Pre-sales FAQ:
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Q: How do I connect my devices to HKS201-P23/HKS401-P23?
A: There are two/four KVM cables (each consisting of an HDMI cable and a USB cable) in the product packaging. When connecting your devices to KVM, each computer should be connected to KVM using one KVM cable (each consisting of an HDMI cable and a USB cable). Each monitor should be connected to KVM using an HDMI cable.
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Q: How should I connect my keyboard and mouse?
A: Inside the package, you will find two/four KVM cables. Each KVM cable consists of an HDMI cable and a USB cable. The USB-A to USB-B cable is connected to transfer USB data between the computer and the KVM, which enables the keyboard and mouse to control computers normally. Simply connect the USB A end of the cables to their respective computers and insert the USB B end into the KVM. Then, you can connect your keyboard and mouse to the dedicated keyboard and mouse ports on the KVM.
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Can the USB 3.0 port on the front panel charge my computer?
A: The USB 3.0 port on the front panel supports charging functionality with a maximum output power of 7.5W. So, it is designed to charge mobile phones or tablets and is not suitable for charging laptops or computers.
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Q: What keyboards are compatible with your KVM?
A: Our KVM is compatible with most keyboards. Considering our KVM's dedicated keyboard and mouse ports are equipped with special hotkey chips, there are some typical reasons that may cause compatibility issues:
1. Some keyboard models use proprietary protocols that are temporarily incompatible with the dedicated ports on our KVM.
2. Certain keyboard models, when plugged into the dedicated ports on the KVM, consume excessive bandwidth, leading to compatibility issues such as keyboard lag or key sticking.
To address these compatibility issues, we recommend customers connect keyboards that encounter problems when plugged into the keyboard and mouse dedicated ports on the KVM to the USB 2.0/USB 3.0 ports on the KVM. The USB 2.0/USB 3.0 ports do not have the built-in special chips found in the dedicated keyboard and mouse ports. Plugging your keyboard into the USB 2.0/USB 3.0 ports effectively treats it as if it were directly connected to the computer.
Due to the wide variety of keyboard models available in the market, our R&D department cannot conduct compatibility tests on every keyboard. Below are some keyboard models that have been reported as incompatible by customers: Dell KB813 (and similar keyboards with a card slot), Logitech MX series (some of which cannot manually switch between Windows and macOS modes), Roccat, and certain Microsoft keyboard models.
You can also refer to keyboard and mouse models that have been tested and approved by our R&D department:
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Q: What is Auto Scan Mode and how to use it?
A: Auto Scan can automatically switch the display at regular intervals between the input devices that are powered on and connected to the KVM. As a result, any input devices connected to each port can be monitored without user intervention. Auto scan mode is off by default.
1. Turn on auto scan mode: [Right-Ctrl] → [Right-Ctrl] → [Space]
(Note: The default auto scan time interval is 5 seconds. You can change the time interval by setting on the front panel or following the steps presented below.)
2. Increase or decrease auto scan time interval: [Right-Ctrl] → [Right-Ctrl] → [+]/[-]
(Note: This hotkey command can only work while the auto scan mode is activated. Press [Right-Ctrl] twice and keep pressing the [+]/[-] key to adjust the time interval continuously. Increase or decrease 1 second at one time.)
3. Press [Esc] to exit auto scan mode.
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Q: What is the Mouse Wheel Switching?
A: The mouse wheel switching method can quickly switch input sources by mouse operation, double-click the mouse wheel to switch to the next input port. The mouse wheel switching mode is off by default. You can use the keyboard hotkey command [Right-Ctrl] + [Right-Ctrl] + [F6] to turn on mouse wheel switching mode.
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Q: Does the HKS201-P23/HKS401-P23 feature EDID emulation?
A: Yes, it supports EDID emulators in each input port to keep PCs always having correct display information.
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Q: Does HKS201-P23/HKS401-P23 support operation at a 4K60Hz resolution?
A: Yes, the HKS201-P23/HKS401-P23 supports 4K resolutions up to 3840x2160 (4K) @60Hz, 3440x1440@100Hz, 2560x1440@120Hz, 2560x1440@144Hz(DSC), and is also backward compatible.
However, this model do not support 5120x1440p.
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Q: Does HKS201-P23/HKS401-P23 support G-Sync?
A: Our R&D department has conducted tests, and it is compatible with enabling G-Sync when using our KVM. According to NVIDIA's official documentation, G-Sync typically requires HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.2 and above. However, many manufacturers have implemented adaptive algorithms, making HDMI 2.0 support G-Sync(or G-Sync compatible mode) as well.
