How to Find the Best 8K KVM Switch for Your Needs

These days, many of us juggle multiple PCs and monitors for work, gaming, and entertainment. With this setup comes the need for higher resolutions and faster refresh rates to get the most out of our screens. To make multitasking easier and more efficient, a docking station or KVM switch supporting HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.4 is essential. That’s where the 8K KVM switch comes in, offering a powerful way to handle demanding setups. But how do you find the best 8K KVM switch for your needs? Let's break it down:

Why 8K Matters

8K resolution, which is 7680 x 4320 pixels, offers four times the detail of 4K and sixteen times that of Full HD. This means incredibly sharp images and text, making it ideal for professionals who need precise detail, gamers who crave the best visual experience, and anyone who enjoys high-quality media. Additionally, 8K allows for larger screens without a loss in image quality, enhancing immersion and productivity.

Assess Your Current Setup

Before you start shopping for an 8K KVM switch, take a close look at your current setup. Identify the following:

• Number of Devices How many PCs and monitors do you need to connect?
• Port Types What types of ports do your devices use? Check for HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, Thunderbolt 4 and so on.
• Peripheral Needs List all the peripherals you plan to connect, such as keyboards, mice, printers, and external drives.

Determine Your Requirements

• Resolution and Refresh Rate Ensure the KVM switch supports 8K resolution at 60Hz, and 4K at higher refresh rates like 120Hz or 144Hz or higher.
• Number of Ports Look for a switch with enough ports to accommodate all your devices. Extra ports can be useful for future expansion.
• USB Compatibility Make sure the switch supports the USB standards your peripherals use, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 or higher is better.
• Power Delivery If you have devices that need charging via USB-C, ensure the switch offers power delivery capabilities.

* See if you need deeper bit colors (8-bit color, 10-bit color, 12-bit color) to enhance overall image quality, which is supported by HDR function.

*HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.4 can support resolutions up to 4K@240Hz if with DSC.

*There are other special resolutions like 3440x1440@144Hz, 5120x2160@144Hz, and 5120x1440 @144Hz. For instance, G9 Samsung Odyssey supports 5120x1440 @144Hz.

Consider Switching Methods

Different KVM switches offer various methods for switching between connected devices. Choose the one that suits your workflow best:

• Physical Buttons Simple and direct, but may require reaching for the switch. For example, some KVM switches use a single button to control all switching functions, making it easy to switch between devices with a single press.
• Remote Control Convenient if you want to switch from a distance. Some KVM switches come with an IR (infrared) remote control that allows you to switch devices without needing to be near the switch itself.
• Hotkey Commands Allows for quick switching using keyboard shortcuts. Some KVM switches offer customizable hotkey options, letting you assign specific key combinations to switch between devices.

Look for Additional Features

Beyond the basics, consider what extra features might enhance your setup:

• Built-in Ethernet Ports A built-in Ethernet port can save you from needing an additional network switch or router in your setup. This is particularly beneficial if you need to connect multiple devices to a wired network, ensuring stable and fast internet connections.
• Audio Support Having audio support built into your KVM switch means you can easily switch both video and audio signals between devices. Look for KVM switches that support both analog and digital audio, including HDMI audio passthrough. This feature is crucial for users who work with audio and video editing, gaming, or any multimedia applications where sound quality and synchronization are important.
• Operating System Compatibility Ensure that the KVM switch you choose is compatible with the operating systems you use. Many KVM switches support multiple OS platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even certain versions of Unix.
• Hot Plug and Unplug This feature allows you to connect and disconnect devices without having to power down the KVM switch or the connected computers. It adds convenience and flexibility, especially in dynamic environments where devices are frequently added or removed.
• No Latency or Delay Ensure smooth and uninterrupted performance, crucial for fast-paced gaming or high-resolution video editing, with zero latency or delay in signal processing.

