Put your best screen at the centre of both PCs.
Give two computers access to the same monitor and USB accessories. 8KSW21-KVM switches the hardware connections at your desk, letting you move between work, creative projects and gaming without moving the cables.
8KSW21-KVM
Know what connects where.
Connection overview. Check the requirements below for the exact ports, cable type and supported operating mode.
A separate signal for every screen
Connect 1 × HDMI and a USB host cable from each computer. These are independent video paths: using fewer video cables means fewer active displays. Select extended or mirrored mode in the computer’s display settings.
Keep motion and detail in balance
HDMI 2.1 switching supports 4K 120Hz and 8K 60Hz 4:2:0. The advertised 8K 120Hz / 10K 120Hz modes require DSC 1.2 support at both source and display; 10K uses 4:2:0. The FRL data rate is 40Gbps. Four USB 3.0 device ports share accessories at up to 5Gbps.
Change computers without changing the desk
Use the front button or keyboard hotkeys. Keep the shared keyboard, mouse and other supported USB peripherals connected to the switch. EDID emulation is supported at 4K 60Hz and below.
Make sure it fits your setup.
Check the source ports
Each computer needs 1 × HDMI plus USB for the full setup. Video connectors alone do not carry the keyboard and mouse connection.
Match the monitor inputs
Use displays with matching HDMI inputs or a specifically compatible active conversion solution. Passive connector adapters are not universally interchangeable.
Know the switch behaviour
EDID emulation is supported at 4K 60Hz and below.
From unboxing to connected.
Check the computers
Confirm video outputs, USB host connections and the supported display count.
Connect the displays
Match the labelled monitor outputs to the display inputs using suitable cables.
Add your peripherals
Attach keyboard, mouse and other devices; connect the specified power supply.
Select and configure
Select a computer, then set resolution, refresh rate and display mode in its settings.
8KSW21-KVM at a glance.
| Model | 8KSW21-KVM |
|---|---|
| Computer inputs | 2 groups; each uses 1 × HDMI + USB host |
| Display outputs | 1 × HDMI |
| Maximum video | 8K at 60Hz; source, display and cable dependent |
| Shared USB | 5Gbps |
| Switching | Use the front button or keyboard hotkeys |
| Display retention | EDID emulation is supported at 4K 60Hz and below. |
| Higher compressed modes | Up to 10K 120Hz 4:2:0 with DSC 1.2 at source and display |
| HDMI bandwidth | 40Gbps FRL / 18Gbps TMDS |
| HDR and gaming | HDR10, Dolby Vision, VRR and ALLM with compatible source/display |
A little clarity before you buy.
Do I need a USB cable from each PC?
Yes. Video cables carry the image, while a USB host connection carries the peripheral connection to the selected computer.
Does a splitter create a second desktop output?
A conventional splitter repeats one video signal. For independent extended monitors, provide a separate supported source signal for each video input.
Will every game console use all the features?
Console video and USB-device support vary. Check the console’s display output and supported input devices before planning a console setup.
More product photos
