Suggestions for KVM Switch for WFH

Lhotchoc on 21/02/2022 - 01:06
Last edited 21/02/2022 - 01:34

Hi all,

Have gone thru the KVM threads but still need suggestions in setting up personal pc and work laptop.

At the moment i have the following:

  1. 24" with a separate mouse and keyboard hooked to the work laptop as the laptop's 13" screen is too small. 1x HDMI, 1x usb C and 2x usb 3 ports (used for keyboard and mouse). I can't VPN due to strict security settings.

  2. 32" AOC with a separate mouse and keyboard hooked to the personal pc. Has 1x VGA, 1x DP and 1x HDMI. DP port isn't working at the moment (settings issues perharps) so am using HDMI at the moment.

I would like to be able to do the following:

  1. Control both work laptop and pc with one single mouse and keyboard at a flick of a button. Would not be buying a new keyboard and mouse - those where you can toggle between pc with a button via the keyboard.

  2. Be able to dual screen on both 24" and the 32" for the work laptop. At the same time being able to toggle 32" ONLY for the personal pc when required. May consider upgrading the 24" to a 32" with HDMI and DP as current monitor is old school DVI and VGA connection.

Open to any other suggestions as well.

Computing KVM Switch

Comments

  • avoidfullprice on 21/02/2022 - 08:21

    24" with a separate mouse and keyboard hooked to the work laptop as the laptop's 13" screen is too small. 1x HDMI, 1x usb C and 2x usb 3 ports (used for keyboard and mouse).

    I dont understand your point 1 above. Are the USB ports on the monitor or laptop?

    A KVM switch wouldn't solve your problem at a glance

    1. "Be able to dual screen on both 24" and the 32" for the work laptop" you will need two HDMi output from laptop. You need a USB-C to HDMI at least.

    2. "current monitor is old school DVI and VGA connection" the 24" right? get a HDMI-DVI adapter if you don't need sound. The electrical signals are compatible. Now you have two HDMi input.

  • Tobias on 21/02/2022 - 08:59

    I think you can simply do what I do and that's to remote from laptop into the other PC/Servers. They'll then be just a window that you can place and size as required on either monitor.

    My personal PC & laptop are connected together with an ethernet cable.

  • mskeggs on 21/02/2022 - 09:07

    Are you saying the work PC second screen via usb-c?

    • mskeggs on 21/02/2022 - 09:11

      If so, plug the 24" screen into usb-c, and any HDMI KVM to handle switching the other screen and keyboard/mouse when required.

      One button will then switch as you want. Personally, I think you will be driven mad by window repositioning when you switch between single and dual screen display on the work laptop.

  • AndyC1 on 21/02/2022 - 09:12
    +2

    Make sure you read the KVM specs on the video resolution supported to ensure it supports what you are running at.

    You will need a KVM that supports USB and the video connector you are using for the 32".

  • JimmyF on 21/02/2022 - 09:22
    +1

    Control both work laptop and pc with one single mouse and keyboard at a flick of a button. Would not be buying a new keyboard and mouse - those where you can toggle between pc with a button via the keyboard.

    Pretty much 101 for a KVM, google a HDMI KVM.

    Be able to dual screen on both 24" and the 32" for the work laptop. At the same time being able to toggle 32" ONLY for the personal pc when required. May consider upgrading the 24" to a 32" with HDMI and DP as current monitor is old school DVI and VGA connection.

    Hook up the 32" screen via the KVM, and plug the 24" screen direct to the work laptop then. As the KVM switches all or nothing.

  • Witchdoctr on 21/02/2022 - 12:34
    +1

    I just use one of these
    https://www.amazon.com.au/UGREEN-Computers-Peripheral-Switch…

    and swap sources on my monitor. PC is attached via DP and laptop via HDMI. Sure its two button presses vs one but it works.

    • hotchoc on 21/02/2022 - 12:37

      Thanks. Is this to address the mouse and keyboard swap or the monitors as well?

      • Witchdoctr on 21/02/2022 - 14:46

        Just the mouse, keyboard and headset. I use the screen itself to swap between machines. So I press the usb hub button then I press my source button and I'm up and going.

  • OldSchoolHarry on 21/02/2022 - 13:58

    Have a look at Dual HDMI KVMs from Aten on Mwave. It will serve your purpose as long as both your work and personal computer have are able to take two HDMI with appropriate adapters.

  • the Unforgiven on 21/02/2022 - 17:52

    get the Gigabyte M27Q monitor, it does KVM & it costs less than $500 for a 27" IPS monitor
    you can get it here for $470
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/224784587611?epid=22047358167&ha…
    or at Scorpec which have it on sale until the 5th
    https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/monitors/25plus-inch/857…
    I got this monitor a week ago and I like it. All the reviews say it is mainly for gaming, which I haven't gotten around to yet, and don't be put off by the GBR (this is the way the monitor is set-up & I can't tell of any problems). And my monitor does not suffer from back-light bleed.
    There is a good review on tomshardware.com & pcmonitors.info
    https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gigabyte-m27q-27-inch-1…
    https://pcmonitors.info/reviews/gigabyte-m27q/

  • tik tok on 21/02/2022 - 21:15

    Do both the laptops have USB-C/Thunderbolt? With KVM switches, you get what you pay for. The aliexpress junk only works on HDMI and a USB connection to the laptop - my laptop didn't have HDMI so that junk was out of question. Plus I couldn't be arsed switching my docking station from one laptop to another. I got this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095DDPKN3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_… and its a God send! I just love this thing. Even comes with a remote - so both my laptops are on a Kmart rattan coffee table under my desk and all I need to do is switch between them using the remote. Super helpful customer support too. If I want to be really picky, the only limitation is it doesn't have RJ45 (internet Cat 6 cable) connection.

    • hotchoc on 21/02/2022 - 23:50
      -1

      Only usb c for the laptop. How much did shipping set you back ?

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