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Switch KVM for two macbooks and two 4k@60 monitors

Discussion in 'KVM' started by akschu, Dec 31, 2024.

  1. akschu

    akschu New member

    Hello,

    I'm trying to pick up a KVM to switch between two 1M max Macbook Pros (one work, one personal) that have (3) Thunderbolt 4 interfaces and (1) HDMI interface and two Samsung monitors that have (2) HDMI inputs and (1) DisplayPort input. I want 4K @ 60Hz on each monitor.

    I have two docking stations, one for each computer.

    https://www.cablematters.com/pc-105...h-dual-4k-displayport-60w-power-delivery.aspx (has two full size DisplayPort)
    and
    https://www.owc.com/solutions/thunderbolt-3-dock-14-port (has one Thunderbolt 3 and one Mini-DisplayPort)

    Now the questions:

    1. What solution would work the best?
    (2) DisplayPort cables between the cable matters dock and a DisplayPort KVM
    (1) Mini-DisplayPort cable and (1) Thunderbolt cable between the OWC dock and a DisplayPort KVM
    - or -
    Omit the docks and run (2) Thunderbolt to DisplayPort cables from each laptop to a DisplayPort KVM
    - or -
    Omit the docks and run (2) Thunderbolt to HDMI cables from each laptop to a HDMI KVM
    - or -
    Omit the docks and run (1) Thunderbolt to HDMI and (1) Thunderbolt to HDMI cables from each laptop to a HDMI KVM.

    Obviously docking stations makes powering the laptops, audio and USB much easier with a single cable, but not sure if I'll run into compatibility issues.

    2. Will the KVM present the monitors to the computers even when switched so that windows aren't constantly moving around when my computer disconnects from the monitor? Monitor disconnects and moving windows are a deal breaker.

    3. Displaying both computers at the same time would be helpful on occasion and I can use software to share the mouse and keyboard. Do any of the KVM switches support this?

    I'm looking at these models, but don't know which one will work the best:

    https://www.kvmgalore.com/shopping/...switch-2-ports-dual-sm-edpn-2d-s-p-53454.html
    https://www.kvmgalore.com/shopping/aten-4k-hdmi-dual-display-kvmp-switch-2-ports-cs1842-p-52321.html
    https://www.kvmgalore.com/shopping/...ort-kvmp-switch-2-ports-cs1942dp-p-50771.html
    https://www.kvmgalore.com/shopping/...-ports-dual-view-4k-sv231dpddua2-p-50866.html
     

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