6 ms·

JetKVM Mini

570 points by taubek 21d ago

awesomeusername 20d ago
I wish every KVM manufacturer would prominently answer one question: Can't I get it onto tailscale
- nirav72 20d ago
  I have the glinet kvm. Tailscale seems to work fine. What issues have you found on the others?
- iAMkenough 20d ago
  Their answer is in the support docs https://jetkvm.com/docs/networking/remote-access https://jetkvm.com/docs/networking/remote-access
- CrimsonCape 19d ago
  Would you trust this device on the tailnet? I can't understand why GLiNet would not open source the firmware. It's maddening that the stack is literally linux OS running modified open-source KVM code, and even though they cater to enthusiasts, they still won't release the Comet firmware source. It's paranoia, but until they release the source, it's not proven paranoia.
teruakohatu 21d ago
I am amazed that there is an ESP that can handle this and with just 32MB of RAM: https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-dev-kits/en/latest/esp32p4/esp32-p4x-function-ev-board/index.html https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-dev-kits/en/latest/e...
- sugarkjube 21d ago
  looks nice but seems to be rather expensive
- numpad0 21d ago
  The only reason it had been difficult was video capture and compression. Even 32MB would be overkill if you didn't need remote screen.
  - PunchyHamster 21d ago
    ....that's kinda the feature KVM is for, remote screen
    - mkesper 20d ago
      A console would be enough for a simple reboot / power switch.
- MPSimmons 21d ago
  That was my first thought too, but it seems like they're using two of them in the wireless version, with a C5 for wifi
- greggsy 21d ago
  That board still requires an HDMI module. The pi zero will support PiKVM fine with an HDMI module too.
- apitman 21d ago
  The ESP32-P4 is a beast
- mrheosuper 20d ago
  a 1280*720 frame, 16 bit, ping-pong buffer uses only 3.6MB of ram, still plenty of ram left for compression. The Keyboard/mouse component use like 512KB ram at most(even less, HID is cheap).
theanonymousone 21d ago
It may be worth noting that this is not _that_ KVM, but this one: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch I learnt this first myself from HN, a few months ago.
- stingraycharles 21d ago
  What KVM were you thinking of, the virtualization?
  - LoganDark 21d ago
    Probably Kernel-based Virtual Machine, yeah.
    - theanonymousone 21d ago
      Yes
- herrherrmann 21d ago
  My first thought was “ah, this must be a JVM for Kotlin by the creators of Kotlin (Jetbrains)!”
  - deleted 21d ago
    [deleted]
- yonatan8070 21d ago
  It not exactly a KVM switch, which allows you to have one set of keyboard, mouse, monitor connected to multiple PCs and switch between them. This is an IP KVM, which lets you send keyboard and mouse inputs and view display output remotely over the network.
  - cyh555 21d ago
    Right, I was confused when it has the wifi/ethernet port
Shank 21d ago
I own 3 JetKVMs, of which two of them stopped working, one of which doesn't boot at all and the other that never connects to network. The third I took out of service because the keyboard wouldn't send input when it was connected for more than a couple months. I'm sure the newer hardware is better, but I'm very unhappy with my JetKVMs.
- skerit 21d ago
  At least you got them. I'm still at the "We will send you an email to do a final shipment confirmation once ready" stage.
- philjohn 21d ago
  I have two and one stopped working, but they were great and sent me a replacement motherboard and a toolkit to swap it over. Did you try reaching out to them?
- yokoprime 21d ago
  I've had good experiences with mine, only thing is that wifi and ethernet claims the same IP which causes my Unifi controller to freak out and send alerts
- strathos 21d ago
  FWIW, I have two JetKVMs from the original Kickstarter campaign, and both have been in continuous use since the day I received them without a single issue. So the experience definitely varies.
  - sersi 21d ago
    Likewise no issue, I also have the gl-inet which is nice because it supports audio but the interface is not as well designed as jetkvm
  - pkulak 21d ago
    Same. Have a Kickstarter one that’s been going strong ever since.
- 21d ago
LoganDark 21d ago
Are there any good KVMs for gaming? Right now, I use a capture card for video, connect the mouse directly to the destination, and use a piece of software called Deskflow to transmit my keyboard. But Deskflow occasionally crashes, so it'd be nice to have a hardware solution (also that can be used for BIOS/etc). And Deskflow also won't work if I install SteamOS, once Nvidia works. I looked at making a solution myself, but for some reason, simulating a USB client device in software is extremely annoying, and requires specialized hardware that is also very expensive. So at that point, why not just get a KVM... I frequently switch between 1080p and 4K for gaming since I don't like resampling artifacts. Never found a KVM that can handle 4K properly even for productivity. The mistake can be as basic as assuming a 100% scale factor.
- peroo 21d ago
  Why do you need to use a KVM rather than Sunshine+Moonlight? That's pretty much the gold standard for remote gaming.
  - LoganDark 21d ago
    The practical answer for right now is that I don't want software screen capture, but it also does not do any of the things I wanted to be able to do by having remote inputs directed to the hardware rather than simulated in software. Namely it requires software installation on the server, which means OS support becomes a thing, you can't use it in BIOS/firmware, etc.
    - TiredOfLife 21d ago
      Sunshine works on linux and windows, screen capture uses parts of the gpu meant to do that as result you get lower latency than separate capture and encode.
      - embedding-shape 21d ago
        KVM is useful for when you need to be able to control earlier stuff in the boot process too, or even simple stuff like entering the password for full-disk encryption, or choosing a boot entry in GRUB, or changing BIOS settings... Many use cases for KVM and remote KVM.
noelwelsh 21d ago
I have an ATEN KVM [1] that gets a solid "it does the job" from me. Occasionally a connected computer won't pick up the K, V, or M, and I'll have to reconnect a few times. I use it to switch between my work laptop and my personal PC, and for this situation 4K is a must have. That, and the choice of HDMI instead of DisplayPort, and things that would keep me from getting a JetKVM. [1]: https://www.aten.com/gb/en/products/kvm/desktop-kvm-switches/cs782dp/ https://www.aten.com/gb/en/products/kvm/desktop-kvm-switches...
- layer8 21d ago
  I use Aten KVM switches too, but they are a different type of product. JetKVM is for remote KVM access, not for switching between multiple computers. Both are orthogonal to each other. You can in principle combine a JetKVM with a KVM switch (and some people are doing that, though there are some technical pitfalls).
  - noelwelsh 20d ago
    I see. Thanks for the clarification.
- fmajid 21d ago
  The GL-iNet Commet X is a 4-port IP KVM. It does 4K, albeit at 30fps. https://nascompares.com/2026/06/26/gl-inet-comet-x-kvm-early-review/ https://nascompares.com/2026/06/26/gl-inet-comet-x-kvm-early...
  - nirav72 20d ago
    I have the single port PoE version of the glinet. Its been rock solid so far. I’ve been wanting this 4 port version. But they’re sold out every time I check their site.
    - fmajid 20d ago
      I got mine as a side-effect of ordering the Comet Q on Kickstarter... There is also the Comet 5G, which gives you cellular backup. I use it to control my OpenBSD home router when traveling if my Internet connection goes down.
skolos 21d ago
or make one yourself: https://github.com/espkvm/espkvm https://github.com/espkvm/espkvm
- ZYbCRq22HbJ2y7 21d ago
  i am not sure i would trust a two month old project "based on a three month old proof of concept" over a product that has been around for years, but it is good to know it is there
  - skolos 20d ago
    What to trust? Closed hardware/software that goes to trash if something goes wrong, or opensource that you can send an agent to debug if there are issues? I'm not trying to diminish JetKVM's product - for $35 its a steal if you don't want to bother with DIY and time involved, but I'd strongly disagree that opensource is less trustworthy than closed product.
    - skrtskrt 20d ago
      ArkKVM is a fully open source product now
    - ZYbCRq22HbJ2y7 20d ago
      I think the software aspects of JetKVM are open source? See: https://github.com/jetkvm https://github.com/jetkvm Also they say they are open sourcing the reference implementation of the "JetKVM OS Services" and the firmware of the "JetKVM Mini". My point is more that it is way easier to make mistakes in source than it is to review said source in a project like this. So, to me, it is kind of risky to use something very green that is meant to be used as a network appliance more or less.
- dexif 21d ago
  Maintainer (espkvm) here. :) Thanks for the mention ;) It started as a firmware for myself: I wanted a KVM, but not a Linux system inside one. A colleague talked me into publishing it and it grew from there. It runs on ESP32-P4 dev boards, no custom hardware. I am not saying it is better than JetKVM. What I find more interesting is that the Mini landed on the same chip. Their stack is completely different from the Linux JetKVM, so it must be a rewrite from scratch - a sign the idea of a KVM without an OS holds up.
tidbeck 21d ago
