StarTech RKCONS1901 19-Inch 1U Rackmount KVM LCD Console

Overview

The StarTech RKCONS1901 is a 1U rackmount KVM console built for server rooms and data center racks where you need direct, reliable access to connected systems without a dedicated monitor trolley taking up floor space. The 19-inch active matrix TFT LCD panel folds flat into the rack when not in use, eliminating the space penalty of a permanent display setup. With a single USB interface and VGA video input, it integrates cleanly with virtually any KVM switch — the drawer-style console connects downstream to your existing switch infrastructure rather than replacing it.

This is a drawer that pairs with a KVM switch, not a standalone KVM — factor that into your rack planning. If you're building out a new console station, plan for a compatible StarTech KVM switch to sit alongside it in the rack. The 6-foot cable set keeps the console-to-switch run tidy within a standard rack bay.

Key Features

• 19-Inch Active Matrix TFT LCD, 1280×1024 Native Resolution: The SXGA panel resolves enough detail to read server BIOS output, terminal text, and GUI interfaces without squinting. At 0.264×0.264mm pixel pitch, character rendering is sharp enough for extended console sessions — not just emergency access.
• 250 cd/m² Brightness, 1000:1 Contrast Ratio: Adequate brightness for typical equipment room lighting. The 1000:1 contrast ratio keeps dark terminal backgrounds from washing out, which matters when you're reading log output at 2 AM under harsh overhead fluorescents.
• 16.7 Million Color Depth: Full 24-bit color rendering means the display handles GUI-based management consoles, remote desktop sessions, and OS installers accurately — not just monochrome terminal work.
• 1U Rack Height, Steel Construction: At 1.7 inches tall and built from steel, the RKCONS1901 fits any standard 19-inch rack without sacrificing structural rigidity. The 26.9 lb weight means it's solid in the bay but plan your slide-rail installation accordingly — this is not a lightweight pull-out drawer.
• 19.7 to 30.7-Inch Adjustable Mounting Depth: The mounting depth range accommodates both shallow relay racks (minimum 19.7 inches) and deeper telecom or server cabinets (up to 30.7 inches). Most standard 4-post server racks fall comfortably within this range.
• Universal 100–240V AC Input: Auto-sensing power supply accepts any mains voltage globally — no transformer needed when deploying in international data centers or when equipment gets relocated between facilities.
• 17W Power Consumption: Running costs are negligible even in always-on deployments. At 17W, this console draws less than a standard LED desk lamp — the power budget impact on your PDU is essentially zero.
• 50,000-Hour MTBF: Rated for over 50,000 hours mean time between failures. At 8 hours of active daily use, that projects to roughly 17 years of operational life — conservative for a panel that typically sees intermittent use during maintenance windows.
• 0°C to 40°C Operating Temperature: Covers standard conditioned data center and server room environments. Not rated for un-air-conditioned industrial spaces or outdoor telecom enclosures — if ambient temps can exceed 40°C, this console is the wrong pick.
• 6-Foot Integrated Cable: The fixed 6-foot cable keeps the console-to-KVM connection clean and managed within the rack without requiring separate cable management. It's not field-swappable, so position the KVM switch within that reach from the console unit.

Integration and Compatibility

The RKCONS1901 uses a standard VGA video interface and USB connection, making it broadly compatible with rackmount KVM switches from most major vendors — including StarTech's own KVM product line. The USB interface handles both keyboard and mouse HID signaling over a single connector on supported switches. VGA is the video standard here, so if your KVM switch outputs DisplayPort or HDMI, a passive adapter or a different console model is required before this unit will display correctly. This console does not include a built-in KVM switch — it is a display and input interface for an external switch.

For data center deployments building out a complete server room access solution, pair this console with an appropriate KVM switch matched to your server count and port requirements. The 19-inch, 1U form factor fits any EIA-310 standard rack. Review your rack's usable depth against the 19.7-inch minimum mounting depth before ordering — some short-depth wall-mount enclosures won't accommodate this unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the RKCONS1901 include a built-in KVM switch?

A: No. The RKCONS1901 is a rackmount LCD console — it provides the display, keyboard, and touchpad/mouse interface for a separate KVM switch. You need to pair it with a compatible KVM switch to connect and manage multiple servers.

Q: What video interface does the RKCONS1901 use?

A: The RKCONS1901 uses VGA (one VGA console interface port). It does not support HDMI or DisplayPort inputs. If your KVM switch outputs a different video standard, a compatible adapter will be required.

Q: What is the maximum supported resolution on the RKCONS1901?

A: The native maximum resolution is 1280×1024 (SXGA). For best image quality, set the connected system's output to match this native resolution.

Q: What rack depth is required to install the RKCONS1901?

A: The RKCONS1901 supports a mounting depth range of 19.7 inches (minimum) to 30.7 inches (maximum). Verify your rack's usable interior depth before ordering, especially for shallow-depth wall-mount or relay racks.

Q: What is the warranty on the RKCONS1901?

A: The RKCONS1901 carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

Q: Can the RKCONS1901 operate on international power?

A: Yes. The console's power supply auto-senses input voltage from 100V to 240V AC, making it compatible with standard mains power in North America, Europe, and most international markets without a step-down transformer.

Ted Perry

The spec I always point integrators to on the RKCONS1901 is the mounting depth range: 19.7 to 30.7 inches of adjustable rail travel. That range is wide enough to fit most 2-post relay racks and standard 4-post server cabinets without custom hardware, which removes one of the more common field headaches on console drawer installs. At 26.9 lbs, this is a heavier drawer than some IT teams expect — get a second person involved during rail installation to avoid a dropped unit or a strained back.

Technical Highlights:

• 19-Inch SXGA Panel (1280×1024): Native SXGA resolution is the right call for server console work — enough pixel density at 0.264mm pitch to read BIOS screens and terminal output clearly without eye strain during extended maintenance windows.
• 50,000-Hour MTBF: At typical data center console use patterns (intermittent access, not continuous display), this panel is effectively a fit-and-forget component over the life of most rack deployments.
• 17W Operating Draw: Negligible PDU impact. If you're sizing a rack PDU for a dense server deployment, this console won't register as a meaningful load — budget the draw for your servers and switches, not the console.

Deployment Considerations:

• The 6-foot integrated cable is fixed — not field-replaceable. Position your KVM switch within that run distance from the console drawer, or you'll need an extension which can introduce signal quality concerns on VGA at longer distances.
• Operating temperature ceiling is 40°C. This is fine for any properly conditioned server room, but rules out deployment in un-cooled telecom cabinets or industrial enclosures where ambient temps can spike well above that threshold.

The RKCONS1901 is the right fit for a managed data center or server room environment where IT staff need direct KVM console access during maintenance windows, firmware updates, or OS recovery — and where rack space is too valuable to dedicate a full 2U or more to a console station. It is not the right choice for shallow-depth enclosures under 19.7 inches or for any environment running above 40°C ambient.