I'm not totally clueless about tech, but I really need help finding a KVM switch that meets my needs. I have a gaming PC that I built and a work laptop, using two monitors. Currently, my wired keyboard and mouse are connected to my gaming PC. What I want is a KVM switch that allows my work laptop to use both monitors and also switch to my PC seamlessly without having to unplug any peripherals.
For context, my primary monitor is a 1440p 240Hz setup with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, while my secondary monitor is a 1920x1080 144Hz with one HDMI and one DisplayPort. The keyboard is USB 2.0 and the mouse is a USB-A. My laptop has Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports and HDMI 2.1 support for 4K at 60Hz.
Any recommendations or tips would be greatly appreciated because I've spent a lot of time looking into this but haven't found what I need yet! Thanks!
2 Answers
Yes! What you're asking for is pretty much what any KVM should do, but you do need to check the specs. Make sure both your desktop and laptop can output to at least two displays using HDMI or DisplayPort. Some switches just handle one display, so it's crucial to get one that specifies dual monitor support. If you're looking for something specific, take a peek at this link: [KVM Switch for Dual Monitors](https://www.amazon.com/Monitors-Computers-Switcher-Extended-Controller/dp/B0F8T5TMT2).
You definitely need a KVM with dual monitor support since you want both displays active for your laptop. The TESmart brand is pretty reliable; their models can handle dual HDMI outputs, which fits your use case. I used to have one, and it stored monitor IDs, so no need to redetect whenever you switch. Just be careful, as some newer models aren’t as good as the older ones. Here’s a link to check it out: [TESmart KVM Switch](https://www.amazon.com/Monitors-Computers-Switcher-Extended-Controller/dp/B0F8T5TMT2).
You're on the right track! Just keep in mind that you'll need both a DP and HDMI option, since your gaming rig uses DP for performance. This switch should cover that!