KVM stands for “Keyboard, Video (monitor), Mouse.” The main function of a KVM switch is to control, switch between, and manage multiple PCs or servers via a single keyboard, monitor and mouse (also referred to as the ‘console’).
At its most basic, a KVM switch is a hardware device, usually box-like, that connects one set of keyboard, monitor, and mouse to two or more PCs. The PCs are connected to the switch, and the switch is connected to the keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
By using a KVM switch, a user can access multiple PCs through a single keyboard, video (monitor), and mouse setup.
To switch between the different computers or servers, a user can press a button on the KVM switch, press a hotkey on their keyboard, click on their mouse wheel, or use an on-screen display program. Regardless of which method one chooses, the idea is that you can quickly and easily switch between different computers while using the same keyboard, mouse, and monitor setup.
KVMs use hardware and firmware to ensure switching is smooth, and that your keyboard, monitor, and mouse will work with each computer right away.