Anyone using a KVM switch? Specifically TESmart?
Posted by KaneTheNord@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 59 comments
Curious if anyone has used TESmart's KVM switches, and whether they perform well.
I have a 1440p ultrawide single monitor, which I switch between several devices: home desktop (i7 13700k, 3080FE), school laptop, work laptop, occasionally a console. As you can imagine, swapping several cables for all of my peripherals (keyboard, mouse, webcam) gets a bit tedious and stops me from keeping it all tidy.
The TESmart KVM has 4 switchable inputs and an audio output, and has EDID emulation so that each device doesn't think I disconnected the monitor when I swap what is displayed. They claim 4k@60hz, so it should be more than enough to run my display.
My main concern is video latency. I play games on the desktop, and I could see the addition of a "middle man" between the GPU and the monitor causing issues. I could bypass this by keeping it plugged into the monitor and just using the KVM for peripherals if it becomes a problem.
Anyone have one of these, and has it worked well?
Server22@reddit
Anyone have any luck with Corsair keyboards?
BertCarr@reddit
Just saw this thread while my KVM is supposed to arrive today.... really scared right now. Bought that one in place of the crappy Ezcoo one that lasted just a couple of months for an absurd amount of money. Cross fingers.
Server22@reddit
How was your experience? Any issues? I am waiting for one to arrive too..
BertCarr@reddit
They took so long to ship it that i had cancelled my order... BUT i received a shipping notification and they adden't reimbursed me so i took it in and so far it's really solid but let's see in the long run.
One this they do lie about is the fact that you can pull out 144hz... everytime i set the display to 144hz everything goes black.... but this might be my hdmi port on the display (DP port is rock solid but my display was one of the first hdmi 2.1 one ASUS PG32UQ).
zirahvi@reddit
Had two TESmart 4-to-1 4K 60Hz HDMI switches. Both died approx at 1 year mark.
First one of the 4 USB hubs (ports/inputs) died, then the one next to it, then the next and so on. No more TESmart for me.
Bought Ezcoo instead. One input blanks (disconnects, monitor says "no input"/"check the cable") all the time, when connected to a Linux box with a old GTX-gpu. The hotkey-switching is broken as well (causes seconds lag into input - probably just very poorly written FW)
Both brands seems to offer mediocre quality at mediocre (not cheap) prices. With crappy firmware.
ModelS4me@reddit
Interesting, i had exact experience you had with my USB ports as well on my 4port dual monitor 4k 60hz TESmart.. Im on year 4 of mine. 1 USB port left that works, but all video switching still perfect.
aordover63@reddit
One year in, and mine died as well, after a brief blackout and maybe(?) power surge
ChuckIT82@reddit
FYI This model is coming out in April DKS402-M24 https://www.tesmart.com/products/dks402-m24 (it won't be 10k, this is just a place holder) /u/KaneTheNord
ModelS4me@reddit
Nice.
ChuckIT82@reddit
Just got it two days ago - it’s working like a charm! Highly recommend
RexDeus9@reddit
They perform well, but are not durable. It's my 3rd purchase already in 6 years. So yes, good for about 2 years, then the signal starts going off on some ports. So why keep purchasing it? There's not much competition out there.
Puskiele@reddit
I just stumbled across this, after buying a TESmart 8K Switch for 3 monitors and 3 Devices.
Just read all the bad things about the company, and I really hope that my switch will stay with me for some time to come, but so far Im very happy, i must say
Switching works fine, i can use all my monitors with 4K and WQHD on 144 hz.
Just really hope it will stay this way.
Ohmygoditsojuicy@reddit
if anyone is still reading this, we bought the TESmart Dual USB-C 4K Dual Monitor KVM - DON'T BUY IT.
When you get up or walk around, the screens flicker and turn off.
i've already bought all new high quality cords and made sure the cords are plugged in correctly.
its not just mine, we bought 4 and 3 of the 4 did it and now mine is #4 so they all a failure.
Xaan83@reddit
I use the 2 port version of the TESmart HDMI KVM with my gaming desktop and work laptop (with a usb-c dock) and 2 ultrawides.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CBKLNP53
The problem you'll find is that HDMI 2.0 has lower bandwidth than is needed for high refresh rate ultrawide and your monitor will only allow you to set 3440x1440 100hz since that is as far as HDMI 2.0 can take it. I have my secondary ultrawide at 100hz connected to the KVM because it doesn't matter, but I ended up choosing to bypass the KVM for the primary monitor to connect directly to the desktop and dock on different inputs and then and just manually change the input source via monitor button so that I can get 3440x1440 160hz on my main display. So, not great but better than nothing. Keyboard and mouse support is excellent, and can be swapped via keyboard shortcut so you don't need to actually touch the KVM (I forget what the default key combo is, I immediately remapped mine to the alternate double tap right-control + number scheme). Finally, regarding the video portion, EDID works well and there is no latency change. Occasionally if one machine goes to sleep it doesn't activate the secondary display and just requires a quick swap between KVM sources to get it back.
