UKM-301C Overview and Use Cases – OREI

What Is the UKM-301C?

The OREI UKM-301C is a 3-input, 1-output HDMI and USB-C KVM switch. It allows you to connect up to three laptops or computers to one display and share one keyboard and mouse for control.

The UKM-301C is useful for home, office, and desktop workstation setups where users want to switch between multiple computer devices without constantly reconnecting cables.

The unit includes:

1 USB-C input
2 HDMI + USB-A inputs
1 HDMI output
2 USB ports for keyboard and mouse sharing

The UKM-301C supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2, with video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz. It also supports USB-C to HDMI video signal input, Samsung DeX mode, Huawei desktop mode, and USB-C charging up to 5V/1.5A.

IMPORTANT — USB-C Video Requires DP Alt Mode or Thunderbolt

The USB-C input on the UKM-301C requires the connected USB-C device to support video output through USB-C.

This is commonly called DisplayPort Alt Mode or DP Alt Mode.

Not every USB-C port supports video. Some USB-C ports only support charging or data transfer.

If a USB-C laptop, or computer does not show video through the UKM-301C, check whether that device supports DP Alt Mode or video output over USB-C.

MacBooks have Thunderbolt ports instead of DP Alt Mode port which would also work.

IMPORTANT — USB-C Input Needs a USB 3.1 Gen 1 or higher USB-C Cable

For the USB-C input to work properly, use a USB-C to USB-C cable that supports video transmission.

The USB-C cable should meet at least the USB 3.1 Gen 1 / 5Gbps specification with support video transmission. For MacBooks, use a Thunderbolt 3/4 compatible cable.

A regular USB-C cable like the one that comes with the charger will not work.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Inputs Need USB Connection for Keyboard and Mouse Control

For the computers or laptops connected to Input 2 or Input 3, video is carried through HDMI, but keyboard and mouse control requires a separate USB-A connection from the computer or laptop to the UKM-301C.

For example:

HDMI from PC to Input 2 carries video
USB-A from the same PC to the matching USB port allows keyboard and mouse control

If HDMI is connected but the USB cable is not connected, you may get video, but the keyboard and mouse will not control that computer.

IMPORTANT — USB-C Input Can Be Used for Phones, Tablets, and Computers

The USB-C input supports compatible USB-C devices such as Android phones/tablets, iPad Pro, Windows PCs/laptops, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro, as long as the USB-C port supports video output.

The UKM-301C can be used with Samsung DeX mode and Huawei desktop mode, allowing compatible phones to work like a desktop computer when connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

IMPORTANT — USB-C Charging Is Limited to 5V/1.5A

The USB-C input can provide charging up to 5V/1.5A.

This can help maintain battery power for connected USB-C devices, but it should not be treated as high-wattage laptop charging.

For laptops or higher-power devices, use the original charger if the device requires more power than 5V/1.5A.

Ports and Panel Layout

Port / Button	Location	Function
USB-C Input 1	Front panel	Connect a computer or laptop that supports DP Alt Mode or Thunderbolt technology.
HDMI Input 2	Rear panel	Connect a PC, laptop through its HDMI port
USB-A Port for Input 2	Rear panel	Connect a USB cable to the computer’s USB port
HDMI Input 3	Rear panel	Connect a PC, laptop through its HDMI port
USB-A Port for Input 3	Rear panel	Connect a USB cable to the computer’s USB port
HDMI Output	Rear panel	Connect to the TV, monitor, or projector
USB Port 1	Rear panel	Connect a USB peripheral such as Keyboard, Mouse, USB hub, etc.
USB Port 2	Rear panel	Connect a USB peripheral such as Keyboard, Mouse, USB hub, etc.
Micro USB Power Port	Rear panel	Connect the included DC 5V/3A power adapter
SELECT Button	Top panel	Press to switch between the inputs in a chronological order
Input LEDs 1–3	Front panel	Shows which input is selected

