Upgraded Sipeed NanoKVM-USB USB KVM solution gains 4K 60 FPS video capture and HDMI loop output

Sipeed has released a new variant of its NanoKVM-USB low-cost USB KVM adapter, which upgrades 2K 30 FPS capture and 4Kp30 loop out to 4K 60 FPS capture and 4Kp60 HDMI loop output.

The new NanoKVM-USB 4K keeps the same ports as the earlier model, with HDMI and USB-C inputs connected to the target, and another USB-C port that connects to the host, in order to remotely control the target with keyboard, mouse, and monitor emulation. A USB Type-A port that can switch between host and target modes is also implemented, for instance, to share a USB drive between the two systems.

NanoKVM USB 4K specifications:

• Video Input/Output
  • HDMI input up to 4Kp60 from target device
  • HDMI loop output up to 4Kp60 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 4Kp60 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 alloy enclosure)

Nothing has changed on the software front, and the new NanoKVM-USB 4K still does not require any additional software. Instead, you’d need a web browser with webSerial support, such as Google Chrome, and visit https://usbkvm.sipeed.com/ to access and configure your adapter. Documentation is available on the wiki for the older model. In the past, some people pointed out security and safety (power) issues with Sipeed solutions, and it’s not clear if those have been addressed in this new version, although the company has usually been responsive to constructive criticism.

I’m not convinced most people need an actual 4K 60 FPS USB KVM solution, and they would probably be fine with 1080p60 or 2K60. But maybe I’m wrong. However, there’s another advantage of using the new NanoKVM-USB 4K model. X user Nufissime mentions that the first-generation NanoKVM-USB works great in capture-only mode or loop-out-only mode, but when both are enabled at the same time, the text is unreadable at 2K resolution. Sipeed acknowledged this issue and confirmed that the second-generation NanoKVM-USB 4K can handle 4K60 capture and HDMI loop output at the same time.

The new NanoKVM-USB 4K is not sold standalone, but as part of a kit with a case and the cables you need to get started. It’s sold for $69 on AliExpress along with the previous generation models, so make sure you select the right model. If you are looking for an alternative shop, be aware that searching for “NanoKVM-USB 4K” will also return results for the first-generation model, which was advertised as 4K capable on many online stores. So make sure you get the right model before clicking on the “Buy” button.

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