Mr. Gadget: Stable KVM switch for Ultra-KD and 120 Hz in test

I’m going poaching for noname devices today and have bought the KC-KVM8201 8K KVM switch from the big river for the test systems. This is a useful device for users like me who want to control multiple computers with a single set of monitor, keyboard and mouse. This KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switch supports resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz (ok, I don’t need that) and thus offers high image quality even for Ultra HD and 120 Hz (I need that), which is especially interesting for users in the field of creative work or my tests. In this short product test, I will examine the device, the technical data, the performance and the overall quality of the product from a practical perspective, because you can’t write a multi-page novel about everything.

I’ve already written about it: The KC-KVM8201 8K KVM switch is a device that allows you to control multiple computers with just one monitor, keyboard and mouse. Unboxing is a pleasant surprise, as the switch comes securely packaged and with solid equipment. In addition to the switch itself, there are two USB cable sets, a 12V plug-in power supply and a short instruction manual. There is also a remote control button in case you want to hide the switch somewhere. The cables look high-quality and robust, but removing the protective film from the button was hard work.

Technically, the KC-KVM8201 offers some interesting features, including support for various resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. It also has two HDMI inputs for video and a monitor output at the rear, as well as the two USB 3.x connections to the two source PCs.

A total of three USB ports for input and peripheral devices are located on the front, as well as the two connections for the button and the power supply. Switching between the connected computers can be done either via a button on the device or using the remote control. The device is compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, MacOS and Linux and does not require any drivers.

The supplied power supply seems to me to be too weak with the 1 A continuous current to be able to use the switch as an active ASB hub. I assume that only the internal electronics are supplied here and that there is galvanic isolation. You will therefore not find an integrated step-down converter to 5 volts.

Use in practice

In practice, the switch impresses with its stable video quality. The switching time between the computers is short, which hardly interrupts the workflow. Control via key combinations responds quickly and without any noticeable delay. The additional USB 3.0 ports prove to be practical for quickly connecting peripheral devices. The device has a high-quality finish, with the housing made of metal and the connections are stable and largely accurate. The switch button provides good feedback and the metal body ensures efficient heat dissipation, which is beneficial for longer periods of use. There is also a separate LED indicator light for each selection.

However, the KC-KVM8201 also has some weaknesses. The price is unfortunately higher compared to simpler KVM switches, ranging from 50 to 80 euros, but this seems just about justified in view of the performance offered. This makes the KC-KVM8201 8K KVM switch a reliable and powerful device for users who have high demands on image quality and stability and flexible control of multiple computers. It offers robust processing, fast response times and comprehensive compatibility, making it a good choice for professional users like me.

The KC-KVM8201 was obtained through the Amazon Vine program for convenience, there was no obligation to post on the website or any other conditions.