I'm looking for a box that lets me connect my desktop PC, laptop, keyboard, mouse, headphones, and monitors in one setup. With one button press, I'd like the monitors and USB peripherals to switch over to the laptop, and with another press, switch everything back to the desktop PC. What is this type of device called, and what should I look for when choosing one?
3 Answers
Some monitors include built-in KVM functionality, and certain wireless keyboards and mice can switch between multiple computers too. Those options can work well, but a dedicated KVM is usually the simplest way to switch both the displays and your USB peripherals together.
You’re looking for a KVM switch. It lets you share one or more monitors plus USB devices like your keyboard and mouse between two computers, usually with a physical button or remote switch. Make sure it supports the number of monitors and display outputs you need.
Remote-control software is another option if the computers don’t need to share the same monitors and peripherals physically. However, for switching the actual displays, keyboard, and mouse with one button, a KVM switch is the more direct solution.
Check the specifications carefully if you use high-refresh-rate monitors or different resolutions. Cheaper KVMs can have trouble maintaining the signal, and switching between computers may occasionally rearrange windows or change their sizes.