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Switch KVM switch product recommendation needed

Discussion in 'KVM' started by Brad, Feb 10, 2020.

  1. Brad

    Brad Guest

    I'm a newbie to KVM switches. I'm just a homeowner wanting to connect 3 laptops and a wireless mouse and keyboard to a single Dell USB-C display (model P2720DC) that has 2560x1440 resolution at 60Hz. I need a KVM or HDMI switch product recommendation, and/or your advice. I see various KVM switches on the market that cost hundreds, even thousands, and I cannot afford those. I was hoping for something around $100 or less. Of course I see a lot of products on Amazon but many get poor reviews. Not wanting to waste money.
     
    Brad, Feb 10, 2020
    #1 + Quote Reply
  2. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Hello Brad,

    Thank you for reaching out on our HelpCenter. We have some clarifying questions:

    1) What type video ports do your 3 laptops have (if any)?
    2) What type USB ports do your 3 laptops have?
    3) It appears your monitor also has HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. Please confirm this.

    Answering these questions will allow us to make a recommendation - please advise.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
    KVMGalore Expert, Feb 11, 2020
    #2 + Quote Reply
  3. Brad

    Brad Guest

    One laptop is a Microsoft Surface which has Mini DisplayPort and USB.

    The other two are Lenovo and HP laptops which have HDMI and USB.

    So I was thinking the KVM switch would be HDMI to all 3, using an HDMI to Mini DisplayPort adapter on the Surface.
     
    Brad, Feb 11, 2020
    #3 + Quote Reply
  4. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Hello Brad,

    Thanks for your feedback.

    This indeed sounds like a good plan - Please have a look at 4-port HDMI KVM switches that support 2560x1440 resolution at 60Hz. Unfortunately these are not priced at a $100 range.
    Also, please have a look at items 5-13 for Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapters for your Surface.

    Please be aware that KVM switches (in general) "don't like" wireless keyboard/mouse (learn more here). Any KVM switch you end up with may or may not work with your wireless keyboard/mouse and there's no way to tell other than trial and error. Ultimately, you may need to use a wired keyboard/mouse to make your KVM solution work properly.

    Hope this helps!
    We welcome your questions - please come back and ask us anything, anytime.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
    KVMGalore Expert, Feb 11, 2020
    #4 + Quote Reply
  5. Brad

    Brad Guest

    Thanks so much.

    I realize a KVM switch has USB ports for keyboard and mouse. But instead of using a KVM switch would it work to use just a simple HDMI switch like the IOGEAR GHSW8441, and then plug the wireless or wired keyboard and mouse directly into the Dell P2720DC monitor? Can you plug keyboards and mice into a monitor directly and expect to successfully control whatever computer is connected to the monitor via the HDMI switch?
     
    Brad, Feb 11, 2020
    #5 + Quote Reply
  6. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    In short - No!

    You need a switch that simultaneously switches video and keyboard/mouse control between your connected computers. This is the functionality of a KVM (Keyboard; Video and Mouse) switch.

    If you use an HDMI video switch, there would be no mechanism in place to synchronize between the video you switched to and the keyboard/mouse to control the computer from which that video signal is coming.

    Without being familiar with the specs of your monitor, we could assume that the USB-C port on your monitor is probably designed only to serve as a video input.

    Hope this helps!

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
    KVMGalore Expert, Feb 11, 2020
    #6 + Quote Reply
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