Recommendations for Dual Monitor KVM switch USB 3.0 and Display Port or DVI

bigpallooka on 01/03/2022 - 02:06

I have 2 Dell U2412M Monitors and 2 Win 10 desktops I want to share my keyboard (Microsoft Ergonomic Wired), mouse (Wireless Vertical mouse) and dual monitor set up.
Alternatively:
If that type of switch is too expensive, I would settle for a simple keyboard and mouse switch in USB 3 and use a single monitor for each computer.

I can do a simple KVM switch like this for $65.
https://www.jaycar.com.au/2-port-usb-kvm-switch/p/YN8402

Cheaper for the simple alternative would be better, however I'm prepared to spend more for the first option.

Regards

Computing

Comments

  • sane on 01/03/2022 - 07:58
    -1

    Depends on your use case, but also consider addressing one of them via the other (variety of terms, microsoft usually uses 'remote access'). Provided you aren't doing massive high speed graphics that can work well. You could also virtualise one of them to run multiple sessions if needed - and you could access said machine remotely (eg on your phone) if useful.

    • bigpallooka on 01/03/2022 - 12:16

      I already use TightVNC. I'm having significant issues with my network and NAS, so I am looking for an alternative that will at least allow me to get some work done on both machines using my preferred mouse and keyboard.

      • OMGJL on 01/03/2022 - 14:55

        if you fine with use a monitor each PC, you could try Barrier from GitHub it basically send your keyboard/mouse/clipboard to another PC via network, and the latency is pretty low.

        You just plug in your K/M to your primary PC, and when you need the 2nd PC, you just switch 1 monitor to the 2nd PC instead.

  • AndyC1 on 01/03/2022 - 08:06

    Any 2 port KVM will work with the specs you included, but its the information you did not include that will make the setup work as you want/expect. Make sure you read the KVM specs for what happens on startup if you power up a PC with the other PC selected and what resolution and refresh rate the KVM supports.

    Also looks like you are new to Ox bargain as Jaycar is not cheap for many parts if you can get them at a computer store. As such check prices for KVM at your fav computer store as it will be cheaper if the store is not expensive like HN or JB for pc parts.

    Also think about a 4 port KVM so you can also connect your laptop to one of the monitors later.

    • bigpallooka on 01/03/2022 - 12:21
      +1

      I'm not new to Ozbargain. I rarely use Jaycar due to the crap quality of some of their products, but they are accessible to me (I don't have transport), have an easy to search website and this example came up in a web search.

  • Porker on 01/03/2022 - 08:57
    +2

    I previously spent over $200 on a KVM for dual monitor and keyboard/mouse setup.

    However, I now just use a simple USB switch (Amazon link below) and let me monitors do the video switching, and works fine for dual monitor setup.

    Setup is: PC no. 1 has two video outputs, one goes into HDMI 1 of monitor 1 and the other to HDMI 1 of monitor 2. PC no. 2 (again with two outputs), one goes to HDMI 2 of monitor 1 and the other to HDMI 2 of monitor 2.

    Then I simply use the USB switch to flip the keyboard/mouse between machines. I run this dual monitor setup for both my laptop and PC using one keyboard/mouse set.

    The monitor automatically changes to the respective HDMI ports IF only one video signal, ie machine, is on. I tend to turn one PC off before booting the other. But in some cases both have been on in which case the monitors will hold the HDMI signal that was first started. In these cases, I simply select the relevant HDMI port on the monitor menu. It's only a few clicks to enable to work.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/UGREEN-Computers-Peripheral-Switch…

    Overall cost if about $50~ for USB switch plus HDMI cables (which you probably already have). Comes in cheaper than the Jaycar option and allows dual screen.

    EDIT: Just checked the monitor specs for you and the DELL has DVI and DP ports, no HDMI. It'll still work but you'll need the respective cable connections. Eg. HDMI to DVI or HDMI to DP, or DP to DVI… whatever your connection types for your setup are

    • Presence on 01/03/2022 - 11:01

      Do you know if there's one for 4 PCs? I looked on Amazon but couldn't find

    • bigpallooka on 01/03/2022 - 12:24

      Thanks. I did find that in an Ozbargain search, but several people said they had issues with it working with Microsoft keyboards and other peripherals.
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/616662

      • Porker on 01/03/2022 - 12:27
        +1

        The setup is fine, the hub might have issue.

        Maybe a different brand hub might resolve the non-detection. I use logitech keyboard and mouse for my setup and seems to be compatible.

        • bigpallooka on 01/03/2022 - 12:45

          I'm tempted to go for the 4 PC option you linked to, as it comes with a power supply and has good reviews. Thanks for your suggestions. Just to confirm. If I have both monitors connected to both PC's one PC has to be switched off? This wouldn't work for me, as one PC runs 24/7 and is only rebooted for installation and maintenance purposes. I could still run the set-up, but would have to settle for single monitors. This is one of the reasons I was looking at an actual KVM switch.

          • Porker on 01/03/2022 - 13:16
            +1

            @bigpallooka: Both PCs can be on.

            The aspect of one 'off' and one 'on' which I raised earlier was because when both are 'on', the monitor won't know which PC to display (it's like having say an xbox and a DVD player both hooked up to your TV - both can be on, but only one will be displayed depending on what channel the TV is on).

            In my case, whichever PC is on first is what the monitors will display. If I then boot the second PC on, the monitors will still show the first PC video. At this point, all I do is go to the monitor menu and select the second video source to display the second PC

            If you're going to have one PC on 24/7, then when you shut down the other PC, the 24/7 one will be displayed on the monitor. If when you boot up the second PC and want to view that, you'll need to change the 'input source' (ie. channel) on the monitor to display the second video.

            EDIT: you would do menu select on both monitors for dual screen.

            • bigpallooka on 01/03/2022 - 16:52

              @Porker: That's what I thought. Thanks for explaining how to work around it.

  • OldSchoolHarry on 01/03/2022 - 10:46
    +2

    Beware when you look "2 port KVM" as it generally will only have 1 monitor output. The '2 port' part refers to connecting to two PCs. So, you want a KVM with ability to connect to two monitors for each of the 2 PCs (i.e. total 4 display-in (2 from each PC) and 2 display-out).

    • bigpallooka on 01/03/2022 - 12:26

      Thanks for the advice. I'll make sure to read any specs carefully.

      • OldSchoolHarry on 01/03/2022 - 12:49

        In terms of ports, it would look like this KVM switch. (Though I have no experience with this brand/model).

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 01/03/2022 - 12:51

    The other option is to use a Logitech Keyboard and Mouse, that support switching between 3 devices.
    EG MX Keys and MX Anywhere 3. Enable Logitech Flow, and you can move between 2 to 3 devices.

    • bigpallooka on 01/03/2022 - 16:48

      I already have those, however I have had to move to an ergonomic keyboard and a vertical mouse to combat wrist and elbow issues.

  • bargainhuntingcouple on 01/03/2022 - 13:24

    I use a DVI + 2 USB KVM from Aten. I got it new from Gumtree for 45 aud shipped. It has all cables included and is sharper than Analog VGA.

    One model is

    2-port KVM Aten CS22D DVI USB switch

    • bigpallooka on 01/03/2022 - 16:50

      Thanks. I was looking through those on the i-tech website. I'll have another look.

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