It is really hard to find on the site what kvm stands for. Guess people going there knows what it stands for but think it could be spelled out once at least.
- numpad0 21d ago
  Keyboard Video Mouse... It's such a weird TLA that it's not felt to be worth explaining or remembering
  - miki_oomiri 21d ago
    TLA ?
    - AdamGibbins 21d ago
      Three Letter Acronym
    - antonvs 21d ago
      LMGTFY
    - bunsenhoneydew 21d ago
      Three Letter Acronym Except it’s an initialism
      - deleted 21d ago
        [deleted]
      - 4ndrewl 21d ago
        TLI
    - atsaloli 21d ago
      Three Letter Acronym It’s a YABA
      - 20d ago
mickeyp 21d ago
Meh. The challenge is 4k+ at high display frequency that doesn't cost the same as a small boat. There are gazillions of KVM switches that do 1080. That's easy.
- fmajid 21d ago
  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zepan/nanokvm-go-worlds-first-ai-native-4k-usb-c-kvm https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zepan/nanokvm-go-worlds... Not high frequency though, tops out at 45Hz
  - embedding-shape 21d ago
    Well, if neither 4K or high frequency is actually a requirement, then https://jetkvm.com/blog/introducing-jetkvm-mini https://jetkvm.com/blog/introducing-jetkvm-mini would maybe fit.
    - fmajid 21d ago
      It is 4K, just not the 120Hz or higher gaming grade the parent was asking for, and better than the 1080p of the JetKVM Mini. The JetKVM Mini does offer Ethernet, however (not sure if it can be powered by PoE, however, which would be a huge plus).
  - Geezus_42 21d ago
    Why does it need AI?
    - fmajid 21d ago
      I think that's mostly marketing waffle, but I suspect the argument is that this will allow a LLM or agent to remote control your phone, tablet or computer in a format that is a bit more directly accessible for them than the VNC-like UIs most of this new crop of PiKVM-derived IP KVMs offer.
  - hypercube33 20d ago
    No Ethernet, so no POE. I'm not seeing a price, or even a kickstart reward, so this doesnt exist?
neals 21d ago
The original one is shaped weirdly and hard to use in my unordered stack of machines and wires. I like the new shape here better.
- pdpi 21d ago
  I was actually thinking the exact opposite. The big “tail” on the original gives you something to build an enclosure around, and the ports are all on the face opposite the display. That shape makes it easy to 3d print a mount for a 10” rack. This one has stuff on four out of six surfaces (display, button, card slot, ports), and the two free surfaces are at a right angle to each other instead of being on opposite sides, so this gives you little to no leeway for mounting semi-permanently without some adhesive.
  - touisteur 21d ago
    I was thinking the point was it was so light to have it hanging on the cables themselves, as I'm certain absolutely no one does in any of their installations...
    - pdpi 21d ago
      But then why bother with having a display at all?
      - touisteur 20d ago
        Just in case, and for people who actually do cable management...
amelius 21d ago
LTE support?
cm2187 21d ago
Would be curious what the power draw is (in use or idle).
woadwarrior01 21d ago
On a related note, I came across this USB-C KVM on pre-order the other day. It ostensibly supports Tailscale, which would be really useful. https://sipeed.com/nanokvm-go https://sipeed.com/nanokvm-go
- deleted 21d ago
  [deleted]
- jbaiter 21d ago
  I have the predecessor at home, it's solid and the tailscale support is great!
- Terretta 21d ago
  Was posting "Now make it join Tailnets." to the comments then saw your remark. TY for link.
- shepherdjerred 20d ago
  I own 3 of these for my homelab. They work really well w/ Tailscale! They sell some PCIE ones, too.
hofiflo 21d ago
Wait, do I understand correctly that you can only boot ISOs off a microSD card that I have to pre-load? I can’t just put in a card and load ISOs over the web interface? That makes the use case of full remote control (after plugging it in for the first time, of course) kinda moot… Otherwise, this seems to be a great product for homelab stuff :)
- greggsy 21d ago
  PiKVM allows you to load ISOs to the onboard sd card via the web interface. It just needs to be on the local disk.
  - hofiflo 20d ago
    Oh that makes sense, cool! Thanks for clarifying! :)
- igniuss 21d ago
  they allow you to upload ISOs from the web interface as well
  - hofiflo 20d ago
    That’s cool, then I’ll need to buy a few of those I guess! :) Thanks for the clarification!
stingraycharles 21d ago
What’s a decent quality IP KVM solution that’s not too expensive? We’re looking to put a dozen of mac minis in a collocation, and currently investigating solutions for remote access.
- Daedren 21d ago
  I've had zero problems with my Gli.Net KVMs
  - layer8 21d ago
    I suggest to take a look at the reviews on Amazon.
    - dividedbyzero 21d ago
      Could you be more specific? I just skimmed through the reviews on the one I use, seems fine?
      - layer8 21d ago
        This one for example: https://www.amazon.com/portal/customer-reviews/srp/-/RCCFLFK1VWH0W/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl https://www.amazon.com/portal/customer-reviews/srp/-/RCCFLFK...
        dividedbyzero 20d ago
        I can't see that, I don't have an account with the US site. Could you paraphrase?
  - rfmoz 21d ago
    GL-iNet has really nice KVM. Maybe the worst thing is the company name, difficult to write it down correctly.
- ButlerianJihad 21d ago
  Chris Siebenmann: "Our options in remote server installation and management" https://utcc.utoronto.ca/~cks/space/blog/tech/RemoteServerManagementOptions https://utcc.utoronto.ca/~cks/space/blog/tech/RemoteServerMa...
garganzol 21d ago
Kickstarter = never in stock. What's the point in all these PR pieces when there is no product?
- vachina 21d ago
  Why even bother when these things (of another make) can be had for less than $20 on Chinese market. This artificial scarcity bullshit need to die.
  - garganzol 21d ago
    I don't quite trust this class of devices to be programmed in China by who knows who. KVMs are among those things that need authentic, business-registered suppliers that hold a trackable reputational responsibility.
    - soraminazuki 21d ago
      I totally agree with you, but where are those trustworthy companies? It seems every household names in the consumer electronics space are hell-bent on abusing their customers in every conceivable way. Just look at the LG scandal, and that is standard practice across the entire industry. It has to start with strong consumer protection laws and strong enforcement of those laws.
- DrudgeCorporate 21d ago
  Am I missing something? I don't see Kickstarter mentioned in the post
  - bradfitz 21d ago
    They started off as a Kickstarter thing and had stock issues in previous rounds too.
    - DrudgeCorporate 21d ago
      Ah you're referring to the original and not the Mini
pftburger 21d ago
Missed marketing opportunity : Let AI Agents control any computer
- apexalpha 21d ago
  Unironically, yes. Easy to connect an AI to any device that supports (adapted) USB input. Don't even need the HDMI or video the AI will prefer serial console.
  - pftburger 21d ago
    I don’t mean this ironically at all. I have a few serial to IP bridges I use to let agents help me debug stuff.
- ecliptik 21d ago
  I do this for porting things to DOS. Was swapping a CF card back and forth between a 486 PC and my laptop that was running Claude and it was extremely tedious and required me to physically be at the system. Automated it entirely by giving Claude hands/eyes/ears so it can take complete control of the 486 using a raspberrypi 5, a usb4vc HAT for PS/2 and a VGA capture device. Adding an ethernet card and a tcp/ip boot profile for FTP, Claude then can update binaries, test them, and gather logs. Now I just steer Claude and it handles interfacing with the machine for me. https://github.com/ecliptik/vcctrl/tree/main/ https://github.com/ecliptik/vcctrl/tree/main/
- jlawrence6809 21d ago
  I had no idea KVMs existed until an agent filled me in last night (I had the idea of building one with an fpga so an agent could drive os installation). Lo and behold the next day KVMs are on the front page of Hacker News!
deleted 21d ago
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aquavoplumbing 21d ago
[flagged]
- greggsy 21d ago
  16 minutes old account promoting this product, and the bio is an advertisement for an actual plumbing company.
nf-x 21d ago
Using one for couple of months so far. I need it once a month for a couple of hours or so, but it saves me 3x more time, so money well spent. But wow, at 3x less price tag it a deal!
mszcz 21d ago
I have 4 of the old ones in service and they're great. Whenever I need to remotely reboot a server those come in handy just great, no more fear of what I'm going to do if the server doesn't come back online. It also solved the issue I had with entering a password on FDE (full disk encryption) systems. Previously I had to rely on a janky solution with booting into BusyBox so that the system can be accessed remotely and using that to enter the password. Now it's just plain FDE set up during Debian install - I reboot, use JetKVM to enter the password and that's it. One note though - I don't use their online cloud service access thingy and connect to those using my Wireguard deployment. The hardware is nice, open source is nice, but I wouldn't trust that level of access to any cloud solution by any vendor.
- irusensei 21d ago
