A KVM switch (with KVM being an abbreviation for "keyboard, video, and mouse") is a hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from one or more sets of keyboards, video monitors, and mice.

At its most basic, a KVM switch is a hardware device, usually box-like, that connects one set of keyboard, monitor, and mouse to two or more PCs. The PCs are connected to the switch, and the switch is connected to the keyboard, monitor, and mouse.

A KVM switch is a piece of hardware that allows one set of peripherals (keyboard, video and mouse) to access and control numerous computers by merely adjusting a selector switch or pressing a hotkey. It's exceptionally handy in places like data centers where administrators need to quickly and conveniently access one or more of hundreds of servers.

What Is a KVM Switch, and How Does It Work? In simple terms, a KVM switch allows you to switch between different computer sources (or computer cases) while still using the same keyboard, monitor, and mouse; in fact, that's what KVM stands for: Keyboard, Video, Mouse.