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Switch Best KVM Solution for Three Thunderbolt Laptops

Discussion in 'KVM' started by Pete C, Nov 23, 2020.

  1. Pete C

    Pete C Guest

    Hello,

    I'm in search of the best way to cable up and switch between three laptops with auxiliary reuse while maintaining power on all devices. Looks like Aten has a version for two devices as an example: https://www.matrixsolutionsinc.com/aten-2-port-thunderbolt-sharing-switch.html

    Already owned is a Dell Thunderbolt dock WD19TB station in use with Laptop #1 with DP x2 HDMI x1 USB-C x1 and USB 3.0 x3

    The other pieces are:

    Laptop #1: Dell Precision 7540 w/ USB-C x3, HDMI x1, USB 3.0 x2
    Laptop #2: Dell XPS 13 w/ USB-C x3
    Laptop #3: Dell Precision 7530 w/ USB-C x3, HDMI x1, USB 3.0 x2


    Aux #1: USB 2.0 keyboard
    Aux #2: USB 2.0 mouse
    Aux #3: Samsung S22E450 Monitor w/ DP x1, DVI x1, RGB x1 (no mini-DP for chain)
    Aux #4: Samsung S22E450 Monitor w/ DP x1, DVI x1, RGB x1 (no mini-DP for chain)

    Many thanks for your help!
     
    Pete C, Nov 23, 2020
    #1 + Quote Reply
  2. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Hello Pete,

    Thank you for reaching out on our HelpCenter.

    The ATEN US7220 you referred to supports Thunderbolt 2, which is compatible (in terms of connection) with Mini-DisplayPort. Your laptops do not have Thunderbolt 2 connections, so we're not sure why you brought this ATEN US7220 as an example.

    Two of your laptops have HDMI. Both your monitors have DVI (which is compatible with HDMI). It therefore seems like an HDMI KVM switch will be your best-fitted solution for a single-monitor station.

    For your laptop #2 (that only has USB-C) you will need to add two adapters:
    1) An HDMI video adapter (to connect the video to the KVM switch)
    2) A USB adapter (to connect the USB for the keyboard/mouse to the KVM switch)

    To connect your monitor (using the DVI connection) to the KVM switch you can use a DVI-HDMI cable.

    Hope this helps!
    We welcome your questions - please come back and ask us anything, anytime. You may also give us a call at 1-800-636-3434 for further clarifications on this thread.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
    KVMGalore Expert, Dec 1, 2020
    #2 + Quote Reply
  3. Pete C

    Pete C Guest

    Thank you for the thorough reply! I have since learned that USB-C and Thunderbolt are not equivalent in terms of capability, just compatible. All three laptops are actually Thunderbolt equipped, though I believe they are TB 3 vs. TB 2 for that one switch I proposed. Might this change your recommendation?
     
    Pete C, Dec 1, 2020
    #3 + Quote Reply
  4. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    This is correct. Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C use the same connector, but their specs are different.

    Our recommendation remains, because KVM switches that support a single Thunderbolt 3 connection to each attached computer are still very scarce in the marketplace. Access Pro is one that does, but it only supports two computers.

    Hope this helps!
    We welcome your questions - please come back and ask us anything, anytime. You may also give us a call at 1-800-636-3434 for further clarifications on this thread.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
    KVMGalore Expert, Dec 1, 2020
    #4 + Quote Reply
  5. Pete C

    Pete C Guest

    Thank you!
     
    Pete C, Dec 2, 2020
    #5 + Quote Reply
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