2026-10-19

GL.iNet has released the Comet Q (GL-RMQ1), a compact remote KVM device that connects to your server or workstation with a single USB-C cable. It captures HDMI output, passes keyboard and mouse input, and — crucially — has Tailscale baked in for secure remote access without port forwarding. ServeTheHome has just published a full review.

Why homelabbers should care

If you've ever bricked a firewall config or locked yourself out of a BIOS, you know the pain. Enterprise servers have IPMI/iDRAC, but consumer and mini-PC hardware usually doesn't. Devices like PiKVM fill that gap, but the Comet Q simplifies the setup considerably — one USB-C cable handles video capture, HID emulation, and power. No separate HDMI cable, no USB-A splitter, no extra PSU.

The built-in Tailscale support is the real headline. You get a zero-config WireGuard tunnel to your KVM from anywhere, which is exactly what you want when your Proxmox box decides to misbehave while you're away from home.

Caveats

The single-cable design means you'll need a machine with USB-C that supports the right alt-mode or you'll still need an adapter. Pricing isn't cheap compared to a DIY PiKVM setup — expect to pay a premium for the convenience. The STH review also notes some latency considerations, so check their benchmarks before committing. It's also a relatively new product, so long-term firmware support is worth watching.

What to do

Read the full ServeTheHome review for detailed benchmarks and setup notes. If you want something cheaper for headless work right now, our MS2131 HDMI Capture Card – 1080p Video & Audio for Headless Servers does basic HDMI capture at £20.99, and a good 240W USB-C Fast-Charging & Data Cable – Braided, LED Indicator is always handy to have spare. For the Comet Q itself, check GL.iNet Comet Q GL-RMQ1 for UK availability.