KVM Switches & Console Drawers

Keyboard-video-mouse switches and rackmount LCD consoles for server management

About KVM Switches

KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switches let you manage multiple servers from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse — eliminating the need for dedicated peripherals at each server. For data centers with dozens or hundreds of servers, a KVM switch combined with a rackmount LCD console drawer is essential for local management, BIOS access, and troubleshooting when out-of-band management (iDRAC/iLO) is unavailable.

Modern KVM solutions come in two categories: local KVM switches using Cat5/Cat6 cables for in-rack management, and KVM-over-IP (KVM/IP) switches that provide remote console access over the network from anywhere in the world — essentially a hardware-level remote desktop that works even when the server OS is down.

KVM Solutions by Use Case

  • 8-Port Local KVM (1U) — small server room, 8 servers, Cat5 connection
  • 16-Port KVM-over-IP — remote data center, web-based console access
  • 32-Port KVM Matrix — enterprise data center, cascadable for 256+ servers
  • 17" LCD Console Drawer (1U) — flip-up monitor + keyboard + touchpad in 1U
  • 19" LCD Console + KVM (1U) — integrated console with built-in 8/16-port KVM

Popular brands include Raritan Dominion, Avocent/Vertiv, ATEN, and Tripp Lite. We stock both new and refurbished units with full testing. Contact us for help sizing a KVM solution for your data center.

Featured KVM Switches Products

Browse all 607 KVM Switches SKUs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a KVM switch if I have iDRAC/iLO?

iDRAC (Dell) and iLO (HP) provide excellent out-of-band management for those specific vendors. However, KVM switches are still valuable for: mixed-vendor environments (managing Dell, HP, Supermicro, and custom builds from one console), situations where iDRAC/iLO licenses have expired, network switches and appliances that lack out-of-band management, and as a fallback when iDRAC/iLO network is down.

What is the difference between KVM and KVM-over-IP?

A standard KVM switch requires physical proximity — you must be at the rack to use the attached console. KVM-over-IP (also called digital KVM) encodes the video signal and sends it over the IP network, allowing remote access from any web browser or client application. KVM-over-IP is essential for remote data centers, colocation facilities, or multi-site management. The trade-off is higher cost (2-3x) and slight video latency.

What cable type connects servers to a KVM switch?

Modern KVM switches typically use Cat5/Cat6 cables with a small server-side adapter module (SIM/SIP) that connects to the server's VGA/HDMI and USB ports. This replaces the older dedicated KVM cables. Each server needs one SIM module (vendor-specific), and standard Cat5e patch cables run from the SIM to the KVM switch. Maximum cable length is typically 50 meters for Cat5e.

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