It needs to be noted that:
① First of all, your input and output source device needs to support G-Sync.
② Our KVM will not make any modification to your video signal (data pass-through)
③ Our USB 3.0 HDMI KVM Switch supports the HDMI 2.0 protocol. The maximum bandwidth is 18gbps. Using G-Sync will cause a certain instantaneous bandwidth increase.
Therefore, when you use this function, you must pay attention to bandwidth issues. Please be careful not to exceed the maximum bandwidth limit.
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Q: How to switch the input source?
A: There are three methods to switch the input source: the front panel, keyboard hotkey, and infrared remote control.
the front panel:
2x1 KVM Switch front panel: Switch the input devices by pressing the button [Select] on the front panel of the KVM Switch. For example, press [Select] until you see the ② LED is lit. That means you have selected PC2 as input.
4x1 KVM Switch front panel: Switch the input devices by pressing [Select] buttons on the front panel of the KVM Switch. Press the button [Select] corresponding to the identification of each PC to switch to the desired PC. The indicators will be lit to indicate which PC is currently displayed.
keyboard hotkey:
Select previous input port: [Right-Ctrl]→[Right-Ctrl]→[PgUp]
Select next input port: [Right-Ctrl]→[Right-Ctrl]→[PgDn]
Select port by port number(For 2x1 KVM Switch): [Right-Ctrl]→[Right-Ctrl]→[1]~[2]
Select port by port number(For 4x1 KVM Switch): [Right-Ctrl]→[Right-Ctrl]→[1]~[4]
infrared remote control:
Directly press the [1~4] key to make the monitor display the selected PC.
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Q: What are the differences between the HKS201-P23/HKS401-P23 and the HKS201-E23/HKS401-E23?
A:
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Q: Looking for a KVM Switch. I have two Dell laptops - one for business and one for personal, Dell Latitude 5500 and Dell Latitude 5420; a Dell s2715h monitor, a Dell keyboard, and a mouse. I also have an external hard drive and speakers. I may ultimately want to add headphones. Please advise.
A: Based on your situation, we have HKS0201A3U KVM which could meet your demands. This cutting-edge model represents the latest iteration of our 2-in-1 out KVM series, showcasing a notable enhancement in the form of upgraded USB 3.0 ports.
It is important to note that each computer will require 1 HDMI port and 1 USB-A port and each monitor will require 1 HDMI port when connecting HKS0201A3U. If your device lacks sufficient ports, you may need to purchase additional conversion cables and docking stations. Our package includes all the necessary cables required for the computer end. Any additional cables or conversion cables will need to be purchased separately.
To assist you in selecting the appropriate cables for specific devices, you can check the reference list below:
HKS0201A3U:
1. Dell Latitude 5420: one HDMI cable; one USB-A to USB-B cable
2. Dell Latitude 5500: one HDMI cable; one USB-A to USB-B cable
3. Dell monitor: one HDMI cable
Regarding whether the converter will affect the resolution, generally speaking, it should not impact the resolution. However, if there is an incompatibility issue between the converter and our device, it may cause video signal transmission issues such as flickering, black screen, or reduced resolution. We cannot guarantee it completely.
If you have other concerns, please feel free to reach out to our customer support center via the contact information located in the bottom right popup widget of our official website for assistance. We are here to help.
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Q: Why should I choose your products?
A: 1. We specialize in a variety of KVMs, including single-monitor KVMs, dual-monitor KVMs, and triple-monitor KVMs.
2. Our multi-monitor KVMs offer two display modes: dual-screen mode (where both monitors simultaneously display the same input source) and extended screen mode (where both monitors simultaneously display two different input sources).
3. Most of our products currently support high-resolution displays at 4K60Hz.
4. Our products come equipped with an independent audio interface and multiple additional USB2.0/USB 3.0 ports.
5. Convenient operation with multiple switching options (front-panel buttons/remote control/keyboard hotkeys).
6. Our KVMs are designed with keyboard and mouse pass-through functionality, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of keyboard and mouse devices.
7. Join our VIP membership program to extend the warranty period and enjoy significant discounts for trade-ins.
8. Enjoy peace of mind with our reliable after-sales service.
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Q: Is it safe to use your KVM?
A: Yes, it is. Our KVM falls under the category of physical KVMs. It is designed specifically for switching and transmission of audio, video, and USB data. One remarkable aspect of our KVM system is that it functions independently of internet connectivity; it simply requires a power connection to operate.
