Best IP KVM: Review of The Long Distance Controllers
Introduction
The KVM over IP switches does give you the power to control computers and servers over a large distance. However, you need the right one so that your data remains secured and you don’t get attacked by the hackers on the net.
And that’s why you may go on the scavenger hunt for the best IP KVM. However, it’s easy to feel lost when there are so many options on the market.
But hey, what are we here for?
We have compiled a list of the top 5 IP KVM after a whole week of research. They are the best that the market has to offer. But wait, you can be the judge of that. Take a look at their features to be completely sure that it’s worth it.
Moreover, we even added a buying guide. It’ll help you navigate through your decision-making.
Alright, now since the stage has been set let’s get right into the show-
Comparison Table
Raritan Dominion KX-IV-101 KVM
Product Overview
At the top of our list, we have the one and only Raritan Dominion KX-IV-101 KVM. Now, you can say we’re being biased but there are some features that make it the number one. If you’re ready let’s have a glance at them-
Now, it’s our duty to warn you that this KVM switch has only one port. That means you can only connect one device at a time. Thus it only supports one computer. So, that’s a limitation.
However, unlike most of the KVM switches on this list, it supports HDMI connections. So, if you have a single monitor that needs an HDMI connection then this one’s your guy.
It even lets you stream at 4k resolution. Now, if your PC supports such high resolution then you’re all set. You can stream your video at 4K and everyone on the receiver’s end will be satisfied as well.
However, do ensure that your bandwidth and internet connection can support this. Otherwise, it’s rendered useless.
The size of the KVM switch is also very small. So, it won’t take up a lot of space on your desk. Hence, this makes it office and home-friendly. In other words, it can sit at one corner and won’t eat up space.
Pros
- It supports an HDMI port
- You can stream at 4k resolution
- It doesn’t take up too much space
Cons
- It requires certain JAVA apps
StarTech SV831DUSBUK KVM Switch
Product Overview
Our second pick is the StarTech SV831DUSBUK KVM Switch. You might be familiar with the brand itself. Who hasn’t heard of StarTech, right? But is its KVM switch really worth the money? Let’s take look into it-
In the beginning, we have to mention that this one is the most budget-friendly product on our list. But cheap doesn’t always mean the worst quality. In fact, you’ll be getting a lot of features even at a smaller price.
For instance- You can steam your video at different resolutions. It’s eact range is 1920×1200, 1920×1080, 1680×1050, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1360×768. With the high resolution you’ll be able to stream at top-notch quality.
However, with the lower resolution, you can stream faster. This way, if your bandwidth is low or if your internet is being slow you’ll have a way to compromise for a short while. Isn’t that handy?
Apart from all this, it also has audio plugs. They allow the transmission of sound from your computer. Thus a single microphone can be used to transmit audio from one computer to another.
Lastly, it has 8 USB ports. So, you can connect your keyboard, mouse, or anything that happens to has a USB cable. And then you can control all of them at once.
Pros
- It’s budget-friendly
- You have the option to change the resolution
- It can transmit audio
- You can connect multiple devices at once
Cons
- You can have difficulty in changing the resolution
- Doesn’t capture high-speed typing
Avocent AV3216-001 KVM Over IP Switch
Product Overview
In third place, we have the Avocent AV3216-001 KVM Over IP Switch. Now, this one might not be the toppers but it still has an honorable position on our list. So, let’s do this a favor and check out its unique sides-
The number one feature that we found to be a great side was its high-level security. You see it has a CAC smart card and LDAP directory authentication to protect the hackers and even viruses from getting their hands on the data.
Now, how secure is it?
Well, it’s secured enough to be used in banks, offices, or other places where security is of top priority.
Apart from all this, it comes with the option to pick between 4, 8, and 16 ports. So, if you’re looking for a KVM switch with a lot of ports to connect multiple devices at once you have the option of doing so.
However, if you plan on saving a few bucks by going for the fewer port ones then you do so as well. But that’s not the most amazing thing. You see this KVM switch has all VGA, Displayport, DVI, and HDMI connections.
So, no matter what connection your monitor uses you’ll be able to connect it. It’ll support different types of monitors.
Plus, it’s OS Independent so you get BIOS-level connection on the other side of the computers.