  >It also solved the issue I had with entering a password on FDE (full disk encryption) systems I've fixed that with secure boot (my own keys, not Microsoft's) and TPM2. From that host I can run a program named Tang, which operates in conjunction with another program named Clevis. On hosts without secure boot such as RPis and other ARM SBCs, Clevis will contact Tang at boot time and decrypt the disk. Incidentally my x86 with secure boot has intel vPro so the KVM is not needed. The remaining sisters have a piece of lost technology used for decades to solve the KVM problem: serial (UART specifically) connections. Some seasoned sysadmins might have memories of dialing their Sun servers serial ports for remote administration.
  - jchw 21d ago
    To me, it is a feature to have a password required at boot to unlock the drive. Relying on TPM for keymatter is convenient but comes with caveats I don't like. I don't personally trust that the boot chain and OS on a modern system are secure enough for this model to be similarly secure to using a passphrase properly. And if I care enough to try to secure something in this way, I definitely care enough to pick something that I believe would be at least truly secure at rest with a decent degree of certainty. TPM based unlock does at least still fulfill the goal of ensuring data stored to disk is encrypted so that it can't easily be recovered from a discarded drive.
dtech 21d ago
Not really related to this, but are there good non-IP KVM's left? I'm in the market for one so we can move two home office desks into 1, but all the ones I find seem kinda shit. Asking for USB-C + 2 hdmi or displayports is apparently unreasonable
- oftenwrong 21d ago
  The cheap alternative I use is based on a USB switch hub and a monitor that has enough inputs for all of the computers I want to switch between. The hub is a very simple and inexpensive device that essentially just lets you change USB devices between computers. It has 4 ports for USB devices, and 4 input ports for USB hosts. There is a wired remote control that allows you to switch between the hosts. The way you turn this into a KVM-like device is by having each host connected to the monitor/s indepentently. In my case, I have only two hosts, and each one is connected via HDMI cable to my single monitor. Each host is set up to detect when the USB hub is connected, and then send a DDC command to switch the monitor input over to itself. The end user experience is: I press a button on the wired remote, which is mounted on my keyboard tray, and then after a short delay the corresponding computer is on my screen and everything works normally. On linux, this is trivially accomplished with a udev rule + a script calling ddcutil. On my work machine, a Mac, I could not find a simple solution that worked reliably on my specific Macbook Pro model that I would recommend, so I had an AI write a custom daemon for this purpose. The major benefit of this "poor man's KVM" is that you do not need an expensive and finnicky piece of KVM hardware. You do not need to worry about the video chip supporting your setup, or firmware bugs. You buy one cheap, commodity product. The downside is the reliance on the hosts, and on monitor features, and having to set up the functionality manually. In my case, this is the sort of thing I basically just set up and then never touched again, so it was a fine trade-off. If I get new computers, or a new monitor, or I change which porta the computers are attached to, then I have to change the code.
- newdee 21d ago
  Level1Techs make their own high end KVMs. They’re expensive but reasonable if you need high refresh support and other such niceties.
deleted 21d ago
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launchkitcodes 21d ago
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doctorhandshake 21d ago
I have an OG JetKVM and it works solidly but the thing that prevents me from using it is no video pass through. The awkwardness of an ‘invisible’ monitor connected to windows at all times is hard to live with - windows and apps open there and I’m constantly having to pull them back to an another monitor. My next KVM will be pass through for this reason, but the consumer ones seem to top out at 4k30, which is not great either.
- kllrnohj 21d ago
  why not just configure Windows to mirror the displays? That seems a lot cheaper and more flexible than pass through. And you wouldn't need to worry about matching resolutions and refresh rates
  - doctorhandshake 21d ago
    In that case I’d need a 1080 physical display on the machine mirrored to the KVM. For the type of stuff I’m doing that’s a bad use of monitor / desk real estate.
    - Forgeties79 21d ago
      Same complaint. The 1080p cap when mirroring is annoying and when it acts like a third screen it becomes a real nuisance.
    - apitman 21d ago
      Would a HDMI dummy plug work?
      - Forgeties79 20d ago
        Then you can’t see what you’re doing. It’ll run with the HDMI unplugged but at that point you’re undoing a core reason for using it to begin with.
        20d ago
gregwebs 21d ago
This author has tested a lot of IP KVMs and compares them in this post: https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2026/i-tested-every-ip-kvm/ https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2026/i-tested-every-ip-kvm... He likes JetKVM. However, they appear to be sold out. The Mini seems great but I have yet to receive a preordered item on the advertised timeline. That article pointed to ArkKVM which is a hardware clone of JetKVM but they have now released their own software stack as open source which has Tailscale support * https://store.arkkvm.com/blog/detail/arkkvm-fully-open-source-software-stack https://store.arkkvm.com/blog/detail/arkkvm-fully-open-sourc... * https://store.arkkvm.com/blog/detail/arkkvm-ota-release-notes-v0-2-26061815 https://store.arkkvm.com/blog/detail/arkkvm-ota-release-note...
- tomasphan 21d ago
  It’s 3x the cost of jetKVM though. For someone with 8 machines in their home lab this is a big commitment.
  - chromatin 21d ago
    It's not though. JetKVM typically $100-120 ArkKVM $99-115
    - spullara 20d ago
      JetKVM mini is ~$40 or ~$100 for 3.
      - chromatin 20d ago
        Yes I am aware but the comment explicitly compared it to JetKVM, not the mini which is not yet available anyway
  - jamespo 20d ago
    Do you really need a KVM on every machine permanently?
dijit 21d ago
I really just wish I had a USB-C KVM I could use with my laptop (or even better: tablet)... I can't find much, and what I find is a bit bonkers. I ended up buying a license to Orion, using USB-C→HDMI capture card with a Startech VGA→HDMI converter (which requires USB-A power)... in order to achieve a semi-passable KVM (but, without the K and the M...). I paired with a USB-A Hub and a keyboard and mouse and it kinda works but it's an incredibly janky setup... ... the fact that many servers still output VGA is baffling.
- fh67 21d ago
  Comet Q works well, if the usb c port supports DP-ALT
  - dijit 21d ago
    That looks like an interesting device. I'm more talking about being able to attach a normal laptop to another computer though, without any IP/Networking requirements.
    - zulux 20d ago
      Cheap 4K HDMI/VGA-to-USB input boards and reverse HID cables are available. Betwen the two for $50 - they turn your laptop into a Moniitor, Keyboard and Mouse for a random computer.
      - dijit 20d ago
        where?
    - petu 20d ago
      Sipeed has such device https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/kvm/NanoKVM_USB/introduction.html https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/kvm/NanoKVM_USB/introduc...
hacker_88 21d ago
Future Personal computers become unreasonable... Shifts to remote machines, mainframes
xd1936 21d ago
I might buy one of these for remote family tech support. "Hey $relative, plug the remote support box into the USB port of the computer you're having trouble with so I can take a look"
- deleted 20d ago
  [deleted]
- gschizas 20d ago
  I would suggest gl.inet Comet Q. It only uses a single USB-C cable to do everything (wifi only of course, and it does need a USB-C port that can transfer DisplayPort in alternative mode). It also has tailscale. (Not affiliated in any way, I paid for it fully!)
  - Fnoord 20d ago
    Nice RAT, don't like always-on screen though. Anything works really. For example, a Hak5 screen crab plus a RPi plus a USB LTE modem could also be suffice. I don't know which stack this gl.inet device runs, but the Mifi I own from them (also usable in this regard) has a custom OpenWrt. Which can be removed to have a vanilla OpenWrt instead. Software stack FOSS is nice. Problem with all of this stuff, is closed source firmware in radios. Who knows which vulnerabilities reside in them, but given we are talking about wireless the sky is the limit with regards to who can assess. Personally, I also specifically do not use the vPro NIC on my Intel machine.
flaxxer 21d ago
Main issue with these things -- clipboard support?
- iAMkenough 20d ago
  They’ve got a system service upcoming (JetKVM OS) that enables clipboard sharing.
rattray 21d ago
I feel like I should know this, but can anyone ELI5 what a KVM is in this context?
- jsnell 21d ago
  A keyboard/video/mouse switch.
  - rattray 21d ago
    I've never entered a datacenter before – what does that mean / what is it for?
    - paulfurtado 21d ago
