I'm working from home with both a work laptop and a personal laptop connected to two monitors. I want to switch smoothly between the two laptops while still using my monitors, mouse, keyboard, and ideally the audio without constantly swapping HDMI cables. I've heard about KVM switches, but those for dual monitors seem pretty pricey, around $200 or more. Is there a more affordable solution for someone with limited tech knowledge?
4 Answers
If your laptops are from the same brand, a dock could work for you. Some laptops share the same docking station, so you could connect everything through that without needing to swap cables.
Have you considered using software like Synergy? It allows you to control multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse over a network. I’ve found it super useful, and it’s the only software I’ve ever paid for willingly. Check it out!
Another option is a KVM switch. Just search for one that fits the number of monitors and PCs you're using. They can be pretty affordable if you look around online. I found mine on Amazon for a good price!
You might want to try a USB switch box just for your keyboard and mouse, while using the monitors' multiple inputs. This way, you only need to switch those two things, and it saves you from the hassle of reconnecting cables every time. My setup has three inputs on the monitors for my gaming PC and both laptops, and I’ve been using a 4-port USB switch which works great for my wireless peripherals.
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