Yes—a Cytrence Kiwi+ can let you use a laptop as the display and keyboard-and-mouse control point for a Raspberry Pi, provided the Pi has HDMI output and accepts USB keyboard and mouse input. Kiwi+ is a hardware KVM device, not a Raspberry Pi upgrade or a software-only remote desktop: video travels from the Pi over HDMI, while USB carries control and device functions. You connect the Pi and host computer to the Kiwi, then use the Kiwi application on the host.
What Kiwi+ changes in a Raspberry Pi setup
A typical Pi setup uses a separate display, keyboard and mouse. Kiwi+ provides a way to operate the target Pi from a host computer instead, reducing the need for those extra peripherals at the Pi. The setup is local hardware access: it does not depend on using a network for the basic KVM connection, and it is not an app-only remote desktop arrangement. Cytrence describes the Raspberry Pi use case as working “without the hassle of extra peripherals” and “without needing a network or a KVM switch”; those are the manufacturer’s descriptions of the use case.
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The connection has two important paths: HDMI carries the target’s video into Kiwi, and USB connects the target for keyboard-and-mouse input and related device functions. The host computer connects to Kiwi over USB 3.0 and runs the Kiwi application. Cytrence lists Raspberry Pi as a supported target when it has HDMI output and accepts USB keyboard and mouse input. Cytrence’s Raspberry Pi use-case page and its connection quickstart describe the setup.
Which Kiwi+ variant fits your workflow?
The main difference is what extra function you need alongside the KVM connection. Choose by the job the accessory must do, rather than assuming the variants are interchangeable.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
| Variant | Added function | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Kiwi+ USB | A USB port that can be switched between the host and target; it is assigned to one system at a time. | Handing a USB peripheral between the host and Raspberry Pi. |
| Kiwi+ Drive | Built-in storage. | Workflows that need storage available as part of the Kiwi setup. The Raspberry Pi Official Magazine review suggests Drive for users who want storage available to both systems. |
| Kiwi+ Net | A direct, wired host-to-target network connection. | Workflows that call for a point-to-point Ethernet link between the host and Pi. |
Cytrence lists the three model functions on its Kiwi+ KVMs page; it describes the Net model’s point-to-point link on the Kiwi+ Net product page. The shared USB port on Kiwi+ USB is not a way to make one peripheral available to both computers simultaneously: the review says it works with one system at a time. If simultaneous access to storage is the requirement, the review points readers toward the Drive variant. Check the current model listing for exact port, connector and included-accessory details.
Connect Kiwi+ to a Raspberry Pi
- Check compatibility and cables. Confirm that your Pi provides HDMI output and USB keyboard-and-mouse input, and identify the connectors on your Pi model. The Pi-side connection needs HDMI and USB; the host-side connection needs USB 3.0. Check the listing for your region and selected model to confirm which cables are included.
- Connect the Pi to Kiwi. Run HDMI from the Raspberry Pi to Kiwi and connect the Pi’s USB connection as described in the quickstart.
- Connect Kiwi to the host computer. Use a USB 3.0 connection between Kiwi and the computer that will serve as the display and control point.
- Open the Kiwi application. Launch it on the host and connect to the Kiwi device. Depending on the host operating system, permissions for camera or device access can affect whether the device is detected.
- Power on the Pi and check its video. If the target is off, the application may show a black window. Power the Pi and check that its HDMI output is active if the display remains black.
Cytrence’s Raspberry Pi page describes kits that may include a Raspberry Pi 5, power supply, micro-HDMI cable, USB cable and microSD card. That is not a guarantee of the contents of every kit or standalone Kiwi package; confirm the specific product listing before relying on a cable or accessory being included.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
- Includes Pre-Loaded 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10), USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Premium High-Gloss Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Integrated Fan Mount, CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (US Plug) with Noise Filter, Set of Heat Sinks, Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K60p)
- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)
What to check if the Pi is not detected
- No device appears in the host app: Check the USB 3.0 connection to the host and review the operating system’s device or camera permissions. Detection can depend on those permissions.
