StarTech CK4-P102 2-Port NIAP 4.0 Secure KVM Switch — DisplayPort 4K 60Hz

Overview

The StarTech CK4-P102 is a NIAP Protection Profile for Peripheral Sharing Devices (PSD) 4.0-certified secure KVM switch designed for environments where two computers at different classification levels must share a single DisplayPort monitor, keyboard, mouse, and audio peripherals — without any risk of cross-domain data leakage. This is not a commodity desktop KVM. It is purpose-built for government workstations, defense contractors, intelligence analysts, and regulated enterprise environments where IT security policy mandates hardware-enforced isolation between hosts.

At 4K 60Hz over DisplayPort, the CK4-P102 delivers the resolution and refresh rate that modern workstations demand — whether you're reviewing high-resolution satellite imagery, engineering CAD drawings, or running dual-classified terminal sessions. The metal chassis keeps it physically robust on or under a desk, and the 3-year warranty gives procurement teams the coverage they need for capital asset planning.

For integrators sourcing secure KVM switches for cleared facilities or SCIF-compliant workstation builds, this unit belongs on the shortlist. Also check the broader StarTech secure peripherals catalog for complementary accessories.

Key Features

• NIAP PSD 4.0 Certification: The CK4-P102 meets the most current NIAP Protection Profile for Peripheral Sharing Devices — the mandatory baseline for U.S. government and DoD multi-domain workstation deployments. Without this certification, a KVM switch is not permissible in classified environments. PSD 4.0 specifically addresses data channel isolation, anti-tampering, and optical data diode requirements that earlier profiles did not enforce.
• 4K 60Hz DisplayPort Video: Passes 3840×2160 at 60Hz — meaning no resolution compromise when switching between hosts. At 4K 60Hz, you get fluid display performance for both high-resolution analysis workloads and standard desktop tasks, with no downgrade to 30Hz that older secure KVMs imposed. One DisplayPort output connects your monitor; two DisplayPort inputs (one per host) feed the switch.
• 2-Computer, 1-Monitor Configuration: Switches exactly two computers through a single console — the right scope for a dual-classification analyst workstation. Expanding to more hosts requires a different model in the family; this unit is optimized for the 2-port use case with minimal surface area and cable clutter.
• 3x USB 2.0 Type-A Console Ports: Three USB 2.0 Type-A ports on the console side support keyboard, mouse, and a third peripheral (CAC reader, for example) simultaneously. All three are switched together when you flip between hosts — no manual reconnection. USB 2.0 is sufficient for HID devices and smart card readers; it won't support high-bandwidth USB storage, which is intentional in a secure KVM context.
• 4x USB 2.0 Type-B Host Connections: Two USB Type-B ports per host (four total) give each connected computer its dedicated data path. The hardware-isolated channels prevent any USB-path crosstalk between hosts — a core requirement of PSD 4.0.
• Analog Stereo Audio Switching: Two 3.5mm stereo jacks on the host side (one per computer) and a console audio output let you switch headset or speaker audio between machines alongside video and USB. If your workflow requires separate audio devices per classification level, this handles it in hardware — no software audio mixer needed.
• Metal Chassis Construction: The all-metal enclosure is not cosmetic — it contributes to RF shielding and physical tamper-resistance that plastic housings cannot provide. At 3.9 lb and 8.8 × 6.7 × 2.6 in, it sits cleanly on a desktop or can be secured under a surface in constrained workstation builds.
• LED Status Indicators: Visual confirmation of which host is active at a glance — critical in multi-domain environments where an operator must be certain which network they are working on before typing or transferring any data.
• Up to 19.7 ft Cable Runs: Supports cable lengths up to 19.7 ft between the switch and connected computers, giving you flexibility for under-desk or small server room deployments without signal degradation.

Integration and Compatibility

The CK4-P102 (often searched as CK4 P102) connects to any host with a DisplayPort output and USB Type-B interface — standard on modern workstations and most USFF or mini-PC form factors common in cleared facility builds. The console side requires a DisplayPort-capable monitor capable of 4K 60Hz input to take full advantage of the switch's video bandwidth; connecting a 1080p monitor will work but caps at that monitor's native resolution.

The three USB 2.0 Type-A console ports support standard HID-compliant keyboards and mice without requiring drivers. CAC readers and PIV smart card readers are common third peripherals in DoD environments — confirm your specific reader's USB 2.0 HID compatibility before deployment. High-speed USB storage devices are not the intended use case and may not function as expected through a NIAP PSD 4.0-compliant switch, which is by design.

