Using a USB switch as a full KVM

Using a USB switch as a full KVM(luke.hsiao.dev)

57 points by lwhsiao 30 days ago | 11 comments

bionsystem 30 days ago |

I got a DeLock KVM switch recommended by the shop vendor (who actually did spend a good 15 min understanding my need and doing web searches), and quickly confirmed by ChatGPT as a solution to my need (plug the work macbook alongside my personal linux tower, no exchange of data between hosts, no driver needed, and do a KVM switch).

I actually end up using 2 mice and switching the keyboard from bluetooth (for the mac) to usb (for the linux) because I can't get usb working through the HDMI. And the screen is limited to 120hz (instead of 144hz) because of the switch quality or the HDMI cables, I do not know (it lights up and works for a minute and then goes black a few seconds every few seconds, losing sync).

In the end it is more tedious and less featureful than just plugging the mac to the screen via a USB to HDMI cable, switching everything from the screen (and doing the same mice / keyboard juggle than above), because at least I would get the 144hz and save the 150€ from the switch. I can't return it anymore because the 15 day window has passed so I still use it, it's a little bit easier to switch from the remote control than from the screen anyway, but that's expensive just to switch from a different button.

ProllyInfamous 30 days ago | |

After thirty years of attempted-KVM, I finally stopped leaking $hundreds$ on hardware – and instead just bought a bigger desk.

With a VESA-mounted LCD I have enough physical desktop space for three full-sized keyboard/mice combos (and don't have any disconnect/phantom issues common with KVM switching). Without the NUMPAD, two would fit on most desks, IMHO.

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Of course I also recommend having multiple physical desktop spaces, set up for certain routine tasks (e.g. billing/taxes, music/media/TV/hub). Don't know how I used to operate on a single 13" laptop!~

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>120hz (instead of 144hz)

Can you actually notice a difference? My LCD supports both and I use the lesser one just because it reduces energy consumption. I think I can tell between 60Hz/120Hz.

bionsystem 28 days ago | | |

No way I see the difference between 120 and 144, but it's just annoying to have to set it up that way, it's like getting a new motherboard and setting your cpu to 3.7Ghz instead of 3.8 or something. It's one more thing to figure out (because my screen would just go dark and it annoyed me for a couple days), setup, and remember next time.

For the desk I'm actually happy I got a reasonnably small one for my new place, the big one I had was just always filled with junk, now it forces me to tidy it up and throw away things. Also it's in my living room, not a dedicated room, so saving space feels better.

Shadowmist 29 days ago | | |

60/120 it’s super obvious just moving the mouse cursor around.

jburgess777 29 days ago |

My experience: I was using synergy to handle a Windows and a Linux machine, and later display-switch, but they started to be flagged as suspicious by our corporate AV. I tried some external KVM but couldn’t find one which was reliable for 4K. I ended up buying a Dell monitor with a built in KVM and have been using that ever since.

kn100 29 days ago |

You can get two in one out kvms for pretty cheap these days. I got mine which is a three in, one out KVM with support for three displays all at 4k120hz along with 4 usb ports for about 20 bucks (although that was at one of those Amazon returns stores. New it would have been around 120 bucks, but totally worth it. I have my work mac and my personal laptop on the left/right of a 4k144hz monitor (although as others have noticed usually you're limited to 120hz through a KVM, but that's fine for me), along with my home server connected for the odd time I need a direct connection to it. Would recommend.

r0xsh 30 days ago |

I'm using this kind of setup since ~ 3 years and i'm super happy with it. But used "another" approach with udev rule, you can find it there: https://gist.github.com/r0xsh/8dbaf16231ad01028a255bd80bcbd7...

tuzemec 29 days ago |

I ended up using an UGreen dusplayport switch AND separate USB switch. It turns out that most of the kvm switches can't handle well usb mice with high polling rate like Logitech G502 X Plus. Now I need to press two buttons when switching from the gaming pc to the MacBook, but everything works.

Domenic_S 30 days ago |

I use this usb/dp switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098TVP9ZL

no monitor switching needed, although i did hook up a hub for more usb ports.

nirav72 29 days ago |

I just use a usb switch to switch keyboard and mouse. For display input switching , I bought couple of dell ips monitors that allow switching via keyboard hot keys.