KVM Switch / Thunderbolt Dock Question

[DailyRoutine]

Hi - need some advise for my setup below.

I currently have my macbook and PC connected to my monitor separately thru displayport and HDMI. But the issue I have now is that I want to toggle my accessories between my macbook and the PC. Any recommendations on the best way to do this?

Here are the accessories I have:

- Elgato facecam (webcam)
- Blue Yeti microphone
- Keyboard/mouse

I was wondering if I can plug everything into a USB/Thunderbolt dock... then connect that dock to a KVM switch to toggle between the macbook and the PC?

 

[KleoZy]

You will have two routes to go.

Option 1) make use of a KVM monitor. all your usb devices connects to your monitor, this way you less off buying a type C dock/hub.. as a KVM monitor allows you to plug a type c cable between your macbook (which inclues projection from your mac to the monitor). As for your PC, you only need to plug the USB Type B from your monitor to your PC Type A. As for projection, use either a HDMI / DP cable.

Option 2) a Monitor that is not KVM enabled. You require a KVM Switch (Ugreen 2 port) and a type C dock.
so for your macbook, you are to connect it to a type-c dock and type-C dock usb cable and HDMI cable to the KVM Swtich (lets say port 1) then for your PC. plug the Type B USB cable from your KVM to your PC and plug your HDMI to your PC.

Spoiler: This is old school, I wouldnt recommend this

I would go with option 1) as you can get higher referesh rate. as for option 2, you can only use 60hz to 75hz refresh rate.

 

[DailyRoutine]

Option 2) a Monitor that is not KVM enabled. You require a KVM Switch (Ugreen 2 port) and a type C dock.
so for your macbook, you are to connect it to a type-c dock and type-C dock usb cable and HDMI cable to the KVM Swtich (lets say port 1) then for your PC. plug the Type B USB cable from your KVM to your PC and plug your HDMI to your PC.

Thanks for the ideas! For Option 2, I'm wondering if I connect the HDMI from the PC directly to the monitor (bypassing the KVM), would that give me higher refresh rates? So essentially I'm only using the KVM to toggle accessory controls, and I'll just need to use manually switch video inputs on the monitor itself.

 

[KleoZy]

Thanks for the ideas! For Option 2, I'm wondering if I connect the HDMI from the PC directly to the monitor (bypassing the KVM), would that give me higher refresh rates? So essentially I'm only using the KVM to toggle accessory controls, and I'll just need to use manually switch video inputs on the monitor itself.

If that’s the case get a kvm usb hub instead

 

[TanKianW]

Hi - need some advise for my setup below.

I currently have my macbook and PC connected to my monitor separately thru displayport and HDMI. But the issue I have now is that I want to toggle my accessories between my macbook and the PC. Any recommendations on the best way to do this?

Here are the accessories I have:

- Elgato facecam (webcam)
- Blue Yeti microphone
- Keyboard/mouse

I was wondering if I can plug everything into a USB/Thunderbolt dock... then connect that dock to a KVM switch to toggle between the macbook and the PC?

Just continue to use your monitor and get a USB toggle switch hub.

Recommend brands like IOGear or ATEN. Durable and Reliable. My last KVM lasted 10 years.

I connect to a Logitech Webcam, a mouse, a keyboard and a blue Yeti mic, to 4 pcs (1 Mac, 2 Windows, 1 Linux), to one LG monitor (2x HDMI, 1x DP, 1x USB-C) and use the hub to switch the accessories between PCs. Video output I just switch from the monitor.​

​

 

[DailyRoutine]

Got it! Something like this would work right?

Read HWZ Forum Rules!

 

[TanKianW]

Got it! Something like this would work right?

Read HWZ Forum Rules!

Yap.

 

[DailyRoutine]

I connect to a Logitech Webcam, a mouse, a keyboard and a blue Yeti mic, to 4 pcs (1 Mac, 2 Windows, 1 Linux), to one LG monitor (2x HDMI, 1x DP, 1x USB-C) and use the hub to switch the accessories between PCs. Video output I just switch from the monitor.


​

Thanks! And just curious, how do you toggle audio to your speakers with this setup?

 

[TanKianW]

Thanks! And just curious, how do you toggle audio to your speakers with this setup?

I am using a USB DAC connected to a pair of monitor speakers.

Actually I am use another 4-port USB hub to connect to the USB switch hub....so in fact, I am connecting 5 USB devices to switch between 4 PCs.

 

[DailyRoutine]

Thanks for the info. perhaps thats something I will research next.

 

[Solidus_GZ]

im looking for docking station that support 2 monitors with enough USB port, my Targus universal dock not charging after 4 years.... now looking for a replacement
anyone please recommend! TIA!