SmartAVI

SmartAVI SKMN-8S 8-Port Secure KM Switch with KB/Mouse USB Emulation

Expert rating7.7 / 10

Port Count:: 8
Video Standard:: N/A (KM only, no video)

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Manufacturer: SmartAVI Last updated: 2026-09-12

SmartAVI SKMN-8S 8-Port Secure KM Switch with KB/Mouse USB Emulation Review

SmartAVI SKMN-8S secure 8-port KM switch keyboard mouse USB emulation eight computer classified network operations center

The SKMN-8S scales the same isolated KM-only design up to eight computers, which is the sweet spot for a watch-floor operator who needs one keyboard and mouse across a full bank of independently classified systems without any of them sharing a video path.

Built for Dense Watch Floors

Eight ports on a single front-panel selector means an operator can walk a rotation of eight networks without touching a second input device, while each host still enumerates a stable emulated keyboard/mouse rather than juggling driver re-enumeration.

Pairing with Video Matrices

Because it's KM-only, the SKMN-8S is commonly deployed alongside a secure video matrix like the SX82PH-4 or SX82PHU-4, which independently handles the 8-port display side while this unit handles input.

Comparison to Alternatives

The Belkin Advanced Secure KVM can be configured up to 16 ports but bundles full video switching and costs considerably more; the SKMN-8S is the leaner option when video is already solved elsewhere. Compared to the SmartAVI SKMN-8S-P, it skips the CAC reader port for sites that don't need switched smart-card authentication.

Our verdict

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

Expert rating7.7 / 10

A cost-effective way to put eight classified systems behind one keyboard and mouse when video switching is handled by a separate secure matrix.

Best for

8-system SOC/NOC watch floors with independent video matrices
Analysts rotating across eight isolated classified networks
Facilities wanting isolated USB HID switching without CAC overhead

Not for

Sites requiring CAC/PIV switching (use the SKMN-8S-P instead)
Desks needing bundled video switching in the same unit
Smaller 4-system setups where the SKMN-4S is more cost-effective

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

Brand	SmartAVI
Model Number	SKMN-8S
Switching Method	Front-panel pushbutton

Topology

Computers Supported	8 computers
KVM Segment	Secure

Video & Features

Video Standard	N/A (KM only, no video)
USB Hub Ports	2
Audio Support	No

In the box and price

Price	815.73 USD

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the SmartAVI SKMN-8S 8-Port Secure KM Switch with KB/Mouse USB Emulation?

Key specs for the SmartAVI SKMN-8S 8-Port Secure KM Switch with KB/Mouse USB Emulation: Audio Support No, Switching Method Front-panel pushbutton, Video Standard N/A (KM only, no video), Data Isolation Isolated USB HID emulation, no data buffering, CAC/Smart Card Support No, Security Certification NIAP listing archived (IPGARD SDVN/SDPN/SDHN/SKMN series, last listed 2019-10-18).

Who is the SmartAVI SKMN-8S 8-Port Secure KM Switch with KB/Mouse USB Emulation best suited to?

Best suited to: 8-system SOC/NOC watch floors with independent video matrices; Analysts rotating across eight isolated classified networks; Facilities wanting isolated USB HID switching without CAC overhead.

What are the drawbacks of the SmartAVI SKMN-8S 8-Port Secure KM Switch with KB/Mouse USB Emulation?

Not the best fit for: Sites requiring CAC/PIV switching (use the SKMN-8S-P instead); Desks needing bundled video switching in the same unit; Smaller 4-system setups where the SKMN-4S is more cost-effective.