Our KVM employs a direct data transmission mode, ensuring that no alterations are made to the transferred data during the process. Furthermore, it is important to note that the KVM does not possess any storage functionality, alleviating any concerns about potential data leaks. Essentially, our KVM serves as a dedicated device that not only ensures an absence of data exchange between connected hosts but also facilitates the shared use of a single set of keyboard, mouse, and display between two host systems, all achieved through a physically isolated switching mechanism.
After-sales FAQ:
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Q: Can I disable the buzzer sound on the KVM?
A: Yes, you can press the hotkey combination: [Right-Ctrl] → [Right-Ctrl] → [F11] to enable or disable the buzzer sound.
Tips: The default setting for the buzzer sound is disabled; Repeat this step to enable the buzzer sound.
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Q: Why can't I switch input sources by pressing Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock + 1?
A: Please try pressing other hotkey trigger keys to see if you may have accidentally set the hotkey trigger key to a different key. The default hotkey trigger key for the HKS201-P23/HKS401-P23 is Right-Ctrl and it supports changing the hotkey trigger key to Scroll Lock or Left-Ctrl. Please try pressing Right-Ctrl + Right-Ctrl + 1 / Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock + 1 / Left-Ctrl + Left-Ctrl + 1 to see if it works.
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Q: How to change the hotkey trigger keys? Can I change it to any key?
A: There are three kinds of hotkey trigger keys for this product. The default is the [Right-Ctrl] key, and the alternatives are the [Scroll Lock] and [Left-Ctrl] keys. However, HKS201-P23/HKS401-P23 does not support customizing the hotkey trigger key to any other key, whereas HKS0202A10 does support this function. You can switch the hotkey trigger keys to others by:
1. 10 seconds after powering on the KVM, press and keep holding the [Select] button on the front panel until you hear the buzzer beeping and the control hotkey is switched.
2. Press the keyboard hotkeys to cyclically switch the control hotkey. The hotkey combination is [Hotkey]+[Hotkey]+[F1], you can modify the trigger hotkeys to which you want according to the sequence shown in the figure below.
For example:
Switch hotkey trigger keys to [Scroll Lock]: [Right-Ctrl]+[Right-Ctrl]+[F1]
Switch hotkey trigger keys to [Left-Ctrl]: [Scroll Lock]+[Scroll Lock]+[F1]
Switch hotkey trigger keys to [Right-Ctrl]: [Left-Ctrl]+[Left-Ctrl]+[F1]
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Q: There is no HDMI port on my computer. How can I connect to the KVM?
A: Please kindly check if there are any other audio and video ports on your computer. Typically, computers are equipped with multiple audio and video ports. If your computer has other audio and video ports such as USB-C, DP, VGA, etc., you can try using conversion cables or docking stations for the connection. If you're unsure, please feel free to reach out to our customer support center via the contact information located in the bottom right popup widget of our official website for assistance. We are here to help.
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Q: Why do my keyboard and mouse not work at all?
A: Please try the following troubleshooting steps to figure out the problem:
1. Please make sure your keyboard and mouse are wired type or with a USB receiver. Our KVM does not support keyboards and mice that can only be connected by Bluetooth.
2. Please check if each computer has a USB cable connected to the KVM, the USB cable is used to transfer USB data between the computer and the KVM.
3. If all the cables are connected, please check if your keyboard and mouse are plugged into the dedicated keyboard and mouse ports on the KVM; and whether you can't use the keyboard and mouse normally no matter which input source you switch to.
4. If so, please try plugging it into the USB 3.0 ports.
5. If the keyboard and mouse do not work when plugged into the dedicated keyboard and mouse ports but work normally when plugged into the USB 3.0 ports, there may be compatibility problems between the keyboard and mouse you are using and the KVM or the dedicated keyboard and mouse ports may be damaged. Please contact our customer support center via the contact information in the widget in the bottom right corner of our official website and send your keyboard and mouse model number to our customer service, and we will make further confirmation for you.
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Q: Why can't I use hotkeys?
A: Please try the following troubleshooting steps to figure out the problem:
1. Please check if your keyboard is plugged into the USB 3.0 ports on the KVM. If it is, plug the keyboard into the dedicated keyboard and mouse ports on the KVM instead.