Pros
- It’s has secured network
- You can choose between multiple port option
- You can connect all types of video connectors
- You get a BIOS-level connection
Cons
- The web interface is pretty cheap
Tripp Lite B022-U08-IP KVM Switch
Product Overview
The next item on our list is the Tripp Lite B022-U08-IP IP KVM Switch. Now, you might be famous with the Tripp brand but the name of the brand isn’t all, is it? There are some features that set it apart. So, let’s take a look at them-
Well, the key point for this KVM switch is that it has both desktop and rack mounting systems. Now, if you compare it to the other KVM switches this luxury of choice isn’t available for the others.
You see, the 4 port KVM switch comes in desktop-style. That means you can keep the KVM switch on the inside of your table. But if you want to mount it on the wall or something then you can do so.
Besides this, you can remotely access other computers by the windows or java browser clients. They take the help of the LAN, WAN, or internet connection. So, you can sit at home and have full control over the other computer through this.
But how many computers can you really control at a time?
Well, with the Tripp Lite B022-U08-IP IP KVM Switch you can control up to 8 computers at a time. Unless you’re planning on functioning an entire office the number of computers controlled by this device is a fair number.
Moreover, you can plug in devices using the USB or PS/2 connection. So, most of the keyboards, speakers, mouses will be able to connect with the KVM switch and connect via the internet.
Lastly, the display resolution drops to 1600 x 1200 when using remote consoles. They show the images at 60 Hz with 24-bit color. However, the resolution rises to 2048 x 1536 when using the local consoles.
Now, the resolution is not close to 4k but a lot of time even the computers can’t support k. So, if you have one of those computers then this might be a good KVM switch for you. That’s because it won’t compress the video quality.
Pros
- You can set it up on your table
- Can connect input devices via USB and PS/2 connection
- The video quality will not get compressed
Cons
- The software doesn’t have the best UI
Avocent AV3000 Rackmount KVM Over IP Switch
Product Overview
Moving on, we have the Avocent AV3000 Rackmount KVM Over IP Switch. Yep, another one of Avocent’s KVM switches. But what does this one offer that the other didn’t?
Well, to start up, this version of the KVM switch offers you the option to choose between the KVM switch with and without cables. Now, you might think that going with cable is a wise choice.
But if you have the right cables with you from before then you can save a few bucks by getting the ones without cables. So, if you were looking for a way to cut down the cost then here’s a way out for you all.
Besides this, the KVM switch comes with a VGA video connector port like most of the KVM switches. However, it also has a DisplayPort connector as well. So, if you have a video connector with DisplayPort then you can easily use this one.
Apart from this, you can also choose between 4, 8, or 16 ports. The choice is yours. But remember it’s always better to have a higher number of ports.
However, if you really don’t need that many ports then going with the lower number ones can significantly cut down the cost. That’s if 100 bucks is a lot for you.
Moreover, the resolution can go up to 2048x1536p. So, you can stream at an HD quality.
Pros
- It saves your space
- You can cut down cost
- Switching the connection is easy
Cons
- It takes up a lot of space
StarTech SV441DUSBI Remote KVM over IP
Product Overview
Next up we have another one of StarTech’s KVM switches. You might like the brand but you didn’t like the 2nd product that much. Well, don’t worry. We have another KVM switch that just might match your requirements. Let’s see-
Out of all the KVM switches on our list, this one is by far the most premium one. You can trust its features to give the best outcome.
Like for instance- It’s made out of alloy steel. This is one of the materials that make the product durable. It doesn’t get damaged.
Moreover, it comes with rackmounts. So, you can mount it on the wall pretty easily. But if you want you can also place it on your desk. It can take up a nice and cozy spot on your table. It won’t take up a lot of space.
Even the setup is also easy. It’s not rocket science to get the whole setup. The trick is to connect the front end of the KVM and KVM device to power. Then connect other devices to install the whole thing.
Plus, it has 8 ports. So, you can connect up to 8 different devices at once and connect them with computers at a large distance. Plus, you get BIOS-level control so you’ll be able to control the other computers at your own will.
Pros
- It’s durable
- It doesn’t take up too much space
- It can be mounted on walls
- It’s easy to set up the whole thing
Cons
- The remote cursor and the local cursor don’t sync properly
TESmart HKS1601A10 KVM Switch
Product Overview
At the very end, we have a TESmart HKS1601A10 KVM Switch. The brand does have the word smart in it. But is the KVM switch a smart one? Well, there’s one way to find out-
Firstly, this KVM switch supports HDMI. That’s one of the latest connection types and most KVM switches only support VGA connections, as you can see in the comparison table.