      There are really two types of KVMs... classic ones were used by consumers to plug multiple computers into one screen, keyboard, and mouse and flip back and forth between them. Networked KVMs let you remotely access a computer or server. It's like VNC except by physically plugging into the ports. This is useful because it allows you to have remote access to a server when its OS is offline, tweak bios settings, watch it boot, reinstall the OS, etc. Most true servers have this functionality and more built in (ipmi, idrac, redfish, etc are terminology for the feature). These plugin ones allow you to add that functionality to any machine. You're not likely to see tons of them in an actual data center, but they are incredibly useful for systems without remote management built in.
      - rattray 20d ago
        Got it! So I could for example plug this into my mac mini at home and reboot it after a power failure or something while traveling?
        paulfurtado 20d ago
        Yes, exactly. And even do things like inject virtual USB drives so you can reinstall an OS or something
gainsurier 21d ago
The most groundbreaking aspect of this product is its MCU-based solution, and it uses software encoding on the controlled machine to achieve 4K@60. 4K is not needed in BIOS scenarios.
- apitman 21d ago
  There are a lot more devices being released built on esp32s lately. e-readers are another example. I suspect with current hardware prices we might see a significant rise in consumer compute being limited to these types of devices, and a corresponding push to make software efficient enough to run on them. Could be interesting.
  - user_7832 20d ago
    Now that you mention it, it does make some sense that with the rising prices (especially for ram) (and maybe with LLMs?) it’s cheaper to use basic hardware and put “more effort” on efficient code (an LLM’s effort, of course).
gunalx 21d ago
Bummer to not see the atx control support. Its the main use i have from my ipkvm to do fde decryption and boot the machine once wake on lan fails.
schmookeeg 21d ago
This comment thread has made me and my LanTronix Spider feel super old. :D
pyrophane 20d ago
I have a JetKVM and could never get video to work on it despite spending a lot of time on troubleshooting. It may have just been a defective unit but I never got around to trying to RMA it.
rcarmo 20d ago
I'm currently playing with the https://linkr.now https://linkr.now - which has an API and a set of agent skills. _much_ more useful than other KVMs I've tested in the past, and I published a pi/piclaw add-on here: https://rcarmo.github.io/piclaw-addons/addons/linkr/ https://rcarmo.github.io/piclaw-addons/addons/linkr/
chelmzy 20d ago
Obvious, but don't plug these into your work computer unless you want to get questioned for looking like a fraudulent DPRK/Nigerian remote worker.
thangalin 20d ago
Tangentially, I tested many KVM models: https://hardwarerecs.stackexchange.com/questions/18561/kvm-displayport-1-4-4k-120-hz-single-monitor-push-button https://hardwarerecs.stackexchange.com/questions/18561/kvm-d... The only one that met my requirements was the UGREEN 8K@60Hz DisplayPort KVM switch: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0CFFFHFJT https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0CFFFHFJT Several months in without any major issues.
- Zolomon 20d ago
  I wish there was support for 3 monitors, and 3 computers. Otherwise this would have been an immediate buy!
- Scarbutt 20d ago
  You missed the IP part. Which is what makes these product useful to many.
  - thangalin 20d ago
    You missed the Tangentially part, which is what tells people that it is a different type of KVM, which are also useful to many.
- ajolly 17d ago
  FYI I solved that by changing the monitor - gigabyte m28u/m32u, built in KVM they run at 144 hertz. Only downside is that doesn't work easily if you want multi-monitor KVM.
mewse-hn 20d ago
This looks excellent, I've been wanting cheap IP KVMs for a while for my workbench at the office and for my NAS server at home - at this price I'd get the three pack and still have a spare.
stock_toaster 20d ago
I'm baffled why so many of these KVM devices don't support PoE.
rsync 20d ago
I have one of these that I purchased ~16 years ago: https://github.com/Retrotink/PockeTerm-II https://github.com/Retrotink/PockeTerm-II Very simple serial -> VGA device. Unfortunately no longer in production but the github project contains everything one would need ...
devops000 20d ago
What is the use case?
- DANmode 20d ago
  Accessing your stuff, a relative’s: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49684324 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49684324
MayeulC 20d ago
I'm thinking that this would be a great device to hand over to family members for when they need help with their computer. Ask them to plug them in & log-in remotely: may be easier than starting RustDesk, and can help with bios & bootloader options. The harder part may be networking: it would be harder to ask them to wire it up to the network; but with Wi-Fi, I may be able to pre-fill their WPA key.
keriati1 20d ago
I wanted to get a JetKVM, however ended up getting kvm extension module for my uConsole instead. In the end it is perfect for my small collection of home servers. I only use it a few times a year, but it's always fun.
atdt 20d ago
If you have an Intel CPU, there is a good chance you have a KVM built-in (whether you wanted one or not): Intel AMT. Its reputation was tarnished by Intel's dissimulation and opacity about the technology, and a streak of critical vulnerabilities disclosed in late 2017. I chose to take my chances with it anyway for my homelab server. It is secured with a password, mutual TLS (client has to provide a cert), and restricted to the LAN via a physical firewall. It gives me serial console, KVM, and power control. I like it. It works pretty well. I don't see a reason to trust it any less than closed-hardware, closed-source solutions. I would trust a fully-open-source PIKVM more, however. The tooling and documentation for setting up Intel AMT via open-source tools is meagre, so I had to roll my own. I only need a small nudge to package it for others to re-use, so reply to this post if you are interested.
- Silly3850 20d ago
  I'm interested, even if you don't have time to package it nicely, I would still appreciate sharing the src
- Scramblejams 20d ago
  I'm interested.
- yzmtf2008 20d ago
  This would require a vPro CPU and compatible motherboard, right?
  - magarnicle 20d ago
    It needs an Intel ethernet card too.
  - hypercube33 20d ago
    AMD Pro CPUs generally come with their own version of this - Realtek BCM
- anjel 20d ago
  .
aetherspawn 20d ago
All the servers I’ve ever bought came with iDRAC or something like it, which has KVM built in.
- mkesper 20d ago
  Yes, this is for those machines without: raspi, desktops (e.g. DGX Spark) etc.
bombela 20d ago
How do you reboot the target machine and stay powered? I know some ipkvm can interface with the ATX header, but that's usually an extra addon. It also requires have some access to the ATC header during installation. I have a tiny "NAS" where the mobo is the size of credit card and very difficult to access. The power supply is external. The USB doesn't stay powered when turned off. I cobbled together a bare NanoKVM running debian, a relay normally closed to interrupt mains power to the target, and a tiny little power supply into a 3D printed case. I have also added a diode so that the ipkvm can also be powered by the target USB for flexibility. Note that the sg200x boots with its pin pulled high with a ~50kΩ resistor (pullup). So you need to pull it down with a 1kΩ resistor. This also renders the system more robust to transient voltages anyways. https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/kvm/NanoKVM/introduction.html https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/kvm/NanoKVM/introduction... https://github.com/slcpcom/sophgo-sg200x-debian https://github.com/slcpcom/sophgo-sg200x-debian
- dfc 20d ago
  The original ones came with a USB C Y cable that allowed you to connect to the computer but get power from an alternate USB source. They also have beards on the board for DC power.
hermitcrab 20d ago
Love how the home page of the website doesn't say what a KVM switch is or why you would want one.
TheJCDenton 20d ago
No PoE :(
Fnoord 20d ago
Does anyone know such a device, but for a CUPS/SANE server? It would allow tou to secure a printer/scanner (which often use out-of-date software stacks). I'm currently using a RPi for this, but require partly to use qemu to run this to emulate a x86-64 binary (Brother driver). How did we end up with this mess. TVs and STBs are same story.
- mkesper 20d ago
  Only sure way is to check availability of fully open drivers for all operations before buying.
- d3Xt3r 20d ago
  How old is your Brother? Mine's 8 years old and it can print/scan without needing to download any drivers (using IPP/eSCL). I was surprised when I set it up for the first time, because it took me like literally three clicks via KDE's Settings applet, never have I ever had such an easier time setting up an MFP on any OS.
  - Fnoord 19d ago
    It isn't my Brother. The subject is a relatively new laserprinter: Brother DCP-L2622DW. My own Brother is an older inktjet, and I am pretty sure I could get that to work with CUPS/SANE, but yes. I'd use such device for such purpose as well. The laserprinter was a terrible purchase, since new toners aren't much cloned yet, and superexpensive.
syngrog66 20d ago
on surface I like the design but due to nature of security risk I'd want to know a lot more about the company and how its made.
snvzz 20d ago
>RJ45 Actually 8P8C. Awful marketing.
snvzz 20d ago
Powered by RISC-V, as it's an ESP32-P4X[0]. 0. https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-dev-kits/en/latest/esp32p4/esp32-p4x-function-ev-board/index.html https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-dev-kits/en/latest/e...

