Editing KVM switch (section)

== Types ==
{{original research|section|date=June 2014}}

USB keyboards, mice, and I/O devices are the most common devices connected to a KVM switch. The classes of KVM switches discussed below are based on different types of core technologies, which vary in how the KVM switch handles USB I/O devices—including keyboards, mice, touchscreen displays, etc. (USB-HID = USB Human Interface Device)

; USB Hub Based KVM:Also called an ''Enumerated KVM switch'' or ''USB switch selector'', a connected/shared USB device must go through the full initiation process (USB enumeration)''' '''every time the KVM is switched to another target system/port. The switching to different ports is similar to the process of physically plugging and unplugging a USB device into the targeted system.
; Emulated USB KVM: Dedicated USB console port(s) are assigned to emulate special sets of USB keyboard or mouse switching control information to each connected/targeted system. Emulated USB provides an instantaneous and reliable switching action that makes keyboard hotkeys and mouse switching possible. However, this class of KVM switch only uses generic emulations and consequently has only been able to support the most basic keyboard and mouse features. There are also USB KVM devices that allow cross-platform operating systems and basic keyboard and mouse sharing. <ref>{{cite web|title=Cross-Platform Semi-DDM USB KVM device|url=https://en.j5create.com/products/juc400}}</ref>
; Semi-DDM USB KVM: Dedicated USB console port(s) work with all USB-HID (including keyboard and mouse), but do not maintain the connected devices' presence to all of the targeted systems simultaneously. This class of KVM takes advantage of DDM (Dynamic Device Mapping) technology.
; DDM USB KVM: Dedicated [[Dynamic device mapping]] USB console port(s) work with all USB-HID (including keyboard and mouse) and maintain the connected devices' special functions and characteristics to each connected/targeted system. This class of KVM switch overcomes the frustrating limitations of an Emulated USB Class KVM by emulating the true characters of the connected devices to all the computers simultaneously. This means that you can now use the extra function keys, wheels, buttons, and controls that are commonly found on modern keyboards and mice.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://connectpro.com/technology/|title=Technology: USB DDM, DCC, KVMX, DualCoreKVM, FullTime DDC|website=ConnectPRO|access-date=2021-06-08|archive-date=2020-11-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125101150/https://connectpro.com/technology/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
; KVM+Dock: A KVM switch with built-in docking station. It combines two devices, a KVM switch and a docking station. The customer expectations for this kind of product has increased due to a rising number of work from home setups that need to share user I/O devices between a personal PC and work laptop as a consequence of COVID pandemic restrictions.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Hub Base Class !! Emulated Class !! Semi-DDM Class !! DDM Class
|-
| USB re-enumeration required || {{yes N | Required on every switch of port}} || {{no Y | No, only for keyboard/mouse}} || {{no Y | No, for all USB-HID}} || {{no Y | No, for all USB-HID}}
|-
| Latency in sharing connected USB devices || {{yes N | Longest, depending on connected system's OS (about 10–15 seconds)}} || Short || Short || {{no Y | No latency}}
|-
| Supports Hot-Key Command || {{No}} || {{Yes}}, only on dedicated keyboard port || {{Yes}}, all the console Semi-DDM ports || {{Yes}}, all the console DDM ports
|-
| Supports special keyboard and mouse functions || Limited* || {{No}}, only acts as standard keyboard/mouse || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
| Windows 7/Windows 8 showing correct connected devices || Limited* || {{No}}, shows as standard keyboard and mouse no matter what keyboard/mouse are connected to the KVM || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
|-
| Windows7/Windows 8 built-in touchscreen monitor driver support || Limited* || {{No}} || {{Yes}}* || {{Yes}}
|-
| Wireless combo keyboard and mouse support || Limited* || {{No}} || {{Yes}}* || {{Yes}}
|-
| USB-HID (other than keyboard/mouse) support || Limited* || {{No}} || {{Yes}}* || {{Yes}}
|-
| USB touchscreen sharing support || Limited* || {{No}} || {{Yes}}* || {{Yes}}
|-
| Drawing tablet support || Limited* || {{No}} || {{Yes}}* || {{Yes}}
|-
| USB wireless unifying receiver support || Limited* || {{No}} || {{Yes}}* || {{Yes}}
|-
| Pros || Passes all signals between USB devices and target system/computer(s) || USB keyboard/mouse switching control, shorter switching time, Hot-Key Commands || Full USB keyboard/mouse switching control, DDM ports can work with all USB-HID class devices, Short switching time (latency: within 1 sec.), Hot-Key commands (apply to all USB Semi-DDM ports), Lower cost than Full DDM class switches || Full USB keyboard/mouse switching control, DDM ports can work with all USB-HID class devices, Shortest switching time (no latency), Hot-Key commands (apply to all USB DDM ports)
|-
| Cons || Longest latency, delay in device availability, Can't use USB keyboard/mouse to control KVM switching process, No Hot-Key command, Generates HPD error when switching with particular OS's || Supports only limited/fixed general keyboard and mouse profiles, Special keyboard and mouse functions will not work, Can only share "standard" USB keyboard/mouse, Can't share other USB-HID such as: touchscreen monitor, drawing tablet, etc., Generated HPD error while using other USB-HID || Still has latency when switching || Higher cost
|-
|}
;Limited*:supported, but does not allow USB re-enumeration, which not only causes long delays in switching, but also sometimes causes HPD (Hot-Plug Device) errors to the OS system(s).

;Yes*:Latency time within 1 second while switching between channels/ports.

; KVM+Dock: Dual DP1.4 KVM switch with TB4 dock model will be the first model released for full-buss DisplayPort 1.4 sharing for 4K144hz gaming monitors.