But because of this, you can connect the latest monitors to your KVM switch and then control all computers from afar. Most importantly, you can pair up to 16 devices at once because it has 16 different ports.
Moreover, it also has 16 USB connections. So, you can add multiple keyboards or mice and control the other PCs.
Apart from this, you can stream the videos at 4k resolution. That’s ultra HD. Sometimes, a lot of PCs don’t even have the capabilities to configure such high resolution. But if your one can then do enjoy it.
Plus, it’s easy to set up. It even comes with all the necessary cables you need so you won’t have to make extra expenses.
On top of all these, you can program the time interval for the auto-switching function. Then you can change the timer between 5 secs to 60 minutes.
Since the switch will be auto you won’t have to worry about the devices being connected to the wrong input device. It’ll be done on its own.
Lastly, it can transmit audio. So, your receivers will be able to hear the audio clips as well that you play from the source computer.
Pros
- Supports modern monitor connection
- You can set up multiple devices
- You can transmit audio over a distance
- It’s easy to set up
Cons
- Double-Scroll Lock is the only hotkey switch available
Buying Guide
So far you have encountered so many features and it might have made you feel a bit lost. It can be hard to decide, especially if you’re a newbie to the world of tech. By hey, we’re here for you.
We’ve compiled all the things that you should be aware of when buying KVM over IP. Let’s check out all the must-have features for a good KVM switch-
Number of Users
The number one thing to look out for is the number of users. Now, we’re not talking about the controlling users. We are more focused on the number of computers you’ll be able to access at one go.
You see, due to the limitation of KVM only one person can take control of the other dives. Although people can take turns and be in control only one person has power at a given time.
Anyway, there are some large businesses that need to have control over a lot of computers to get the job done. Or maybe they need access for their broadcast over the computers.
No matter the case, you might need access. So, the more computers you can access the better it is. And since the number of controllable computers varies based on KVM so you need to check it out.
Number of Ports
The number of ports determines the number of devices you can connect to your KVM switch. Now, each port can only hold up to one device. So, it’s advisable to get more ports than what you already have.
This way, you stay prepared for any further device connection. Otherwise, it’ll be expensive purchase to buy a new KVM switch with more ports.
Video Resolution That Is Supported
Now, if your main concern is to broadcast videos for your audiences over a distance then you should look out for the supported resolution by your KVM switch.
Typically, IP KVMs can support up to 4K at 60Hz resolution. However, there are some KVMs that don’t offer such high resolution. So, you need to look at this feature before your purchase.
But be warned, the resolution also depends on your bandwidth. Without a strong internet connection, you won’t be able to provide high video resolution for your audience.
Sound Support
While streaming you might also want the sound to be audible. But the problem is some of the KVM switches don’t really support the sound system.
So, you should pay heed to this function if audio is a must-have for you. Otherwise, feel free to skip it. However, it’s a wise feature to have just in case it comes in handy.
Video Cable Connections
While choosing your KVM over IP you need to evaluate what type of video your server’s PC’s output support. Now, the KVM can support both digital and video cables.
So, they can work with DVI-I, DVI-D, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI-I, DVI-A, and DisplayPort-A. So, it all boils down to what your PC can and cannot support.
FAQs
Question: Will my computer behave any differently with a KVM switch in place?
Answer: The KVM switch does not hamper the condition at which your computer works. So, no the KVM switch will not be a problem. You’ll be able to do your job smoothly.
Question: Do I have to reboot every time I switch to another server?
Answer: The keyboard and mouse are always connected to the CPU. Thus the computer always senses that it’s actively attached to a keyboard. Hence, there is no need for a reboot.
Question: What do I have to install on my computers for it to support the KVM switch?
Answer: You don’t have to install any external software. You simply have to connect the KVM switch to the computer using the right cables and it’ll be able to work. But for KVM over IP you need to set up with IP.
Question: How do the hotkeys work?
Answer: To control the hotkeys you need to use the Control key to set up the function. And to exist from that you need to press Esc.
To Sum Up
Well, guys, that’s all we have for the best IP KVM switches. By now, you might have a pretty good sense of what to buy. We surely hope you liked at least one of the products from our list.
And if you did head over to buy them today. It’ll be awesome to control PCs over a high range. Have fun. Best of luck with your choice!