JetKVM Mini

570 points by taubek 21d ago

awesomeusername 20d ago

I wish every KVM manufacturer would prominently answer one question: Can't I get it onto tailscale

nirav72 20d ago
I have the glinet kvm. Tailscale seems to work fine. What issues have you found on the others?
iAMkenough 20d ago
Their answer is in the support docs https://jetkvm.com/docs/networking/remote-access https://jetkvm.com/docs/networking/remote-access
CrimsonCape 19d ago
Would you trust this device on the tailnet? I can't understand why GLiNet would not open source the firmware. It's maddening that the stack is literally linux OS running modified open-source KVM code, and even though they cater to enthusiasts, they still won't release the Comet firmware source. It's paranoia, but until they release the source, it's not proven paranoia.

teruakohatu 21d ago

I am amazed that there is an ESP that can handle this and with just 32MB of RAM: https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-dev-kits/en/latest/esp32p4/esp32-p4x-function-ev-board/index.html https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-dev-kits/en/latest/e...

sugarkjube 21d ago
looks nice but seems to be rather expensive
numpad0 21d ago
The only reason it had been difficult was video capture and compression. Even 32MB would be overkill if you didn't need remote screen.
- PunchyHamster 21d ago
  ....that's kinda the feature KVM is for, remote screen
  - mkesper 20d ago
    A console would be enough for a simple reboot / power switch.
MPSimmons 21d ago
That was my first thought too, but it seems like they're using two of them in the wireless version, with a C5 for wifi
greggsy 21d ago
That board still requires an HDMI module. The pi zero will support PiKVM fine with an HDMI module too.
apitman 21d ago
The ESP32-P4 is a beast
mrheosuper 20d ago
a 1280*720 frame, 16 bit, ping-pong buffer uses only 3.6MB of ram, still plenty of ram left for compression. The Keyboard/mouse component use like 512KB ram at most(even less, HID is cheap).

theanonymousone 21d ago

It may be worth noting that this is not _that_ KVM, but this one: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch I learnt this first myself from HN, a few months ago.

stingraycharles 21d ago
What KVM were you thinking of, the virtualization?
- LoganDark 21d ago
  Probably Kernel-based Virtual Machine, yeah.
  - theanonymousone 21d ago
    Yes
herrherrmann 21d ago
My first thought was “ah, this must be a JVM for Kotlin by the creators of Kotlin (Jetbrains)!”
- deleted 21d ago
  [deleted]
yonatan8070 21d ago
It not exactly a KVM switch, which allows you to have one set of keyboard, mouse, monitor connected to multiple PCs and switch between them. This is an IP KVM, which lets you send keyboard and mouse inputs and view display output remotely over the network.
- cyh555 21d ago
  Right, I was confused when it has the wifi/ethernet port

Shank 21d ago

I own 3 JetKVMs, of which two of them stopped working, one of which doesn't boot at all and the other that never connects to network. The third I took out of service because the keyboard wouldn't send input when it was connected for more than a couple months. I'm sure the newer hardware is better, but I'm very unhappy with my JetKVMs.

skerit 21d ago
At least you got them. I'm still at the "We will send you an email to do a final shipment confirmation once ready" stage.
philjohn 21d ago
I have two and one stopped working, but they were great and sent me a replacement motherboard and a toolkit to swap it over. Did you try reaching out to them?
yokoprime 21d ago
I've had good experiences with mine, only thing is that wifi and ethernet claims the same IP which causes my Unifi controller to freak out and send alerts
strathos 21d ago
FWIW, I have two JetKVMs from the original Kickstarter campaign, and both have been in continuous use since the day I received them without a single issue. So the experience definitely varies.
- sersi 21d ago
  Likewise no issue, I also have the gl-inet which is nice because it supports audio but the interface is not as well designed as jetkvm
- pkulak 21d ago
  Same. Have a Kickstarter one that’s been going strong ever since.
21d ago

LoganDark 21d ago

Are there any good KVMs for gaming? Right now, I use a capture card for video, connect the mouse directly to the destination, and use a piece of software called Deskflow to transmit my keyboard. But Deskflow occasionally crashes, so it'd be nice to have a hardware solution (also that can be used for BIOS/etc). And Deskflow also won't work if I install SteamOS, once Nvidia works. I looked at making a solution myself, but for some reason, simulating a USB client device in software is extremely annoying, and requires specialized hardware that is also very expensive. So at that point, why not just get a KVM... I frequently switch between 1080p and 4K for gaming since I don't like resampling artifacts. Never found a KVM that can handle 4K properly even for productivity. The mistake can be as basic as assuming a 100% scale factor.

peroo 21d ago
Why do you need to use a KVM rather than Sunshine+Moonlight? That's pretty much the gold standard for remote gaming.
- LoganDark 21d ago
  The practical answer for right now is that I don't want software screen capture, but it also does not do any of the things I wanted to be able to do by having remote inputs directed to the hardware rather than simulated in software. Namely it requires software installation on the server, which means OS support becomes a thing, you can't use it in BIOS/firmware, etc.
  - TiredOfLife 21d ago
    Sunshine works on linux and windows, screen capture uses parts of the gpu meant to do that as result you get lower latency than separate capture and encode.
    - embedding-shape 21d ago
      KVM is useful for when you need to be able to control earlier stuff in the boot process too, or even simple stuff like entering the password for full-disk encryption, or choosing a boot entry in GRUB, or changing BIOS settings... Many use cases for KVM and remote KVM.

noelwelsh 21d ago

I have an ATEN KVM [1] that gets a solid "it does the job" from me. Occasionally a connected computer won't pick up the K, V, or M, and I'll have to reconnect a few times. I use it to switch between my work laptop and my personal PC, and for this situation 4K is a must have. That, and the choice of HDMI instead of DisplayPort, and things that would keep me from getting a JetKVM. [1]: https://www.aten.com/gb/en/products/kvm/desktop-kvm-switches/cs782dp/ https://www.aten.com/gb/en/products/kvm/desktop-kvm-switches...

layer8 21d ago
I use Aten KVM switches too, but they are a different type of product. JetKVM is for remote KVM access, not for switching between multiple computers. Both are orthogonal to each other. You can in principle combine a JetKVM with a KVM switch (and some people are doing that, though there are some technical pitfalls).
- noelwelsh 20d ago
  I see. Thanks for the clarification.
fmajid 21d ago
The GL-iNet Commet X is a 4-port IP KVM. It does 4K, albeit at 30fps. https://nascompares.com/2026/06/26/gl-inet-comet-x-kvm-early-review/ https://nascompares.com/2026/06/26/gl-inet-comet-x-kvm-early...
- nirav72 20d ago
  I have the single port PoE version of the glinet. Its been rock solid so far. I’ve been wanting this 4 port version. But they’re sold out every time I check their site.
  - fmajid 20d ago
    I got mine as a side-effect of ordering the Comet Q on Kickstarter... There is also the Comet 5G, which gives you cellular backup. I use it to control my OpenBSD home router when traveling if my Internet connection goes down.

skolos 21d ago

or make one yourself: https://github.com/espkvm/espkvm https://github.com/espkvm/espkvm

ZYbCRq22HbJ2y7 21d ago
i am not sure i would trust a two month old project "based on a three month old proof of concept" over a product that has been around for years, but it is good to know it is there
- skolos 20d ago
  What to trust? Closed hardware/software that goes to trash if something goes wrong, or opensource that you can send an agent to debug if there are issues? I'm not trying to diminish JetKVM's product - for $35 its a steal if you don't want to bother with DIY and time involved, but I'd strongly disagree that opensource is less trustworthy than closed product.
  - skrtskrt 20d ago
    ArkKVM is a fully open source product now
  - ZYbCRq22HbJ2y7 20d ago
    I think the software aspects of JetKVM are open source? See: https://github.com/jetkvm https://github.com/jetkvm Also they say they are open sourcing the reference implementation of the "JetKVM OS Services" and the firmware of the "JetKVM Mini". My point is more that it is way easier to make mistakes in source than it is to review said source in a project like this. So, to me, it is kind of risky to use something very green that is meant to be used as a network appliance more or less.
dexif 21d ago
Maintainer (espkvm) here. :) Thanks for the mention ;) It started as a firmware for myself: I wanted a KVM, but not a Linux system inside one. A colleague talked me into publishing it and it grew from there. It runs on ESP32-P4 dev boards, no custom hardware. I am not saying it is better than JetKVM. What I find more interesting is that the Mini landed on the same chip. Their stack is completely different from the Linux JetKVM, so it must be a rewrite from scratch - a sign the idea of a KVM without an OS holds up.