Step-by-Step Setup

Connect the included DC 5V/3A Micro USB power adapter to the UKM-301C.
Connect the HDMI output of the UKM-301C to your TV, monitor, or projector.
Connect your USB-C source device to Input 1 using a compatible USB-C cable.
Examples include a compatible Android phone, Android tablet, iPad Pro, MacBook, or Windows laptop with USB-C DP Alt Mode or Thunderbolt port.
Connect the 1st computer or laptop to HDMI Input 2.
Examples include a desktop PC, laptop, streaming player, PS4 Pro, Xbox, OTT box, or set-top box.
Connect a USB cable from the 1st computer or laptop to the USB port next to HDMI input 2.
Connect the 2nd computer or laptop to HDMI Input 3.
Connect a USB cable from the 2nd computer or laptop to the USB port next to HDMI input 3.
Connect your keyboard, mouse or other peripherals to the two USB ports next to the HDMI output on the UKM-301C.
Press the SELECT button on top of the UKM-301C to switch between Input 1, Input 2, and Input 3.

HDMI and USB-C Cable Requirement — Critical

Use Premium High-Speed HDMI 2.0 cables under 30 feet for best performance.

For the USB-C input, use a USB-C cable that supports video output. The minimum required spec is USB 3.1 Gen 1. A Thunderbolt 3/4 cable is required when using MacBooks.

Understanding KVM Control

KVM allows users to share one keyboard, one mouse, and one monitor between the connected computers and laptops.

This setup is useful for users who want a cleaner desktop with fewer monitors, keyboards, and mice.

What Source Devices Is the UKM-301C Compatible With?

The UKM-301C can work with compatible source devices such as:

USB-C laptops with DP Alt Mode or Thunderbolt
MacBook Air / MacBook Pro
iPad Pro with compatible USB-C video output
Android phones and tablets with USB-C video output
Samsung phones with DeX support
Huawei phones with desktop mode support
HDMI desktop PCs
HDMI laptops

For USB-C devices, the USB-C port must support video output.

What Displays Is the UKM-301C Compatible With?

The UKM-301C can connect to HDMI displays such as:

TVs
Monitors
Projectors

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UKM-301C used for?
A: The UKM-301C is a KVM Switch used to control three computers with one monitor and shared USB peripherals like keyboard and mouse.

Q: How many inputs does the UKM-301C have?
A: It has three inputs: one USB-C input and two HDMI inputs.

Q: Does the USB-C input work with every USB-C device like a mobile phone or tablet?
A: No, the USB-C input doesn’t work with any USB-C device. The USB-C device (like laptop, phone or tablet) must support video output through the USB-C port.

Q: What is DP Alt Mode?
A: DP Alt Mode allows a USB-C port to send video. If the USB-C port does not support DP Alt Mode, it may only support charging or data and will not output video.

Q: Can I use Samsung DeX with this product?
A: Yes. The UKM-301C supports Samsung DeX mode when used with a compatible Samsung device.

Q: Can I use Huawei desktop mode with this product?
A: Yes. The UKM-301C supports Huawei desktop / EMUI mode when used with a compatible Huawei device.

Q: Can the USB-C port charge my device?
A: Yes, the USB-C port can provide charging up to 5V/1.5A, but it is not high-wattage laptop charging.

Q: Why do I have video, but my keyboard and mouse do not work?
A: Make sure a USB-A cable is connected from the selected computer to the USB port next to the HDMI inputs on the UKM-301C.

Q: Can I connect a printer or USB flash drive?
A: Yes. The UKM-301C can share USB devices such as printers, USB flash drives, and portable hard drives when connected properly. However, it only supports USB 2.0 bandwidth (480Mbps). Moreover, some portable hard drives may require external power to work properly.

Q: Does it require drivers?
A: Driver installation is not required to use the UKM-301C.

Q: Can I use DisplayPort to HDMI or DP to HDMI adapters?
A: DisplayPort (DP) to HDMI adapters may work but compatibility is not guaranteed and we do not recommend using them. If you need an DisplayPort-based KVM Switch, you may use the KVM-21-DP-C.