ATEN KH1508A 8-Port PS/2-USB KVM Switch
Overview
The ATEN KH1508A is a rack-mount, 8-port KVM switch designed for server rooms and data centers where a single console needs to manage multiple systems without a dedicated keyboard, monitor, and mouse at every machine. The KH1508A supports both PS/2 and USB keyboard/mouse connections, making it practical in mixed-hardware environments where legacy PS/2 servers coexist alongside newer USB-only systems. Port selection is available via on-screen display (OSD), hotkey sequences, or front-panel pushbuttons — giving operators flexibility whether they're at the rack or working remotely through a cascaded configuration. Daisy-chain expansion scales the KH1508A up to 256 nodes across cascaded units, so a small initial deployment can grow without replacing the core switch infrastructure.
Compatibility
The KH1508A is compatible with servers and workstations using PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse interfaces. Daisy-chaining is supported with other KH1508A units and the KH1516A (8-port and 16-port models in the same family share a common firmware package — kh1508a-kh1516a-v1.7.161.zip — confirming direct interoperability). Video signal support spans resolutions from 1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz (up to 50 m cable run) through 1600 x 1200 @ 60 Hz (40 m) to a maximum of 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz (30 m) — the resolution and cable length trade-off is a real planning factor: if your rack-to-console run exceeds 30 m, plan for 1600 x 1200 or lower. The scan interval is configurable from 1 to 255 seconds, which matters for operators who use auto-scan to monitor servers without manual switching.
Installation Notes
The KH1508A is rack-mount form factor with an IEC 60320/C14 power inlet, accepting 100–240V AC, 50/60 Hz at 1A — compatible with standard PDU outlets worldwide. Station ID is displayed on a 2-digit 7-segment orange LED, useful for identifying the active unit in a multi-switch cascade. Ambient humidity tolerance is 0–80% RH, non-condensing — adequate for a conditioned server room but not suitable for unconditioned industrial or outdoor enclosures. Note that ATEN's physical dimension labeling for rack products uses L×W×H rather than the conventional W×D×H format; verify orientation in the datasheet before rack planning. Current firmware is v1.7.161 (released 2025-06-17), available as a shared upgrade package for both KH1508A and KH1516A units.
