Little confused on how to best leverage a KVM switch, or if what I'm trying to accomplish is possible. Lots of questions.
Posted by Threemor@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 4 comments
So I have a desktop gaming PC setup, like most of here do. I have three monitors attached to my 6900XT PowerColor Red Devil. One is 4k at 144hz, one is 1440p at 144hz, and the last is a simple vertical monitor at 1080p at 60hz. The main monitor, the 4k @ 144hz, does have a built-in KVM in the form of USB-C.
For work, I have a simple HP laptop that can both charge and display via USB-C. It has a docking station with an assortment of inputs, including 2x USB, 2x DP, and 1 HDMI. I suspect that this docking station would go by the wayside for this process, but I figured I would include it in the conversation just in case.
What I'm hoping to accomplish is a way to utilize the main monitor and the 1440p secondary monitor. I would also like to use my desktop mouse and keyboard (Both USB) with my laptop. I understand that most KVMs cannot display 4k at 144hz. However, if I use the built-in KVM I would not need to change the refresh rate on the monitor when the laptop is attached, correct?
So my vision is this: I would use the built-in KVM on my main monitor to connect to my work laptop. I would also like to somehow leverage a high-quality KVM (I like to play games that suffer from any input latency, so looking for something that doesn't impact gameplay) for the second monitor, the keyboard, and the mouse. I would hope that when the laptop isn't connected, there would be no noticeable impact to my gaming experience.
Is what I'm trying to do even possible? And if yes, is there a KVM that is best? I see some cheap ones, and some that are $200-$500. If what I'm looking for is not possible, is it better to just get a high quality USB switch and then stick with just the main monitor? If that's the scenario, are there any recommendations for higher quality USB switches that will minimize any input latency when I'm playing games on my desktop?
Hopefully this isn't too confusing. Tried to make it as clear as possible. Thank you!
SpidermanAPV@reddit
This sounds similar to my own setup, but I’m a bit confused what you’re asking about with the second and third monitors. When you use the KVM for your main screen to show your second monitor are you asking for the second and third to show your gaming PC or the work PC? Why bother connecting the mouse and keyboard into a second KVM instead of just using the KVM on the main monitor and a simple display switch on the other monitors?
Threemor@reddit (OP)
Ahh, I wasn't clear. I'm sorry. I want to have the second pc monitor also display what's going on my laptop monitor
SpidermanAPV@reddit
Apparently Reddit doesn’t like my Amazon link so I’ll repost my deleted comment below and just include the exact item name.
As for your USB ports, the better option is probably something like this USB hub (Link removed see name below to search on Amazon). I’ve got this exact one plugged into my monitor’s KVM ports to give me a few extra. It won’t provide enough power to charge your phone and the ports are a bit slower so don’t go transferring large files off it or anything like that, but for basic stuff like mouse, keyboard, webcam, etc. it’s plenty. And considering that a KVM that does what you want is going to be pushing $250 minimum, the $7 USB port hub is worth a shot at least lol.
Item name: USB 3.0 Hub, VIENON 4-Port USB Hub USB Splitter USB Expander for Laptop, Xbox, Flash Drive, HDD, Console, Printer, Camera,Keyborad, Mouse
Threemor@reddit (OP)
Hey thanks man! Sorry about reddit being a pain, I appreciate you following up and sticking with it. I figured out that the docking station has an HDMI port and the monitor does as well, so I can switch that way. I can't use the USB ports to get the inputs from the monitor to the laptop, so this USB hub should handle that part. I'm gonna give it a shot! Thanks for the info.