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submitted 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by inclementimmigrant@lemmy.world to c/pcgaming@lemmy.world

So recently had the ability to work from home a bit more than usual so I'm in the market for a KVM or USB switch to go between my PC and work laptop. Anyone have suggestions?

ETA. Thanks for all of the useful feedback, appreciate it!

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[-] catloaf@lemm.ee 6 points 6 months ago

What's your budget and feature requirements? You can get a cheap USB switch for like $12, or a 4k multi-display KVM for like $2000.

[-] inclementimmigrant@lemmy.world 5 points 6 months ago

Sure. Sub $200 is what I'm looking at. Something that can handle multiple 1440p ultrawides with good USB 3.0 support.

multiple 1440p ultrawides

Yeah that won't be cheap. https://www.store.level1techs.com/products/p/14-kvm-switch-dual-monitor-2computer-z5erd-n6mbj

Might I suggest a USB switcher, a hub, and just changing inputs on the monitor?

[-] inclementimmigrant@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago

Yeah, as I keep looking that's what it seems like it's the best choice to continue to game and be productive, which is fine by me, not that hard to switch inputs on a monitor.

[-] astrsk@piefed.social 4 points 6 months ago

Check out ddcutil and setting keyboard shortcuts. At a single press you can switch monitor inputs easily so no need to fiddle with monitor buttons. Combined with a USB switcher you’re down to just 2 button presses to swap machines like this.

[-] catloaf@lemm.ee 3 points 6 months ago

You're not gonna get that for under $200.

https://www.kvm-switches-online.com/cs1942dp.html

If you can verify you can use MST or displayport passthrough, you can get one for a bit over $200: https://www.kvm-switches-online.com/cs1922.html

I would verify your video and USB bandwidth requirements will work with those before purchasing. You may need to go up a model level if you're going to be pushing a lot of data.

[-] usrtrv@lemmy.ml 5 points 6 months ago

I suggest something from level1techs. The prices are high, but they support DP 1.4 https://www.store.level1techs.com/products/p/14-kvm-switch-dual-monitor-2computer-z5erd-n6mbj

[-] istoff@lemmy.world 3 points 6 months ago

Tesmart have a wide range. Happy with the 4k60 4port I bought.

[-] eyeon@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago

no product recommendation but in general KVMs can't handle high bandwidth displays. Maybe some can but the vast majority are meant for 1080p60 desktop use.

[-] tmat256@lemmings.world 1 points 6 months ago

If you can somehow manage to install software on your work laptop then I highly recommend Synergy. It is by far a better solution than a KVM and you could keep the keyboard and mouse plugged into your PC so no effect on gaming.

this post was submitted on 30 Apr 2024
22 points (95.8% liked)

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