Which KVM to buy?
Which KVM to buy?
My wife requires a KVM for her desk setup. It’s been challenging to locate a suitable solution since I’m not familiar with filtering options easily. She needs two monitors connected to two different laptops, using just one set of mouse and keyboard. The first laptop offers several ports: USB ports including one USB 2.0, two USB 3.0 ports, and one USB 3.1 Type-C port that might also handle Display Port or Power Delivery features based on the model. Video output includes an HDMI™ port supporting 4K at 30Hz and a Mini-DisplayPort (version 1.2). The second laptop is a Dell with similar ports: one USB 2.0, one USB 3.0, two USB 3.1 Type-C Thunderbolt ports, and an HDMI™ port for 4K at 30Hz. She often just connects the two USB-C connectors to her monitors, but she mentions needing power from the laptop as well. She wants a way to plug in the Dell laptop into the KVM and switch between her personal laptop and the work machine without having to connect or disconnect monitors. Could someone help identify a suitable KVM tool or guide me toward the right product? TIA
I see what you need, just a simple KVM switch to connect the two laptops so they share the same keyboard, video displays, and mouse. You’ll need a diagram you draw showing the computers, connectors, and cables. Include port and plug types. Search for “KVM switch diagrams” and filter to images only. For example, look for “KVM two laptops two monitors.” Find an image that fits your needs and use it as a guide. It doesn’t have to be artistic—just clear and accurate. A reference link can help: https://avicotech.com/blogs/kvm/setup-di...al-monitor
The diagram is quite clear. Beginning with the keyboard, it appears a male USB plug is present at the end of the cable; I anticipate the KVM switch requires a matching female USB input.
Mouse: It seems similar to the keyboard—likely a male USB plug and an additional female USB port would be necessary on the KVM switch.
Laptop 2: According to the diagram, this model features a female Mini Display Port for connecting to the KVM. You should have flexibility in choosing the cable type at both ends. The KVM side may offer some options, but you might not always be able to select the correct port type.
Monitors: This is probably the simplest part. Decide on the video cable—DP or HDMI works well. Ensure the KVM matches the corresponding port type, then use male-to-male cables for connecting the monitor to the KVM via your chosen cable (DP or HDMI). If you already have HDMI, stick with those.
For dual monitors, the switch should support HDMI1 and HDMI2 outputs.
Laptop 1: Identical to Laptop 2, but now you have USB-C or Thunderbolt options. It seems USB-C is the preferred choice for connecting each laptop to the KVM. Video setup here is uncertain...
Next steps: refine the diagram with specific cable details, port types, connectors, and gender information. Aim for clarity without unnecessary adapters or switches. You might need extra cables depending on what you choose.
Once finalized, search online for "KVM switch displayport USB C" to explore available models.
Based on the diagram and similar examples, I found several possibilities.
Reference: a typical switch (just an example)
Alternative: a more complex configuration
Remember: focus on matching port types and connectors at each connection point.
Check KVM images and note the port types and connectors. If they align with your needs, proceed.
Consider listing all required cables—some may already exist or you might need adapters.
Expand the diagram to include detailed specifications for each component.
One quirk I noted in OP's original post: power to the Dell Laptop (#1 in the diagram). See the second-last paragraph. It appears (?) that his wife does NOT connect any power source to the Dell laptop at work - she claims to connect only two USB cable to the monitor. So EITHER the use at work is limited and she survives solely on the battery of the laptop OR as OP suspects, the monitor is supplying power back to the laptop via one of the USB connections. I am not aware of any KVM system that provides power (from what source?) to a computer via its USB inputs. So at minimum the HOME arrangement must require connecting a power "brick" to that Dell unit. Maybe that is what is being done already - OP does not speak of the connection details at home without the KVM system.
To confirm
The Dell is driven by a USB-C brick at home. What remains is another USB-C... together with one HDMI port.
She mentioned that while working, she connects two USB-C cables directly to a pair of monitors. It seems one of the monitors also powers the laptop.
Most of the kvms I've looked for that feature USB-C connectors for the laptop... they only provide one USB-C for the single PC connection.
@Paperdoc makes a good observation!
Connection specifics at the office are important too.
Perhaps a docking station could help?
She just sets up the laptop effortlessly without any extra effort...
Currently there is no KV available. I require a KVM that can connect to two DP/HDMI displays, along with a USB keyboard and mouse. The Dell laptop (#1) needs two USB-C Thunderbolt ports (two), a USB 3.0 port (one), and an HDMI port (one). When connected, it uses two USB-C cables for the monitors. It also needs to support multiple inputs for both PCs, but most units only allow one USB-C for each PC. The MSI laptop (#2) offers USB-C for charging, HDMI, Mini-DisplayPort, and two USB 3.0 ports.
This situation might depend on personal choices. Each laptop offers HDMI ports that support 4K resolution at 30 Hz. Both include one USB2 port and either one or two USB 3.0 ports (now known as USB3.2 Gen1). It would be straightforward to link HDMI cables from each device to the KVM switch, then connect the single keyboard and mouse to USB2 and USB3 ports. These slower devices will function perfectly on USB2, while the USB3 model will operate at the USB2 speed as well.
Now consider the concerns.
1. Confirm how you refer to "USB3.0" versus "USB3.1 Type C". Previously, older naming conventions distinguished the first USB3 version with a Type A port and later introduced USB3.1 for higher speeds requiring a Type C port. Today, both are labeled as USB3.2, but with Gen1 or Gen2 suffixes indicating speed. Gen2 supports 10 Gb/s and should use a Type C, while Gen1 is limited to 5 Gb/s and often comes with a Type A.
2. Are the two monitors intended for home use compatible with HDMI input? Or are they not designed for it?
3. Why are there two monitors? Is each laptop configured to display two separate sections of the screen? This would require two distinct video outputs from each device, possibly using different USB3 ports, or is it meant for both displays to show identical content simultaneously?
Additionally, the post doesn’t specify whether the home setup uses HDMI at 4K or lower resolutions (30 Hz). Since all workspace connections are USB3-based, it’s possible certain displays use higher resolutions. This could mean that specific configurations are needed depending on the resolution requirements.
The USB 3.0 model is the older type, not USB-C.
Both monitors support HDMI and DisplayPort, so either one is suitable.
The reason for having two monitors is because that's what momma prefers...so she gets what she wants...lol
The connections for the work monitor are USB-C to DisplayPort. This setup is also used at home with the same monitors.
My main problem is with the personal laptop. I can use the work laptop easily, but I can't find a configuration that works for both.