For ultrawide and 4k high refresh rate we would need EDID compatible DisplayPort 1.4 KVM which sadly just do not exist or are several times more expensive and then don't even work anyway.
KaneTheNord@reddit (OP)
Awesome, thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for!
The things I do on my laptops aren't graphics-intensive, just documents and some basic management applications. Sounds like I should keep the tower connected directly to the monitor, and route peripherals and the laptop displays through the KVM.
nikebalaclava@reddit
hey! I know this is an old post but your setup is basically exactly what I want to do. Have my work laptop be able to use my main OLED monitor, have the mouse and keyboard switch between the two as well with a cheapish KVM.
Then when I want to game, just change the input directly on the monitor.
Did you end up doing this? How well is/was it working for you? I just got a new OLED 4k 240hz monitor for gaming so it seems like I will not be able to find an affordable KVM to allow for max gameplay, so I would be happy with this workaround. wondering how it went!
KaneTheNord@reddit (OP)
Tbh I hated it. My KB/M would lose signal constantly. Either my mouse would stutter or a keystroke wouldn't register. I had the KVM plugged in for maybe a week.
nikebalaclava@reddit
ah good to know. i think im going to try a usb switcher for peripherals instead of a kvm. i’ll see how that goes. that’s too bad
AdThink9075@reddit
The advanced DisplayPort 1.4 KVM switches from other suppliers are not for your workflows. You should pick the basic HDMI switch for light requirements in switching between/ among different systems.
RRSad@reddit
Hey, thanks for sharing all this info! I just heard from their customer support that they’re about to drop a few new 8K KVMs based on DP1.4 with their own EDID tech. Keep an eye out for it, it’s gonna solve a lot of the issues being discussed here. 🎮🚀
jammer-hammer@reddit
DP 1.4 Triple 8K@60Hz KVM Switch Gaming Dock for 2 PCs 3 Monitors, w/ – TESmartDP 1.4 Triple 8K@60Hz KVM-Switch-Gaming-Dock für 2 PCs und 3 Monitore, – TESmart.DE
Was eying this, and then came to this sub, to find some input. But this is defiently the device the support was talking about.
Aquix@reddit
Yup. I use it and it works great! I can get up to 144hz my three 1440p monitors. I did have to drop the bit depth to 8-bit (I had it set to 10-bit prior to purchasing the KVM) to get it working without any flickering/glitches.
WombatWumbut@reddit
Hey I just got the DKS202-MC2 which is the 2 monitor DisplayPort version. have you had any issues with the keyboard and mouse not being recognized after powering on the KVM? Video is great, but I have to move the KB+M to the 3.0 ports then back for windows to recognize them after powering up.
Aquix@reddit
Restarts on all devices has helped when that happens. But it's rare. Ensure the USB port that connects from kvm to pc is connected to your computer's USB 3.0 port. Other than that, maybe try a return?
WombatWumbut@reddit
Yeah, did all the restarts but I still need to swap ports after a power on. Contacted tesmart support, we'll see what happens 🤷
merger3@reddit
I've been using a TESmart HKS0403, the HDMI only 3 monitor and 4 computer switch, for about a year and a half and overall I've been very happy with it although it is a mixed bag. It was the only option that matched my spec when I bought it so I didn't really have an option.
It's worked fine, stability has been good, nothing has failed or stopped work and it's been in a pretty rough environment. It's been buggy with my M1 Macbook Pro recently but I'm not 100% sure if that's the KVM, the macbook, or the docking station I'm using. It's been fine with the windows computers and the game consoles I've used with it.
It's got a lot of nice features that have really been a game changer for someone like me that uses 3+ devices daily but it's pretty rough around the edges. There are some bugs in the software, it has some quirks with my gaming keyboard, namely that I have to unplug and replug it every time my computer turns on or it's not recognized (I got a power switch that made this trivial) and some of the mice I've used with it had a similar issue although a lot of others worked just fine. Haven't noticed any latency when I'm gaming from either the video or the mouse/keyboard. The built in network switch is convenient and surprisingly a very stable connection but it's capped at 100mpbs.
