Sipeed NanoKVM-USB is an inexpensive and tiny full HD USB KVM solution with HDMI and USB-C inputs connected to the target, and another USB-C port that connects to the host remotely controlling the target with keyboard, mouse, and monitor emulation. The NanoKVM-USB also features a USB Type-A port that can be switched between host and target modes, for instance, to share a USB drive between the two computers.
That’s the third KVM solution from Sipeed after the original NanoKVM KVM-over-IP cube relying on Ethernet connectivity to the host and the NanoKVM-PCIe that takes its power from a PCIe slot in the target machine while using Ethernet or WiFi 6 for connectivity to the host machine. The NanoKVM-USB does without Ethernet or WiFi and instead relies on USB to control additional machines with a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor – or laptop – shared between the host and the target(s).
NanoKVM USB specifications:
- Video Input/Output
- HDMI input up to 4Kp30 from target device; 50 to 100ms latency
- HDMI loop output up to 4Kp30 for optional connection to a monitor
- USB
- USB Type-C port for connection to the target device for keyboard/mouse emulation
- USB 3.0 Type-C port for connection to the host to transmit video up to 2Kp30 and keyboard/mouse data
- USB Type-A port for USB peripherals like a flash drive or external hard drive
- Misc – Switch to switch USB Type-A port between Host and Target control
- Power Supply – 5V via USB-C port.
- Dimensions – 57 x 25 x 23 mm (aluminum allow enclosure; black, blue, or red enclosure)
Using the NanoKVM-USB is pretty easy. First, connect a USB cable to one of the host’s USB 3.0 ports, then connect the target HDMI output to the HDMI input of the device and a USB port to the target USB port. You may optionally connect a monitor to HDMI output, and a USB device to the USB-A port.
That’s it for the hardware connections. The NanoKVM-USB does not require any additional software since you can access it through a web browser with webSerial support like Google Chrome by simply going to https://usbkvm.sipeed.com/ and from there you’d have access to the desktop or terminal of the target, whatever it outputted to HDMI. You’ll find some documentation on the wiki, but since it’s quite a simpler device than the company’s KVM-over-IP solutions there’s not too much there…
The NanoKVM-USB can be purchased for $39.99 on AliExpress without cables, or there’s a $49.99 bundle with a case and the cables you need to get started. Alternatively, Sipeed’s USB KVM device can also be purchased on Amazon for $49.49 after ticking on the 10% discount box, but that’s before shipping and taxes. Note that it might be shipping from China because delivery is expected by April 18-28, 2025 if the order is placed today (February 14).
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Be careful with Sipeed
Response to concerns about NanoKVM security · Issue #301 · sipeed/NanoKVM
It looks like they are working on fixing some of the issues:
https://x.com/SipeedIO/status/1890295990139384146
The USB model covered here should not be impacted though.
I like the principle. I carry in my computer bag an HDMI->USB adapter that sometimes helps me see the screen of a non-booting machine, but it still requires an extra keyboard, and I have been missing the ability to use my laptop’s keyboard in an application that would send events to the device. This solution would completely cover this occasional use case.
All You need is any UART + CH9329 🙂
Oh thanks a lot for the reference, I had never heard about this device! I just ordered one. I found that the doc is lacking a lot, but have found a few partial implementations that are worth testing.