A specialist KVM designed for those that need 4K video on multiple computers
KVM switches, standing for Keyboard, Video and Mouse, have been around a long time. I first used one to switch between multiple servers in a machine room, and that was at least 25 years or more ago. Being able to flip easily between different machines while only using one set of input peripherals and a single display has many operational advantages and also the potential for some equipment cost savings. As a reputable maker of KVMs, Aten has a wide range of these devices that can handle more than two computers, a requirement that many in IT and development share. The new Aten CS1953 Hybrid KVMP Switch is only a three-machine solution that sits somewhere between a conventional KVM and a docking station. It is an expensive choice, so is it worth the money? The typical UK pricing for this unit is £504.08, and that version includes the power supply. For those wishing to charge a laptop over USB-C, the PSU can either be bought separately or bundled, and the version without the PSU is cheaper than this. While this product isn’t yet listed on the Aten eShop in the USA, the American retailer Newegg carries it for $445.97 at this time. The common problem that those designing docking stations and KVM devices experience is how to make it look less like a box and something that doesn’t dominate the desktop of those using it. An interesting approach taken here is to make it look reminiscent of a completely different piece of equipment at a much-reduced scale. With the word ‘AUTOSCAN’ across the front, this looks identical to a personal paper scanner circa 1994, though big enough only to take A5 pieces of paper. At just 217mm long,71mm deep and 43mm high, it’s about the size of an old pencil case, if anyone remembers those? While it might be relatively small, the collection of cables that come with it dwarf the device entirely and fill most of the box it comes in. Including the remote clicker switch and PSU, there are nine cables, with three each for two of the PCs and a USB-C line for a third. Therefore, what the CS1953 doesn’t solve is the inherent ‘rats nest’ cabling issue that all conventional KVM have and its exponential growth when more than two computers are connected. It hints at a solution through USB-C, but as it only has one of these ports, this potential is never fully realised. To attach two computers using the standard ports requires a USB line, audio line, and a DisplayPort cable from both.
