Need help with my setup

[mirmo96]

Long time lurker, first time posting - looking for advice on a clean KVM setup.
 

My gear:

• Computers (3): personal laptop, work laptop, and a Mac mini — all Thunderbolt 4 capable
• Dock: Targus Universal USB-C Dual Video 4K (monitors connected via DisplayPort)
• Monitors: two DP inputs
• Peripherals: card reader, keyboard/mouse dongles, monitor lights, etc.

 

Current pain: I’m physically unplugging/re-plugging cables every time I switch machines. It’s messy!

 

Goal:

• Press a button to switch both monitors + all peripherals between the three computers.
• No DisplayLink—I want native display/DP output.
• Ideally keep using my existing dock (free from work), but I’m open to ditching it if that’s cleaner.

 

Budget: $300–$500 total.

 

What I’m considering: Putting a KVM switch between the computers and the dock (so the dock’s host cable goes to the KVM’s console, and each computer feeds the KVM). Example: Sabrent Thunderbolt 4 KVM (if it can handle dual displays through the dock without DisplayLink).

 

Questions:

1. Can a TB4/USB-C KVM reliably pass dual native DP from my laptops/Mac mini through the Targus dock to the two monitors?

2. If not, what dual-monitor KVM (DP preferred) would you recommend in the $300–$500 range?

3. Is it smarter to skip the dock and run a dual-DP KVM directly to the monitors, then hang a small USB hub off the KVM for peripherals?

4. Any gotchas I should know about (EDID/DDM, hotkey switching on macOS/Windows, cable types/lengths, PD limits)?

Thanks in advance for any real-world setups or model numbers that meet these constraints!

 

[FilipposTechGR]

I’d lean toward a dual DP KVM instead of relying on the dock to pass both signals  chaining docks can get messy. The Sabrent TB4 KVM works, but honestly it’s usually more stable if each machine goes straight into the KVM for video and you just hang a small USB hub off it for your peripherals.

TESmart and IOGear both make decent dual DP KVMs in your price range, and if you can, pick one that supports EDID/DDM so the monitors don’t forget their settings when you switch.

Skipping the dock for video and just using it for accessories might save you some headaches.
 

[mirmo96]

1 minute ago, FilipposTechGR said:

I’d lean toward a dual DP KVM instead of relying on the dock to pass both signals  chaining docks can get messy. The Sabrent TB4 KVM works, but honestly it’s usually more stable if each machine goes straight into the KVM for video and you just hang a small USB hub off it for your peripherals.

TESmart and IOGear both make decent dual DP KVMs in your price range, and if you can, pick one that supports EDID/DDM so the monitors don’t forget their settings when you switch.

Skipping the dock for video and just using it for accessories might save you some headaches.
 

Thanks! Any specific models you'd recommend? Based on a reviews looks like Sabrent heats up a lot and takes a hot minute to switch.

[FilipposTechGR]

2 hours ago, mirmo96 said:

Thanks! Any specific models you'd recommend? Based on a reviews looks like Sabrent heats up a lot and takes a hot minute to switch.

Yeah, the Sabrent does get that feedback pretty often it works, but it can run hot and switching isn’t the fastest. If you want something a bit more reliable, TESmart’s dual DP KVMs are solid for the price, and IOGear has a few models that are pretty dependable too. Just make sure whatever you pick has EDID/DDM support so your monitors don’t freak out every time you switch.