August 31, 2026
KMBox vs Makcu vs KMNet — which mouse passthrough method fits your setup?
If you're building a dual-PC DMA setup, you'll come across three names again and again: Makcu andKMBox andKMNet. Many people think they're competing devices you have to choose between, but they're really different ways of passing the mouse signal from one PC to another. In this guide we explain the difference in plain language, and when you need each one.
Why do you need a mouse passthrough box at all?
In a dual-PC setup you have two PCs: the main PC you play on, andthe second PC that runs the tools. The problem is there's only one mouse, and its movement has to reach both PCs correctly.
That's where the passthrough box comes in: it sits between the mouse and the two PCs and passes the signal through at the hardware level rather than through software. The result is faster response and better stability, and the mouse appears to the system as normal.
Quick comparison
| Criteria | Makcu | KMBox | KMNet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connection method | USB serial port | USB serial port | Over the LAN network |
| Adoption in DMA setups | Most widespread | Widespread | Specialized |
| Ease of setup | Simple | Simple | Needs network configuration |
| Needs a cable between the two PCs | Yes | Yes | No — a network cable instead |
| Best for | Direct dual-PC setup | Compatibility with KMBox tools | Full separation between the two PCs |
Makcu — the most widely used protocol
Makcu is the most common name among DMA users in the region, and it works over a serial port between the two PCs. Most of the tools and tutorials available today are built around it, and that alone is a good reason to choose it if you're a beginner.
Features
- ✅ The largest base of tools and tutorials
- ✅ Straightforward setup with no complexity
- ✅ Excellent hardware-level response
Drawbacks
- ⚠️ Needs a USB-to-USB cable between the two PCs
- ⚠️ Tied to a serial port that has to be set up first
You can check out the makcu mouse emulator in our store.
KMBox — a family of mouse passthrough boxes
KMBox isn't a single device but a family of keyboard and mouse emulation boxes, and each version has its own protocol. The common ones work over a serial port like Makcu, and their advantage is that many tools support them directly by name.
Features
- ✅ Direct compatibility with KMBox tools
- ✅ Multiple versions for different needs
- ✅ High stability over long sessions
Drawbacks
- ⚠️ The many versions can confuse beginners
- ⚠️ You need to check that the version is compatible with your tool
KMNet — control over the network
KMNet is fundamentally different: instead of passing the signal through a serial port, it passes it over the network. This means the two PCs don't need a USB cable between them; a network connection is enough. A good fit if you want clearer separation between the two PCs or a distributed setup.
Features
- ✅ No USB cable needed between the two PCs
- ✅ More flexibility in arranging your hardware
- ✅ Suited to distributed setups
Drawbacks
- ⚠️ Needs network settings configured
- ⚠️ Network quality affects the experience
One box that supports them all
The real question isn't "Which one should I pick?" but "How do I avoid locking myself into one option?" — because your tools may change, and you may need a different protocol a month from now.
That's why the MT KMBOX box is a practical choice: it supports KMNet andMakcu andKMBox as well as B+ / BPRO in one device, with three USB ports and a polling rate of up to 8000Hz. So you can switch between protocols without buying new hardware.
And it keeps your mouse as it is: the Logitech or Razer software keeps working, and your DPI, lighting, macro and onboard memory settings stay available.
Polling rate — does 8000Hz really make a difference?
Polling rate is how many times per second the mouse reports its position to the PC. A 1K mouse reports 1000 times, and an 8K mouse reports 8000 times.
The key point: if your mouse is 8K and the passthrough box only supports 1K, you're losing what you paid for. The box becomes the bottleneck. That's why the box needs to keep up with your mouse's rate — boxes that support 1K, 2K, 4K and 8K make sure nothing gets cut from your mouse.
How to choose? A decision tree
- Beginner who wants the widest support: Start with Makcu
- Your tool specifically requires KMBox: You need KMBox support
- You don't want a cable between the two PCs: KMNet is the answer
- You don't want to box yourself in: A box that supports all three
FAQ
Are Makcu and KMBox the same thing?
No. Both pass the mouse through a serial port, but they're two different protocols, and the tool you use determines which one you need.
Do I need two PCs?
Yes, passthrough boxes are designed for dual-PC setups — a main PC and a second PC.
Does the box affect my mouse software?
It depends on the box. Good boxes keep the manufacturer's software running with all its settings.
How is KMNet different from the other options?
KMNet works over the network instead of a serial port, so you don't need a USB cable between the two PCs.
Read also
- Fuser buying guide for DMA setups
- What is DMA and how does it boost your performance in competitive games?
- How to set up DMA step by step — a beginner's guide
- The differences between DMA cards — a complete comparison
- All DMA accessories
Not sure what to choose? Contact DMA Saudi and we'll help you pick the right box for your setup and tools.