F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Are there any recommendations comparing KVM switch and docking station options?

Are there any recommendations comparing KVM switch and docking station options?

Are there any recommendations comparing KVM switch and docking station options?

B
Brek_
Member
249
02-26-2023, 10:00 PM
#1
Hello everyone!
My current setup consists of the following devices:
- A new Macbook PRO M4 for professional tasks (IT work)
- A Macbook PRO M2 for personal use
- A desktop PC for 3D animations and gaming
- Two LG UltraGear 27GP850P-B monitors

Up until now, I only had one Macbook PRO. So far, I connected two dongles to it, each with its own HDMI output, directing them to the respective monitors. Additionally, I’ve attached a webcam to one of these dongles and a keyboard/mouse receiver to the other, which I now need for my second Macbook.

Instead, the PC has its own mouse/keyboard receiver and its own display cables for the two monitors.
I’ve been considering a KVM switch to simplify switching inputs between my PC and the first Macbook, but it still feels a bit cumbersome.

Now I have a new Macbook to connect into the system.
The main issue is that I don’t want to replace all my current peripherals (dongles, receivers, cables) but rather reuse those from the first Macbook. I think a docking station could solve this problem. If I need to switch from one Macbook to another, I’d just connect the USB-C of the docking station and change its connection from one Macbook to another.

Would I cause any long-term issues by frequently disconnecting and reconnecting the docking station between the two Macbooks?
And the smallest concern is whether having a monitor switch between the docking station (on either of the two Macbooks) and the PC would be useful. If so, I’d need a KVM switch costing around 900 EUR to connect all three devices. That’s beyond my budget of 400 EUR. I’m stuck and would appreciate some expert advice!

Thanks in advance for your help!
B
Brek_
02-26-2023, 10:00 PM #1

Hello everyone!
My current setup consists of the following devices:
- A new Macbook PRO M4 for professional tasks (IT work)
- A Macbook PRO M2 for personal use
- A desktop PC for 3D animations and gaming
- Two LG UltraGear 27GP850P-B monitors

Up until now, I only had one Macbook PRO. So far, I connected two dongles to it, each with its own HDMI output, directing them to the respective monitors. Additionally, I’ve attached a webcam to one of these dongles and a keyboard/mouse receiver to the other, which I now need for my second Macbook.

Instead, the PC has its own mouse/keyboard receiver and its own display cables for the two monitors.
I’ve been considering a KVM switch to simplify switching inputs between my PC and the first Macbook, but it still feels a bit cumbersome.

Now I have a new Macbook to connect into the system.
The main issue is that I don’t want to replace all my current peripherals (dongles, receivers, cables) but rather reuse those from the first Macbook. I think a docking station could solve this problem. If I need to switch from one Macbook to another, I’d just connect the USB-C of the docking station and change its connection from one Macbook to another.

Would I cause any long-term issues by frequently disconnecting and reconnecting the docking station between the two Macbooks?
And the smallest concern is whether having a monitor switch between the docking station (on either of the two Macbooks) and the PC would be useful. If so, I’d need a KVM switch costing around 900 EUR to connect all three devices. That’s beyond my budget of 400 EUR. I’m stuck and would appreciate some expert advice!

Thanks in advance for your help!

G
GabraPvP
Junior Member
42
03-02-2023, 10:37 AM
#2
I would examine a KVM switch and connect everything directly to that switch, or alternatively, you could use a Bluetooth keyboard that supports pairing with several devices such as the MX series from Logitech.
What docking station were you considering?
G
GabraPvP
03-02-2023, 10:37 AM #2

I would examine a KVM switch and connect everything directly to that switch, or alternatively, you could use a Bluetooth keyboard that supports pairing with several devices such as the MX series from Logitech.
What docking station were you considering?

A
Arrxn
Junior Member
20
03-02-2023, 12:22 PM
#3
Thanks for your response. I own the MX keyboard and mouse. I've been using two different Bluetooth receivers so far—one for the PC and one for the Macbook (which will be both Macbooks eventually). I didn<|pad|> to choose receivers because they caused issues and would disconnect periodically. Now both devices are working fine.

Do you have any recommendations for a KVM? Any brands you'd consider?
Also, I didn't focus on a specific docking station. I found many options, but if you have a brand in mind, I could consider it. Would it be an issue if I need to plug and unplug the docking station between the two Macbooks as required?
A
Arrxn
03-02-2023, 12:22 PM #3

Thanks for your response. I own the MX keyboard and mouse. I've been using two different Bluetooth receivers so far—one for the PC and one for the Macbook (which will be both Macbooks eventually). I didn<|pad|> to choose receivers because they caused issues and would disconnect periodically. Now both devices are working fine.

Do you have any recommendations for a KVM? Any brands you'd consider?
Also, I didn't focus on a specific docking station. I found many options, but if you have a brand in mind, I could consider it. Would it be an issue if I need to plug and unplug the docking station between the two Macbooks as required?

C
casanuva
Member
61
03-08-2023, 04:15 PM
#4
I conducted further investigation and, if incorrect, I should not have thought I could locate a KVM switch for my Macbooks and PC under 400 EUR. It seems more practical to tackle the main issue: disconnecting the two dongles from one Macbook to another, or adding additional dongles, HDMI cables, or MX keys and mouse receivers for my new Macbook. After some searching, Anker and CalDigit appear to be the most frequently mentioned options. What are your thoughts on those? Should I wait for their TB 5 version to be released in late June, or would a previous version suffice for my needs?
C
casanuva
03-08-2023, 04:15 PM #4

I conducted further investigation and, if incorrect, I should not have thought I could locate a KVM switch for my Macbooks and PC under 400 EUR. It seems more practical to tackle the main issue: disconnecting the two dongles from one Macbook to another, or adding additional dongles, HDMI cables, or MX keys and mouse receivers for my new Macbook. After some searching, Anker and CalDigit appear to be the most frequently mentioned options. What are your thoughts on those? Should I wait for their TB 5 version to be released in late June, or would a previous version suffice for my needs?