2 Port Professional PS/2 KVM Switch

Questions & Answers

How do I set up my KVM switch?
Turn off all of the computers and monitors that will be connected to the KVM switch. Connect the power adapter to the KVM switch. Connect the video cables from your monitors to the console video port on the KVM switch. Turn on the monitors. Connect your keyboard and mouse to the console PS/2 or USB ports on the KVM switch. If you have not done so already, change the KVM switch to focus on port 1. Connect the video cables from PC1 to the KVM switch. Connect the PS/2 or USB cables from PC1 to the PC1 PS/2 or USB ports on the KVM switch. Turn on PC1. You should see the computer load the operating system that you are using on PC1. Make sure that the mouse and keyboard can control PC1. Repeat steps 4 to 8 for each additional computer that you want to connect to the KVM switch. Leave the computer in focus until you make sure that the mouse and keyboard can control the computer in step 8.

My Monitors are flickering when connected through the KVM Switch. What do I do?
Monitors may begin flickering when they receive a signal of insufficient quality. There are a few potential fixes available that will help to improve the signal quality in order to eliminate flickering: Replace Video Cables with high-quality Video Cables (e.g. upgrade DisplayPort 1.2 Cables to DisplayPort 1.4 Cables ). Use shorter Video Cables to reduce signal attenuation. When possible, remove Video Adapters to use native Video Connection Types (e.g. go from VGA to VGA , or DisplayPort to DisplayPort ) For DisplayPort Monitors , try changing the DisplayPort Version on the Monitor . For information on how to change your Monitor Settings refer to the Manual from the Monitor Manufacturer . Update the Drivers for the Computer’s GPU to the latest available from the Monitor Manufacturer .

Video and/or USB control works on one connected PC but not another. What do I do?
Ensure the video & USB cables are connected between each computer and the KVM switch Safely power off all computers. Unplug everything from the KVM switch and connect one computer at a time, swapping the inputs previously used (e.g., the computer connected to PC2 now connects to PC1). Power on each computer and confirm functionality before connecting the next one to the KVM switch. If using a KVM switch that supports multiple displays, ensure all video connections from the computer are from either the video card or motherboard, both cannot be used simultaneously on most systems.

Everything is hooked up but nothing is working. What should I do?
There are some quick tests that you can perform to rule out potential issues. Start by turning off all of the connected computers and peripherals, unplugging everything from the KVM, including power, and leaving it for 10 seconds. Then connect everything to the KVM following the procedure in the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/faq/kvm-switches-setup . You can test to make sure that the following components are working correctly and are not the source of the issue: Video cables KVM switch Video source (such as a DVR or computer) Video destination (such as a monitor or projector) Note: When you are testing your setup components, it is recommended that you avoid using any video adapters. For example, if you are converting a VGA source to HDMI to be used with an HDMI extender, you should test with an HDMI source. To test your setup components, try the following: Use the video cable, KVM switch, video source, and video destination in another setup to see if the problem is with the components or the setup. Use a different video cable, KVM switch, video source, and video destination in your setup to see if the problem persists. Ideally, you should test a component that you know works in another setup. When you test your cables, it is recommended that you do the following: Test each cable individually. Use short cables when you are testing. When you test the video source and video destination, it is recommended that you do the following: Remove the KVM switch from your setup and test to make sure that the video source and video destination work together without the KVM switch. Test to make sure that the video source and video destination work together at the resolution that you want to use. Note: In order for your setup to work properly, the video source, KVM switch, and video destination all need to support the resolution that you are using.

Certain KVM ports or computers are working but not all of them. What do I do?
There are four troubleshooting actions that you can try if some but not all of the ports and your computer are working with the KVM switch. To determine if a specific cable is the source of the problem, switch the cables that connect the KVM switch to the computers to one working port and computer, and one port and computer that is not working. Keep the computer plugged into the same ports and only switch the cables. If the issue persists when you switch cables, the issue may be with the cable itself. To determine if the problem is between the computer and the KVM switch, using the same cables, connect the KVM switch to one computer that is working and one computer that is not working. If the issue persists when you switch computers, follows the issue may be with the computer and the KVM switch. Try reinitializing the KVM. This is done by following the setup instructions on the website. To determine if the KVM switch is the source of the problem, if you have another KVM switch, disconnect the current KVM switch and connect the second KVM switch.