Overall I like it and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat if I was doing it over, it was expensive and is definitely not perfect (and also doesn't get any firmware updates which kinda sucks) but it's made my life a million times easier also. I do wish it was a more robust category of device though, if a name brand made something similar I would probably swap over just because of some the annoyances but for what it is I'd definitely recommend it.
john_san@reddit
I was considering the CKS202-P23 to connect 2 MBP (work and personal) to 2 monitors (USB-C) but reading the poor experiences in this sub, I'm going to do myself a favor and save 600€.
Any good alternative? Because the CKS202-P23 really seemed to do it all.
MrJakeSauce@reddit
Man, I'm in the same boat hoping the CKS202-P23 is exactly what I need to reduce friction between work and personal computers. I know my happy-go-lucky ass just wants to take the risk on it, even knowing I'll be disappointed... That's how great the branding and website is for these niche products. My buddy is getting the HKS202-M24-USBK pretty soon and I'm going to let him be the guinea pig for TESmart products, before I bite the bullet.
Its all just too good to be true, even at that price point. The KVM market has just not yet trickled down to consumer-level WFH power users to be saturated enough for healthy brand competition. Right now these guys seem to dominate the market for more nuanced use-cases + decent designs. If other brands are cheaper, they still have mixed reviews filled with disappointment, bad support or settle for workarounds. All are clearly Chinese manufacturers pretending not to be such, and most just plainly don't look that nice or reliable.
Like this is another option that seemed to do a similar thing, works for some, sketchy for others, cheaper but more ugly etc:
https://www.amazon.com/AV-Access-Monitors-Ethernet-Emulation/dp/B0CP4PD3SM/
I wish I could understand the logistics here, I'd pay (finance lol) around $1000 for a unit if I knew it was a beast that would last me for at least 5 years, with consumer-friendly customer support and fair RMA process, and if it had at least 2 additional USB-C ports.
a_little_pea@reddit
Either of you end up getting one? Mine is on the way to my house right now and I'm getting more and more suspicious.... I'll definitely return it at the first sign of trouble after reading all of this.
squirrel4you@reddit
Do you have an update on how it went?
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Silent_Painter_6665@reddit
Hi I have a Tesmart brand new in box 8k 1 monitor 2 pc KVM dock if anyone interested ? Past return window and I will ship :)
KashmirShaivite@reddit
I used a 4 port with 8k/4k HDMI and it was just terrible.
My mouse would freeze and it caused all sorts of problems with my LG TV that I'm using as a monitor. And it caused my Bose SOundbar to also not work.
And it doesn't work with Logitech software, which is just annoying losing my mouse click buttons.
It claims to be some top of the line solution handling the fastest speeds but it's just a step above a paperweight.
KaneTheNord@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I bought it and got sick of it pretty quickly. Audio and video issues, missed keystrokes, mouse disconnects and general bad performance weren't worth the saved hassle. I just ended up getting a USB splitter and swapped cables when I needed to.
I guess my next monitor just needs one more input
According-Caramel280@reddit
Did you purchase the new 8k box style version or their older flat 4k versions? I hear the older flat style ones that max at 4k 60hz are not as good as their new box style 8k versions. Which version did you have? Seems like a lot of issues you see about tesmart were their first generation of kvms not the new ones.
Ok_Woodpecker9142@reddit
I have just purchased their 8K new box style verison.
I came here literally because (at it's almost £500 price tag) I was really really shocked.
I have a cheaper £100 Chinese type cheaper one from Amazon and it's outperforming it!
My mouse and keyboard freeze after every switch between machines. My speakers fail to recognise on it at all.
About the only USB devices working on it between switching are my Elgato streamdecks.
I'm just so shocked at this price point!
I assumed it would be smoother switching between machines than the cheaper one... it's actually worse! How is it even possible? That beep is soooo annoying!
But... things are moving more smoothly (windows and such). I won't lie.
I will try putting the keyboard/mouse on the USB 3 ports next. But kinda annoying i have to lose 2 ports. At least I can use the ugreen beside it.
stefanwlb@reddit
Did you ever find out if this is true? thinking of trying new one as the 1st gen has these issues for me (keystrokes delay, missed, duplicate, etc)
KaneTheNord@reddit (OP)
It's a 4k 60hz flat model. I can't speak to the new ones, but I won't be rushing to get it given my experience with this one.
SkerzFan@reddit
Their website says to use the USB 3.0 port if you want to use mouse/keyboard software, so you could give that a try.