tidbeck 21d ago

It is really hard to find on the site what kvm stands for. Guess people going there knows what it stands for but think it could be spelled out once at least.

numpad0 21d ago
Keyboard Video Mouse... It's such a weird TLA that it's not felt to be worth explaining or remembering
- miki_oomiri 21d ago
  TLA ?
  - AdamGibbins 21d ago
    Three Letter Acronym
  - antonvs 21d ago
    LMGTFY
  - bunsenhoneydew 21d ago
    Three Letter Acronym Except it’s an initialism
    - deleted 21d ago
      [deleted]
    - 4ndrewl 21d ago
      TLI
  - atsaloli 21d ago
    Three Letter Acronym It’s a YABA
    - 20d ago

mickeyp 21d ago

Meh. The challenge is 4k+ at high display frequency that doesn't cost the same as a small boat. There are gazillions of KVM switches that do 1080. That's easy.

fmajid 21d ago
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zepan/nanokvm-go-worlds-first-ai-native-4k-usb-c-kvm https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zepan/nanokvm-go-worlds... Not high frequency though, tops out at 45Hz
- embedding-shape 21d ago
  Well, if neither 4K or high frequency is actually a requirement, then https://jetkvm.com/blog/introducing-jetkvm-mini https://jetkvm.com/blog/introducing-jetkvm-mini would maybe fit.
  - fmajid 21d ago
    It is 4K, just not the 120Hz or higher gaming grade the parent was asking for, and better than the 1080p of the JetKVM Mini. The JetKVM Mini does offer Ethernet, however (not sure if it can be powered by PoE, however, which would be a huge plus).
- Geezus_42 21d ago
  Why does it need AI?
  - fmajid 21d ago
    I think that's mostly marketing waffle, but I suspect the argument is that this will allow a LLM or agent to remote control your phone, tablet or computer in a format that is a bit more directly accessible for them than the VNC-like UIs most of this new crop of PiKVM-derived IP KVMs offer.
- hypercube33 20d ago
  No Ethernet, so no POE. I'm not seeing a price, or even a kickstart reward, so this doesnt exist?

neals 21d ago

The original one is shaped weirdly and hard to use in my unordered stack of machines and wires. I like the new shape here better.

pdpi 21d ago
I was actually thinking the exact opposite. The big “tail” on the original gives you something to build an enclosure around, and the ports are all on the face opposite the display. That shape makes it easy to 3d print a mount for a 10” rack. This one has stuff on four out of six surfaces (display, button, card slot, ports), and the two free surfaces are at a right angle to each other instead of being on opposite sides, so this gives you little to no leeway for mounting semi-permanently without some adhesive.
- touisteur 21d ago
  I was thinking the point was it was so light to have it hanging on the cables themselves, as I'm certain absolutely no one does in any of their installations...
  - pdpi 21d ago
    But then why bother with having a display at all?
    - touisteur 20d ago
      Just in case, and for people who actually do cable management...

amelius 21d ago

LTE support?

cm2187 21d ago

Would be curious what the power draw is (in use or idle).

woadwarrior01 21d ago

On a related note, I came across this USB-C KVM on pre-order the other day. It ostensibly supports Tailscale, which would be really useful. https://sipeed.com/nanokvm-go https://sipeed.com/nanokvm-go

deleted 21d ago
[deleted]
jbaiter 21d ago
I have the predecessor at home, it's solid and the tailscale support is great!
Terretta 21d ago
Was posting "Now make it join Tailnets." to the comments then saw your remark. TY for link.
shepherdjerred 20d ago
I own 3 of these for my homelab. They work really well w/ Tailscale! They sell some PCIE ones, too.

hofiflo 21d ago

Wait, do I understand correctly that you can only boot ISOs off a microSD card that I have to pre-load? I can’t just put in a card and load ISOs over the web interface? That makes the use case of full remote control (after plugging it in for the first time, of course) kinda moot… Otherwise, this seems to be a great product for homelab stuff :)

greggsy 21d ago
PiKVM allows you to load ISOs to the onboard sd card via the web interface. It just needs to be on the local disk.
- hofiflo 20d ago
  Oh that makes sense, cool! Thanks for clarifying! :)
igniuss 21d ago
they allow you to upload ISOs from the web interface as well
- hofiflo 20d ago
  That’s cool, then I’ll need to buy a few of those I guess! :) Thanks for the clarification!

stingraycharles 21d ago

What’s a decent quality IP KVM solution that’s not too expensive? We’re looking to put a dozen of mac minis in a collocation, and currently investigating solutions for remote access.

Daedren 21d ago
I've had zero problems with my Gli.Net KVMs
- layer8 21d ago
  I suggest to take a look at the reviews on Amazon.
  - dividedbyzero 21d ago
    Could you be more specific? I just skimmed through the reviews on the one I use, seems fine?
    - layer8 21d ago
      This one for example: https://www.amazon.com/portal/customer-reviews/srp/-/RCCFLFK1VWH0W/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl https://www.amazon.com/portal/customer-reviews/srp/-/RCCFLFK...
      - dividedbyzero 20d ago
        I can't see that, I don't have an account with the US site. Could you paraphrase?
- rfmoz 21d ago
  GL-iNet has really nice KVM. Maybe the worst thing is the company name, difficult to write it down correctly.
ButlerianJihad 21d ago
Chris Siebenmann: "Our options in remote server installation and management" https://utcc.utoronto.ca/~cks/space/blog/tech/RemoteServerManagementOptions https://utcc.utoronto.ca/~cks/space/blog/tech/RemoteServerMa...

garganzol 21d ago

Kickstarter = never in stock. What's the point in all these PR pieces when there is no product?

vachina 21d ago
Why even bother when these things (of another make) can be had for less than $20 on Chinese market. This artificial scarcity bullshit need to die.
- garganzol 21d ago
  I don't quite trust this class of devices to be programmed in China by who knows who. KVMs are among those things that need authentic, business-registered suppliers that hold a trackable reputational responsibility.
  - soraminazuki 21d ago
    I totally agree with you, but where are those trustworthy companies? It seems every household names in the consumer electronics space are hell-bent on abusing their customers in every conceivable way. Just look at the LG scandal, and that is standard practice across the entire industry. It has to start with strong consumer protection laws and strong enforcement of those laws.
DrudgeCorporate 21d ago
Am I missing something? I don't see Kickstarter mentioned in the post
- bradfitz 21d ago
  They started off as a Kickstarter thing and had stock issues in previous rounds too.
  - DrudgeCorporate 21d ago
    Ah you're referring to the original and not the Mini

pftburger 21d ago

Missed marketing opportunity : Let AI Agents control any computer

apexalpha 21d ago
Unironically, yes. Easy to connect an AI to any device that supports (adapted) USB input. Don't even need the HDMI or video the AI will prefer serial console.
- pftburger 21d ago
  I don’t mean this ironically at all. I have a few serial to IP bridges I use to let agents help me debug stuff.
ecliptik 21d ago
I do this for porting things to DOS. Was swapping a CF card back and forth between a 486 PC and my laptop that was running Claude and it was extremely tedious and required me to physically be at the system. Automated it entirely by giving Claude hands/eyes/ears so it can take complete control of the 486 using a raspberrypi 5, a usb4vc HAT for PS/2 and a VGA capture device. Adding an ethernet card and a tcp/ip boot profile for FTP, Claude then can update binaries, test them, and gather logs. Now I just steer Claude and it handles interfacing with the machine for me. https://github.com/ecliptik/vcctrl/tree/main/ https://github.com/ecliptik/vcctrl/tree/main/
jlawrence6809 21d ago
I had no idea KVMs existed until an agent filled me in last night (I had the idea of building one with an fpga so an agent could drive os installation). Lo and behold the next day KVMs are on the front page of Hacker News!

deleted 21d ago

[deleted]

aquavoplumbing 21d ago

[flagged]

greggsy 21d ago
16 minutes old account promoting this product, and the bio is an advertisement for an actual plumbing company.

nf-x 21d ago

Using one for couple of months so far. I need it once a month for a couple of hours or so, but it saves me 3x more time, so money well spent. But wow, at 3x less price tag it a deal!

mszcz 21d ago

I have 4 of the old ones in service and they're great. Whenever I need to remotely reboot a server those come in handy just great, no more fear of what I'm going to do if the server doesn't come back online. It also solved the issue I had with entering a password on FDE (full disk encryption) systems. Previously I had to rely on a janky solution with booting into BusyBox so that the system can be accessed remotely and using that to enter the password. Now it's just plain FDE set up during Debian install - I reboot, use JetKVM to enter the password and that's it. One note though - I don't use their online cloud service access thingy and connect to those using my Wireguard deployment. The hardware is nice, open source is nice, but I wouldn't trust that level of access to any cloud solution by any vendor.

