multiKVM hotkey support

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:14 -05:00

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Originally created by @quadcom on GitHub (Jan 31, 2025).

I received my JKVM today and plugged it in.

I picked up a 4-port HDMI KVM to use with this and made sure it had hotkey support. It appears the JKVM is having some issues passing those keystrokes for the other KVM to pick up.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0CBK4ZTHM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have noticed that it is not difficult to trigger a stuck key cascade, I discoverd that trying to get the hotkeys to function.

The hotkey combo is "asterisk + 1-4", which will switch through ports 1 to 4 on the multi-KVM. Alternatively, "cntl + cntl + {left/right arrow}" will cycle through the four ports. Neither of those hotkeys appears to be processed correctly. Instead, the "* + 2" combo will enter an asterisk char and trigger the cascade until another key is pressed and there is no report back when trying the cntrl + cntrl option.

Anyway this can be reviewed? I'll help as best I can.

Originally created by @quadcom on GitHub (Jan 31, 2025). I received my JKVM today and plugged it in. I picked up a 4-port HDMI KVM to use with this and made sure it had hotkey support. It appears the JKVM is having some issues passing those keystrokes for the other KVM to pick up. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0CBK4ZTHM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I have noticed that it is not difficult to trigger a stuck key cascade, I discoverd that trying to get the hotkeys to function. The hotkey combo is "asterisk + 1-4", which will switch through ports 1 to 4 on the multi-KVM. Alternatively, "cntl + cntl + {left/right arrow}" will cycle through the four ports. Neither of those hotkeys appears to be processed correctly. Instead, the "* + 2" combo will enter an asterisk char and trigger the cascade until another key is pressed and there is no report back when trying the cntrl + cntrl option. Anyway this can be reviewed? I'll help as best I can.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:15 -05:00

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@williamjohnstone commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2025):

Hi, this is due to the way keystrokes are handled by the software, I'm working on a PR to implement support for multiple keyboard layouts (#116), the more I'm working on it the more I think I am going to have to overhaul how this works to get everything functioning correctly.

This PR should hopefully solve your issue as well.

I hope to have a working implementation soon.

@williamjohnstone commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2025): Hi, this is due to the way keystrokes are handled by the software, I'm working on a PR to implement support for multiple keyboard layouts (#116), the more I'm working on it the more I think I am going to have to overhaul how this works to get everything functioning correctly. This PR should hopefully solve your issue as well. I hope to have a working implementation soon.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:15 -05:00

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@DjSni commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2025):

Hi, I have the same KVM, I can do it with Ctrl + Ctrl + 1-4, maybe you should try it.

@DjSni commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2025): Hi, I have the same KVM, I can do it with Ctrl + Ctrl + 1-4, maybe you should try it.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:15 -05:00

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@quadcom commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2025):

Hi, I have the same KVM, I can do it with Ctrl + Ctrl + 1-4, maybe you should try it.

I've tried that too. Couldn't get it working. I also checked the hardware switch on the KVM that enables the hotkey support. I tried both the num pad and the top row number keys. Nothing got through.

There could be something with the fact I was currently looking at the Unraid CLI at the time and not a desktop UI.

@quadcom commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2025): > Hi, I have the same KVM, I can do it with Ctrl + Ctrl + 1-4, maybe you should try it. I've tried that too. Couldn't get it working. I also checked the hardware switch on the KVM that enables the hotkey support. I tried both the num pad and the top row number keys. Nothing got through. There could be something with the fact I was currently looking at the Unraid CLI at the time and not a desktop UI.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:15 -05:00

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@DjSni commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2025):

Interesting, I have 3 consoles open. Unraid, Proxmox and a Pi without GUI. I can easily switch after pressing ctrl twice and following by a number.

In the beginning I also had problems with not getting a singal, I had to completely rewrite the JetKVM once.

@DjSni commented on GitHub (Feb 2, 2025): Interesting, I have 3 consoles open. Unraid, Proxmox and a Pi without GUI. I can easily switch after pressing ctrl twice and following by a number. In the beginning I also had problems with not getting a singal, I had to completely rewrite the JetKVM once.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:15 -05:00

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@timothystewart6 commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025):

I have also tested this, even with this PR https://github.com/jetkvm/kvm/pull/116 and it doesn't seem to work. By chance are you using Windows or Mac? I am using a Mac with latest Chrome.

@timothystewart6 commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025): I have also tested this, even with this PR https://github.com/jetkvm/kvm/pull/116 and it doesn't seem to work. By chance are you using Windows or Mac? I am using a Mac with latest Chrome.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:15 -05:00

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@phewitt-uw commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025):

Have you got the jetkvm connected to the keyboard usb port on the kvm so it will intercept the hotkeys?

