peripherals Controlling / Switching Between Multiple Laptops

[noodleMind]

I am currently trying to fix my work from home setup, where I have 2 Laptops on which I have to constantly toggle between. What is the best solution for that.

 

Current Setup / Tasks

• Communications / Chat / Calls on Both Laptops
• Constantly switch between both the Laptops
• Connected 2 Different Headsets (1 Each Laptop)
• Connected 2 Monitors (1 Each Laptop) 
• Logitech MX Keys and Master Mx3 Mouse (Switch Using the Device Selection Button)

 

Current Issues / Problems 

• Since I have to click on the Keyboard and the Mouse (bottom side, so I have to lift and flip each time) it is becoming hard to switch and know which one is active.
• Headphones needs to be constantly switched since each one has its own.

 

Can Not Do

• Install a software to connect them (Such as Synergy, Barrier, Flow etc.)

 

If KVM Switch with Docking station is the only option, is there any suggestions and recommendations

[Senzelian]

I work with two computers from home aswell.

I have a PC and a laptop and I simply remote desktop into the laptop and have that on my PC, so I can easily minimize it at any time.

 

So maybe that with a docking station and a monitor could fix that for you.

[noodleMind]

10 minutes ago, Senzelian said:

I work with two computers from home aswell.

I have a PC and a laptop and I simply remote desktop into the laptop and have that on my PC, so I can easily minimize it at any time.

 

So maybe that with a docking station and a monitor could fix that for you.

The problem is I cannot remote to my laptops. They both needs to be accessed from the respective devices as I am not able to get the Teams and other Audio Calls working on the remote connection.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

21 minutes ago, noodleMind said:

-snip-

What connections do you use for your monitors or what connections do they support? 

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

Since you're using laptops, I'm guessing you're using both HDMI and a VGA connection for both machines. In that case, something like this would be suitable for you.

https://www.amazon.ca/CKL-Keyboard-Switcher-Computers-CKL-922HV/dp/B07THD9Y3N/ref=sr_1_51?dchild=1&keywords=dual%2Bmonitor%2Bkvm&qid=1598390442&s=electronics&sr=1-51&th=1

 

However, I can't find any dual monitor KVMs that are relatively inexpensive. 

 

There is a Startech one that I would trust more but that's about 40 bucks more expensive. 

 

https://www.amazon.ca/Startech-Com-SV231DDVDUA-Monitor-Switch-Hub-Dual/dp/B00310EES0/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=dual+monitor+kvm+startech&qid=1598390683&s=electronics&sr=1-4

[noodleMind]

1 hour ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

Since you're using laptops, I'm guessing you're using both HDMI and a VGA connection for both machines. In that case, something like this would be suitable for you.

https://www.amazon.ca/CKL-Keyboard-Switcher-Computers-CKL-922HV/dp/B07THD9Y3N/ref=sr_1_51?dchild=1&keywords=dual%2Bmonitor%2Bkvm&qid=1598390442&s=electronics&sr=1-51&th=1

 

However, I can't find any dual monitor KVMs that are relatively inexpensive. 

 

There is a Startech one that I would trust more but that's about 40 bucks more expensive. 

 

https://www.amazon.ca/Startech-Com-SV231DDVDUA-Monitor-Switch-Hub-Dual/dp/B00310EES0/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=dual+monitor+kvm+startech&qid=1598390683&s=electronics&sr=1-4

I am ok to invest the money as long as it’s easier and allows me to view both the laptops at once (1 in each monitor).

 

Also, I might need to connect the headset and the webcam.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

8 minutes ago, noodleMind said:

I am ok to invest the money as long as it’s easier and allows me to view both the laptops at once (1 in each monitor).

 

Also, I might need to connect the headset and the webcam.

Wait, so you're going to have one monitor per laptop. But you want to share the webcam, mouse, keyboard, and headset? 

[noodleMind]

6 minutes ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

Wait, so you're going to have one monitor per laptop. But you want to share the webcam, mouse, keyboard, and headset? 

Yes, I want to have one monitor for each laptop and need to share the peripherals. Because I need both the laptops to be actively visible at the same time.

 

When I was searching, I came across TESmart KVM Switches which I am not sure of the quality.

 

https://buytesmart.com/products/dual-monitor-2-port-kvm-hdmi-hdmi-4k-60hz-uhd-audio-output-usb-sharing-4x2