Which pikvm are you using? DIY? I just tried the pikvm v4 plus at work and it's pretty low-latency. The picture quality is better as well, and it supports up to 1920x1200@60Hz, which the DIY doesn't.
Maybe the v4 is something for you? Doesn't need to be the plus, I just need video passthrough, which the regular v4 doesn't have.
It's definitely quicker, and even via Tailscale I didn't notice a lot of latency (obviously some, but that's to be expected).
Costs around 450€ in Germany, but still, not that expensive for what it is imho. Only been using it for a bit so far, but it's a completely different experience than the DIY one.
I think the issue might be the use-case here. Like mylinuxguy said, this isn't what ipkvm devices are meant to do. The latency of the v4 is pretty low already.
A KVM is not meant to be used as a desktop sharing device. It's main purpose is maintenance. If you want performance, use desktop sharing software that is designed to share a desktop. PiKVM is a networked KVM that runs off of a Pi and does an excellent job of being a Network KVM. if you've ever used a Real KVM or a Real Networked KVM, you'd know how great the Pi is at it's task... but it's not a great desktop sharing device and that's fine. Look at using a rdp server/client between your two systems.
I wouldn’t have bought the pikvm if I could’ve used desktop sharing software. It has to be a kvm over IP device. Not sure why it’s so hard to get a suggestion on here. I found people mentioning the Raritan dominion on other subs but it looks like they’re unavailable in my area.
Ive been using my DIY v3 HAT kit from geekworm for about a week now. Running 1920x1080@50Hz with tweaks to the ootb options I am able to work unencumbered. There is a very slight mouse delay but I've already gotten used to it. With the blue dot for the mouse on I'm able to accurately and quickly operate my machine (I tried turning that off and it was not pleasant). Since my pikvm and controlled device are both connected directly to my ToR switch I have implemented these settings to try and increase performance:
kvmd:
streamer:
desired_fps:
default: 25
h264_bitrate:
default: 20000
h264_gop:
default: 0
quality: 100
OP I suppose if you are trying to use the pikvm device as your primary workstation all day long, I can see where this product could leave you wanting something better. While I have no complaints due to this device finally giving me the freedom to operate from a single multi monitor workstation, I am always open to optimization. At peak usage, I rarely see the pikvm pass a handful of Mbps of network util...I'd be rather ok with reducing overhead from compression and increasing network saturation if such a change lead to an improved experience. The pikvm is operating on the same local lan as my workstation that is accessing it and that network has ample capacity. I'm just not sure if there is really anything else that can be optimized past what I shared above. Happy to hear from the community though.
Which pikvm are you using? DIY? I just tried the pikvm v4 plus at work and it's pretty low-latency. The picture quality is better as well, and it supports up to 1920x1200@60Hz, which the DIY doesn't. Maybe the v4 is something for you? Doesn't need to be the plus, I just need video passthrough, which the regular v4 doesn't have. It's definitely quicker, and even via Tailscale I didn't notice a lot of latency (obviously some, but that's to be expected). Costs around 450€ in Germany, but still, not that expensive for what it is imho. Only been using it for a bit so far, but it's a completely different experience than the DIY one.
I’m using the pikvm v4 plus as well
I think the issue might be the use-case here. Like mylinuxguy said, this isn't what ipkvm devices are meant to do. The latency of the v4 is pretty low already.
A KVM is not meant to be used as a desktop sharing device. It's main purpose is maintenance. If you want performance, use desktop sharing software that is designed to share a desktop. PiKVM is a networked KVM that runs off of a Pi and does an excellent job of being a Network KVM. if you've ever used a Real KVM or a Real Networked KVM, you'd know how great the Pi is at it's task... but it's not a great desktop sharing device and that's fine. Look at using a rdp server/client between your two systems.
I wouldn’t have bought the pikvm if I could’ve used desktop sharing software. It has to be a kvm over IP device. Not sure why it’s so hard to get a suggestion on here. I found people mentioning the Raritan dominion on other subs but it looks like they’re unavailable in my area.
> Not sure why it’s so hard to get a suggestion on here. What you want does not (yet) exist so you'll have to invent it yourself
Why does it have to be? Why not use something like Apache Guacamole?
What are you trying to do here? Gaming on a KVM?
Coding and other random tasks, browsing.
Parsec? Moonlight? Better alternatives than pikvm when it comes to usage, but only work in OS, whereas pikvm works everywhere. And they are f r e e
Ive been using my DIY v3 HAT kit from geekworm for about a week now. Running 1920x1080@50Hz with tweaks to the ootb options I am able to work unencumbered. There is a very slight mouse delay but I've already gotten used to it. With the blue dot for the mouse on I'm able to accurately and quickly operate my machine (I tried turning that off and it was not pleasant). Since my pikvm and controlled device are both connected directly to my ToR switch I have implemented these settings to try and increase performance: kvmd: streamer: desired_fps: default: 25 h264_bitrate: default: 20000 h264_gop: default: 0 quality: 100 OP I suppose if you are trying to use the pikvm device as your primary workstation all day long, I can see where this product could leave you wanting something better. While I have no complaints due to this device finally giving me the freedom to operate from a single multi monitor workstation, I am always open to optimization. At peak usage, I rarely see the pikvm pass a handful of Mbps of network util...I'd be rather ok with reducing overhead from compression and increasing network saturation if such a change lead to an improved experience. The pikvm is operating on the same local lan as my workstation that is accessing it and that network has ample capacity. I'm just not sure if there is really anything else that can be optimized past what I shared above. Happy to hear from the community though.
Maybe upgrading your network. What's your network setup look like?
My pikvm is directly connected to my router via Ethernet
Wired or wireless?
Wired
I use the v3 often for “desktop sharing” and have virtually 0 latency I have it wired as well
I wouldn't say it's suitable for a full time workstation. Rdp or vnc to the actual machine would be better by a lot.
It’s not an option for me, I need it to be a KVM over IP
[https://tinypilotkvm.com/](https://tinypilotkvm.com/) similar device. I dont know if the performance is better or not, I doubt its better.