StarTech SV231HDMIUA 2-Port HDMI USB KVM Switch with Audio

Overview

The StarTech SV231HDMIUA is a two-port HDMI KVM switch built for IT administrators, integrators, and technical workstations that need to drive one monitor, keyboard, mouse, and audio setup from two separate computers — without the cable clutter of a second display or desk. It supports resolutions up to 1920x1200, handles USB 2.0 peripherals, and passes through 3.5mm audio on both the console and host sides. If you manage a dual-PC workstation, a primary and backup server console, or a KVM rack in a small operations room, this is a straightforward unit that covers the fundamentals without overcomplicating the installation. For a broader look at the StarTech connectivity catalog, the SV231HDMIUA fits into their desktop KVM line alongside similar USB-based switching solutions.

Key Features

• 1920x1200 Maximum Resolution: Supports up to 1920x1200 over HDMI — enough pixel density for a 24-inch widescreen or a standard 1080p display with vertical headroom. If you're running a 4K or UHD monitor as your primary console, this switch will cap output at 1920x1200, so plan accordingly before purchasing.
• Push-Button and Hotkey Port Selection: Switch between connected PCs using the front-panel button or keyboard hotkey sequences — no need to reach behind a rack or under a desk. Hotkey switching is particularly useful in server room and NOC environments where physical access to the switch is inconvenient.
• 4x USB 2.0 Console Ports: The console side exposes four USB 2.0 ports, giving you enough connections for a full-size keyboard, mouse, and two USB accessories (such as a CAC reader or USB headset adapter) without a hub. USB 2.0 bandwidth is adequate for HID devices and low-speed peripherals — it won't support USB 3.0 storage drives at full speed.
• Integrated 3.5mm Audio Switching: Both the console and each host carry 3.5mm mini-jack connectors (four host-side jacks total — mic and headphone per PC, plus two on the console side), so your speakers and microphone follow the active PC automatically. This eliminates the need for a separate audio switch or manual replugging in voice-active workstations.
• Steel Enclosure: The chassis is steel construction in a black finish, which keeps the unit from flexing or shifting on a desktop and provides basic shielding against EMI — relevant when placed near other switching equipment or power strips.
• Wide-Input AC Power Supply: Accepts 100–240V AC at 0.8A input and steps down to 12V DC / 1.5A for the switch itself, consuming a maximum of 18W. The universal voltage input means it deploys in any country without a separate transformer, and 18W draw is modest enough that it won't stress a standard UPS circuit.
• 0°C to 40°C Operating Range: Rated for standard indoor operating environments (0–40°C / 32–104°F) with up to 80% relative humidity non-condensing. Suitable for climate-controlled server rooms, IT closets, and office workstations — not rated for industrial or outdoor use.
• 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty: Backed by a 3-year manufacturer warranty, which is above average for desktop KVM switches in this price tier and reflects StarTech's standard coverage on connectivity hardware.

Integration and Compatibility

The SV231HDMIUA connects to any two HDMI-output computers using standard Type-A to Type-B USB cables for keyboard and mouse, and HDMI cables for video — all connected via the two HDMI host ports and two USB Type-B host ports on the rear panel. The console side provides one HDMI output and four USB Type-A ports for your monitor and peripherals. This is a single-monitor KVM; if your workflow requires extended or dual-display output from either host PC, this unit does not support that configuration. It is compatible with any operating system that recognizes standard USB HID devices — no drivers are required for basic keyboard and mouse functionality, though some hotkey features may depend on the OS. Pair it with a desktop KVM switch category if you're comparing alternatives with additional ports or video formats. For deployments involving longer cable runs to the host PCs, consider the cable length limits of HDMI at this resolution — passive HDMI cables beyond 15 feet may introduce signal degradation at 1920x1200.

The physical footprint is 6.3 in (L) x 3.9 in (W) x 2.8 in (D) with a height of 15.9 in — note the height figure; this unit is designed to sit upright, so verify that dimension against your available desk or shelf clearance. Weight is 22.4 oz (approximately 1.4 lbs), light enough for desktop placement without permanent mounting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum video resolution supported by the SV231HDMIUA?

A: The SV231HDMIUA supports a maximum digital resolution of 1920x1200 over HDMI. It is not compatible with 4K or UHD resolutions — if your monitor or workflow requires 3840x2160, this unit is not the correct choice.

Q: How many computers can the SV231HDMIUA control?

A: It supports exactly two host computers, each connected via one HDMI cable and one USB Type-B cable. It is a single-monitor switch — both PCs share one display, one keyboard, one mouse, and one audio setup.

Q: Does the SV231HDMIUA require drivers or software to operate?

A: For basic keyboard and mouse (HID) operation, no drivers are required — the switch works with standard USB HID devices recognized by any modern operating system. Hotkey switching functionality may vary by OS configuration.

Q: What audio connections does the SV231HDMIUA support?

A: The switch includes 3.5mm mini-jack audio on both the console side (2 jacks: headphone and mic) and the host side (4 jacks total: headphone and mic per PC). Audio switches automatically with the active PC — no manual reconnection needed.

Q: What is the warranty on the SV231HDMIUA?

A: The SV231HDMIUA carries a 3-year manufacturer warranty.

Q: Does the SV231HDMIUA support dual monitors or multi-display output?

A: No. The SV231HDMIUA is a single-monitor KVM switch. It provides one HDMI console output. If your setup requires simultaneous or extended display across two monitors from either host, you would need a multi-monitor KVM solution.

Eden Phillips

The SV231HDMIUA is a clean, no-drama solution for two-PC console consolidation — the 1920x1200 HDMI cap and the integrated 3.5mm audio switching are the two specs I'd focus on before recommending this unit to a client. At 18W max draw and universal 100–240V AC input, it's easy to drop into any existing UPS or power strip without capacity planning headaches.

Technical Highlights:

• 1920x1200 HDMI ceiling: Covers the majority of 16:10 and 1080p workflows, but explicitly rules out 4K console displays — verify your monitor's native resolution before spec'ing this into a new build.
• Four USB 2.0 console ports: Enough for keyboard, mouse, and two additional HID devices without adding a hub — practical for security operations desks running a CAC reader alongside standard peripherals.
• Integrated audio pass-through: Four 3.5mm jacks on the host side (mic + headphone per PC) and two on the console side means audio follows the active PC automatically — eliminating a common annoyance in dual-workstation setups that use VoIP or headset-based communication.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify your HDMI cable runs stay under roughly 15 feet passive — at 1920x1200, longer passive HDMI runs can introduce signal instability, and the switch itself doesn't regenerate the signal.
• The 15.9-inch height dimension is the one that catches people off guard — this unit stands upright, so measure your shelf or desktop clearance vertically before it arrives.

The SV231HDMIUA is well-suited to small security operations rooms and IT admin workstations where a technician alternates between two systems (primary workstation and a dedicated server console, for example) and needs audio to follow automatically — all within a 1920x1200 display environment.