KVM Switches and Kinesis Keyboards | September 2026
Many KVM switches are not compatible with Kinesis keyboards because most of our keyboards present themselves to a PC with multiple USB endpoints (e.g., Keyboard, Mouse, Multimedia etc) to support various premium features, whereas many KVM switches are designed to work with simple USB keyboards.
Due to the vast number of different KVM switches on the market and the variable operating environments our customers employ, Kinesis cannot guarantee specific keyboard features will be supported by any particular KVM switch.
If you love your Kinesis keyboard we recommend shopping around for a KVM switch that is designed to support multimedia keyboards and reading the KVM user manual before purchasing, and purchase your KVM from a reseller with a favorable return policy so you can test the keyboard.
General Recommendations
- “Pass-through” style KVM switches (aka Dynamic Device Mapping or Transparent) are more likely to work than “emulating” style KVM switches.
- Even pass-through KVM switches may only support some Kinesis keyboard features.
- Some emulating switches may have an optional mode where emulation can be deactivated to enhance keyboard compatibility, check with your KVM manufacturer.
- Hotkey switching on your KVM may not be compatible so switches with remote controls are recommended.
- Your KVM switch may have both emulating and pass-through port.
- Your KVM manufacturer may have a firmware update available designed to increase compatibility with multimedia keyboards.
- Flashing firmware onto your keyboard via a virtual drive may require connecting directly to your PC
- Disabling NKRO on your keyboard may improve your results.
