StarTech SV231DDVDUA 2-Port DVI/VGA USB KVM Switch with USB 2.0 Hub

Overview

The StarTech SV231DDVDUA is a 2-port KVM switch that lets one operator control two computers — keyboard, mouse, and monitor — from a single desk. It supports both DVI and VGA video outputs simultaneously, making it a practical fit for mixed-display environments where one PC drives a DVI monitor and another drives VGA, or where a single display needs to be shared across both connection types. With a maximum resolution of 1920x1200, it handles widescreen monitors at full native resolution without compromising image quality. If you're managing a dual-PC workstation, a primary/secondary server setup, or a control room console where two machines need to share one operator interface, the SV231DDVDUA handles the job without requiring a separate KVM per machine.

For teams managing KVM switches across a broader StarTech product line, this unit fits into desktop or small-rack console sharing environments where simplicity and reliability matter more than high port counts.

Key Features

• Dual Video Output — DVI (Single Link) + VGA: Both ports are active simultaneously, so you can connect a DVI monitor and a VGA monitor at the same time — or route to a display that accepts either. Single-link DVI supports resolutions up to 1920x1200 at full fidelity. No adapters needed if your existing displays are a mix of legacy VGA and modern DVI.
• 1920x1200 Maximum Resolution: Full WUXGA resolution — that's the native res of 24-inch professional monitors and most widescreen displays in control room or engineering workstation contexts. You won't be pixel-limited switching between machines; both systems render at full native output.
• USB Interface for Keyboard and Mouse: Both PCs connect via USB, which means broad compatibility without needing PS/2 adapters or legacy ports. Works across any system with USB ports — Linux, Windows, and macOS — without requiring driver installation, because the switch operates as a USB HID device the OS recognizes natively.
• Built-In 2-Port USB 2.0 Hub: The integrated hub lets you share two USB peripherals (a USB drive, printer, or card reader, for example) between both connected PCs, switching them along with the keyboard and mouse. This removes the need for a separate hub on the desk and keeps the workspace cleaner.
• Push Button and Hotkey Port Selection: Switch between machines with the front-panel push button or a keyboard hotkey sequence — no reaching for a mouse, no delays waiting for the display to handshake. For operators who switch frequently during a shift, hotkey switching is faster and less disruptive.
• OS Independent Operation: No drivers required on any connected system. The SV231DDVDUA presents itself as standard USB HID to each host, so it works with any OS that supports USB keyboards and mice — including embedded systems, thin clients, and Linux-based security appliances where installing third-party drivers isn't an option.
• Steel Chassis Construction: The enclosure is steel rather than plastic — relevant in environments where the KVM sits on a busy desk, gets bumped, or needs to survive next to industrial equipment. At 1.7 lb, it stays put without being heavy enough to be a problem on a cable tray or console shelf.
• Wide-Range AC Input (100–240V): The internal power supply accepts any standard AC voltage globally, drawing 0.8A and consuming 18W at peak. No voltage selector switch, no external brick swap needed if this unit moves between facilities or is deployed internationally.
• Compact Form Factor: At 6.3 x 3.9 x 2.2 inches, it fits on a desk without dominating the workspace. For KVM accessories like rack shelves or mounting trays, the footprint is small enough to co-locate with a monitor arm base or on a compact console shelf.
• Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°C: Rated for standard indoor environments — appropriate for control rooms, server closets with HVAC, and office workstations. Not rated for unheated spaces or outdoor enclosures.

Integration and Compatibility

The SV231DDVDUA is OS independent, meaning it will work with Windows, Linux, macOS, and any other operating system that enumerates standard USB HID devices — which includes virtually every modern OS. Because no drivers are required, it integrates cleanly into locked-down enterprise environments where software installation policies restrict third-party utilities.

