KVM Setup Help

[14mclean]

Hi all,

 

First post so I hope I've put this in the right place. So I'm starting work soon and I want to incorporate my company laptop into my gaming setup. The picture is what I would ideally have as a KVM setup, I understand there are technical limitations that probably prevent that so I am wondering what the closest to this could be. Thanks in advance 

[manikyath]

you're gonna need a separate dock for the lapop before the KVM either way. i'm not aware of *any* KVM switches that incorporate a dock on one input but not the other.

 

having that said, keep in mind that if your keyboard or mouse have RGB, that's not gonna enjoy switching back and forth, or may be too power hungry for the KVM switch.

 

presuming that is all in order, it comes down to this:

- buy a dual-display KVM switch of the type suitable for what you use to connect your displays to your desktop (presuming displayport?)

- probably buy some shorter displayport cables to stop them from flaking out, because that's a thing.

- buy a dock for the laptop (or ask work *very* nicely to have a dock to work from home) that has two displayport outputs.

[igormp]

I have a similar plan, but wanted to actually have a single usb-c dock to attach my peripherals and an usb-c kvm switch (which I don't even know if exists). My main issues is that I'm not sure how well would a dock with USB-C PD passthrough would work with my desktop or the kvm switch.

 

My planned layout would look similar to this one:

[14mclean]

On 7/4/2023 at 3:23 AM, igormp said:

I have a similar plan, but wanted to actually have a single usb-c dock to attach my peripherals and an usb-c kvm switch (which I don't even know if exists). My main issues is that I'm not sure how well would a dock with USB-C PD passthrough would work with my desktop or the kvm switch.

 

My planned layout would look similar to this one:

So I ended up implementing a relatively similar setup to yours. However, I have a thunderbolt dock (that does PD for the laptop) between the KVM and laptop so the KVM takes 1 DisplayPort, 1 HDMI and 1 USB-A from each device then I can plug in both monitors, mouse, headphones and webcam. Also even if your above setup was viable (although I really doubt PD through a KVM is possible) there is a chance you would be trying to push power over USB to your desktop which I don't like the sound of. Also if it is relevant to you, I had to use a separate ethernet switch because I don't believe there is a KVM with one built in. I've put links to what I bought but it is obviously specific to your machines, use case, budget, etc.

8K@60Hz HDMI+Displayport KVM Switch Dual monitor USB 3.0 KVM Switcher 4K@120hz for 2 computers share 2 monitors and 4 USB ports Support DP 1.4 HDMI 2.1 with wired Controller, 12V DC adapter : Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Docking Station Dual Monitor for Dell HP, Thunderbolt 3/4 Dock USB C Hub Multiport Adapter Triple Monitor to 2 HDMI 4K,VGA,Ethernet,5 USB,PD,SD/TF,3.5MM for Lenovo,Surface,MacBook Laptops: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

I hope this helps!

[igormp]

24 minutes ago, 14mclean said:

So I ended up implementing a relatively similar setup to yours. However, I have a thunderbolt dock (that does PD for the laptop) between the KVM and laptop so the KVM takes 1 DisplayPort, 1 HDMI and 1 USB-A from each device then I can plug in both monitors, mouse, headphones and webcam. Also even if your above setup was viable (although I really doubt PD through a KVM is possible) there is a chance you would be trying to push power over USB to your desktop which I don't like the sound of. Also if it is relevant to you, I had to use a separate ethernet switch because I don't believe there is a KVM with one built in. I've put links to what I bought but it is obviously specific to your machines, use case, budget, etc.

8K@60Hz HDMI+Displayport KVM Switch Dual monitor USB 3.0 KVM Switcher 4K@120hz for 2 computers share 2 monitors and 4 USB ports Support DP 1.4 HDMI 2.1 with wired Controller, 12V DC adapter : Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Docking Station Dual Monitor for Dell HP, Thunderbolt 3/4 Dock USB C Hub Multiport Adapter Triple Monitor to 2 HDMI 4K,VGA,Ethernet,5 USB,PD,SD/TF,3.5MM for Lenovo,Surface,MacBook Laptops: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

I hope this helps!

I ended going with this KVM switch:

https://aliexpress.com/item/1005005492308177.html

 

just noticed that they now have an option with USB-PD, wasn't the case when I got mine, bummer. I saw options similar to yours, but I want to have as less cables as possible on the laptop side, so with the KVM I picked it'll only be the usb-c for the kvm and the charger itself.

 

Should allow me to plug my monitor on the hdmi, along with USB peripherals. I don't really need ethernet on the laptop, but got a dock anyway if the need ever arises:

https://aliexpress.com/item/1005003016375106.html

 

I'm yet to receive those devices, but I hope this will work good enough for me.

 

So it's somewhat similar to what you did in the end haha