3 PCS - 1 desk help needed - KVM Switch / USB Hub / Docking station or combo... ??

[_kabal_]

Ah sorry, my montiors have dual hdmi and displayport so not used to not just pushing a button and connecting, also trying to find a kvm for modern monitors doesn't seem so easy.

I've had to resort to exactly this, the KVM controls the mouse and keyboard, while dual HDMI my monitor and switch using its remote, as the KVM just won't work with my 4K monitor (tried it on my TV too, didn't work, tried it on office 1080p monitors, did work, even though the KVM says it supports 4K).

If I were going to do it again, I would see if I could stomach the Level1 Tech KVM's, but they are pricey.

This is the one I am currently using - https://www.wootware.co.za/openbox-d-link-dkvm-210h-2-port-kvm-black-switch.html

 

[WAslayer]

I've had to resort to exactly this, the KVM controls the mouse and keyboard, while dual HDMI my monitor and switch using its remote, as the KVM just won't work with my 4K monitor (tried it on my TV too, didn't work, tried it on office 1080p monitors, did work, even though the KVM says it supports 4K).

If I were going to do it again, I would see if I could stomach the Level1 Tech KVM's, but they are pricey.

They are, but you can be assured that they have been done right.. Wendell is not known for half assing.. LTT reviewed them as well..

 

[_kabal_]

They are, but you can be assured that they have been done right.. Wendell is not known for half assing.. LTT reviewed them as well..

yeah 100%, but I'd probably rather blow the R6000+ difference on something else, and push two buttons as it stands

 

[pieter_]

How to use Remote Desktop

 

[Exaelea]

Or go international and get something like this: 4 pc dual monitor 4k support
That was just a quick search, probably a lot of similar or better models

 

[ShloshMalosh]

4 Port HDMI KVM Switch | Keyboard/Video/Mouse Switch | 4K Ultra HD | bobshop.co.za

Buy 4 Port HDMI KVM Switch | Keyboard/Video/Mouse Switch | 4K Ultra HD for R900.00

www.bobshop.co.za

something like this ?

 

[WAslayer]

4 Port HDMI KVM Switch | Keyboard/Video/Mouse Switch | 4K Ultra HD | bobshop.co.za

Buy 4 Port HDMI KVM Switch | Keyboard/Video/Mouse Switch | 4K Ultra HD for R900.00

www.bobshop.co.za

something like this ?

If you are happy with just one monitor, this should work..

 

[ShloshMalosh]

i found a winner... and it doesnt cost 4K

can go 4 PCs and 2 HDMI outs

thanks all for the contributions

KC-KVM202 430HZ Dual Screen Extension Replication Dual Channel HDMI Di

1. HDMI KVM dual monitor switch, control up to 2 computers or laptops2. A separate set of USB keyboard, mouse and monitor or 2 extended or duplicated monitorsDual head input monitor.3. Dual monitor output supports extended and mirrored display4. HDMI 2.0 compatible input and output ports5...

www.mavericksales.co.za

 

[WAslayer]

i found a winner... and it doesnt cost 4K

can go 4 PCs and 2 HDMI outs

thanks all for the contributions

KC-KVM202 430HZ Dual Screen Extension Replication Dual Channel HDMI Di

1. HDMI KVM dual monitor switch, control up to 2 computers or laptops2. A separate set of USB keyboard, mouse and monitor or 2 extended or duplicated monitorsDual head input monitor.3. Dual monitor output supports extended and mirrored display4. HDMI 2.0 compatible input and output ports5...

www.mavericksales.co.za

Unless I am missing something, this only accepts two PCs...

 

[ShloshMalosh]

Unless I am missing something, this only accepts two PCs...

you are correct.... Shyeeeeet

 

[ShloshMalosh]

if all else fails then i think it will need to be 2 devices

this one to take care of the input devices (KB/mouse/headset)

Rocketek HC405 USB2.0 KVM Switch Four In Four Out Sharing Converter

1. Material: aluminum shell + PC 2. Enables up to 4 computers to share up to 4 USB devices 3. USB 2.0 plug and play, no driver is needed 4. Support system: Windows XP/Linux Fedora FC8/MAC OS 10.6.2 5. Size: 14.7x9.2x6cm 6. Weight: 350g

www.mavericksales.co.za

and a separate switch for the monitors

Takealot

 

[ShloshMalosh]

ok so its all lego stuff... will this work ?

Laptops into a hub (i can switch between the 2 laptops using the hubs USB C cable)
Hub and PC into the KVM (1 hdmi out)
then from the split to the monitors ?

