Hey there, tech-savvy folks! I have a gaming PC set up with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse already connected. Now, with my wife starting remote work, we're considering adding her laptop to my desk setup, and I might want to connect my MacBook in the future as well. Here's what I'm trying to figure out:
- Will this work, given that only one PC will be active at a time?
- Should I use a DP cable or HDMI for my gaming PC?
- Is there a risk of lag or latency for the mouse and keyboard?
- What's the best way to switch between devices?
- Can I charge the laptops through this setup?
- What specific devices would you recommend for this arrangement?
Thanks a ton! - Elias 😊
2 Answers
If you’re connecting multiple devices, you’ll want an unmanaged network switch to connect your PCs, too. Your setup diagram shows a DP and two HDMI connections, so use the DP for the gaming PC and one HDMI for the laptop. For the keyboard and mouse, get a USB splitter that accommodates both. That way, either workstation can use them without much hassle. Keep in mind, you will need to switch between the HDMI inputs every time you want to switch devices.
It sounds like you need a KVM switch instead of a USB hub. A KVM lets you switch between devices seamlessly by using a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor setup. You can connect your gaming PC via DisplayPort and your laptop through HDMI. This should minimize any lag since you'll be using direct connections. As for charging the laptops, just check if the KVM supports USB-C Power Delivery. If not, you might need a separate charger for the laptops. I'd recommend a model like the IOGEAR GCS62HU, which is well-rated and has the basic features you’ll need.
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