{"product_id":"aten-8-port-usb-ps2-combo-kvm-switch-cs1308-single-console","title":"ATEN 8-Port USB\/PS2 Combo KVM Switch CS1308 - Single-Console","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the ATEN CS1308, the bottom line is clear: this is a practical, no-frills KVM switch for a small office or home server rack where one administrator needs to control up to eight machines from a single monitor, keyboard and mouse. The CS1308 stands out for its reliable dual-interface support that accepts either PS\/2 or USB keyboards and mice, and for video compatibility up to \u003cstrong\u003e2048 x 1536\u003c\/strong\u003e, which keeps older multi-platform equipment usable without fuss. It requires no software and boots machines even when the console focus is elsewhere, making routine maintenance straightforward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e8-Port control:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manage up to eight servers from one console to reduce desk clutter and centralize administration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual Interface:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports both PS\/2 and USB keyboards and mice so it works with mixed legacy and modern systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh video resolution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports video up to 2048 x 1536 for clear output on compatible monitors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeyboard and mouse emulation:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB or PS\/2 emulation lets each connected computer boot reliably even when it is not the active focus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSimple selection methods:\u003c\/strong\u003e Switch computers using front-panel pushbuttons, hotkeys, or the multilingual on-screen display for flexible operation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultiplatform support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works across Windows, Linux, Mac, Sun and other environments common in small server setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CS1308 is best for small office or home administrators who need to maintain up to eight servers or desktops from a single console without installing any software. It is particularly useful in mixed environments where some machines use PS\/2 peripherals while others use USB, because the switch accepts both interfaces and emulates keyboard\/mouse so systems boot predictably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsers who need modern features like USB-C video, 4K resolution, or software-based switching will want to look elsewhere; this unit is focused on reliable, basic KVM functionality and legacy compatibility rather than cutting-edge display or remote management features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports both PS\/2 and USB for broad compatibility with older and newer systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDynaSync and keyboard\/mouse emulation help connected computers boot and retain optimal video settings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple selection methods including front-panel buttons, hotkeys and multilingual OSD make operation flexible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh supported video resolution up to 2048 x 1536 covers many common monitors used in server rooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes not offer modern remote IP access or 4K video support, so it is not suited for advanced, remote-first workflows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for basic KVM needs; no built-in advanced management software or mobile app control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-Port USB\/PS2 Combo KVM Switch (CS1308)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum video resolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2048 x 1536\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterfaces\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePS\/2 and USB keyboards and mice\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComputer selection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFront-panel pushbuttons, hotkeys, multilingual OSD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWindows 2000\/XP\/Vista, Linux, Mac, Sun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEmulation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB or PS\/2 keyboard and mouse emulation for reliable boot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ATEN CS1308 is a practical value for small offices and home server setups that need dependable, straightforward KVM switching for up to eight machines. Its dual-interface support and reliable emulation make it especially useful where mixed PS\/2 and USB systems are present, and the lack of software or complex setup is a benefit for administrators who want a simple, consistent tool for daily maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the CS1308 work with both PS\/2 and USB keyboards?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe unit accepts and emulates both PS\/2 and USB keyboards and mice, so mixed peripherals are supported.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it require software to operate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo software is required; setup is plug-and-play and switching is handled via buttons, hotkeys or the OSD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat video resolution does it support?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt supports video up to 2048 x 1536, suitable for many standard and legacy monitors.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ATEN","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48615944716507,"sku":"B002I9OO8K","price":229.29,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71O46x9HAtL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778756507","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/aten-8-port-usb-ps2-combo-kvm-switch-cs1308-single-console","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}