Recommendations for KVM Switch Options
Recommendations for KVM Switch Options
Hello everyone! I'm searching for a KVM switch for my work laptop to connect both monitors and switch between the desktop and these displays without losing access. I received a docking station from work, but it doesn’t allow me to do this seamlessly, so I’d have to disconnect my desktop from the monitors when using the dock. That’s not something I can manage long-term. One monitor uses HDMI and the other uses Display Port, with standard USB for keyboard and mouse. I’m trying to find a good value but am unsure what to look for in this area. Completely new to PC peripherals. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
The initial issue is that most KVMs are designed for a single video connection type, such as HDMI or DP. A few might support multiple inputs and outputs, but these would likely be significantly more costly.
The docking station information came into play because of my hardware setup, which includes various monitors. If there was a notable price hike, I might have to opt for just one monitor with the laptop instead of both or evaluate whether the extra expense of a KVM switch that accommodates both types of displays makes sense compared to using a more affordable option and swapping the HDMI monitor.
Would this be feasible?
I’m new to KVM switches and this model includes HDMI+DP for PC1 and PC2. I’m concerned because if it behaves like a router, I’d have to switch from my GPU’s DP to the KVM’s DP on PC1, but there would be no DP connection from PC1 to the monitor. The monitor with the DP does have other ports such as HDMI, so I imagine I could route from PC to KVM via DP and then from KVM to monitor via HDMI, though this might impact performance.
*Edit - I believe it will work. The PC has DP/HDMI into PC Input 1 and the laptop has HDMI into PC Input 2, with both Display Ports supporting HDMI into Display 1/2 ports. I think this setup should function as intended. Now, are there other options or alternatives that might be better? I’m not sure. I’ve already paid, but there’s a return policy I could consider if someone here has more useful ideas.*
Thanks to all!