Recommendations for Cheap KVM for 2 PCs (Shared, KB, Mouse, Monitor) ?

Low Punt on 26/02/2024 - 09:24

Hi all

I posted searching for a hdmi switcher and noticed on AE they sell a KVM to share a handful of USB’s, 2 x HDMI with a single monitor for $12usd (about double of just the hdmi switcher).
I would post a link but I can’t tell if it’s got referral details and my last post was deleted. If you go to AE and search KVM it is “ 4KX2K KVM Switch Splitter 2-Port HDMI-compatible USB Hot for Shared Monitor Keyboard And Mouse Adaptive HDCP Printer”.

Seems a cheap option. However, does anyone have experience with something like this?

FYI - i previously had a home office but it’s now a kids bedroom in a tiny unit so my pcs are all on one of those old school hutch style desks with slide out keyboard. Additional monitors isn’t an option unfortunately.

Computing KVM Switch

Comments

  • mitt on 26/02/2024 - 13:49
    +2

    Cheap KVM switches often introduce issues. The USB is usually limited to usb2.0 & you will have issues drawing power through the KVM. I have had a particularly crap one flake out if I turned the keyboard backlight on. They also have garbage HDMI bandwith. If you want more than 1080p 60hz the cheap ones will be a gamble.

    I currently run 2 PCs & ended up just plugging both into different sources on my monitor & getting multi-device capable Logitech gear for keyboard & mouse. Zero KVM required, just switch the monitor keyboard & mouse across, takes about 5 seconds.

    • Low Punt on 26/02/2024 - 20:02

      Thanks
      USB 2.0 and 1080p is fine if it detects and works as expected. No strange artefacts like flickering etc.
      I have only a spare VGA input on the monitor and was cringing at the thought of buy a DP/hdmi to VGA adapter.
      That said, I have k780 which is multi device so I’d just need to upgrade to a similar multi device mouse…

      The main drawback is when working on pcs with no wifi/bt etc

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