1. It is better to sign-up/log-in before you post your question (or reply to an existing thread), instead of posting as a guest.
    This will allow you to easily look up the Q&A sequence anytime, anywhere, with just one mouse click. Learn more...

    You can log in with your Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ accounts, or create a KVMGalore HelpCenter user-name/password.
    Dismiss Notice

Multi-screen Help! Can't find a KVM (or other) solution that works.

Discussion in 'KVM' started by Frustrated, Aug 27, 2024.

  1. Frustrated

    Frustrated Guest

    Greetings and thanks in advance for any information or advice you may provide.

    Goal:
    I need 2 devices (laptop, mini-computer, both Win 11) to share 2 monitors (as extended display) and a wireless keyboard and mouse combo (1 USB-A dongle). If a wired USB-A headset and webcam could also be shared that would be a bonus.

    Parameters:
    The laptop has 1x HDMI port and up to 2x USB-A and 1x USB-C port, depending upon which other peripherals can be moved to the switch. There are no other ports. The USB-A ports have SS [USB symbol] 5 next to them, one with a battery symbol also. The USB-C has a lightning bolt next to it.

    The minicomputer has 4x HDMI ports, 2x USB-C 4 ports, and 4x USB-A SS [USB symbol without number] ports. It's supposed to have DisplayPort Alt mode, but I'm not convinced it does/works.

    The 2 monitors each have 1x HDMI and 1xVGA port.

    There are no DisplayPorts anywhere.

    I have an unpowered Sabrent KVM that takes 1x USB-C input from each device and will output 2x HDMI, 1 each to the monitors. That works great for the laptop but the mini computer won't push a signal through to the monitors. (They can share mouse and keyboard that way.)

    Any suggestions?
     
    Frustrated, Aug 27, 2024
    #1 + Quote Reply
  2. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Hello Frustrated,

    Thank you for reaching out on our HelpCenter.

    Please know that - generally speaking - KVM switches do not work well with wireless keyboard and mouse. KVM manufacturers do not specify their compatibility with wireless keyboard and mouse, so any KVM switch you end up getting may, or may not work with your wireless keyboard and mouse. If you must deploy a KVM switch - please be prepared to be made to use a wired keyboard and mouse.

    This should be easy enough to accomplish - many KVM switched integrate the ability to share additional USB peripherals.

    A 2-port HDMI dual-video-head KVM switch can accomplish this (any one of these 4 models belonging to 3 product-families would work for you).
    But you'll need 2x HDMI feeds from each computer into the KVM switch (along with 1x USB feed from each computer into the KVM switch).
    Being that your laptop only has 1x HDMI port, you'll need to 'create' the 2nd one by use of a USB video adapter: You could USB-C to HDMI adapter, or USB-A to HDMI adapter.

    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, Aug 28, 2024
    #2 + Quote Reply
  3. Frustrated

    Frustrated Guest

    Thank you very much. This is a very helpful reply.
     
    Frustrated, Aug 28, 2024
    #3 + Quote Reply
Reply to thread

Share This Page