Openterface Mini-KVM is an affordable KVM-over-USB device (Crowdfunding)

Openterface Mini-KVM compact, open-source hardware KVM-over-USB device with HDMI and audio inputs which connects over a USB-C port to the host computer.

We’ve seen quite a few low-cost KVM-over-IP solutions based on single board computers over the years, but the Openterface Mini-KVM is quite different (and cheaper) as a plug-and-play and network-independent KVM-over-USB device that establishes a direct HDMI and USB connection between the host computer and the target device. It supports many of the same features as KVM-over-IP solutions except for some features such as ATX support found in the PiKVM v4 Plus or the Pi-Cast KVM with an expansion board that allows the target device to be turned off and from the host device.

Mini-KVM (model LIG03D01) specifications:

• Control method – KVM-over-USB
• Video capture – Up to 1920×1080 @ 30 Hz with under 140ms latency through HDMI or VGA (the latter requires an add-on VGA-to-HDMI cable)
• Audio capture – Via HDMI
• Text transfer – Text can be sent from the host to the target device via emulated keyboard output. Useful for copying usernames, passwords, or code snippets.
• USB Port – USB 2.0 Type-A port switchable to the host or target to transfer files to/from a USB driver or share other USB devices
• BIOS access – Direct access to the target device’s BIOS for firmware updates and startup management.
• Power Supply – Via USB-C from the host computer
• Dimensions – 61 x 53 x 13.5 mm
• Weight – 48 grams

The host application will soon be available for macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android. You will be able to follow the development for each app and access the hardware design files on GitHub in the following repositories (currently all empty):

• Openterface_MacOS – Host Applications for MacOS
• Openterface_QT – Host Applications for Windows and Linux
• Openterface_Android – Host Applications for Android Support
• Openterface_Mini-KVM_Hardware – Hardware Design, Schematics and Components

The company (TECHxARTISAN) says the KVM-over-USB solution can be useful for IT professionals troubleshooting servers, technicians servicing ATMs, VLTs, and kiosks, developers managing edge computing devices, tech enthusiasts experimenting with single-board computers, professionals requiring secure local operations on network segregation, such as those managing crypto assets, or anyone in need of frequently integrated workflows between personal and work computers. It looks especially useful for accessing headless hardware with a laptop without additional display, keyboard, and mouse.

The Mini-KVM kit is quite cheaper than the StarTech Crash Cart NOTECONS02 KVM-over-USB device that supports VGA input and sells for about $400, as well as KVM-over-IP solutions although they did not exactly select the cheapest option in this comparison table…

The company has just launched the Mini-KVM on Crowd Supply with a $12,000 goal that has already been surpassed. Two main rewards are available:

• $79 Openterface Mini-KVM with Quick Start Guide
• $99 Openterface Mini-KVM Toolkit with the same items as in the $79 reward, plus a 30cm HDMI male-to-male cable, a 30cm USB-C male to USB-A male cable with USB-A female to USB-C male adapter, a 1.5-meter USB-C male-to-male cable, and a toolkit bag.

There’s also a VGA + audio to HDMI converter that could be useful for server systems or older systems that only come with a VGA port. Shipping adds $8 to the US, and $18 to the rest of the world. Backers should expect their perks to ship by the end of September 2024 if everything goes according to plans. Additional details might also be found on the project’s website.

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