I made an initial mistake of connecting my jetkvm to the front usb hub which doesnt detect the keystrokes.

Ctrl - ctrl - 1-4 works for me

@phewitt-uw commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025): Have you got the jetkvm connected to the keyboard usb port on the kvm so it will intercept the hotkeys? I made an initial mistake of connecting my jetkvm to the front usb hub which doesnt detect the keystrokes. Ctrl - ctrl - 1-4 works for me

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:15 -05:00

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@williamjohnstone commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025):

@timothystewart6 I'm not sure what you mean, #30 is an issue not a PR. Which PR have you tested it with?

@williamjohnstone commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025): @timothystewart6 I'm not sure what you mean, #30 is an issue not a PR. Which PR have you tested it with?

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:15 -05:00

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@timothystewart6 commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025):

@williamjohnstone sorry, that's what I get for using the suggested link. Updated. It's your PR.

@timothystewart6 commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025): @williamjohnstone sorry, that's what I get for using the suggested link. Updated. It's your PR.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:16 -05:00

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@timothystewart6 commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025):

Have you got the jetkvm connected to the keyboard usb port on the kvm so it will intercept the hotkeys?

I made an initial mistake of connecting my jetkvm to the front usb hub which doesnt detect the keystrokes.

Ctrl - ctrl - 1-4 works for me

Yes, it's plugged directly into the one with the keyboard icon. I tested other ports too. I have a feeling this might be mac vs. Windows. Are you using Windows? Side note, I have even tried the virtual keyboard and have verified that the hot switch switch is on.

@timothystewart6 commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025): > Have you got the jetkvm connected to the keyboard usb port on the kvm so it will intercept the hotkeys? > > I made an initial mistake of connecting my jetkvm to the front usb hub which doesnt detect the keystrokes. > > Ctrl - ctrl - 1-4 works for me Yes, it's plugged directly into the one with the keyboard icon. I tested other ports too. I have a feeling this might be mac vs. Windows. Are you using Windows? Side note, I have even tried the virtual keyboard and have verified that the hot switch switch is on.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:16 -05:00

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@phewitt-uw commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025):

Have you got the jetkvm connected to the keyboard usb port on the kvm so it will intercept the hotkeys?

I made an initial mistake of connecting my jetkvm to the front usb hub which doesnt detect the keystrokes.

Ctrl - ctrl - 1-4 works for me

Yes, it's plugged directly into the one with the keyboard icon. I tested other ports too. I have a feeling this might be mac vs. Windows. Are you using Windows? Side note, I have even tried the virtual keyboard and have verified that the hot switch switch is on.

I use both, mac and windows, using chrome browser

@phewitt-uw commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025): > > Have you got the jetkvm connected to the keyboard usb port on the kvm so it will intercept the hotkeys? > > > > I made an initial mistake of connecting my jetkvm to the front usb hub which doesnt detect the keystrokes. > > > > Ctrl - ctrl - 1-4 works for me > > Yes, it's plugged directly into the one with the keyboard icon. I tested other ports too. I have a feeling this might be mac vs. Windows. Are you using Windows? Side note, I have even tried the virtual keyboard and have verified that the hot switch switch is on. I use both, mac and windows, using chrome browser

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:16 -05:00

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@quadcom commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025):

I'm Windows/Firefox.

One thing I will confirm however it's the KVM has two USB ports, one for mouse, one for keyboard. The JKVM only users the one usb for both peripherals. I don't recall which port on the KVM I have the JKVM plugged into.

@quadcom commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025): I'm Windows/Firefox. One thing I will confirm however it's the KVM has two USB ports, one for mouse, one for keyboard. The JKVM only users the one usb for both peripherals. I don't recall which port on the KVM I have the JKVM plugged into.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:16 -05:00

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@williamjohnstone commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025):

@timothystewart6 I have some time to try and debug now if you're free? I tried messaging you on discord but you're not accepting messages currently.

@williamjohnstone commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025): @timothystewart6 I have some time to try and debug now if you're free? I tried messaging you on discord but you're not accepting messages currently.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:16 -05:00

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@timothystewart6 commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025):

Hopped on a call with @williamjohnstone and tested everything.

TLDR; Everything works and it was most likely my cable (3rd party USB C to USB A cable, not the one that ships 🤦)

Properly captures Hotkeys (ctrl + ctrl 1-4 and long with ctrl + ctrl arrow keys)
Also tested meta keys.
- Using a mac and sending a commmand key sends the Windows Key
- Works in both fullscreen and non fullscreen
- Also works with key combos Windows + R opens run

Thank you!