My keyboard keeps repeating keys when it is plugged into the KVM. What do I do?
If the keys on your keyboard are repeating, complete the following: If the KVM you are using has USB ports, you can move your keyboard to the USB hub port on the back of the KVM (the USB hubs are marked). Note: When you move the keyboard out of the keyboard port, you will not be able to access the hotkeys. You can adjust the typematic rate in your operating system’s settings. Depending on the version of Windows you are running, you can adjust the typematic rate by doing one of the following: Click Control Panel > Keyboard > Speed . Adjust the repeat delay and repeat rate until the keys no longer repeat. Click Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers . Right-click Keyboard Settings . Adjust the repeat delay and repeat rate until the keys no longer repeat.

What is a KVM switch, and how do I determine if it is compatible with my setup?
A KVM switch allows you to control multiple computers with one keyboard, monitor, and mouse, and compatibility depends on matching the number of systems, connection types, and feature requirements. Explanation: A KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch enables a single set of peripherals to control multiple computers. Many KVM switches also support additional devices such as USB peripherals and audio. There are several types of KVM switches designed for different use cases: Standard KVM switches : Connect multiple computers using a central unit. Cable KVM switches : Integrate cables into the design for simpler setups. Multi-monitor KVM switches : Support switching between multiple displays per computer. Secure KVM switches : NIAP-certified for secure environments. To ensure compatibility, verify the following: Number of computers : The KVM switch must support the total number of connected systems. Video interfaces : Match the video input/output types (such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI) across all devices. Peripheral connections : Confirm support for USB or PS/2 keyboards and mice. Display requirements : Ensure the KVM switch supports the required resolution and number of monitors. Additional features : Check for audio support or hotkey switching if needed. Some KVM switches require specific or proprietary cables, which are included or listed as accessories for the product. Basic wired keyboards and mice are recommended, as wireless, gaming, or combined receiver devices may not function reliably with KVM switches.

What should I consider when choosing cables for a KVM switch?
KVM cable requirements depend on the specific KVM switch; some use standard cables, while others require proprietary cables designed for that model. Explanation: KVM switches connect multiple computers to a single set of peripherals, and each connected computer typically requires one set of cables. Cable requirements vary by KVM switch design: Standard KVM switches : Use standard video (such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI) and USB or PS/2 cables. These cables can be purchased individually or as bundled kits for convenience. Opposite gender connections : Some KVM switches use different connector genders for computer and console ports to prevent incorrect connections. These setups may require extension cables or specific cable kits. Proprietary cable KVM switches : Some models, especially those designed for server environments, require proprietary cables. These cables combine video and USB or PS/2 signals into a single connector and cannot be replaced with standard cables. To determine the correct cables: Check the product’s Technical Specifications and “What’s in the Box” to see if cables are included. Review the Accessories section for compatible cable options. Inspect the port layout; if there are no standard USB or PS/2 ports for computers, proprietary cables are required. Using the correct cable type is essential to ensure proper functionality and compatibility with the KVM switch. If at this point you require further assistance in deciding which cables to purchase with your StarTech.com KVM switch, contact our technical support team.

Are all mice and keyboards compatible with this StarTech.com KVM switch?
No, not all mice and keyboards are compatible; standard HID-compliant wired devices are recommended, while advanced or high-power devices may not function correctly. Explanation: StarTech.com KVM switches are designed to support standard HID (Human Interface Device) keyboards and mice, including common wired and wireless models from major brands. However, compatibility depends on the device’s features and power requirements. Keyboards and mice with programmable keys, built-in USB or audio pass-through ports, or high power consumption (such as RGB lighting) may not work reliably through the dedicated HID ports. For consistent performance, use a basic wired keyboard and mouse. If a device does not function through the HID ports, it can be connected to the KVM switch’s USB hub ports, if available, which provide broader compatibility. However, when a keyboard is connected through the USB hub ports instead of the HID port, KVM-specific functions such as hotkey switching may not be supported.