LeafKVM is a wireless and PoE open-source hardware IP KVM utilizing the Rockchip RV1126B SoC, equipped with 512MB RAM and a microSD card slot for storage. It provides remote access to computers and servers at the BIOS level or when unresponsive, through the emulation of keyboard, mouse, and video via HDMI/VGA and USB ports.
Notable features include a 2.4-inch touchscreen for configuration and video mirroring, a USB-C port for serial debugging, a USB Type-A port for expansion (e.g., power control), and ultra-low latency under 100ms.
LeafKVM Specifications:
– SoC: Rockchip RV1126B
– CPU: Quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 up to 1.6 GHz
– GPU: 2D Graphics Engine
– VPU:
– Video Decoder: H.265/H.264 up to 3840×2160 @ 30fps
– Video Encoder: H.265, H.264, JPEG up to 12Mbps @ 30fps
– JPEG Decoder
– AI Accelerator: Rockchip NPU engine up to 3 TOPS (INT8); likely not used in KVM
– System Memory: 512 MB DDR3L
– Storage: MicroSD card slot
– Display: Built-in 2.4-inch touchscreen
– Video Capture:
– HDMI input port up to 4Kp30 compatible with HDMI and DVI
– Optional VGA adapter
– Lontium LT6911C CSI video bridge
– 4Kp30 or 1080p90 H.264 or H.265 video encoding and Opus audio encoding
– Low latency under 100 ms
– Networking:
– 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet RJ45 port with PoE support (IEEE 802.3af)
– WiFi 5 and Bluetooth via RealTek RTL8821CS module
– USB:
– USB Type-C “Aux” port for serial debug + power
– USB Type-C “Control” port for keyboard + mouse + mass storage emulation (HTTP mount only) + power
– USB Type-A port for expansion
– Miscellaneous:
– ESD protection + EMI filtering on all ports
– Rugged CNC‑milled aluminum for passive cooling
– Power Supply:
– 5V/1A via USB-C port
– 37-57V PoE (802.3af) via Ethernet port
– Power consumption @ 5V
– Idle: ~250 mA with Wi‑Fi or Ethernet connected
– Active video input: Up to ~400 mA
– Dimensions: 90 × 65 × 25 mm
– Weight: 195 grams
LeafKVM operates with a Builroot-based Linux distribution with a Rust control backend and a lightweight web frontend. It supports OTA firmware upgrades and can be accessed through a web browser without special software. For remote access, Tailscale VPN is supported, and RustDesk can be used on PCs or mobile devices. It also supports control via the 2.4-inch interface. Documentation offers more details for getting started.
The market for low-cost IP KVM products has expanded with options like JetKVM, PiKVM, Sipeed NanoKVM series, and GL.iNet Comet Pro. However, ensuring security is crucial with IP KVMs, as improper configurations can expose user hardware to threats. LeafKVM’s comparison with popular projects highlights its features.
The benefit of the LeafKVM IP KVM is the software’s full open-source nature, and somewhat open hardware as schematics will be available. Additionally, it offers Debug UART access via USB-C. A possible limitation is the lack of power control support, although a software update could later address this. Notably, LeafKVM doesn’t support mass storage ISO mount in the U.S. due to patent issues, allowing only HTTP ISO mount.
LeafKVM is launched on Crowd Supply with a $10,000 funding target. A $119 pledge includes the LeafKVM, 1 GB microSD card, HDMI video cable, and USB Type-A to Type-C cable, with a $19 option for an HDMI to VGA adapter. Shipping is free in the US and $12 internationally.