CKLau, and JideTech will serve that purpose well. KVM switches are typically used in IT scenarios, for example, to control an entire rack of servers or configure multiple enterprise PCs at once. We really like the relatively recent IOGear GUS4C2, though, which is, in a way, a reverse docking station that streamlines control of a laptop and desktop PC and allows for easy communication between the two. If your requirements are more utilitarian, the reasonably priced UGreen 2 in 1 and JideTech CKL-41UA should be on your list. If you absolutely need features like UHD resolutions and HDR metadata passthrough for scenarios like home theater setups, the TESmart HKS0401, TESmart 0201, and E-SDS 4K are worth a look.