KashmirShaivite@reddit
I tried that. My mouse went right back to intermittent freezing, stopping and then starting.
It's a real piece of junk. Literally.
Everyone, please stay away from this product.
SkerzFan@reddit
I took a chance on it, and admittedly ,after the weekend, it completely screwed up the videoconnection with my work MacBook, but a hard reset on the laptop and powering off and on the KVM and it worked fine. I have a Bluetooth mouse keyboard with a USB dongle for my windows pc, and so far everything is working well.
Avico_Human@reddit
Sounds like TESmart doesnt support their customers...Sad, Avico Tech would never do that. Support before and after your purchase is guaranteed.
Lanky_Information825@reddit
Just wanted to add my own experience with TESmart;
Ordered a switch in July of this year, and started using it, but suspected issues, as it would randomly beep and change ports, as well as keyboard - though I thought maybe it did this based on signal?
That said, reached out to TESmart for help with setting it up with a PiKVM, and did manage to get it working, though again, with strange issues, in-that it the keyboard /mouse input would seemingly freeze, and could only be remedied with a reboot of the appliance.
Following this, input problem seemed to be increasing, and until the switch was no longer viable for use - to which I'd add, I reached out to TESmart and would never receive a reply
Having said that, and while my experience was mostly a negative one with this product, I was very fortunate to be able to return the switch to Amazon, and in-spite of the return window being passed.
Though as it turns out, and based on my own experience, I simply cannot recommend this switch based on support and product reliability.
PS, Amazon product reviews for 30Khz, 8 port switch, does not seem favorable, though this could be an isolated product issue
Few_Importance_5495@reddit
I would also like to share my experience and Review of TESmart.
I purchased a TESmart switch in August for about $379, so it wasn't an inexpensive model. I only tried if for a couple days and although it didn't fail, it wasn't a very good product, so I contacted TESmart to return it. It says on their website that they will issue a refund if you are satisfied with the product. I see that they don't have a contact phone number or return address on their website, so I reached out to TESmart to get a return address through chat. They were reluctant to give me an address and instead asked for pictures of the product and box, which I sent, then they pressured me to keep the product by offering me a 10% discount. This went on for a couple weeks before they finally gave me a return address. I returned the product and after two weeks I hadn't received a refund. After contacting them they said they would process it. They couldn't refund my credit card due to some "issue", so they asked for my PayPal, which they also seem to have a problem with. So then they asked for my bank account information so they can "deposit it into my account". They are a very shady operation. I bought it directly from TESmart rather than Amazon, where I could have easily returned it so I learned lesson there. Regardless, I would caution not to buy any TESmart product, not just because they are thieves, but you will probably need support and not get it.
ExoticTranslator@reddit
Wish I had seen this post before purchasing a KVM December. They also ghosted me and avoided providing information about a return/refund when I found the product did not work for me (both keyboard and mouse were not available when switching between 2PCs). Avoid TESMART al all costs!!! No offense to the Chinese but this is obviously a shady company based out of there and their “refund” policy is probably just to make you think their product support is legitimate.
Quantum_Nebula@reddit
this is exactly the warning I was looking for... I went to their website as a curious shopper desperate to upgrade a cheap failing KVM, and I thought the prices on the website meant it had some bonus, feature, or maybe even just great support, and I almost pulled the trigger on an expensive model but found this thread. Thank you, and I genuinely hope the people here get a refund without hassle.
TheSuperUnknownBat@reddit
I am stuck in this limbo as well - no response from their support. Did you have any luck?
ExoticTranslator@reddit
Not at all, I emailed them I was “unhappy” with their support and they never responded. I tried to escalate a return case with Paypal but it was immediately denied because it had been 30 days past the order. I’ve now decided to donate the item or give it away to a friend. This was a very expensive lesson unfortunately.
TheSuperUnknownBat@reddit
How did you contact them - chat keeps pushing me to a bot same circle continues
KaneTheNord@reddit (OP)
I bought one shortly after posting, but had enough issues with connection blips (keystrokes and mouse movement) that I stopped using it.
Diligent-Print8430@reddit
Ich benutze auch die 2-Port-Version des TESmart KVM mit Desktop und Notebook. Tatsächlich funktioniert es ziemlich gut, vor allem, wenn man bedenkt, dass die EDID-Emulation dafür sorgt, dass mein Monitor nie die Verbindung verliert. Die Videoqualität ist für meine Anforderungen völlig ausreichend https://storeradar.de/erfahrung/tesmart/, auch bei 1440p. Was mich aber interessiert, ist, wie es sich bei niedrigen Latenzen in Spielen verhält. Bisher hatte ich keine größeren Probleme, aber es ist definitiv etwas, das man im Auge behalten sollte.
ennigmatick@reddit
I have 3 of them. Decent hardware, utter crap support. Some functions work, others don't. Trying to return one right now and they're ignoring me for a whole week.
