SmartAVI

SmartAVI SKM-08S

Name: SmartAVI SKM-08S (8 Computers / VGA-USB Rack-Mount KVM Switch)
Brand: SmartAVI
SKU: SKM-08S

Expert rating7 / 10

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Manufacturer: SmartAVI Last updated: September 12, 2026

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SmartAVI SKM-08S Review

The SmartAVI SKM-08S is an 8-port VGA rack-mount KVM switch with RS-232 serial control alongside pushbutton and hotkey switching, priced on request.

SmartAVI aims the SKM series at server rooms wanting a straightforward 1U 8-port switch with the option of scripted RS-232 automation, a feature that basic pushbutton switches like the ATEN CS84U don't offer at all.

Scriptable Switching via RS-232

The RS-232 serial control port lets automation scripts or a remote terminal server trigger port changes programmatically, useful in server rooms that script routine maintenance windows across many machines.

Eight Ports in a Single Rack Unit

Packing 8 VGA ports into a 1U enclosure keeps rack space efficient for facilities that need broad coverage without dedicating multiple units to KVM switching.

Comparison to Alternatives

Versus the Black Box Wizard KV2004A - only 4 ports but with an OSD menu, appropriate for smaller racks that value on-screen naming over RS-232 scripting. Versus the Raloy RSA-4K - a similarly 8-port switch but with modern HDMI/4K video instead of VGA. Versus the Raritan Dominion KX III - scales far beyond 8 ports with full IP remote access, appropriate once local-only switching isn't enough.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating7 / 10

A capable 8-port VGA rack switch whose RS-232 scripting sets it apart from basic pushbutton competitors.

Best for

Server rooms wanting scriptable RS-232 automation of port switching
1U rack deployments needing 8-port VGA coverage in minimal space
IT teams standardized on legacy VGA who need serial-controlled switching

Not for

Modern HDMI/DisplayPort/4K server deployments
Desktop users wanting a small non-rack switch
Facilities needing remote IP-based access rather than local switching

Specifications

What these specs mean

Design

Port Count	8
Switching Method	Front-panel pushbutton, hotkey, RS-232 serial control

Topology

KVM Segment	Rack

Video & Features

Video Standard	VGA
Max Resolution	1920x1440
USB Hub Ports	0
Audio Support	No

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the SmartAVI SKM-08S (8 Computers / VGA-USB Rack-Mount KVM Switch)?

The SmartAVI SKM-08S (8 Computers / VGA-USB Rack-Mount KVM Switch) is a KVM switch from SmartAVI. Key specs: Port Count 8 computers, Switching Method Front-panel pushbutton, hotkey, RS-232 serial control, Video Standard VGA, Max Resolution 1920x1440, USB Hub Ports 0 (PS/2 and USB console ports).

Who is the SmartAVI SKM-08S (8 Computers / VGA-USB Rack-Mount KVM Switch) best suited to?

Best suited to: Server rooms wanting scriptable RS-232 automation of port switching; 1U rack deployments needing 8-port VGA coverage in minimal space; IT teams standardized on legacy VGA who need serial-controlled switching.

What are the drawbacks of the SmartAVI SKM-08S (8 Computers / VGA-USB Rack-Mount KVM Switch)?

Not the best fit for: Modern HDMI/DisplayPort/4K server deployments; Desktop users wanting a small non-rack switch; Facilities needing remote IP-based access rather than local switching.