What Is the KVM-21-DP-C?
The OREI KVM-21-DP-C is an 8K 2-port DisplayPort KVM switch with USB-C host connections and shared USB 3.0 peripheral ports. It allows two DisplayPort-enabled computers to share one DisplayPort monitor, along with shared USB devices such as a keyboard, mouse, USB drive, SSD, or other USB peripherals.
The KVM-21-DP-C is useful for users who want to control two computers from one workstation without constantly unplugging DisplayPort and USB devices.
The device supports DisplayPort 1.4 and DisplayPort 1.2, with a video bandwidth of up to 32.4Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz / 144Hz / 240Hz when the connected computers, monitor, and DisplayPort cables all support those formats. It also includes three USB-A 3.0 ports and one USB-C 3.0 port with up to 5Gbps data transfer speed for shared peripherals.
The KVM-21-DP-C supports switching using the top-panel button or the included wired remote control.
IMPORTANT — This Is a DisplayPort KVM, Not HDMI
The KVM-21-DP-C uses DisplayPort for video.
It does not have HDMI input or HDMI output ports.
Each computer must connect to the device using:
- DisplayPort for video
- USB-C 3.0 for USB data / KVM control
The display must connect using DisplayPort.
If your computer or display only has HDMI, you may use HDMI to DisplayPort adapters, but compatibility is not confirmed and we advise against it.
IMPORTANT — Each Computer Needs Both DisplayPort and USB-C Connected
Each computer needs two connections to the KVM-21-DP-C:
- DisplayPort cable for video
- USB-C cable for keyboard, mouse, and USB device sharing
If only the DisplayPort cable is connected, you will get video, but the keyboard, mouse, and shared USB devices will not work with that computer.
For proper KVM operation, connect both the DisplayPort and USB-C host cable for PC1 and PC2.
IMPORTANT — 8K@60Hz Requires DP 1.4 Equipment and Short Cables
To use 8K@60Hz, the full setup must support 8K video.
This includes:
- The computer or graphics card
- The DisplayPort cable
- The monitor
We recommend using DP 1.4 cables within 5ft / 1.5m for both input and output when using 8K@60Hz.
If the display flickers, shows screen splash, or loses signal, use a shorter DP 1.4 cable or lower the resolution from the computer.
IMPORTANT — High-Power USB Devices May Need External Power
The KVM-21-DP-C can share USB devices through its USB-A and USB-C ports.
However, some high-power devices such as external HDDs or SSDs may require more power than the KVM can provide through USB alone.
If a USB external hard drive requires more than 2.5W / 5V 500mA, it may not work properly unless external DC power is connected.
If a USB flash drive works but an external hard drive does not, connect external DC power to the KVM or use a lower-power USB device.
Ports and Panel Layout
| Port / LED / Button | Location | Function |
| Control Port | Front panel | Connects the included wired remote control using the 2.5mm jack |
| USB-C 5Gbps Device Port | Front panel | Connects USB-C devices such as USB-C flash drives or SSDs |
| USB-A 3.0 5Gbps Ports | Front panel | Connect shared USB devices such as keyboard, mouse, USB drives, or SSDs |
| SELECT Button | Top panel | Switches between PC1 and PC2 |
| PC1 / PC2 LEDs | Top panel | Shows which computer is selected |
| USB-C DC Power Port | Rear panel | External DC power input to power the KVM Switch. |
| DisplayPort OUT | Rear panel | Connects to the DisplayPort monitor or projector |
| IN 1 DisplayPort | Rear panel | DisplayPort video input for Computer 1 |
| IN 1 USB-C 3.0 | Rear panel | USB/KVM host connection for Computer 1 |
| IN 2 DisplayPort | Rear panel | DisplayPort video input for Computer 2 |
| IN 2 USB-C 3.0 | Rear panel | USB/KVM host connection for Computer 2 |
Step-by-Step Setup
- Connect the DisplayPort OUT port on the KVM-21-DP-C to your DisplayPort monitor or projector.
- Connect Computer 1 DisplayPort output to IN 1 DisplayPort on the KVM.
- Connect Computer 1 USB-C port to the IN 1 USB-C 3.0 host port on the KVM.
- Connect Computer 2 DisplayPort output to IN 2 DisplayPort on the KVM.
- Connect Computer 2 USB-C port to the IN 2 USB-C 3.0 host port on the KVM.
- Connect your keyboard, mouse, USB drive, SSD, or other shared USB devices to the USB-A 3.0 or USB-C 3.0 device ports.
- Connect the wired remote control to the Control port if you want remote switching.
- If using high-power USB devices such as an external HDD or SSD, connect external DC power to the KVM power input.
- Turn on the computers and monitor.
- Use the SELECT button or wired remote control to switch between PC1 and PC2.
