This guide is intended to help kvm switch shoppers to understand what cables they will need. KVM switches generally are located in between the user (keyboard, monitor and mouse station) and the computers. Interface cables are used to connect a switch to the computer.

Here is a basic rule of thumb on our site: 1 CPU cable is required for each computer.
In some cases, a user cable is required. In the case of multi-user matrix switches, one cable for each user is required. If the cable is not listed under an Optional heading, you will need it.

Note that the ServeView, UltraView, UltraMatrix and XP4000 lines all require at least one user interface cable as well as CPU interface cables.

*when required

KVM switches generally have two types of connections that determine the cables you will require. One is therackmount style connector that has thumbscrews to ensure a solid connection even under strain. The other connector style is what we call industry standard. These are the connectors that you find on typical keyboards monitors and mice.

One cable set is required to connect the switch to each computer. One side connects to the switch, the other to the computer. Dakota cable sets contain all the required connections for keyboard, monitor and mouse function. If you are connecting 4 computers to a kvm switch, you will require 4 cable sets.

Industry Standard connections:

A KVM switch with industry standard connections allows the user to plug their keyboard, monitor and mouse directly into the switch. There is a separate connector for keyboard, mouse and video for each "port".

Rackmount style connections:

A rackmount style KVM switch has a single large proprietary connector for each port. This type of connector requires cables that have a mating proprietary connector on one end and splits into the industry standard connections on the other. Some switches have rackmount connections for both user inputs and CPU connections while others have industry standard connections for the user and rackmount connections for the CPUs.

Connectors

Connector type	Description	Specification
PC
	VGA, XVGA, SVGA video	HD15
	PS/2 keyboard	MiniDin6
	AT keyboard	Din5
	PS/2 mouse	MiniDin6
	Serial mouse	DB9
SUN
	Sun style BNC video	13W3
	VGA, XVGA, SVGA video	HD15
	Sun keyboard/mouse	MiniDin8
MAC
	Mac style video	DB15
	ADB Mac keyboard/mouse	MiniDin4
Special connectors
	Rackmount style proprietary connector	DB25
	Rackmount style proprietary connector	DB44