HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U HKS0201B2U/HKS0401B2U FAQ

Pre-sales FAQ:

  1. Q: What are the differences between HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U and HKS0201B2U/HKS0401B2U?

A: The difference is that the A2U surface shell is made of iron, while the B2U is made of aluminum. There is no difference in product functionality.
The heat dissipation characteristics of the aluminum shell are better than that of the iron shell, and the compressive strength and strength of the iron shell are higher than that of the general aluminum shell and the impact resistance is better.
  1. Q: How do I connect my devices to KVM?

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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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:
  1. Q: What is Auto Scan Mode and how to use it?

A: The Auto Scan feature 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. You can turn on the auto scan mode through the keyboard hotkey.
keyboard hotkey:
1. You can press [Scroll Lock]+[Scroll Lock]+[SPACE] to turn on auto scan mode. The default auto scan time interval is 6 seconds.
2. You can change the time interval by the following hotkey commands:
Increase or decrease auto scan time interval: [Scroll Lock] → [Scroll Lockl] → [+]/[-]
(1 second per step, the time is up to 250 seconds.)
3. Press [Esc] to exit auto scan mode.
  1. Q: What is the Mouse Gesture Mode?

A: Mouse gesture mode is also called fast-switching mode. If fast-switching mode is activated, then double hit the left or right bound of the screen with the mouse pointer in 1 second, and KVM will switch to the previous or next input. The default fast-switching mode of this product is off. If using this function is necessary, please follow the hotkey command [Scroll Lock]+[Scroll Lock]+[F12] to enable or disable fast-switching mode(Mouse gesture mode).
  1. Q: Does the HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U and the HKS0201B2U/HKS0401B2U feature EDID emulation?

A: Yes, they support EDID emulators in each input port to keep PCs always having correct display information.
  1. Q: Does HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U and HKS0201B2U/HKS0401B2U support operation at a 4K60Hz resolution?

A: Yes, the HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U and HKS0201B2U/HKS0401B2U support 4K resolutions up to 3840x2160 (4K) @60Hz, 3440x1440@100Hz, 2560x1440@120Hz, 2560x1440@144Hz(DSC), and is also backward compatible. However, they do not support the 5120x1440.
  1. Q: Does HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U 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.
  1. Q: Does HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U support pass-through mode?

A: Yes, it does. Pass-through mode is a built-in function of KVM, which is able to improve keyboard and mouse compatibility and enhance user experience. In the pass-through mode, the keyboard and mouse are equivalent to directly connecting to the computer. At this time, you can use more keyboard and mouse functions and special functions that are not supported by traditional KVM.
You can press [Scroll Lock]+[Scroll Lock]+[F2] to turn on/off keyboard and mouse pass-through mode. (Note: By default pass-through mode is on.)
You can check the status of the keyboard and mouse pass-through mode by observing the "Mode" indicator on the front panel. The LED will illuminate when the keyboard and mouse pass-through mode is activated.
  1. 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:
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.
keyboard hotkey:
Select the previous input port: [Scroll Lock]→[Scroll Lock]→[PgUp]
Select the next input port: [Scroll Lock]→[Scroll Lock]→[PgDn]
Select port by port number(For 2x1 KVM Switch): [Scroll Lock]→[Scroll Lock]→[1]~[2]
Select port by port number(For 4x1 KVM Switch): [Scroll Lock]→[Scroll Lock]→[1]~[4]
infrared remote control:
Directly press the [1~4] key to make the monitor display the selected PC.
  1. Q: What are the differences between the HKS0201A3U/HKS0401A3U and the HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U?

A: the differenced between HKS0201A2U 0401A2U and HKS0201A3U 0401A3U.jpg
  1. Q: I have 1 x monitor, 1 x laptop, and 1 x pc. The monitor is a 34-inch ultrawide 3440 x 1440, refresh rate of 100hz. The laptop is Dell Latitude 5320. The PC graphics card is Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super, CPU is AMD Ryzen 7 3700x, System is Windows 10 Home. Which KVM switch should I purchase?

A: Based on your situation, we have HKS0201A2U KVM which could meet your demands.
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 HKS0201A2U. 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: HKS0201A2U:
1. Dell Latitude 5320: one HDMI cable
2. PC: one HDMI cable
3. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. Q: How to Use: Quick Start with Influencer Videos.

A: You can learn more about the HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U by the following link:
HKS0201A2U:
HKS0401A2U:

After-sales FAQ:

  1. Q: Can I disable the buzzer sound on the KVM?

A: Yes, you can press the hotkey combination: [Scroll Lock] + [Scroll Lock] + [F11] to enable or disable the buzzer sound.
  1. 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 HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U and HKS0201B2U/HKS0401B2U is Scroll Lock and it supports changing the hotkey trigger key to Right-Ctrl. Please try pressing Right-Ctrl + Right-Ctrl + 1 / Scroll Lock + Scroll Lock + 1 to see if it works.
  1. Q: How to change the hotkey trigger keys? Can I change it to any key?

A: There are two kinds of hotkey trigger keys for this product. The default is the [Scroll Lock] key, and the alternative is the [Right-Ctrl] key. However, HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U and HKS0201B2U/HKS0401B2U do not support customizing the hotkey trigger key to any other key. You can switch the hotkey trigger keys to others by:
1. Press and keep holding the [Select] button on the front panel until you hear the buzzer beeping, then restart KVM.
2. Press [Scroll Lock]+[Scroll Lock]+[F1], and you will switch the hotkey trigger key to [Right Ctrl]. Vice versa, press [Right Ctrl]+[Right Ctrl]+[F1], and you will switch the hotkey trigger key to [Scroll Lock].
  1. 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.
  1. 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 2.0 port.
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 2.0 port, 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.
  1. 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 2.0 port 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 HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U and HKS0201B2U/HKS0401B2U is Scroll Lock. Please try pressing Right-Ctrl+Right-Ctrl+1 to check if it works. Additionally, HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U and HKS0201B2U/HKS0401B2U support changing the hotkey trigger keys to Scroll Lock and Right-Ctrl.
3. Check if your keyboard has a [Fn] key. If it does, press [Fn]+[Scroll Lock]+[Scroll Lock]+1/2 to see if it allows normal operation.
  1. Q: Why can't I hear any sound when I plug my audio device into the KVM?

A: For HKS0201A2U/HKS0401A2U and HKS0201B2U/HKS0401B2U, the audio signal is decoded from the HDMI channel and then output through the L/R ports. The reason why audio can not be output may be because the correct audio output channel is not selected. When using an audio device connected to the KVM, it functions as if there's an integrated audio device on the monitor. Therefore, please select the name of the connected monitor as the audio output channel in your computer's sound settings, rather than the name of the audio device, and then verify if the audio can be output normally at this time.
  1. 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 ports on the KVM switch.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. Q: Why does my monitor display properly when switched to one of my computers, but goes flickers 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?.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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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