irusensei 21d ago
>It also solved the issue I had with entering a password on FDE (full disk encryption) systems I've fixed that with secure boot (my own keys, not Microsoft's) and TPM2. From that host I can run a program named Tang, which operates in conjunction with another program named Clevis. On hosts without secure boot such as RPis and other ARM SBCs, Clevis will contact Tang at boot time and decrypt the disk. Incidentally my x86 with secure boot has intel vPro so the KVM is not needed. The remaining sisters have a piece of lost technology used for decades to solve the KVM problem: serial (UART specifically) connections. Some seasoned sysadmins might have memories of dialing their Sun servers serial ports for remote administration.
- jchw 21d ago
  To me, it is a feature to have a password required at boot to unlock the drive. Relying on TPM for keymatter is convenient but comes with caveats I don't like. I don't personally trust that the boot chain and OS on a modern system are secure enough for this model to be similarly secure to using a passphrase properly. And if I care enough to try to secure something in this way, I definitely care enough to pick something that I believe would be at least truly secure at rest with a decent degree of certainty. TPM based unlock does at least still fulfill the goal of ensuring data stored to disk is encrypted so that it can't easily be recovered from a discarded drive.

dtech 21d ago

Not really related to this, but are there good non-IP KVM's left? I'm in the market for one so we can move two home office desks into 1, but all the ones I find seem kinda shit. Asking for USB-C + 2 hdmi or displayports is apparently unreasonable

oftenwrong 21d ago
The cheap alternative I use is based on a USB switch hub and a monitor that has enough inputs for all of the computers I want to switch between. The hub is a very simple and inexpensive device that essentially just lets you change USB devices between computers. It has 4 ports for USB devices, and 4 input ports for USB hosts. There is a wired remote control that allows you to switch between the hosts. The way you turn this into a KVM-like device is by having each host connected to the monitor/s indepentently. In my case, I have only two hosts, and each one is connected via HDMI cable to my single monitor. Each host is set up to detect when the USB hub is connected, and then send a DDC command to switch the monitor input over to itself. The end user experience is: I press a button on the wired remote, which is mounted on my keyboard tray, and then after a short delay the corresponding computer is on my screen and everything works normally. On linux, this is trivially accomplished with a udev rule + a script calling ddcutil. On my work machine, a Mac, I could not find a simple solution that worked reliably on my specific Macbook Pro model that I would recommend, so I had an AI write a custom daemon for this purpose. The major benefit of this "poor man's KVM" is that you do not need an expensive and finnicky piece of KVM hardware. You do not need to worry about the video chip supporting your setup, or firmware bugs. You buy one cheap, commodity product. The downside is the reliance on the hosts, and on monitor features, and having to set up the functionality manually. In my case, this is the sort of thing I basically just set up and then never touched again, so it was a fine trade-off. If I get new computers, or a new monitor, or I change which porta the computers are attached to, then I have to change the code.
newdee 21d ago
Level1Techs make their own high end KVMs. They’re expensive but reasonable if you need high refresh support and other such niceties.

deleted 21d ago

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launchkitcodes 21d ago

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doctorhandshake 21d ago

I have an OG JetKVM and it works solidly but the thing that prevents me from using it is no video pass through. The awkwardness of an ‘invisible’ monitor connected to windows at all times is hard to live with - windows and apps open there and I’m constantly having to pull them back to an another monitor. My next KVM will be pass through for this reason, but the consumer ones seem to top out at 4k30, which is not great either.

kllrnohj 21d ago
why not just configure Windows to mirror the displays? That seems a lot cheaper and more flexible than pass through. And you wouldn't need to worry about matching resolutions and refresh rates
- doctorhandshake 21d ago
  In that case I’d need a 1080 physical display on the machine mirrored to the KVM. For the type of stuff I’m doing that’s a bad use of monitor / desk real estate.
  - Forgeties79 21d ago
    Same complaint. The 1080p cap when mirroring is annoying and when it acts like a third screen it becomes a real nuisance.
  - apitman 21d ago
    Would a HDMI dummy plug work?
    - Forgeties79 20d ago
      Then you can’t see what you’re doing. It’ll run with the HDMI unplugged but at that point you’re undoing a core reason for using it to begin with.
      - 20d ago

gregwebs 21d ago

This author has tested a lot of IP KVMs and compares them in this post: https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2026/i-tested-every-ip-kvm/ https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2026/i-tested-every-ip-kvm... He likes JetKVM. However, they appear to be sold out. The Mini seems great but I have yet to receive a preordered item on the advertised timeline. That article pointed to ArkKVM which is a hardware clone of JetKVM but they have now released their own software stack as open source which has Tailscale support * https://store.arkkvm.com/blog/detail/arkkvm-fully-open-source-software-stack https://store.arkkvm.com/blog/detail/arkkvm-fully-open-sourc... * https://store.arkkvm.com/blog/detail/arkkvm-ota-release-notes-v0-2-26061815 https://store.arkkvm.com/blog/detail/arkkvm-ota-release-note...

tomasphan 21d ago
It’s 3x the cost of jetKVM though. For someone with 8 machines in their home lab this is a big commitment.
- chromatin 21d ago
  It's not though. JetKVM typically $100-120 ArkKVM $99-115
  - spullara 20d ago
    JetKVM mini is ~$40 or ~$100 for 3.
    - chromatin 20d ago
      Yes I am aware but the comment explicitly compared it to JetKVM, not the mini which is not yet available anyway
- jamespo 20d ago
  Do you really need a KVM on every machine permanently?

dijit 21d ago

I really just wish I had a USB-C KVM I could use with my laptop (or even better: tablet)... I can't find much, and what I find is a bit bonkers. I ended up buying a license to Orion, using USB-C→HDMI capture card with a Startech VGA→HDMI converter (which requires USB-A power)... in order to achieve a semi-passable KVM (but, without the K and the M...). I paired with a USB-A Hub and a keyboard and mouse and it kinda works but it's an incredibly janky setup... ... the fact that many servers still output VGA is baffling.

fh67 21d ago
Comet Q works well, if the usb c port supports DP-ALT
- dijit 21d ago
  That looks like an interesting device. I'm more talking about being able to attach a normal laptop to another computer though, without any IP/Networking requirements.
  - zulux 20d ago
    Cheap 4K HDMI/VGA-to-USB input boards and reverse HID cables are available. Betwen the two for $50 - they turn your laptop into a Moniitor, Keyboard and Mouse for a random computer.
    - dijit 20d ago
      where?
  - petu 20d ago
    Sipeed has such device https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/kvm/NanoKVM_USB/introduction.html https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/kvm/NanoKVM_USB/introduc...

hacker_88 21d ago

Future Personal computers become unreasonable... Shifts to remote machines, mainframes

xd1936 21d ago

I might buy one of these for remote family tech support. "Hey $relative, plug the remote support box into the USB port of the computer you're having trouble with so I can take a look"

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gschizas 20d ago
I would suggest gl.inet Comet Q. It only uses a single USB-C cable to do everything (wifi only of course, and it does need a USB-C port that can transfer DisplayPort in alternative mode). It also has tailscale. (Not affiliated in any way, I paid for it fully!)
- Fnoord 20d ago
  Nice RAT, don't like always-on screen though. Anything works really. For example, a Hak5 screen crab plus a RPi plus a USB LTE modem could also be suffice. I don't know which stack this gl.inet device runs, but the Mifi I own from them (also usable in this regard) has a custom OpenWrt. Which can be removed to have a vanilla OpenWrt instead. Software stack FOSS is nice. Problem with all of this stuff, is closed source firmware in radios. Who knows which vulnerabilities reside in them, but given we are talking about wireless the sky is the limit with regards to who can assess. Personally, I also specifically do not use the vPro NIC on my Intel machine.

flaxxer 21d ago

Main issue with these things -- clipboard support?

iAMkenough 20d ago
They’ve got a system service upcoming (JetKVM OS) that enables clipboard sharing.

rattray 21d ago

I feel like I should know this, but can anyone ELI5 what a KVM is in this context?