The DVI output is Single Link, which supports resolutions up to 1920x1200. If your monitors require Dual Link DVI (typically for resolutions above 1920x1200, such as 2560x1600), this unit is not the right fit — you'd need a Dual Link DVI KVM. For environments running standard 1080p or WUXGA displays, Single Link DVI is sufficient. Pair with a KVM cable set to complete the installation; verify cable lengths match your desk layout before ordering.

The integrated USB 2.0 hub supports peripheral sharing at USB 2.0 speeds — adequate for flash drives, input devices, and most peripherals, but not suitable for high-bandwidth USB 3.0 devices like external SSDs or high-speed capture cards. Plan accordingly if USB 3.0 peripheral sharing is a requirement in your workflow.

For buyers managing dual-workstation deployments as part of a broader desktop KVM switch strategy, the SV231DDVDUA covers the 2-port use case at the DVI/VGA generation of display technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the SV231DDVDUA require drivers to operate?

A: No. The SV231DDVDUA is OS independent and operates as a standard USB HID device. No driver installation is required on any connected computer, including Linux-based systems and embedded operating systems.

Q: What is the maximum resolution supported by the SV231DDVDUA?

A: The maximum resolution is 1920x1200 (WUXGA). The DVI output is Single Link, which supports this resolution at full fidelity. Dual Link DVI resolutions above 1920x1200 are not supported.

Q: Can I share USB peripherals between both computers with the SV231DDVDUA?

A: Yes. The SV231DDVDUA includes a built-in 2-port USB 2.0 hub that switches shared USB peripherals along with the keyboard and mouse. Note that the hub operates at USB 2.0 speeds — it is not suitable for high-bandwidth USB 3.0 devices.

Q: How do I switch between computers on the SV231DDVDUA?

A: You can switch using the front-panel push button or via keyboard hotkey sequences. Both methods are supported without requiring any software on the host machines.

Q: What is the warranty on the SV231DDVDUA?

A: The SV231DDVDUA carries a 3-year manufacturer warranty.

Q: Does the SV231DDVDUA work with both DVI and VGA monitors simultaneously?

A: Yes. The unit provides both a DVI (Single Link) and a VGA video output, and both can be active at the same time — useful for mixed-display environments or for connecting to a monitor that accepts either input type.

Marty Allison

The SV231DDVDUA comes up most often in control room and dual-workstation scenarios where the operator needs to manage two machines without a second keyboard and monitor cluttering the desk. The built-in 2-port USB 2.0 hub is the detail most buyers overlook — it means peripheral sharing is already solved without adding another device to the power strip. At 18W power consumption and a steel chassis, this is a unit built to run continuously in a staffed environment, not a consumer-grade switcher that's going to fail after a year of daily use.

Technical Highlights:

• 1920x1200 Resolution Support: Single Link DVI tops out here, which covers every standard 24-inch and smaller widescreen display in production today. If both connected PCs drive 1080p or WUXGA monitors, you're fully covered with no signal degradation at the switch.
• 100–240V AC Input: The wide-range power supply means zero voltage compatibility issues across North American and international facilities — useful for integrators who standardize on one model across multiple customer sites in different regions.
• OS-Independent USB HID Operation: No driver requirement means you can drop this into a locked-down Windows Server environment, a Linux security appliance console, or a macOS workstation without touching software policy. That's a real time-saver during deployment in managed enterprise environments.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify your monitor inputs before ordering — the DVI port is Single Link only. If either connected display requires Dual Link DVI (resolutions above 1920x1200), this unit won't drive it correctly and you'll need a different model.
• The USB hub operates at USB 2.0 speeds. If your workflow involves sharing a USB 3.0 external drive or high-speed peripheral between both machines, the hub will bottleneck transfer rates. Use a separate USB 3.0 hub for those devices.

The SV231DDVDUA is a practical fit for security operations centers and IT admin desks where one operator runs a primary workstation and a secondary server console side by side — the hotkey switching keeps the workflow fast, the steel chassis handles the desk environment, and the integrated USB hub keeps peripheral count manageable without adding complexity.