@timothystewart6 commented on GitHub (Feb 26, 2025): Hopped on a call with @williamjohnstone and tested everything. TLDR; Everything works and it was most likely my cable (3rd party USB C to USB A cable, not the one that ships 🤦) * Properly captures Hotkeys (`ctrl` + `ctrl` 1-4 and long with `ctrl` + `ctrl` arrow keys) * Also tested meta keys. * Using a mac and sending a `commmand` key sends the Windows Key * Works in both fullscreen and non fullscreen * Also works with key combos Windows + R opens run Thank you!

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:16 -05:00

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@TheFiZi commented on GitHub (Mar 22, 2025):

I just setup the same physical KVM in my homelab and ran into the same problem initially.

Turns out the markings on the USB ports of the KVM matter. One is marked mouse and one is marked keyboard. I plugged the JetKVM into the mouse port (derp) and the keyboard shortcuts would not work.

I moved the JetKVM over to the keyboard port on the physical KVM and everything works as expected.

I'm using Anker USB3 cables.

@TheFiZi commented on GitHub (Mar 22, 2025): I just setup the same physical KVM in my homelab and ran into the same problem initially. Turns out the markings on the USB ports of the KVM matter. One is marked mouse and one is marked keyboard. I plugged the JetKVM into the mouse port (derp) and the keyboard shortcuts would not work. I moved the JetKVM over to the keyboard port on the physical KVM and everything works as expected. I'm using Anker USB3 cables.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:16 -05:00

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@HaanVu commented on GitHub (Apr 21, 2025):

@TheFiZi Were you able to get the mouse working in Absolute mode? I have the eczoo switch however in absolute mode my mouse goes crazy, I can switch between input just fine

@HaanVu commented on GitHub (Apr 21, 2025): @TheFiZi Were you able to get the mouse working in Absolute mode? I have the eczoo switch however in absolute mode my mouse goes crazy, I can switch between input just fine

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:16 -05:00

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@TheFiZi commented on GitHub (Apr 21, 2025):

@TheFiZi Were you able to get the mouse working in Absolute mode? I have the eczoo switch however in absolute mode my mouse goes crazy, I can switch between input just fine

It worked once and then never again. I've been using relative mode.

@TheFiZi commented on GitHub (Apr 21, 2025): > [@TheFiZi](https://github.com/TheFiZi) Were you able to get the mouse working in Absolute mode? I have the eczoo switch however in absolute mode my mouse goes crazy, I can switch between input just fine It worked once and then never again. I've been using relative mode.

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:16 -05:00

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@amigacli commented on GitHub (Aug 29, 2025):

Same for me, the KVM that I have are 8 Port Aimos, cheap, works great, but the USB snooping does not work on JetKVM, the KVM has 4 USB ports, 2 x Hub and 1 Keyboard, 1 Mouse, I have tried all ports, all do not detect the hot key sequence for switching. The Hub ports seem to work best in general use, but I need to manually switch the port. Maybe the reworked v5 JetKVM firmware will address this? Else JetKVM has been excellent, thanks. An example of the KVM: https://www.amazon.com.au/AIMOS-Monitor-Keyboard-Switcher-Connected/dp/B08FR5K111

@amigacli commented on GitHub (Aug 29, 2025): Same for me, the KVM that I have are 8 Port Aimos, cheap, works great, but the USB snooping does not work on JetKVM, the KVM has 4 USB ports, 2 x Hub and 1 Keyboard, 1 Mouse, I have tried all ports, all do not detect the hot key sequence for switching. The Hub ports seem to work best in general use, but I need to manually switch the port. Maybe the reworked v5 JetKVM firmware will address this? Else JetKVM has been excellent, thanks. An example of the KVM: https://www.amazon.com.au/AIMOS-Monitor-Keyboard-Switcher-Connected/dp/B08FR5K111

deekerman commented

2026-02-20 08:20:16 -05:00

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@dcelasun commented on GitHub (Oct 1, 2025):

the KVM that I have are 8 Port Aimos

I use the same KVM switch. Setting JetKVM to "keyboard only" makes it work. Mouse should also be fine - you just need to disable USB mass storage.

@dcelasun commented on GitHub (Oct 1, 2025): > the KVM that I have are 8 Port Aimos I use the same KVM switch. Setting JetKVM to "keyboard only" makes it work. Mouse should also be fine - you just need to disable USB mass storage.

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multiKVM hotkey support #93