DisplayPort and USB Cable Requirement — Critical
For 8K@60Hz, use high-quality DisplayPort 1.4 cables and keep the input and output cables within 5ft / 1.5m.
For 4K@60Hz or 1080p, the DisplayPort cable length may reach up to 3m depending on cable quality and setup.
Poor-quality or longer DisplayPort cables may cause:
- Screen splash
- Flickering
- No signal
- Black screen
- Resolution dropouts
- 8K not working
- 4K high refresh rate not working
For USB sharing, use USB-C 3.0 cables for the computer host connections.
Understanding PC1 and PC2 Switching
The KVM-21-DP-C lets two computers share one DisplayPort display and shared USB peripherals.
When PC1 is selected, the monitor and USB devices are assigned to Computer 1.
When PC2 is selected, the monitor and USB devices are assigned to Computer 2.
| Selected Input | LED Behavior |
| PC1 | PC1 LED and SELECT button light blue |
| PC2 | PC2 LED and SELECT button light green |
Use the top-panel SELECT button or the included wired remote control to switch between computers.
Understanding USB Sharing
The KVM-21-DP-C includes:
- Three USB-A 3.0 ports
- One USB-C 3.0 port
These ports support up to 5Gbps data transfer speed and can be used for shared USB devices such as:
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- USB flash drive
- USB SSD
- External hard drive
- USB audio device
- Printer
- Webcam
- Other USB peripherals
High-power USB devices may need external DC power or a powered USB hub.
Understanding External DC Power
The DC Power port is used when the USB device load is high.
This port can be connected to an external DC power cable or adapter for full-load use of the USB-A and USB-C ports, or when connecting high-power devices such as SSDs or HDDs.
A DC power adapter is not included.
What Computers Is the KVM-21-DP-C Compatible With?
The KVM-21-DP-C is compatible with computers that have DisplayPort video output and USB-C connectivity for KVM/USB data.
Compatible computer examples include:
- Desktop PCs with DisplayPort output
- Gaming PCs with DisplayPort output
- Workstations with DisplayPort output
- Mini PCs with DisplayPort output
- Laptops with DisplayPort output
For 8K@60Hz or high-refresh-rate 4K, the computer’s graphics card must support the selected resolution and refresh rate.
What Displays Is the KVM-21-DP-C Compatible With?
The KVM-21-DP-C can be connected to DisplayPort displays such as:
- 8K monitors
- 4K high-refresh-rate monitors
- Gaming monitors
- Professional displays
- Projectors with DisplayPort input
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the OREI KVM-21-DP-C used for?
A: The KVM-21-DP-C is a KVM Switch used to control two DisplayPort computers with one DisplayPort monitor and shared USB peripherals.
Q: Is this an HDMI KVM?
A: No. This model uses DisplayPort for video. It does not have HDMI input or HDMI output.
Q: Does it support dual monitors?
A: No. This model has one DisplayPort output and does not support a dual-monitor setup.
Q: Does the KVM-21-DP-C support 8K?
A: Yes. It supports video resolutions up to 8K@60Hz when the computer, DisplayPort cables, and monitor all support it.
Q: Does it support 4K@240Hz?
A: Yes. The manual lists support for 4K@120Hz, 4K@144Hz, and 4K@240Hz when the connected equipment supports those formats.
Q: What DisplayPort cable should I use for 8K@60Hz?
A: Use a standard DisplayPort 1.4 cable or better. For 8K@60Hz, we recommend keeping input and output cables within 5ft / 1.5m.
Q: Why do I have video, but my keyboard and mouse do not work?
A: Make sure the USB-C 3.0 host cable is connected from the selected computer to the matching IN 1 or IN 2 USB-C port on the KVM.
Q: Can I connect USB drives or SSDs?
A: Yes. The KVM includes three USB-A 3.0 ports and one USB-C 3.0 port for shared USB devices.
Q: Why does my USB flash drive work but my external hard drive does not?
A: The external hard drive may require more power than the KVM can provide. Connect external DC power to the KVM Switch or use a powered USB hub.
Q: Does the KVM include a power adapter?
A: No. A DC power cable or adapter is not included.
Q: What is the DC power port used for?
A: It is used for full-load USB operation or high-power USB devices such as SSDs or HDDs.
Q: Does it support audio?
A: Yes. DisplayPort audio formats include LPCM, DTS, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby TrueHD, depending on the connected computer and display.
Q: Does it require drivers?
A: Driver installation is not required to use the KVM-21-DP-C.
Q: Can I use HDMI to DisplayPort or HDMI to DP adapters?
A: HDMI to DisplayPort (DP) adapters may work but compatibility is not guaranteed and we do not recommend using them. If you need an HDMI-based KVM Switch, you may use the UKM-201-C, UKM-201-2C, or the UKM-401.
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