KVM solution for 2x. work laptops

[TheFungle]

I've currently got 2 x work laptops.

1 x Win 10 with USB-C and HDMI - I'm using USB-C > DisplayPort

and

1 x M1 MacBook Air that again, I use the same USB-C > DisplayPort cable.

Both are fairly heavily locked down and I have little to no freedom with using my own USB devices.

I'm more or less 50/50 split between the two devices so hard to find the optimal setup.

On my office desk a large central monitor and one laptop to left and one to right with a KVM could work but I'd miss the Mac trackpad. For WFH I don't have the desk real estate to practically do that.

I'm I missing any alternative?

[Whoozit]

I use a Dell ultrawide monitor with a built in KVM. It even allows split screen between the two inputs although I don't use it that way. You could fit either wired or (if permitted) wireless keyboard and mouse to the monitor and then it's an easy switch between the inputs without having to unplug or plug anything in.

If that's of interest I'll dig up the model number.

[dsgrnmcm]

I'm in a similar situation with my work laptops. I have solved the KVM issue (at home) by getting the Logi tech MX keys and MX3 mouse.

You can Bluetooth the mouse and keyboard to 3 separate computers and use a USB dongle, just the display to sort,

[hoegaardenruls]

I'd consider using a Remote Desktop client connection from the Mac to the Windows 10 machine, assuming they are on the same network - if, of course they are not locked down that much.

That would make the Mac your primary machine, connected to the monitor, and the Win 10 doesn't have to take up desk space.

[colin79666]

If you don’t use them simultaneously then a usb-c dock would sound like the solution. Just one cable then to connect the the laptop when you want to use it.

[TheFungle]

colin79666 said:

If you don’t use them simultaneously then a usb-c dock would sound like the solution. Just one cable then to connect the the laptop when you want to use it.

That's what I have at work, 1 x HP G5 dock but it only has one USB-C input cable so I'm constantly switching the cable too whatever primary device I'm using.

[xeny]

hoegaardenruls said:

I'd consider using a Remote Desktop client connection from the Mac to the Windows 10 machine, assuming they are on the same network - if, of course they are not locked down that much.

That would make the Mac your primary machine, connected to the monitor, and the Win 10 doesn't have to take up desk space.

That's what I sometimes do, but work laptops tend to be locked down enough that RDP isn't available, or need to be on a work VPN that doesn't split tunnel, again preventing it.

[ArsE82]

I use one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09YRLX7FG

I have two Dell laptops connected to it via USB-C, but also have their power supplies connected to the laptops too (USB-C/Thunderbolt).

I use the power pack from my Macbook to power the KVM.

I have a 34" ultra-wide monitor connected to the KVM via DP, and a USB dongle for keyboard/mouse, USB headset, and USB webcam.

Relatively expensive but works perfectly.



I've got a 3rd laptop (MacBook Air) which sadly I can't use in this setup (I use the Windows devices more often). If you'd miss the trackpad you could always buy a Magic Trackpad and use that for the MacBook? Starts getting expensive, but if it maximises your productivity then it'll pay for itself with man-maths.

Edited by ArsE82 on Monday 16th January 09:50