kvm home / Playbook
Hardware / practical steps
Check the whole keyboard-video-mouse chain
A KVM switch compatibility workbook for sharing peripherals between computers. This site covers physical switches, not Linux KVM virtualisation.
STEP 01
Inventory both ends of every connection
List each computer’s video and USB outputs, the monitors’ inputs and the keyboard, mouse and other devices you want to share. Include docks and adapters. A connector’s shape alone does not prove every required function is supported.
STEP 02
Write the display requirement precisely
Record monitor count, target resolution, refresh rate and any other required display features. Check the exact switch model, cable and adapter specifications as a chain. “Supports 4K” without a refresh rate or monitor count is not enough to establish compatibility.
STEP 03
Check USB behaviour separately
Identify whether the keyboard and mouse use dedicated emulated ports or a general USB hub on the chosen switch. Check support for cameras, headsets or specialised devices in the manufacturer’s documentation. Do not assume every shared USB device will behave like a basic mouse.
STEP 04
Test normal transitions
Try switching repeatedly, waking each computer, reconnecting power and using the intended dock. Record missing displays or peripherals and isolate one connection at a time. Keep a direct-connection fallback so troubleshooting does not block the whole working day.
Choose the right next step
- Single monitor: verify the exact video path and required mode.
- Dual monitor: confirm both computers can supply the required outputs through the chosen setup.
- Intermittent USB: test a basic keyboard directly before adding hubs and specialised devices.
Worked example
A two-computer desk has one laptop connected through a dock. The buyer checks the dock, switch, cables and monitor together at the intended display mode. A successful direct laptop-to-monitor test narrows a later failure to the added connection chain.