Hey everyone! I'm working from home and trying to streamline my setup by using a single KVM switch so I don't have to manage two separate desk setups. My employer requires that I have three screens for productivity—two monitors plus my laptop. Here's what I need from a KVM switch: it should support three external monitors with DisplayPort, connect to both a desktop (which has three DisplayPort connections from the GPU) and a laptop (using USB-C or a lightning connector), support 240Hz display (1080p is good enough), include a 1Gb LAN port, and have at least three USB 3.0 front header ports. I've seen a few options, but none meet all my needs (like having the correct number of ports or supporting a laptop). Does such a KVM switch even exist? If not, what would be an alternative? Thanks in advance for the help!
5 Answers
You might actually be looking for a docking station instead of a KVM. Something like what I use, which connects via USB-C and runs three monitors seamlessly. It could be a good alternative to a traditional KVM switch.
Honestly, you're not really looking for a KVM in this case—what you really need is a docking station. Most docking stations will support three monitors if connected properly through USB-C, though the resolution might be less optimal on the third monitor.
To make things easier, consider converting all your video sources to the same type of connector, like DisplayPort. You can use a docking station for your laptop that outputs to the monitors, and then connect everything to a standard KVM. This way, you can switch between your PC and laptop without requiring a custom solution.
You don’t necessarily need a KVM for your setup. Just plug in the two monitors directly and turn off one when you're using your laptop! Most work laptops with docking stations can technically handle three monitors, though the performance on the third can be pretty subpar.
Finding a device that ticks all those boxes is like searching for a unicorn! You might want to consider just keeping both setups and explaining to your employer that the KVM switch market hasn't evolved much since 2015—because it really hasn't!
I guess I was reaching for something impossible. Thanks for saving me time on further searches!
That actually sounds like a much simpler approach! Thanks for the tip!