2. Try pressing different key combinations to see if the hotkey trigger has accidentally been set to another key. The default hotkey trigger for HKS201-P23/HKS401-P23 is Right-Ctrl. Please try pressing Scroll Lock+Scroll Lock+1/Left-Ctrl+Left-Ctrl+1 to check if it works. Additionally, HKS201-P23/HKS401-P23 supports changing the hotkey trigger to Scroll Lock, Right-Ctrl, or Left-Ctrl.
3. Check if your keyboard has a [Fn] key. If it does, press [Fn]+[Right-Ctrl]+[Right-Ctrl]+1/2 to see if it allows normal operation.
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Q: Why can't I hear any sound when I plug my audio device into the KVM?
A: The HKS201-P23/HKS401-P23 has a dedicated microphone interface or headset interface, the audio signal is transmitted via the USB channel. Please make sure that you have selected the correct USB audio device in your computer's audio settings. Typically, USB audio devices connected to the KVM switch are recognized as "USB Audio Device" on your computer settings (though occasionally they may be recognized by a different name). Alternatively, you can unplug and plug the audio device to confirm that the newly recognized device is the one you need to select.
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Q: Why is my external monitor black screen no matter which input source I switch to?
A: Please try the following troubleshooting steps to figure out the problem:
1. Please check if all power indicators on the product are off. If they are, try replacing the power source to see if the issue is resolved.
2. Please try to directly connect the monitor to the computers and check whether it can work now. If the monitor can not work at that time, it may indicate that the black screen problem is caused by the monitor or cables.
3. Please tell me if you have used adapters/dock stations to connect the computer and monitors to the KVM switch. If yes, please check the adapters' signal direction or try to change to another one. The right signal transferring direction is from the computer to the KVM switch and then to the monitor.
4. If there are no issues with direct connections and cables, try connecting a laptop to the KVM switch and open the "Advanced Display Settings " of the "Display Settings" on the laptop. Check if it detects the external monitor. If the external monitor is not detected, it may suggest a problem with the output port on the KVM switch.
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Q: Why does my monitor display properly when switched to one computer, but goes black when switched to another laptop?
A: We kindly suggest you perform the fifth troubleshooting step in the following link to determine whether the issue lies with the KVM's input port, or cables: Dual Monitor KVM Switch all black screens.
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Q: Why does my external monitor flicker regardless of the input source I switch to?
A: Please try the following troubleshooting steps to figure out the problem:
1. Try replacing the cables between the monitor and the KVM to see if this resolves the issue.
2. Check if you are using any adapter or conversion cables; ensure they are powered and of good quality. Please try changing other cables and docking stations to see if the problem has been resolved.
3. Attempt to disable HDR on the monitor.
4. Please try to lower the resolution. If the problem has been solved after that, then you can try to change to better quality connection cables.
5. The quality and length of the cable may cause the monitor to flicker. Please try to replace the cable with better quality and check the length of the HDMI/DP cables. Because the corresponding cable length will directly affect the output resolution.
For HDMI cables:
1. When using 4K@60Hz as the input source, the HDMI cable at the input end is required to be less than 3 meters, and the HDMI cable at the output end is required to be less than 5 meters.
2. When using 4K@30Hz as the input source, the HDMI cable at the input end is required to be less than 5 meters, and the HDMI cable at the output end is required to be less than 10 meters.
3. When using 1080@60Hz as the input source, the HDMI cable at the input end is required to be less than 10 meters, and the HDMI cable at the output end is required to be less than 15 meters.
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Q: Why does my monitor display properly when switched to one of my computers but flicker when switched to another?
A: We kindly suggest you perform the first situation of the fifth troubleshooting steps in the following link: What to do if the video output flickers?
- Q: What should I do if I've lost the remote control for my KVM switch?
A: If you are located in the United States, you can purchase a replacement remote control by following this link: US. If you are in the European Union region, please feel free to reach out to our customer support center via the contact information located in the bottom right popup widget of our official website for assistance. We are here to help.
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Q: Does the product have a factory reset function?
A: The product does not support restoring factory settings. Please contact our customer service center if you have any problems.
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Q: Does the product support firmware updates?
A: Currently, our products do not have firmware updates available. If you are experiencing any issues, please feel free to reach out to us for assistance through the bottom right popup widget of our official website.
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Q: Does the product support 7*24 hours of work?
A: Our product supports continuous power-on and operation. However, to extend the lifespan of the KVM, we will recommend customers turn off the power when not in use. If you require the KVM to stay on continuously, we suggest ensuring a stable power supply environment and regularly checking the KVM's status.
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