If you work with multiple computer systems, you likely use at least one Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) switch. A KVM switch allows you to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse. Traditional KVMs operate independently of the operating system running on the controlled computer, allowing you to access the BIOS or UEFI firmware, reinstall operating systems, or troubleshoot machines that refuse to boot. This capability becomes incredibly valuable when managing racks of headless servers located thousands of miles away.
The downside is that KVM switches can be quite expensive—anything designed for rack use tends to carry a steep price tag. They can also be surprisingly finicky and often require upgrades as computer interfaces evolve. Today, USB is ubiquitous, but not that long ago, PS/2 was the standard. If you work with a mix of old and new systems, finding a KVM that supports every combination can become a real challenge. Be particularly cautious with adapters: while it’s often possible to convert from one physical connector to another, inexpensive passive adapters rarely work as expected. More often than not, you’ll discover that you actually need an obscure active adapter that costs a small fortune.
Because of this, I have a love-hate relationship with KVMs. They solve a very real problem, but they also tend to age quickly as interfaces evolve. A few years ago, I noticed a Kickstarter campaign for a modern IP KVM featuring a rather stylish touchscreen. The reviews were excellent, but at the time I couldn’t quite justify backing the project. During the recent Amazon Prime Day, however, I found the GL.iNet GL-RM10 Comet Pro at an impressive 40% discount. That was enough to convince me to purchase two units.
The GL.iNet Comet Pro (here) is a compact remote KVM powered by a Quad-Core Cortex-A53 processor, equipped with 1 GB of DDR3 memory and 32 GB of eMMC storage. The integrated touchscreen is more than a gimmick—it lets you quickly view the unit’s IP address, perform the initial setup, configure Wi-Fi, and manage a few basic settings without needing another computer. The device supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet, and provides lossless HDMI passthrough with video resolutions up to 4K at 30 fps.
These modern KVMs are not a replacement for my traditional eight-port rack-mounted KVM, and they aren’t trying to be. My existing KVM still excels at managing multiple legacy systems from a single console, even though it only supports PS/2 and VGA. The Comet Pro, on the other hand, shines in a different role: as a single appliance permanently attached to a modern computer, accessible from anywhere over the network. That is precisely the use case I had in mind when I purchased two of them.
Each KVM connects to a single computer and can be managed through a standard web browser. Network connectivity can be provided via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet, making deployment highly flexible. Most of the device’s configuration is performed through its web interface, and I’ve included screenshots of the settings I found the most useful.
I won’t attempt to cover every feature of the Comet Pro—you can easily find comprehensive specifications and reviews online—but two capabilities deserve special mention.
The first is virtual media. You can upload an ISO image directly to the KVM and present it to the controlled computer as though a USB DVD drive had just been connected. Installing an operating system, booting recovery tools, updating firmware, or running diagnostics remotely suddenly becomes trivial.
The second feature is its flexibility for secure remote access. The Comet Pro works well with solutions such as Tailscale, ZeroTier, and NetBird, allowing secure access without exposing the device directly to the Internet. Naturally, if you already have a VPN infrastructure in place, that works perfectly as well.
Rather than demonstrating the KVM using yet another mini-PC—or even my Dual Pentium Pro workstation—I decided to have a little fun. The screenshots in today’s post come from a Macintosh 128K, the original Macintosh introduced in 1984.
Of course, that sounds impossible. The original Macintosh has neither HDMI output nor USB, and this KVM certainly doesn’t support Apple’s ADB interface. For this demonstration, I instead relied on the excellent Pico Mac project, which faithfully emulates the original Macintosh using a Raspberry Pi Pico. If you’re interested, you can learn more about it here.
I thought this would be a fun way to demonstrate the KVM while paying tribute to one of the most influential personal computers ever built.
To complete today’s trip down memory lane, I’ve also included a few original articles from Byte and Science & Vie Micro magazines covering the Macintosh launch, allowing you to experience the excitement that readers felt back in 1984. I did 😊.
Enjoy this little blast from the past! 😊