8K KVM Switch Recommendations

After considering all the above factors, you can start looking for the perfect 8K KVM switch. Visit online marketplaces, check out tech stores, and compare different models based on your criteria. Make sure to read detailed specifications and customer reviews to ensure you’re making an informed decision. 

TESmart offers a range of 8K KVM switches that are highly rated for their performance and reliability. TESmart’s switches support the latest resolutions and refresh rates, have various port configurations, and come with additional features. Their user-friendly designs and robust build quality make them a popular choice among professionals and enthusiasts alike.

TESmart 4-Port 8K60 HDMI 2.1 KVM Switch w/ ADI Chip, EDID, 4K144Hz for Gaming, 4 PCs 1 Monitor——HKS401-M23 is designed for superior performance and reliability, featuring an ADI chip solution that provides stable and efficient signal processing. This includes HDCP and EDID emulation, signal regeneration, and enhancement, ensuring high-quality and stable signal transmission even over long cable connections. Compliant with HDMI 2.1 standards, it supports ultra-high-speed 48Gbps bandwidth, accommodating resolutions up to 8K@60Hz and backward compatibility with 4K at higher refresh rates. Ideal for gaming, it supports Dynamic HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, VRR, FVA, and ALLM, enhancing display quality and reducing input lag. Additionally, the built-in shared USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub allows two PCs or game consoles to share peripherals, and offers quick switching with zero delay, providing immediate availability of connected devices for a seamless user experience.

TESmart DP 1.4 Dual 8K@60Hz KVM Switch Gaming Dock for 2 PCs 2 Monitors, w/ EDID, G-Sync FreeSync —— DKS202-M24 is enhanced by pioneering EDID emulation technology. Ideal for dual 8K/4K editing and dual 4K/144Hz gaming, it supports 12-bit color, G-Sync, FreeSync, FEC, and DSC technologies, ensuring stable, tear-free visuals compatible with Nvidia and AMD graphics cards. The DP1.4 KVM switch dock includes complete PC cables (2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 and 4 DP cables) and supports resolutions up to 8K@60Hz, backward compatible with 4K@60Hz/120Hz/144Hz. It offers extend or split desktop modes, four input switching methods, and seamless keyboard and mouse operation post-switch. EDID emulation prevents resolution and icon rearrangement, and it supports USB 3.2 Gen 1, hot plugging, and wide OS compatibility (Unix, Windows, Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, MacOS X, Raspbian, Ubuntu for Raspberry Pi, and other Linux-based systems), making it perfect for home, office, or educational use.

TESmart DP 1.4 Triple 8K@60Hz KVM Switch Gaming Dock for 2 PCs 3 Monitors, w/ EDID, G-Sync FreeSync ——DKS203-M24, a triple-monitor KVM switch with docking station, powered by DP 1.4 and pioneering EDID emulation technology. Ideal for advanced gaming and professional image processing, it supports 12-bit color for precision in triple 8K/4K editing and enhances triple 4K/144Hz gaming with G-Sync, FreeSync, FEC, and DSC, ensuring stable, tear-free visuals with Nvidia and AMD graphics cards. This DP1.4 KVM switch dock includes complete PC cables, supports resolutions up to 8K@60Hz, and is backward compatible with 4K@144Hz. It offers extend or split desktop modes, four input switching methods, EDID emulation, K&M pass-through, legacy emulation for wide keyboard compatibility, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and hot plug support. Compatible with multiple OS and perfect for home, office, or educational setups.

Conclusion

Selecting the best 8K KVM switch involves considering several key factors to match your specific needs for productivity, gaming, or multimedia enjoyment. With the increasing demand for higher resolutions and faster refresh rates, an 8K KVM switch like those offered by TESmart provides robust solutions for managing multiple devices seamlessly. Whether you prioritize resolution compatibility, port configurations, or additional features like audio support and no latency switching, TESmart's range of 8K KVM switches delivers reliability and performance. By assessing your setup requirements and comparing specifications, you can confidently choose a model that enhances your workflow and entertainment experience.