Recommended HDMI Switch for Nintendo Switch and PC?

Wonderstache on 03/06/2019 - 19:42
Last edited 03/06/2019 - 20:23

Hey there,

Recently I hooked up my Nintendo Switch to my desk monitor via HDMI and I think it sits quite well there. Although I also connect my laptop to this monitor quite frequently and so I'm considering getting a HDMI switch so I'm not moving the cable across the monitor every time.

A few discussions online have recommended the 'Kinivo' type, but it's like $80 which is a bit overkill for a switch connector.

I read up online that SOME HDMI switches play a bit funny with the Nintendo Switch (e.g. changing channels back to the Switch every X minutes), so I'm wondering if anyone is currently using a HDMI switch with their Nintendo Switch on one end?

Thanks!

Gaming HDMI Switch

Comments

  • Diji1 on 03/06/2019 - 19:50
    +2

    I think you want a HDMI switch rather than a HDMI splitter.

    A switch switches a display from one device to another.

    A splitter duplicates the signal so you can use two devices with same hdmi source at same time.

    • Wonderstache on 03/06/2019 - 20:22
      +1

      Ah yes, my bad! Thanks for the correction, I'll update my post. :)

  • jace88 on 03/06/2019 - 20:58
    +1

    HDMI switches vary greatly in quality/etc and price. I tried a few and ran into issues as it needed to support HDCP 2.2/HDR/etc so that I could use it with my PS4 Pro/Xbox One X and my 4K TV. I know this is overkill for what you've asked for but you may as well get a HDMI switch which supports it in case you need it in the future as there wasn't much price difference between them.

    This is what I use which cost about $30 on eBay and worked well (vs the ones I bought before from JB Hifi and other stores online): https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4-Way-HDMI-2-0-Switch-4-Port-IN-…

    Re: Switch changing focus/etc, that's for a HDMI switch which supports automatically switching to a device which is sending video. I find that if my Switch is on when I dock it, it'll do the same thing. If the Switch screen is off, it won't.

    • Wonderstache on 03/06/2019 - 21:14

      Hey thanks for your insights and product recommendation! My monitor is 4K also so as long as it provides the same HD quality it currently does with the single HDMI cable then I'm happy. :)
      Do you know if the screen quality will degrade down to HD (rather than 4K) on my monitor when I use it as an extended monitor from my laptop?

      Regarding the Switch changing focus, that's what I'm worried about. As long as it doesn't actually change channels apart from when you first dock it then it's not too bad.

      Cheers!

      • jace88 on 03/06/2019 - 21:57
        +1

        Resolution shouldn't change as a result of using the switch.

        That being said, does your monitor have any other inputs? I wonder if that might be a better option than an HDMI switch.

        • Wonderstache on 03/06/2019 - 22:44

          Ok thanks. The monitor has 2 HDMI inputs (and a DisplayPort) but the other HDMI is in use to a mirrored TV.

          • jace88 on 04/06/2019 - 00:55

            @Wonderstache: Can you use DisplayPort with an adaptor for your laptop perhaps? I prefer not using a switch if possible as it just feels messy.

            • Wonderstache on 04/06/2019 - 10:12
              +1

              @jace88: Ooooh good idea! I'll see if I can find a HDMI to DisplayPort adapter or cable, thanks!

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