KVM Switch???

[Dwelsh]

Hey guys, this is my first post so go easy.

 

I am in the process of purchasing the hardware for a small media server, gaming rig and my office workstation. No problems with any of that (so far)

 

What I would like to know is how I can have all three set ups hooked up to dual monitors so I can switch between sources at the flick of a switch. Essentially I would like to be able to use my HP Elitebook Laptop dock during the day (on dual monitors) and when finished I can simply press a button and the gaming rig will then become active on both monitors. I would like the same functionality for my server although I will rarely use it.

 

My sound system would need to be connected to all and work for whichever is currently active on the monitors (I assume through optical cable) and I will also need the same keyboard/mouse to work for whatever is currently active on the monitors

 

I have been looking at KVM switches but unsure what I should be looking for specifically. Got a relatively small budget for this given how much will be spent on rest of hardware. Probably around $250.

 

This is probably fairly straightforward but i'm clueless at this stage...

 

Thanks!

 

 

[Windows7ge]

Generally a KVM switch has the functionally to support switching 1 display (traditionally VGA but I believe I have seen HDMI supported KVM switches) and a keyboard & mouse. I do not know of a KVM that has enough ports to switch two displays at a time & audio & keyboard/mouse but I'll look around a bit see if I come up with anything. Someone will probably point you directly to one before I get back to you.

[Windows7ge]

What display port do your displays need? VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort?

Also do the inputs change between systems? Like does the server need VGA, does your system need HDMI and DVI, does the third one need two HDMI etc...

[Dwelsh]

Displays are HDMI

I was intending on all systems running x2 HDMI out

[Metatron]

On 4/29/2016 at 4:12 PM, Windows7ge said:

What display port do your displays need? VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort?

Also do the inputs change between systems? Like does the server need VGA, does your system need HDMI and DVI, does the third one need two HDMI etc...

Were you able to come up with anything?  I have needs similar to the original poster.

[Windows7ge]

2 hours ago, Metatron said:

Were you able to come up with anything?  I have needs similar to the original poster.

Depending on what your budget is I have found that there are dual display compatible KVM devices. However you will probably require adapters to convert any display connector to any other display connector.

 

I did find a KVM switch that might have worked for him but he never got back to me, it was over $200 though I think. What are you looking to have done? how many displays across how many computers?

[Lehti]

In this day and age I don't think a proper KVM switch is worth it. Most of the stuff you'll find online only has VGA ports, which on a gaming rig and a media server are a waste.

However, these days we usually have two or more outputs in each monitor, which is great and I suggest you use those instead.

To share a keyboard and a mouse between your devices you can use a USB switch. I personally use the ATEN 224 and it works great. There's also the 424 model that lets you share 4 USB devices between 4 different computers.

[Metatron]

On 5/11/2016 at 1:18 PM, Windows7ge said:

Depending on what your budget is I have found that there are dual display compatible KVM devices. However you will probably require adapters to convert any display connector to any other display connector.

 

I did find a KVM switch that might have worked for him but he never got back to me, it was over $200 though I think. What are you looking to have done? how many displays across how many computers?

Several computers, no more than three displays.  Only my workstation would need to have more than one display. The gaming machine would only ever use one. These display s would preferably be connected via HDMI and a splitter to my hauppauge recording device.

[Windows7ge]

5 hours ago, Metatron said:

Several computers, no more than three displays.  Only my workstation would need to have more than one display. The gaming machine would only ever use one. These display s would preferably be connected via HDMI and a splitter to my hauppauge recording device.

Well I have to say right now you're not going to be able to switch 3 monitors at a time. One display will have to plug into your graphics card directly and always be set to your workstation.

 

Unfortunately there isn't much in the ways of HDMI. There's a few but they don't have 3.5mm audio jacks so you won't be able to hear what your playing on either the gaming machine or hauppauge. Like I said, you're gonna need adapters.

 

This one supports dual DVI displays and has full surround sound compatibility: LINKSKEY LDV-DM724AUSK - $449

This one is VGA/DVI and you lose surround sound but it's not as expensive: StarTech SV431DDUSB - $286.30

 

Since you need HDMI here's some adapters:

 

If you plan to use the cables that come with the unit (plug their cables into your devices): StarTech HDDVIMF8IN

If you plan on using your own cables (Plug your cables into the device): StarTech HDDVIFM8IN

If you opt for the cheaper KVM switch you may require: SYBA CL-ADA31037

[Metatron]

23 hours ago, Windows7ge said:

Well I have to say right now you're not going to be able to switch 3 monitors at a time. One display will have to plug into your graphics card directly and always be set to your workstation.

 

Unfortunately there isn't much in the ways of HDMI. There's a few but they don't have 3.5mm audio jacks so you won't be able to hear what your playing on either the gaming machine or hauppauge. Like I said, you're gonna need adapters.

 

This one supports dual DVI displays and has full surround sound compatibility: LINKSKEY LDV-DM724AUSK - $449

This one is VGA/DVI and you lose surround sound but it's not as expensive: StarTech SV431DDUSB - $286.30

 

Since you need HDMI here's some adapters:

 

If you plan to use the cables that come with the unit (plug their cables into your devices): StarTech HDDVIMF8IN

If you plan on using your own cables (Plug your cables into the device): StarTech HDDVIFM8IN

If you opt for the cheaper KVM switch you may require: SYBA CL-ADA31037

Hmm, I'm beginning to think that Lehti's idea may be a better one.  I forgot to mention that I get audio on my machine through headphones connected via usb. Do you have any suggestions for USB based switches? What about displayport based systems?

[Windows7ge]

3 minutes ago, Metatron said:

Hmm, I'm beginning to think that Lehti's idea may be a better one.  I forgot to mention that I get audio on my machine through headphones connected via usb. Do you have any suggestions for USB based switches? What about displayport based systems?

I don't know about displayport switches but while searching for the one's I listed I did find switches designed for purely USB switching. I personally use monitors with multiple HDMI ports and switch inputs on the displays. I do however have a KVM switch purely for USB so I can move in between my main rig and my test bench. In your case if your headset is USB you're gonna need a USB HUB of some sort because most KVM switches even the expensive ones will only come with one or two USB ports typically for keyboard and/or mouse. I had to use a hub to accommodate my keyboards extra USB port. I assume you'll need to be able to switch keyboard/mouse/headset in between all three systems?

[Lehti]

The one I suggested you supports up to 4 USB devices connected to 2 or 4 (depending on the model) different computers.

I bought mine (the 224 model) from Amazon. This is the 424 model which should be better for what you intend to do (since you mentioned you want to share keyboard, mouse and headset among 3 computers.