StarTech SV231HU34K6 2-Port 4K 60Hz HDMI KVM Switch with USB 3.0 Hub

Overview

The StarTech SV231HU34K6 is a 2-port HDMI KVM switch built for professionals who need to drive a single 4K display, keyboard, mouse, and USB peripherals from two separate computers — without the cable clutter of swapping inputs manually. It supports 3840x2160 at 60Hz over HDMI 2.0, making it a practical fit for security operations centers, dual-workstation IT desks, or engineering environments where both machines need access to the same high-resolution monitor. Unlike basic KVM switches that cap out at 1080p or 30Hz at 4K, the SV231HU34K6 holds full 4K/60Hz across both ports — what you see on one machine is exactly what you get on the other.

Key Features

• 4K 60Hz via HDMI 2.0: Supports 3840x2160 at 60Hz — not the 30Hz compromise you get with older HDMI 1.4 KVMs. If you're running a high-resolution security monitoring display or a color-critical workstation, this matters. Refresh at 30Hz feels noticeably sluggish for fast-moving video feeds.
• HDR10 Support: Passes HDR10 metadata through to the display, so connected systems outputting HDR content won't have that capability stripped at the switch. Useful in media review or any workflow where tone mapping accuracy counts.
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 PC Interface (5Gbps): Each PC connects via USB 3.2 Gen 1 at up to 5Gbps — enough throughput to support USB 3.0 storage devices connected to the hub without a bottleneck. This is the spec that separates it from USB 2.0-based KVMs that throttle external drives to USB 2.0 speeds regardless of the device.
• 2-Port USB 3.0 Hub (5Gbps): The console side includes two USB 3.0 Type-A ports running at 5Gbps. Attach a high-speed external SSD or a USB 3.0 capture device and both computers share access when you switch — no need to physically replug peripherals.
• 4x USB HID Ports: Four USB Type-A HID ports on the console handle keyboard, mouse, and two additional input devices simultaneously. If you run a full-size keyboard, mouse, presenter remote, and a hardware security key, all four stay connected and switch together.
• Stereo Analog + 7.1 Digital Audio: The SV231HU34K6 supports both a 3.5mm stereo analog audio connection and 7.1-channel digital audio over HDMI. You can connect a headset to the 3.5mm jack while also passing digital surround to a monitor with built-in speakers — both audio paths are available simultaneously, per the selected PC.
• Push Button and Hotkey Switching with Auto Scan: Switch between computers via the front panel button or keyboard hotkeys. Auto scan cycles through connected PCs at 3, 8, 15, or 30 second intervals — practical for a monitoring station where you want both machines visible in rotation without manual intervention.
• Universal Power Input (100–240V AC): The included power supply handles 100–240V AC input and outputs 12V DC at 3A (36W). That's enough headroom to power the USB hub and HID ports without relying on bus power from the connected computers — important in rack or desk deployments where bus power availability varies.
• Compact Form Factor: At 6.3 x 3.9 x 1.6 inches and 1.4 lbs, the SV231HU34K6 sits flat on a desk without dominating the workspace. It's not rack-mountable, but it doesn't need to be for a two-machine desktop deployment.

Integration and Compatibility

The SV231HU34K6 connects to each computer via a single USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-B cable (for data) and one HDMI 2.0 cable per source — both are standard interfaces that any modern workstation or tower system will support. The HID subsystem uses USB, so keyboard and mouse compatibility is broad across Windows, macOS, and Linux without driver installation for basic switching. Audio is handled via the 3.5mm analog jack and HDMI digital audio path simultaneously, giving flexibility in how audio is routed at the monitor or headset level. Operating temperature range is 0–40°C, which covers standard office and control room environments but not industrial or outdoor enclosures. If your environment runs above 40°C ambient, plan for additional ventilation or consider whether a rackmount KVM with active cooling is more appropriate. Explore the full StarTech product line for complementary connectivity and infrastructure accessories. For environments running multiple display setups, compare against KVM switches with multi-monitor support before committing to a single-display configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the SV231HU34K6 support 4K at 60Hz, or only at 30Hz?

A: The SV231HU34K6 supports 3840x2160 at 60Hz over HDMI 2.0 — not the 30Hz limitation found on older HDMI 1.4 KVM switches. Both connected PCs output full 4K/60Hz to the shared monitor.

Q: How many USB devices can I connect to the SV231HU34K6 at once?

A: The console side provides four USB HID Type-A ports (for keyboard, mouse, and other input devices) plus two USB 3.0 Type-A ports on the built-in hub running at 5Gbps. That's six total USB connections available on the console side simultaneously.

Q: Does the SV231HU34K6 require a separate power supply?

A: Yes. The SV231HU34K6 uses an external power supply (included) that accepts 100–240V AC and outputs 12V DC at 3A. It does not rely on bus power from the connected computers, which ensures stable power delivery to the USB hub and HID ports regardless of which PC is active.

Q: Can I switch between computers using keyboard shortcuts?

A: Yes. The SV231HU34K6 supports both front-panel push button switching and hotkey commands from the keyboard. Auto scan mode can cycle between the two connected PCs at 3, 8, 15, or 30 second intervals.

Q: What is the warranty on the SV231HU34K6?

A: The SV231HU34K6 carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

Q: Does the SV231HU34K6 support HDR?

A: Yes. The SV231HU34K6 supports HDR10, passing HDR metadata through the HDMI 2.0 connection to compatible displays. Standard dynamic range content is unaffected.

Marty Allison

The spec that actually determines whether the SV231HU34K6 earns a place on a serious workstation desk is the 3840x2160 @ 60Hz HDMI 2.0 output — not the port count. Two-port KVMs are common; two-port KVMs that hold 4K at 60Hz without dropping to 30Hz or introducing signal artifacts are less so. If you've ever dealt with a KVM that advertised 4K support and then delivered choppy 30Hz feeds on a 60Hz monitor, you know why that distinction matters for any display-intensive role.

Technical Highlights:

• USB 3.2 Gen 1 Hub at 5Gbps: The two console-side USB 3.0 ports run at true 5Gbps — not the USB 2.0 throughput that most budget KVMs throttle shared peripherals to. An external SSD connected to the hub will transfer at USB 3.0 speeds regardless of which PC is active.
• HDR10 Pass-Through: HDR10 is preserved end-to-end through the HDMI 2.0 chain. For security review workstations using HDR monitors, this prevents the switch from silently stripping HDR metadata and washing out high-contrast footage.
• Independent Power Supply (12V DC / 3A / 36W): Running from its own power rather than bus power means the USB hub stays energized and stable even during PC reboots or OS-level USB resets — a meaningful reliability factor in always-on monitoring environments.

Deployment Considerations:

• The SV231HU34K6 is a single-monitor switch only — if your operators need simultaneous visibility across both PCs on separate displays, this unit is not the right fit and a dual-display KVM should be evaluated instead.
• Operating temperature ceiling is 40°C; deploy in climate-controlled rooms. Rack-mount or server room edge installs with poor airflow could push ambient temps beyond spec.

The SV231HU34K6 is the right call for a two-machine security operations desk or IT analyst workstation where a single operator shares a 4K HDR monitor, a keyboard/mouse, and a high-speed USB peripheral set between a primary workstation and a secondary analysis machine — without ever touching a cable.