- The app opens to a black window: The quickstart notes this can happen when the target is off. Check that the Pi is powered and sending video over HDMI.
- The Pi’s display does not appear: Verify the HDMI connection and that the Pi model’s connector matches the cable or adapter in use. The documented compatibility condition is HDMI output on the target.
- The Pi does not respond to keyboard or mouse input: Check the USB connection to the target and confirm that the target accepts USB keyboard and mouse input.
- A Linux host has a device-access conflict: Cytrence documentation mentions a
brlttyconflict on Ubuntu 22.04. Consult the current documentation for applicable troubleshooting before changing system packages or services.
Performance claims and independent review
Cytrence publishes specifications of up to 1080p at 60 Hz and 35–70 ms glass-to-glass latency for Kiwi+. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements in this article, and they do not establish the performance of every Raspberry Pi, host computer, cable or setup.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rob Zwetsloot, Features Editor at Raspberry Pi Official Magazine, rated Kiwi+ USB 9/10. The review describes it as “The Kiwi KVM with some nice upgrades that can really streamline development, with a fairly reasonable price point.” That assessment is specific to the reviewed Kiwi+ USB variant; it does not replace checking whether its switched USB port, or another model’s added function, suits your setup. Read the Raspberry Pi Official Magazine Kiwi+ USB review.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【What you Get】You will get 1*Pi 5 8GB Single Board,1*RasTech Case,1*Active Cooler,1*Screwdriver,1*Installation instructions,12-month free warranty, lifetime service, 24-hour prompt and friendly response.
- 【More Connectors】There are two USB 3.0 ports(5Gbps simultaneously) and two USB 2.0 ports, which triple total bandwidth ,support any combination of up to two cameras or displays. Peak SD card performance is doubled through support for the SDR104 high-speed mode. It provides a smooth desktop experience for you. Offer Gigabit Ethernet and a PCIe interface, along with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE wireless capability. The RasTech Pi 5 Kit use the new 27W 5.1V 5A USB-C power connector.
- 【 Support Dual 4Kp60 Display 】Each of the two microHDMI sockets can control a 4K display at 60 Hertz, now support HDR, offering super HD video for media streaming projects. RPi 5 is the first RPi model that comes with a PCI Express port (PCIe 2.0 x1 with 500 MB/s) to attach SSDs (requires separate M.2 HAT).
- 【 Excellent Chips And Applications】Pi 5 is a full-size Pi computer using silicon built in-house at Pi. The RP1 “southbridge” provides the bulk of the I/O capabilities for Pi 5. Pi 5 is more friendly and convenient in the development of Internet of Things, Web development, machine identification, automatic control and other electronic equipment applications and network.
- 【 Faster CPU, Better GPU 】 Pi 5 features a Broadcom BCM2712 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz, it delivers a 2–3× increase in CPU performance relative to RaspberryPi 4. The 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU is compatible to OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, substantial uplift in graphics performance. Pi 5 Offers lightning-fast CPU speed, a PCI Express interface, a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a power button and runs significantly cooler than Pi 4.
Rank #4
- Fully assembled for plug-and-play operation
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 8GB RAM
- 256 GB PCIe Pi NVMe SSD (Pre-loaded with Pi 64-Bit OS)
- M.2 HAT+
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Pi 5
Rank #3
- Not including the Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB), the Crowpi advanced version comes with the Raspberry Pi 5
- ELECROW Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5, CrowPi is equipped with a 9-inch HD touchscreen along with a camera; All the regular components used in DIY electronics are packed into the CrowPi development board, such as LCD, LED matrix, buzzer, light sensor, PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, IR sensor, etc
- Raspberry Pi Sensors: The Crowpi raspberry pi 5 programming kit is jam-packed with lots of buttons such as 19 different sensors in a tidy easy to use package; You don't have to wait and wire things
- Build Quality: Solid ABS shell and well made components in one place make it strong and convenient to travel
- Programming Lessons: This raspberry pi 5 learning kit ships with step by step instructions and provides 21 lessons to take you through identifying components reading code and running it in the terminal
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
