1.4 Display Port KVM Switch - Single Monitor - Two Computer
Have you ever wanted a KVM switch that doesn’t suck, supports DisplayPort 1.4 (3840x2160@120hz / 8k @ 30hz ) and USB3?
Listen. No KVM is perfect BUT our customers tell us -- The Level1Techs KVMs are pretty darn good.
New! USB type c 10gbps KVM Switches.
Now the KVMs have the option of a 10 gigabit USB interface. 10 gigabit!! The big changes under the hood mean that the 10 gigabit version of the KVM can better support both USB3 5 and 10gbps peripherals as well as better support for high-polling-rate USB hid devices. They do cost a but more than their 5gbps counterparts, however. We plan to restock both types as fast as possible.
Note: The 10gbps models substitute the "Type B" 5gbps input with a USB c 10gbps input. So it's easy to tell if you have a 5 gigabit or 10 gigabit.
Each input on all models of the KVM require both a full-size Displayport 1.4 connection and a USB connection. Both Type A to C or Type C to C cables are supported for the input ports on the KVMs.
Don't want 10 gigabit? No problem, opt for the 5 gigabit model instead. It's a bit cheaper.
USB 2.0 cables (4 conductor) in a type C format is Not Compatible.
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In addition to this model we also have:
2-input USBc KVMs (USBc in, DP 1.2 Out)
2 and 4 input single and dual monitor DP 1.4 KVMs
3 and 4 monitor DP1.4 KVMs (special order -- email Wendell)
Iin addition we are working on a usbC KVM with power delivery on one port (not ready yet).
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This KVM switch will let you ONE monitor plus other USB peripherals like a keyboard and a mouse between up to TWO computers!
This KVM DOES support using the Club3d DP 1.4 -> 3x DP1.2 MST hub (the one that uses Display Stream Compression!) on the console output port. [ Other MST hubs not recommended. ]
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We are working with a vendor overseas to help us build and test these to be sure they work in “Enthusiast” scenarios.
Most of the time KVM switches are meant to work with servers, and basic mice and keyboards.
This KVM switch will work with USB 3.0 (USB 3 5gbps, or USB 3.2 gen 1) peripherals as well as USB 2.0 HID devices.
It has also been tested to work with high-end RGB gaming keyboards like keyboards from Corsair, Cougar and more.
It has been tested with keyboards that have built-in USB hubs as well as USB passthrough.
While we don’t recommend USB switching with mass storage devices (!!??), it is possible. It will also let you share peripherals like scanners and printers through USB (note: Maximum 1A power through USB connections).
Power Adapter: Now available with choice of UK, EU, and AU adapters.
Dimensions: 6.25” w x 4”d x 1.5”h (15.9 x 10.2 x 3.8 cm)
Warranty: One year free parts and labor service warranty.
Rack Mount Kit: Not compatible with our Level One rack mount kit.
If you have any technical questions, feel free to reach out to Wendell at wendell@level1techs.com to ask.
Features:
Full DisplayPort switching capabilities:
One DP 1.4 connection from each computer (up to 4k/120hz or 8k/30hz).
Lower resolutions + Higher framerates possible e.g. 144hz @ 1440p work just fine because of full DP 1.4 compatibility. (Overclocking not supported)
DisplayStream Compression Supported
Intelligent EDID Engine for HDCP Rekeying (computers know when the port is inactive. Check out the Level1Techs repeater if you need monitor emulation).
HDCP Passthrough Supported (maintains HDCP signal integrity)
Intelligent USB HID passthrough (includes work-arounds for known problematic devices)
Rear Inputs:
2x 3.5mm Audio (recommended for beeps and boops -- may need a ground loop isolator)
2x DisplayPort 1.4
2x USB 3.0 "B" type (USB 3 5gbps, or USB 3.2 gen 1) [5gbps model]
2x USB C (USB 3 10 gbps, or USB 3.2 gen 2) Data Only Inputs [10gbps model]
Rear Outputs:
1x Displayport 4 connection
3x USB 2.0 Ports
1x USB 3.0 (USB 3 5gbps, or USB 3.2 gen 1)
1x analog 3.5mm audio
Front:
Pushbutton for switching Inputs
1x USB 2.0 HID port
1x USB 3.0 "A" type (USB 3 5gbps, or USB 3.2 gen 1) ports (up to 1A current) [5gbps model]
1x USB 3.0 "A" type (USB 3 10gbps, or USB 3.2 gen 2) ports (up to 1A current) [10gbps model]
Keyboard commands supported:
Double-tap numlock to do a soft-reset on the USB hub (some USB peripherals do not like to be connected to a KVM!)
Double-tap scroll lock followed by 1-4 to switch between inputs without using the buttons on the front of the KVM.
Double-tap scroll lock and left control to toggle on and off left control as a hotkey.
NOTE: No cables are included, we are working on carrying DP1.4 cables. Club3d generally is recommended.
NOTE2: we don’t recommend connecting to ASMedia USB controllers if you can help it, as they can be problematic coming out of sleep mode. Please report any issues with USB peripherals.
Note: Lessons learned from the first couple batches:
Almost all of the support issues with the KVM were down to dodgy DP cables. They must be DP cables that carry the ground but not voltage (19 pin).
The Samsung Odyssey G9 is popular with customers. Most popular config is a 3ft DP1.4 cable from KVM to display and a 6ft cable from KVM to computer.
There is a known issue with 2013 mac pros. The DP signal coming out of those is not remotely compliant with DP standards. It is possible to inline some EDID-aware DP repeaters to solve that issue. Level1Techs carries a good repeater for this as well. :)
There are a couple laptops/docks that are similarly deficient but using shorter DP cables (< 2m) seemed to resolve that. If all else fails, the repeater works there too. The Repeater Level1Techs sells is limited to DP1.2
If you are going to push the full DP 1.4 bandwidth (100hz+ @ 4k, hdr, etc ) be sure the DP cables are good and be sure that the total length of cable from graphics card to monitor is not more than about 4 meters.
Dell monitors, notoriously ones from 2015 and 2016, that feature a built in MST hub can be problematic. Suggest either setting DP1.1 mode from the menu, or disable the built-in dasy-chain MST hub, depending on the monitor, you will have one or the other option. This seems to be a firmware issue on dell monitors. There are otherwise several reports of MST working fine through other more recent DP hubs. Several people have tested Dual DP 5k monitors with the dual port model and reported success.
In general things went pretty well with the earlier batches. The KVM is not perfect, but our customers tell us its about the best one you can get.
Final note: The USB 2 and USB 3 ports are wired differently. USB 2 ports try to understand hid devices so you can use hot keys.
USB3 ports will be more permissive of “pass through” devices they don’t understand. We have a lot of reports of successful device pass through including USB audio dacs, usb drives, printers, scanners and things like Wacom tablets.
We have one report of a Jabra 920 in USB audio mode + IBM laptop that causes the IBM laptop to hang on boot. As far as I can tell this is because the laptop thinks there is a dangling mass storage device that needs to be initialized. This is a UEFI bug in that laptop as far as I can tell, but no easy way to work around it from my end. Unplugging the headset at boot works around the issue. No other unresolved reports of USB devices hanging machines on boot.
