Human Interface Device, or HID for short, is a standard for communication between input devices, computers or other devices. The HID standard was included in the creation of the USB specification (Universal Serial Bus). Keyboards, mice, game controllers, touchscreens and other input devices are part of the HID class.
One of the main features of HID devices is that the operating system can easily recognize and install them. As a rule, no special drivers are required, which facilitates setup and use. This feature is known as plug-and-play capability
As HID is an industry-wide standard, it is supported by many operating systems. These include Windows, macOS, Linux and others. The standard also proves to be very flexible. Its specifications can always be extended. This means that it can be easily adapted to new technologies and device classes.
Although mice and keyboards are the most popular users, the standard includes a variety of other device types. These include not only the game controller or joystick, but also technologies that can be useful for certain applications. Examples include medical measuring devices or industrial control systems.
HID devices are designed to respond quickly and without delay, which is important for real-time applications. This makes the standard particularly important for a KVM switch or a KVM matrix system so that low latency times can be implemented. G&D technologies even run in real time.
HID support is essential in KVM matrices and other similar technologies as these devices typically need to manage multiple input devices. A KVM matrix with HID support can handle more keyboards, mice and other input devices, giving end users more flexibility and compatibility.
