I recently started a second work-from-home job and now need to use two laptops at the same desk. My current setup uses Dell P2422H and P2425HE monitors connected through DisplayPort and USB-C, and it works well with one laptop. I have another pair of the same monitors available, but I'd prefer not to keep separate keyboards and mice for each computer. Ideally, I'd like a KVM or similar setup that lets me switch between the laptops with a hotkey or button and use the monitors as conveniently as possible. I'm fine if all four displays cannot be extended at the same time. A software or hardware solution that supports multiple devices would also work. I'm mainly looking for reliable options that won't interfere with either laptop's VPN or work configuration.
4 Answers
You may be able to remote into one laptop from the other instead of using a physical KVM. Whether that works depends on your companies’ security policies, VPN setup, and whether remote access is permitted, so check with both IT departments first.
A multi-device keyboard and mouse may be the simplest solution. Some Logitech models can switch between computers with a hotkey or by moving the pointer to the edge of the screen, and certain software can even share the clipboard. Install the manufacturer’s software on both laptops only if your work policies allow it.
Another option is a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse that support multiple paired devices. You can switch between laptops using a dedicated button, although it usually won’t provide the same seamless monitor or clipboard sharing as a software-based solution.
For the monitors themselves, look for a USB-C or DisplayPort KVM that supports the resolution and refresh rate of your Dell displays, plus enough video outputs for the screens you actually want to switch. Verify that it supports USB peripherals and hotkey switching. Avoid relying on mouse-jiggling to simulate activity; that can violate workplace policies, and the laptops may still lock or sleep based on their security settings.
I hadn’t considered that. Since each laptop uses its own VPN, I’ll need to confirm whether remote access between them is allowed and would work reliably.