I picked the GL.iNet Comet KVM (compensated affiliate link) the other day, an entry-level remote KVM device designed to provide hardware-level access to computers and other HDMI-enabled equipment.
You can see it in action in my latest review!
I purchased this unit to facilitate remote administration without relying on software-based solutions. Unlike traditional remote desktop applications, the Comet captures the HDMI output from a target device and emulates keyboard and mouse input via USB, allowing for control through a standard web browser. Because it operates independently of the host machine’s operating system, it provides access to the BIOS and functions even when the target computer is not fully booted.
The hardware setup is straightforward, though it requires a wired ethernet connection as this specific model lacks Wi-Fi capabilities. The device features an HDMI input, a USB-C port for keyboard and mouse emulation, a USB host port for external storage and an Ethernet port for network connectivity. It is powered via a separate USB-C connection. During my testing, I connected the Comet to a headless mini PC. The device successfully emulated the peripherals, allowing me to navigate the BIOS and initiate a Windows boot sequence remotely from a Mac browser.
A notable feature of the Comet is its independence from mandatory cloud services. While a cloud option exists, the device does not bind itself to external servers by default, offering users greater control over their data privacy. For remote access outside the local network, the unit supports Tailscale and Zero Tier, allowing for secure VPN connections without opening firewall ports. However, users accessing the device via a browser may encounter security warnings due to the default security certificate, a configuration issue that lacks clear documentation for resolution.
In terms of performance, the Comet handles video streaming adequately for administrative tasks, with a latency of approximately 30 to 40 milliseconds on a local network. This delay makes it unsuitable for fast-paced gaming, though it supports resolutions up to 4K at 30Hz, with 1080p at 60Hz being the standard configuration. Audio pass-through is supported but must be manually enabled in the settings. The interface also includes a Wake-on-LAN feature, which can identify and boot compatible devices on the network.
File transfer capabilities are present but limited. The device utilizes a virtual media mounting system where files are uploaded to the Comet and then presented to the target computer as a USB drive. Transfer speeds are restricted by the USB 2.0 interface, resulting in slower performance for larger files. Additionally, the mobile experience is currently suboptimal; the browser interface on tablets is difficult to navigate, and the dedicated mobile app requires a cloud account, which contradicts the self-hosted preference of many users.
I also tested the device with non-standard hardware, specifically a MiSTer FPGA retro gaming setup. The Comet successfully allowed for remote control of the interface and basic operation of emulated systems, although mouse alignment and clipboard pasting were inconsistent.
Despite some rough edges, the device serves its intended purpose effectively, particularly for scenarios where installing remote desktop software is impractical or would interfere with performance benchmarking. I intend to integrate this tool into my workflow for managing test units remotely around the house and when I’m not at home.