JetKVM – Control any computer remotely

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Ecosystem and Alternatives

  • JetKVM is compared heavily to PiKVM, TinyPilot, NanoKVM, GL.iNet Comet, Aurga, and Geekworm Pi-based KVM boards.
  • PiKVM is praised for openness and DIY flexibility but is seen as expensive in fully built form; JetKVM is cited as ~50–70% cheaper.
  • NanoKVM (including PCIe and “lite” variants) gets positive remarks for form factor and price, but concerns about its software and security appear.
  • GL.iNet’s Comet KVM is noted as a strong alternative with PoE, Wi-Fi 6, HDMI pass-through, and built‑in Tailscale.

Price, Hardware, and Form Factor

  • JetKVM’s ~$90 price is viewed as very competitive; several users say they can buy multiple JetKVMs for the cost of one PiKVM or TinyPilot.
  • Some complain about the mini‑HDMI connector; others note the device is too small for full‑size HDMI and that it ships with a cable anyway.
  • PCIe‑form‑factor KVMs (NanoKVM PCIe) are appreciated for clean cabling and integrated ATX control; JetKVM’s external form makes it easy to move between machines.
  • Requests include a PoE version and variants with integrated LTE.

Software, Openness, and Features

  • JetKVM’s software is open source and can be self‑compiled; cloud/WebRTC relay can reportedly be self‑hosted.
  • Users like features such as virtual USB storage for OS installs and generally polished UI; some wish they could run JetKVM software on other KVM hardware.

Reliability and Compatibility

  • Mixed experiences: some report flawless use across many machines; others report HDMI incompatibilities, random “black screen”/“loading stream” issues, or one unit in a batch failing.
  • A few issues seem to stem from browser H.264 support; others appear to be genuine hardware or EDID/handshake problems.

Security, Networking, and Provenance

  • Strong consensus: do not expose any KVM/IPMI device directly to the public internet; use VPNs/WireGuard/Tailscale subnet routing and VLANs.
  • JetKVM is seen as “good enough” for homelab use but not clearly vetted for high‑security corporate environments.
  • Some are uneasy about limited transparency on company identity/jurisdiction, given the device’s privileged position. Others consider it a small YC‑backed outfit targeting hobbyists, not enterprises.
  • NanoKVM is explicitly called out as “shady” by one commenter citing hidden microphone / unsolicited network behavior.

Use Cases vs Software Remote Desktop

  • Multiple replies clarify why hardware KVMs exist: they work when OS/network are down, allow BIOS access, OS install, power/reset control, and troubleshooting boot failures.
  • Software like RDP, RustDesk, AnyDesk, etc. is seen as complementary, not a replacement, for out‑of‑band management.

Miscellaneous Reactions

  • Many homelab users express strong satisfaction and plan to buy more units.
  • Some dislike the marketing style (YouTube thumbnails, Discord support) and see it as a “cheap startup” signal.
  • There’s curiosity about why affordable 4K60 KVMs don’t exist; commenters attribute it to lack of cheap 4K capture silicon.