jsnell 21d ago
A keyboard/video/mouse switch.
- rattray 21d ago
  I've never entered a datacenter before – what does that mean / what is it for?
  - paulfurtado 21d ago
    There are really two types of KVMs... classic ones were used by consumers to plug multiple computers into one screen, keyboard, and mouse and flip back and forth between them. Networked KVMs let you remotely access a computer or server. It's like VNC except by physically plugging into the ports. This is useful because it allows you to have remote access to a server when its OS is offline, tweak bios settings, watch it boot, reinstall the OS, etc. Most true servers have this functionality and more built in (ipmi, idrac, redfish, etc are terminology for the feature). These plugin ones allow you to add that functionality to any machine. You're not likely to see tons of them in an actual data center, but they are incredibly useful for systems without remote management built in.
    - rattray 20d ago
      Got it! So I could for example plug this into my mac mini at home and reboot it after a power failure or something while traveling?
      - paulfurtado 20d ago
        Yes, exactly. And even do things like inject virtual USB drives so you can reinstall an OS or something

gainsurier 21d ago

The most groundbreaking aspect of this product is its MCU-based solution, and it uses software encoding on the controlled machine to achieve 4K@60. 4K is not needed in BIOS scenarios.

apitman 21d ago
There are a lot more devices being released built on esp32s lately. e-readers are another example. I suspect with current hardware prices we might see a significant rise in consumer compute being limited to these types of devices, and a corresponding push to make software efficient enough to run on them. Could be interesting.
- user_7832 20d ago
  Now that you mention it, it does make some sense that with the rising prices (especially for ram) (and maybe with LLMs?) it’s cheaper to use basic hardware and put “more effort” on efficient code (an LLM’s effort, of course).

gunalx 21d ago

Bummer to not see the atx control support. Its the main use i have from my ipkvm to do fde decryption and boot the machine once wake on lan fails.

schmookeeg 21d ago

This comment thread has made me and my LanTronix Spider feel super old. :D

pyrophane 20d ago

I have a JetKVM and could never get video to work on it despite spending a lot of time on troubleshooting. It may have just been a defective unit but I never got around to trying to RMA it.

rcarmo 20d ago

I'm currently playing with the https://linkr.now https://linkr.now - which has an API and a set of agent skills. _much_ more useful than other KVMs I've tested in the past, and I published a pi/piclaw add-on here: https://rcarmo.github.io/piclaw-addons/addons/linkr/ https://rcarmo.github.io/piclaw-addons/addons/linkr/

chelmzy 20d ago

Obvious, but don't plug these into your work computer unless you want to get questioned for looking like a fraudulent DPRK/Nigerian remote worker.

thangalin 20d ago

Tangentially, I tested many KVM models: https://hardwarerecs.stackexchange.com/questions/18561/kvm-displayport-1-4-4k-120-hz-single-monitor-push-button https://hardwarerecs.stackexchange.com/questions/18561/kvm-d... The only one that met my requirements was the UGREEN 8K@60Hz DisplayPort KVM switch: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0CFFFHFJT https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0CFFFHFJT Several months in without any major issues.

Zolomon 20d ago
I wish there was support for 3 monitors, and 3 computers. Otherwise this would have been an immediate buy!
Scarbutt 20d ago
You missed the IP part. Which is what makes these product useful to many.
- thangalin 20d ago
  You missed the Tangentially part, which is what tells people that it is a different type of KVM, which are also useful to many.
ajolly 17d ago
FYI I solved that by changing the monitor - gigabyte m28u/m32u, built in KVM they run at 144 hertz. Only downside is that doesn't work easily if you want multi-monitor KVM.

mewse-hn 20d ago

This looks excellent, I've been wanting cheap IP KVMs for a while for my workbench at the office and for my NAS server at home - at this price I'd get the three pack and still have a spare.

stock_toaster 20d ago

I'm baffled why so many of these KVM devices don't support PoE.

rsync 20d ago

I have one of these that I purchased ~16 years ago: https://github.com/Retrotink/PockeTerm-II https://github.com/Retrotink/PockeTerm-II Very simple serial -> VGA device. Unfortunately no longer in production but the github project contains everything one would need ...

devops000 20d ago

What is the use case?

DANmode 20d ago
Accessing your stuff, a relative’s: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49684324 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49684324

MayeulC 20d ago

I'm thinking that this would be a great device to hand over to family members for when they need help with their computer. Ask them to plug them in & log-in remotely: may be easier than starting RustDesk, and can help with bios & bootloader options. The harder part may be networking: it would be harder to ask them to wire it up to the network; but with Wi-Fi, I may be able to pre-fill their WPA key.

keriati1 20d ago

I wanted to get a JetKVM, however ended up getting kvm extension module for my uConsole instead. In the end it is perfect for my small collection of home servers. I only use it a few times a year, but it's always fun.

atdt 20d ago

If you have an Intel CPU, there is a good chance you have a KVM built-in (whether you wanted one or not): Intel AMT. Its reputation was tarnished by Intel's dissimulation and opacity about the technology, and a streak of critical vulnerabilities disclosed in late 2017. I chose to take my chances with it anyway for my homelab server. It is secured with a password, mutual TLS (client has to provide a cert), and restricted to the LAN via a physical firewall. It gives me serial console, KVM, and power control. I like it. It works pretty well. I don't see a reason to trust it any less than closed-hardware, closed-source solutions. I would trust a fully-open-source PIKVM more, however. The tooling and documentation for setting up Intel AMT via open-source tools is meagre, so I had to roll my own. I only need a small nudge to package it for others to re-use, so reply to this post if you are interested.

Silly3850 20d ago
I'm interested, even if you don't have time to package it nicely, I would still appreciate sharing the src
Scramblejams 20d ago
I'm interested.
yzmtf2008 20d ago
This would require a vPro CPU and compatible motherboard, right?
- magarnicle 20d ago
  It needs an Intel ethernet card too.
- hypercube33 20d ago
  AMD Pro CPUs generally come with their own version of this - Realtek BCM
anjel 20d ago
.

aetherspawn 20d ago

All the servers I’ve ever bought came with iDRAC or something like it, which has KVM built in.

mkesper 20d ago
Yes, this is for those machines without: raspi, desktops (e.g. DGX Spark) etc.

bombela 20d ago

How do you reboot the target machine and stay powered? I know some ipkvm can interface with the ATX header, but that's usually an extra addon. It also requires have some access to the ATC header during installation. I have a tiny "NAS" where the mobo is the size of credit card and very difficult to access. The power supply is external. The USB doesn't stay powered when turned off. I cobbled together a bare NanoKVM running debian, a relay normally closed to interrupt mains power to the target, and a tiny little power supply into a 3D printed case. I have also added a diode so that the ipkvm can also be powered by the target USB for flexibility. Note that the sg200x boots with its pin pulled high with a ~50kΩ resistor (pullup). So you need to pull it down with a 1kΩ resistor. This also renders the system more robust to transient voltages anyways. https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/kvm/NanoKVM/introduction.html https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/kvm/NanoKVM/introduction... https://github.com/slcpcom/sophgo-sg200x-debian https://github.com/slcpcom/sophgo-sg200x-debian

dfc 20d ago
The original ones came with a USB C Y cable that allowed you to connect to the computer but get power from an alternate USB source. They also have beards on the board for DC power.

hermitcrab 20d ago

Love how the home page of the website doesn't say what a KVM switch is or why you would want one.

TheJCDenton 20d ago

No PoE :(

Fnoord 20d ago

Does anyone know such a device, but for a CUPS/SANE server? It would allow tou to secure a printer/scanner (which often use out-of-date software stacks). I'm currently using a RPi for this, but require partly to use qemu to run this to emulate a x86-64 binary (Brother driver). How did we end up with this mess. TVs and STBs are same story.

mkesper 20d ago
Only sure way is to check availability of fully open drivers for all operations before buying.
d3Xt3r 20d ago
How old is your Brother? Mine's 8 years old and it can print/scan without needing to download any drivers (using IPP/eSCL). I was surprised when I set it up for the first time, because it took me like literally three clicks via KDE's Settings applet, never have I ever had such an easier time setting up an MFP on any OS.
- Fnoord 19d ago
  It isn't my Brother. The subject is a relatively new laserprinter: Brother DCP-L2622DW. My own Brother is an older inktjet, and I am pretty sure I could get that to work with CUPS/SANE, but yes. I'd use such device for such purpose as well. The laserprinter was a terrible purchase, since new toners aren't much cloned yet, and superexpensive.

syngrog66 20d ago

on surface I like the design but due to nature of security risk I'd want to know a lot more about the company and how its made.

snvzz 20d ago

>RJ45 Actually 8P8C. Awful marketing.

snvzz 20d ago

Powered by RISC-V, as it's an ESP32-P4X[0]. 0. https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-dev-kits/en/latest/esp32p4/esp32-p4x-function-ev-board/index.html https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-dev-kits/en/latest/e...