Audio connectivity uses standard 3.5mm analog stereo — compatible with virtually any headset or active speaker system. No proprietary audio protocol is required.

For workstation builds that also need KVM cables and accessories, plan your DisplayPort cable quality carefully — at 4K 60Hz, cable quality matters more than at lower resolutions. Pair with a high-speed DisplayPort cable rated for 4K 60Hz (HBR3 / DP 1.4 bandwidth) on both host connections. Also review our secure workstation integration guide for NIAP-compliant peripheral selection considerations.

Operating environment is 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) with up to 80% non-condensing humidity — standard indoor office and workstation room conditions. Storage range extends to -20°C to 60°C for transport or staging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What NIAP certification level does the CK4-P102 hold?

A: The CK4-P102 is certified to NIAP Protection Profile for Peripheral Sharing Devices (PSD) version 4.0 — the current mandatory standard for multi-domain workstation peripherals in U.S. government and DoD environments.

Q: Does the CK4-P102 support 4K at 60Hz or only 30Hz?

A: The CK4-P102 supports 4K at 60Hz over DisplayPort — not limited to 30Hz. This is a meaningful distinction from older secure KVMs that capped at 4K 30Hz, which is noticeably less smooth for everyday desktop use.

Q: How many computers and monitors does the CK4-P102 support?

A: The CK4-P102 switches between 2 computers and outputs to 1 monitor. It is designed for a single dual-classification analyst workstation, not for multi-monitor or more-than-two-host configurations.

Q: Can I connect a CAC reader to the CK4-P102?

A: The console side provides 3 USB 2.0 Type-A ports — enough for keyboard, mouse, and a CAC/PIV smart card reader simultaneously. Confirm your specific reader is USB 2.0 HID-compliant. High-bandwidth USB storage devices are not the intended use case for a NIAP PSD 4.0-compliant switch.

Q: What is the warranty on the CK4-P102?

A: StarTech covers the CK4-P102 with a 3-year manufacturer warranty.

Q: What cable length does the CK4-P102 support between the switch and host computers?

A: The CK4-P102 supports a maximum cable length of 19.7 ft (6 meters) between the switch and connected host computers, giving reasonable flexibility for under-desk or nearby rack deployments.

Jerry Tildsen

The CK4-P102 is one of the few desktop KVM switches that actually satisfies procurement requirements for NIAP PSD 4.0 — and it does it at 4K 60Hz over DisplayPort, which matters more than it sounds. Most cleared facilities I've seen are still running older PSD 3.0 switches that cap video at 4K 30Hz or lower. Dropping to 4K 60Hz on the CK4-P102 eliminates the visual fatigue complaint that analysts raise after long sessions on lower-refresh hardware, and it's fully within the PSD 4.0 compliance boundary.

Technical Highlights:

• NIAP PSD 4.0: This is the current certification floor for DoD and IC multi-domain workstations — not optional, not negotiable. The CK4-P102 clears it, which is the first filter any procurement checklist should apply.
• 4K 60Hz DisplayPort output: Full 3840×2160 at 60Hz to a single monitor — no resolution or refresh rate penalty when switching between the two host computers. Most competitive units in this class still ship at 4K 30Hz.
• 3x USB 2.0 Type-A console ports: Enough for keyboard, mouse, and a CAC/PIV reader simultaneously — the exact peripheral set a cleared analyst workstation requires. All three switch atomically with host selection, no secondary switching needed.

Deployment Considerations:

• Plan your DisplayPort cables carefully — at 4K 60Hz, you need DP 1.4 (HBR3)-rated cables on both host connections. Standard DP 1.2 cables may introduce signal issues at this bandwidth. The 19.7 ft maximum cable length gives enough reach for under-desk routing but won't span a server room.
• The operating temperature range is 0°C to 40°C — strictly an indoor, climate-controlled environment. Do not deploy in comms rooms without adequate cooling; the metal chassis retains heat and the unit has no active cooling of its own.

The CK4-P102 is the right call for a two-host, single-monitor cleared analyst workstation — specifically where NIAP PSD 4.0 is written into the system security plan and 4K 60Hz display fidelity is required for imagery or engineering workflows. It is not sized for multi-monitor builds or more than two hosts; those scenarios need a different unit in the family.