CKS301-E23 (Previously CKS0301A1U) FAQ

Pre-sales FAQ:

  1. Q: How do I connect my devices to KVM?

A: CKS301-E23's input ports are three USB-C ports and output port is a HDMI port.(Please note: We do not recommend using monitors with only USB-C ports due to the scarcity of HDMI to USB-C converter cables in the market, and potential issues arising from converting lower-grade video signals to higher-grade ones.)
There are three USB-C cables in the product packaging. When connecting your devices to KVM, each computer should be connected to KVM using one USB-C cable. Each monitor should be connected to KVM using an HDMI cable.CKS0301A1U connection.PNG
  1. Q: How should I connect my keyboard and mouse?

A: Inside the packaging, you will find three USB-C cables. Using the USB-C cables to connect your computer to the KVM not only transmits audio and video signals but also facilitates the transfer of USB data, enabling proper control of your computer using the keyboard and mouse. Once you have connected the USB-C cables, you can further connect your keyboard and mouse to the dedicated keyboard and mouse ports on the KVM.
  1. Q: Can the KVM charge my computer?

A: Yes, the KVM can charge the computer connected to it, but it can only charge the computer connected to the Input 1 port. You can use a USB-C quick charger with a power rating not exceeding 30W, plugged into the USB Type-C charging port, to charge the device connected to the input 1 port.CKS0301A1U charging port.jpg
  1. Q: Does CKS301-E23 support Bluetooth keyboard and mouse?

A: This model does not support Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and all our KVMs do not support Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, but they all support 2.4GHz wireless keyboard and mouse and are compatible with a wide range of mechanical keyboards and mice, wireless keyboards and mice, and multimedia keyboards and mice.
  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: Does the CKS301-E23 feature EDID emulation?

A: Yes, it supports EDID emulators in each input port to keep PCs always having correct display information.
  1. Q: Does CKS301-E23 support operation at a 4K60Hz resolution?

A: Yes, the CKS301-E23 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.
  1. Q: Does CKS301-E23 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: 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:
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).Mouse Gesture Switching.PNG
  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 the input port by port number: [Scroll Lock]→[Scroll Lock]→[1]~[3]
infrared remote control:
Directly press the [1~3] key to make the monitor display the selected PC.CKS0301A1U remote control.png
  1. Q: I have a MacBook Pro M1 Pro, a Lenovo Thinkpad(both USB-C charged), and a Samsung 34-inch monitor with HDMI and USB-C ports. I am looking for a KVM for home office use. Which model do you recommend?

A: Based on your situation, we have CKS301-E23 KVM which could meet your demands.
It is important to note that each computer will require 1 USB-C port and each monitor will require 1 HDMI port when connecting CKS301-E23. 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:
1. MacBook Pro M1 Pro: one USB-C cable
2. Lenovo Thinkpad: one USB-C cable
3. Samsung 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 CKS301-E23 by the following link: TESmart USB-C KVM Switch 4K60Hz - Control 3 devices with 1 Monitor, keyboard and mouse!

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 CKS301-E23 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, CKS301-E23 does 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: I only have one HDMI port on my computer. How can I connect to the CKS301-E23 KVM?

A: Please check if your computer has any other audio and video ports. Typically, computers come equipped with multiple audio and video ports. If your computer has a USB-C port (supporting Thunderbolt 3/4 or DP alt mode), you can use a USB-C cable for the connection. If your computer lacks a USB-C port capable of transmitting audio and video, we do not recommend using the CKS301-E23, as converters or cables that convert other ports to USB-C are not commonly available. Perhaps other models of KVMs, such as those with pure HDMI ports or DP ports are suitable for your device. 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. 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.
3. If so, please try plugging it into the USB 2.0 port.
4. If the keyboard and mouse do not work when plugged into the dedicated keyboard and mouse ports, but work normally when plugged into the USB2.0 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 CKS301-E23 is [Scroll Lock]. Please try pressing [Right Ctrl]+[Right Ctrl]+[1] to check if it works. Additionally, CKS301-E23 supports 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 CKS301-E23, 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.
  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 port 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 USB-C cables. Because the corresponding cable length will directly affect the output resolution.
If the problem persists, 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 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.

 

Was this article helpful?
0 out of 0 found this helpful

Comments

0 comments

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Have more questions?
Submit a request
Share it, if you like it.