Seems solid in theory...

thoughts ?

 

[Baxteen]

looks like what you need is the KVM swithc that Wendel from Level 1 Tech makes.
someone linked the site earlier. but you can get it custom to your requirements, so 2 HDMI out, 6 HDMI in (2 from each computer) and then also it does a few USB in and your mouse and keyboard is connected to the KVM that then switches from computer to computer.

 

[rh1]

ja thinking about this to keep it simple also... but it would be nice to just be able to do all 3

upto 4 is mos halaal

So long as you treat them equally.

 

[ShloshMalosh]

So long as you treat them equally.

and as long as they know that equally and equitably isnt the same thing

Saul Goodman

 

[ShloshMalosh]

looks like what you need is the KVM swithc that Wendel from Level 1 Tech makes.
someone linked the site earlier. but you can get it custom to your requirements, so 2 HDMI out, 6 HDMI in (2 from each computer) and then also it does a few USB in and your mouse and keyboard is connected to the KVM that then switches from computer to computer.

8 PCs is overkill tho...

a 2 in 2 will be ok and i will just have to manage the laptops with a doc

or a 2 in 1 out and then a splitter from the 1 out to the 2 monitors

this guy maybe

KC-KVM202 430HZ Dual Screen Extension Replication Dual Channel HDMI Different Display KVM Switch... | bobshop.co.za

Buy KC-KVM202 430HZ Dual Screen Extension Replication Dual Channel HDMI Different Display KVM Switch... for R1,354.25

www.bobshop.co.za

 

[_kabal_]

looks like what you need is the KVM swithc that Wendel from Level 1 Tech makes.
someone linked the site earlier. but you can get it custom to your requirements, so 2 HDMI out, 6 HDMI in (2 from each computer) and then also it does a few USB in and your mouse and keyboard is connected to the KVM that then switches from computer to computer.

From what I can see the L1T stuff is all DP, so depending on the devices this could be an issue.

I wouldn't like to see what a 1 off custom costs

 

[_kabal_]

ok so its all lego stuff... will this work ?

Laptops into a hub (i can switch between the 2 laptops using the hubs USB C cable)
Hub and PC into the KVM (1 hdmi out)
then from the split to the monitors ?

Seems solid in theory...

thoughts ?

View attachment 1622817

Might work. These KVMs are quite sensitive, so not sure if you will get any side effects with additional inline devices

 

[ShloshMalosh]

Might work. These KVMs are quite sensitive, so not sure if you will get any side effects with additional inline devices

been going down the rabbit hole... it cant work

for dual display you cant use a splitter... it needs to be a 2 in 2 out KVM. with a splitter you wont be able to extend the desktop. it will always just be mirrored.

The plan here, for space saving and tidiness is for the laptops to live closed on a stand, always... the 2 displays are all i want.

I will need to get a laptop dock that supports dual HDMI out for the laptops... I'm thinking just get a dell WD 2ndhand... those things are pretty tough...

so in order to make sure its true dual monitor, it needs to be 2 HDMI cables from the PC to the KVM and same for the laptops...

This one is the right one.

ngl.. KVMs are nogal tricky..

KC-KVM202 430HZ Dual Screen Extension Replication Dual Channel HDMI Different Display KVM Switch... | bobshop.co.za

Buy KC-KVM202 430HZ Dual Screen Extension Replication Dual Channel HDMI Different Display KVM Switch... for R1,354.25

www.bobshop.co.za

 

[Johnatan56]

Why not just a software solution. Mouse without borders or something, I forget which one.

Just quoting this as many might not know that it's now been integrated into power toys:

Control Multiple Computers with PowerToys Mouse Without Borders

Control up to four computers with one keyboard and mouse using PowerToys Mouse Without Borders. Share clipboard and transfer files seamlessly between machines.

learn.microsoft.com

RDP may work too.

I use the RDP route, only keep work's Teams/Slack/Zoom on home PC as well, but that's due to Nvidia GPU for broadcast, so filter noise and stuff, still contemplating writing a script to start/close all 3, but too lazy atm, and work swapping to Teams only soon (currently all 3 due to different departments / cross company stuff, taking a while to get to standard).

So dual screens 165Hz 1440p with variable refresh rate, docks generally ended up flaky and expensive if wanted VRR / display port. Most would work fine single monitor, not really for two.

Do note if 2FA login for RDP, you need to save the rdp config and do an edit, add/edit:
enablecredsspsupport:i:0
authentication level:i:2

You will get a MS login modal with 2FA prompt, though it's only once a month based on my experience.