Do I Need a Thunderbolt Dock or KVM Switch?

• 

  Bangers on 09/08/2023 - 22:04

  +1

  A KVM for a dual display set up will require 2 HDMI or DP cables from the KVM to the laptop, so if your laptop can't accommodate that then you may need a dock as well.

  Basically the set up will be peripherals and monitors into the KVM - then run 2 HDMI (or DP) + 1 USB-A (some KVMs may run a different type of cable) to the dock connecting to the laptop, and the same to the PC.

  • 

    GettingThePlus190s on 10/08/2023 - 12:39

    They are switching to single monitor, not dual

    • 

      jk82 on 10/08/2023 - 13:47

      " I also anticipate getting another 34 inch monitor in the future to upgrade to a dual set up."

• 

  [Deactivated] on 10/08/2023 - 01:58

  Specs say it has HDMI, DP and TB3 ports, so connect one pc with TB3 and another with HDMI, switch with a button on monitor.

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  kaleidoscope on 10/08/2023 - 07:56

  if ypu want 1 click solution it’ll be kvm switch but i personally would rather switch input on monitor and peripherals individually. I’d even use 2 different keyboard and mouse for each device (gaming kb/mouse and mx series for work)

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  Rockets84 on 10/08/2023 - 10:12

  I do this for my gaming PC & work laptop. I have monitors that support both HDMI & DisplayPort inputs. I have my laptop dock monitor outputs connected to the HDMI inputs on the monitors & the gaming PC to the DisplayPort inputs. The monitors autoswitch to which ever boots up as I only ever have one running at a time. I then have all my peripherals like keyboard, mouse, USB DAC etc connected to a USB hub, I change the cable to the hub from the laptop dock to the gaming PC & back depending on which machine I'm using.

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  Matteo27 on 10/08/2023 - 10:21

  KVM switch is cleaner but more expensive to get a reliable one but you'll also be able to switch your keyboard and mouse between each laptop and computer more easily. Right now however I use a HDMI and USB hub to USB C (https://www.amazon.com.au/Anker-Adapter-PowerExpand-Delivery…) plugged in to the laptop lightning port. The hub is connected to a USB switcher that both computers are connected to via USB. The annoying part of this set up is having to manually change the monitor from HDMI (laptop) to DP (PC)

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  jk82 on 10/08/2023 - 13:54

  That monitor already has a USB hub in it so you could just plug your keyboard and mouse into the monitor and use that as your KVM switcher. Although could be finicky unless they've updated the firmware on it.

  https://www.reddit.com/r/ultrawidemasterrace/comments/ksw0rk…

  If you've got the cash then get a dedicated KVM switch with 2x HDMI, this is the best solution although it'll be expensive as you'll want a good one.

  The other option is to get a USB switcher for around $10 off amazon, that will let you switch sources for your keyboard and mouse with a button, then you'll have to change inputs on your monitor also. This would be a good cheap option but could get annoying if you have 2x monitor inputs you need to switch also.

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  ClownCar on 10/08/2023 - 21:00

  Thanks everyone for your replies, your help really shows how great the OzBargain community is! Turns out the Samsung monitor can select between two sources so I won't be needing a KVM switch. I'll be looking at getting a simple USB switch for my keyboard and mouse.