HDMI 2.1 can reliably run 4K resolutions at 60Hz, as can the DP 2.0 standard. However, beyond 4K, things change. While HDMI 2.1 can support 8K at 60Hz, DisplayPort can support 8K at a 120Hz refresh rate, or 16K at 60Hz.

A software KVM can offer distinct benefits over a hardware solution. You can avoid the tangled web of cables, as well as switch between or among PCs through hotkeys or an app, rather than pressing a physical button (although some hardware KVMs offer hotkey-based switching, as well). Once you've assessed ports and peripherals, consider your home setup. Where will you put the KVM box? How long do the cables need to be to keep your space de-cluttered? Will you be able to press a button on the KVM to switch PCs, or do you need a remote? If you need a remote, do you want a wireless one, or will a wired unit do (connected to the KVM switch by a cable)? To help walk you through it, we tested six basic KVMs for ease of use and setup. USB Ports for Peripherals: Four (reserve two for keyboard and monitor; the others for items like a USB headset) This two-PC-capable KVM switch uses HDMI for the connection to the primary monitor's input, as well as to the outputs from your connected systems. (Credit: Kyle Cobian) DisplayPort helps to optimize the refresh rate of many computer monitors, which makes them useful for modern gaming, and so you’ll see DisplayPort connectors on the latest graphics cards for optimal support beyond 4K.They can be used to connect large televisions to consoles that output HD imagery and sound, so that the full quality of such games can be shown off best. If you are looking for a cable, you will want to make sure that you grab one of a decent length. If you are planning on hooking up two devices, then you will need to ensure that there is enough cable to extend between the two. To Conclude Most of us begrudgingly accept that switching between or among several computers requires some amount of cable swapping, moving devices around, or other general awkwardness. But with a KVM switch (the KVM short for “keyboard, video, mouse”), you can leave those bothers behind and save time, space, and money. Not to mention, a whole lot of hassle. Each here works with one monitor (see below for some dual-monitor suggestions) and allows you to switch among two or four PCs using one set of peripherals. They all use HDMI cables (instead of VGA or DisplayPort, although you can definitely find KVM switches that use those). Most newer computers and monitors connect via HDMI for superior sound and image quality. For the least hassle, you'll want to choose a KVM that works natively with the video outputs of all connected PCs (assuming they all support one in common!) to avoid having to deal with clumsy adapters. HDMI is an abbreviation of ‘High Definition Multimedia Interface’, and it refers to an interface that is used for transferring HD data from one device and transferring it over to another.

If you're looking for a four-PC-capable KVM switch and choosing between this one and the Tcnewcl, the biggest difference is that this one has four USB ports for peripherals instead of the Tcnewcl's three. That's a lot of additional value for only a few extra dollars. DisplayPort is quite similar to HDMI, in that it is a digital interface that is used to transfer high-definitiontop audio and video from one device to another. What Is The Difference Between HDMI And DisplayPort? The first step to finding the right KVM switch is taking inventory of what you'll use it with: specifically, the number of computers, monitors, and additional peripherals, such as a keyboard and mouse. You may also want to hook up a direct-connected printer, webcam, speakers, or external microphone (for all the streamers and podcasters out there).Most mainstream KVM switches support between two to four computers, one to three monitors, and two to four peripherals.

The Technology I Use

So if you’re looking for a DisplayPort to HDMI converter to make use of an HDMI display, you’ll need to be aware that HDMI has these limits, even if they’re unlikely to be met in most cases. DisplayPort is certainly more future-facing. What Should You Look For In A HDMI To DisplayPort connector? USB switches are another KVM alternative, of sorts. They look just like KVMs, and will likely show up in the search results if you're hunting for a KVM from a retailer. But they have one critical difference: no video support. They will only allow for switching of a keyboard and mouse. That means you can switch between computers with a keyboard and mouse, but a standard, inexpensive USB switch will not pass through a video signal. If your monitor has dual video inputs (most do), and you can attach a system to each, that arrangement can work as a KVM surrogate along with a USB switch, but you'll have to switch the display input via the monitor OSD and the peripherals via the USB switch separately. That's a much less elegant solution than a "true" KVM.

If you’re looking to grab yourself a converter cable or connector, then there are a few things you will want to look out for. We’ll go through the connectivity question and cover some more of the basics below, so you have all the tools and knowledge you need. As it’s useful to know the difference between the two things, we’ll start there. Ensure you get a good connector for long-lasting use What Is HDMI? If this kind of teleportation magic sounds like something your home setup needs, here’s a guide to finding the right KVM switch for you. KVMs are venerable tech, but once you start shopping, you'll see a fair bit of nuance around them. We're here to help.

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Our testing gear comprised a Viotek GNV27DB curved gaming monitor, two Windows 10-based desktop mini-PCs we recently reviewed (the Geekom IT8, and the Beelink GK Mini), and a standard wired gaming keyboard and mouse from Logitech. In turn, we set up each KVM device and switched between or among PCs 10 times, using a stopwatch to measure the switchover time and then averaging the results. To test the audio and video quality, we played a 4K HD movie (our old testing stalwart, Tears of Steel) on each PC through each KVM switch in turn to our Viotek monitor. We also watched the same video with the PCs direct-connected to the monitor to see if any perceptible difference. This is how (mainly) TVs are able to access HD sound and visuals and is done through the use of just one simple HDMI cable. What Is DisplayPort? This KVM from IOGear has the same core features as the previous one: wired remote, two USB ports, and permanently attached input cables. Beyond that, the standout feature is superior video and sound quality, hence the higher price. For video, it provides support for up to 4,096 by 2,160 at 60Hz, whereas the previous IOGear KVM supports 1,920 by 1,080 at 60Hz.

The major difference between both HDMI and DisplayPort is their intended use cases, and there are some speed considerations too. HDMI cables are generally intended for use with consumer electronics such as televisions and video game consoles. Also, this model has a wireless remote compared to the Tcnewcl's wired remote, meaning more flexibility and one less cable to fuss with. Your desk could be completely de-cluttered (KVM out of sight, out of mind) with only the wireless remote in view. Given the price, the remote, the number of supported PCs, and the number of peripheral USB ports, this is the highest-instrinic-value KVM we tested.