In multi-computer offices, multimedia teaching, and stock trading scenarios, the demand for “multiple devices sharing USB peripherals” is very common. If each computer connects separately to a printer, keyboard, or external hard drive, it not only wastes resources but also creates cable clutter on the desk. A USB sharing switch solves this pain point perfectly, and models SH04, SV02, and SV04 are among the most popular choices. Each has different feature focuses and fits different use cases. This article compares their key specifications and interface configurations to help you find the product that best matches your needs.
I. Core Specifications Comparison of the Three USB Sharing Switches
Specifications are the “hard indicators” of product performance, directly determining the switch’s transfer speed, compatibility, and supported device types. The table below summarizes the core differences of the three models across key dimensions such as USB standard, transfer speed, and power supply:
| Comparison Dimension | SH04 (4X4 USB3.0) | SV04 (4X4 USB3.0) | SV02 (4X4 USB3.2) |
| USB Standard | USB3.1 Gen1 (backward compatible with USB2.0/1.1) | USB3.1 Gen1 (backward compatible with USB2.0/1.1) | USB3.2 Gen2x1 (backward compatible with USB3.2 Gen1/2.0/1.1) |
| Max Transfer Speed (theoretical) | 5Gbps | 5Gbps | 10Gbps |
| Compatible OS | Windows7/10/11, Linux, Mac OS | Windows7/10/11, Linux, Mac OS | Windows7/10/11, Linux, Mac OS |
| USB Sound Card Function | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Desktop Controller Switching | Not Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Power Supply | Plug-and-play, equipped with DC5V Type-C power port (for high-power devices) | Plug-and-play, equipped with DC5V Type-C power port (for high-power devices) | Plug-and-play, equipped with DC5V Type-C power port (for high-power devices) |
| Operating Environment | Temp: 0~40℃, Humidity: 5-85% RH (non-condensing) | Temp: 0~40℃, Humidity: 5-85% RH (non-condensing) | Temp: 0~40℃, Humidity: 5-85% RH (non-condensing) |
| Product Dimensions | 118×76.5×20mm | 118×76.5×20mm | 104.5×75×19.5mm |
| Special Features | None | RS232 communication control supported | Hybrid ports (USB-A + USB-C) |
II. Interface Configuration: Matching Device Port Types
Interfaces are the “bridge” between the switch and computers/peripherals. If the port type doesn’t match, even the best specs are useless. Each of the three models has its own port design focus. Let’s look at “Input Ports (to computers)”, “Output Ports (to peripherals)”, and “Special Ports”:
01. Input Ports (to Computers)
SH04: 4× USB3.0-A female ports, supports only USB-A computers (like desktops and most laptops). Single port type but fits mainstream devices.
SV04: Same as SH04, 4× USB3.0-A female ports, focused on traditional USB-A devices, no need for adapters.
SV02: Hybrid design—2× USB-C female + 2× USB-A female, connects both modern USB-C laptops (like MacBook/ultrabooks) and traditional USB-A PCs, offering stronger compatibility.
02. Output Ports (to Peripherals)
SH04/SV04: Both provide 4× USB3.0-A female ports, supporting printers, keyboards, mice, flash drives, and external HDDs, meeting most office/entertainment needs.
SV02: 3× USB-A female + 1× USB-C female, supports traditional USB-A peripherals plus direct connection to USB-C devices (e.g. M.2 SSD enclosures, USB-C printers) without extra adapters.
03. Special Ports (Value-Added Features)
SH04: Basic audio only: 1× 4-pole 3.5mm headset port + 1× 3.5mm mic port, covers audio needs, no extra control interface.
SV04: Adds 1× RS232 port (for serial command switching) and 1× external button port (optional external controller) on top of audio ports, ideal for “remote/automated switching” (e.g. data centers, industrial control).
SV02: Same audio ports, adds 1× external button port (desktop controller) and includes a Type-C power cable to ensure stable operation of high-power peripherals (like large external drives).
III. Scenario-Based Recommendations: Match by Use Case
After understanding the specs and ports, choosing based on your actual use case will maximize the switch’s value:
01. Basic Office/Entertainment: Choose SH04 (High Value)
If you need “4 USB-A PCs sharing a printer, keyboard/mouse, or flash drive” without high-speed transfer or complex control (like in SMB offices or home use), SH04 is the best choice. With 5Gbps transfer (enough for daily files), plug-and-play design, and budget-friendly pricing, it’s the most cost-effective sharing solution.
02. Remote/Automated Control: Choose SV04 (RS232 Feature)
For data centers or security centers needing remote channel switching or automation (e.g. scheduled switching), SV04’s RS232 port is the key advantage—just send serial commands (like “AA0056” to switch to PC1) for remote control. With optional external buttons, it simplifies desktop control, perfect for centralized device management.
SV04 RS232 Control Command Table
| Serial Settings | Baudrate:115200bps, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, No parity, Hexadecimal |
| Input 1 | AA 00 56 |
| Input 2 | AA 01 55 |
| Input 3 | AA 02 54 |
| Input 4 | AA 03 53 |
03. High-Speed/Mixed Interfaces: Choose SV02 (10Gbps + USB-A/C)
For USB-C laptops, M.2 drives, and other high-speed/new devices (e.g. design studios, multimedia classrooms), SV02’s 10Gbps transfer (2× faster than SH04/SV04) ensures efficient file transfers without bottlenecks. Its hybrid ports handle both USB-A and USB-C without adapters, and the included power cable keeps high-power devices stable, making it the best fit for speed- and compatibility-demanding environments.
IV. Three Steps to Choose the Right Switch
Check Ports: If your PCs or peripherals use USB-C, go with SV02; if all are USB-A, choose SH04/SV04.
Check Speed: For large files (videos, design files), pick the 10Gbps SV02; for daily small files, 5Gbps SH04/SV04 is enough.
Check Control: For remote/automated switching, choose SV04 (RS232); for basic manual switching, pick SH04/SV02.
Whether for office, teaching, or industrial use, all three switches meet the core need of “multi-device sharing.” Choosing based on your scenario ensures cleaner connections and more efficient operations.