TheEarththing@reddit
I have a HKS402-P23 for almost a year now, and I am shopping for a new one.
It started out OK, it did not like my fancy gaming keyboard and mouse in the dedicated ports for keyboard and mouse, but worked fine in the normal USB ports at at first. (they send me a partial refund for that) That was disappointing but acceptable. Over time things started getting worse, and worse. But it was mostly with my work laptop with a dock. (DELL) so I thought it may be an issue with that part of the setup mostly with USB again but occasional video glitches. I had issues with every KVM I have tried (this is my 4th with this setup) Much troubleshooting and trying many things, replacing the laptops dock a couple times included (so 3 docking stations tried). Each new test had problems and usually different ones. I had replaced my work laptop recently so they are not going to want to do that again any time soon. Almost all my problems are centered around my work Laptop, but not all. Some problems started creeping in to my other computers as well and starting to affect audio
TESmart support has been great as for as trying to help. Answering my questions sometimes a bit slow, but they answer and give me what I am looking for. They don't always have the solution. I am a pretty savvy and experienced troubleshooter with my setup. They did eventually refund me even more for some of my issues.
My current state is that I have multiple keyboards and mice ready for when something stops working and I can't reboot at the moment. I also use a USB bar with switches for each port to toggle something on and off which often works for a time.
I got a KVM so I don't have to keep manually swapping cables, but I am now manually swapping cables to get things to work. I am willing to give TESmart another try, but their support even told me that they don't have anything at the moment that will fix my issues, but expect to at some point in 2025.
So I am once again shopping for a KVM. I have a small cramped office, but 4 computers. I need a KVM as I don't have the room without one. I expect I will need to still have some compromise. I fear the perfect setup is not possible.
ExcitementExtreme641@reddit
I have a HDC403-P23-USBK. I purchased it four months ago and one day the mouse and keyboard USB ports failed. The other three USB A ports (one on the front and two on the back) appear to be fine. I haven't tested the USB C port on the front. Since you control the thing with either an IR remote or a keyboard connected to one of the two failed USB ports, and some features are not available via the IR remote, I am annoyed.
I am also annoyed that despite repeatedly contacting them (they have a Zendesk page, a chat that creates a Zendesk ticket, and an email address that creates a Zendesk ticket) they haven't even responded. This was a $600+ device, and that kind of (lack of) customer service is wild stuff. If they continue ignoring me I will start looking for a way to get my money back. I wasn't aware they'd just... ignore me... in the event of post-sale issues when they have a pretty explicit one year warranty that I extended to three.
I liked the product. The only two things I'd change if I were them are upping the NIC from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps and maybe allowing users to move the non-keyboard/mouse USB ports between PCs independently of keyboard/mouse focus (like you can with the monitors.) I hate the fact that it looks like I bought something that is now not much better than a cheap KVM switch. Frankly, I'd tell someone looking for a device like this buy somewhere else. This is way too much money for a company that will ghost you.
jim2244@reddit
Glad I'm not the only one who hates TESmart. Lasted about 4 minutes until the electronics went bad and half the lights stopped working along with my keyboard+mouse ports. Depressing since it coated over $100 and it has all the functions you want... Just with a big gamble on it lasting longer than you can hold your breath. Good luck finding the right one!
FamiliarMusic5760@reddit
I have one of these (triple HDMI, 4K, 60Hz 4:4:4 model, Triple Monitor KVM) and I have the following to say:
* I plugged the mouse into the front USB port because with the mouse on the back as it's designed, mouse movement is not perfect, i.e. it's granular, almost choppy, this is unacceptable to me but fortunately the front port is OK
* on Linux I don't have this problem, but on Windows with a Quadro RTX5000, the mouse freezes once every 15 minutes for half a second. This does not happen if the monitors are connected directly to the RTX. This does *NOT* happen on Linux (SLES 15.5) with an AMD W5500 Pro Radeon.
* I am using 3 x ThinkVision 31.5" Displayport monitors, however since the KVM is HDMI only, I had to use HDMI to DIsplayport adapters, and inevitably I connected the displays via HDMI.
Generally I am "OK", not annoyed enough to replace it (after all it was not cheap) but I would advise to be aware of these issues.
Both machines are Lenovo ThinkStation P920's.