Plenty of people now run two computers from the same desk. A work laptop sits next to a personal PC, or a gaming machine shares space with a computer for study. The trouble starts when each one needs its own keyboard, mouse and screen, and the desk disappears under duplicate hardware. A KVM switch solves this by letting both computers share one set of peripherals, so a single button moves your keyboard, mouse and monitor from one machine to the other.
This guide explains what these switches do, which type suits which desk, and four models that cover the most common setups.
What a KVM Switch Actually Does
KVM stands for keyboard, video and mouse. The switch sits between your computers and your peripherals. Each computer connects to the switch with a video cable and a USB cable, and your monitor, keyboard, mouse and other USB devices plug into the switch instead of into the computers. Press the button and everything follows the active machine: the screen shows its picture, and the keyboard and mouse control it.
The result is a desk with one keyboard, one mouse and one screen layout, no matter how many computers are under it. A good KVM switch for two PCs also shares other USB devices, so a webcam, headset or printer follows you too. You also stop unplugging cables every time you change from work to personal tasks, which saves wear on ports and a lot of small frustrations.
The Four Models at a Glance
| Model | Monitors | Video | Shared USB ports |
|---|---|---|---|
| KVM Switch (2 Computers, 2 Monitors) | 2 | DisplayPort 1.4, up to 8K at 60Hz | 4 (USB 3.0) |
| KVM Switch (2 PCs, 4K@60Hz) | 1 | HDMI, up to 4K at 60Hz | 4 (USB 3.0) |
| DisplayPort KVM Switch 2 PCs 1 Monitor | 1 | DisplayPort 1.4, up to 8K at 60Hz | 4 (USB 3.0) |
| USB 3.0 KVM Switch with Gigabit Ethernet | None (USB only) | No video switching | 4 (USB 3.0) |
Four Switches for Different Desks
All four are listed on the manufacturer’s European store. Match the video connection to your monitor first, then look at the extras. A dual monitor KVM switch is the natural pick if you already work across two screens.
KVM Switch (2 Computers, 2 Monitors, 8K@60Hz)
This model lets two computers share two monitors and four USB 3.0 ports. It uses DisplayPort 1.4, so it handles 8K at 60Hz as well as 4K at 120Hz or 240Hz, with HDR support. Three USB-A ports and one USB-C port share data at up to 5Gbps, which is fast enough for a webcam or an external drive as well as keyboard and mouse. You switch with the button on the unit or with a desktop controller, and it works without drivers on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Keep in mind: each computer needs two DisplayPort outputs and a USB-A port, and both monitors always show the same computer.
KVM Switch (2 PCs, 4K@60Hz, 5Gbps)
Built for one HDMI monitor, this switch accepts one computer over USB-C and another over HDMI, which suits a modern laptop paired with a desktop PC. It supports 4K at 60Hz, 2K at 120Hz and 1080p at 240Hz with HDR. Four USB 3.0 ports (one USB-C, three USB-A) are shared between the two machines, and you can switch with a remote control or the button, while a blue light shows which computer is active.
Keep in mind: the laptop’s USB-C port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode for the picture to come through.
DisplayPort KVM Switch 2 PCs 1 Monitor (DP 1.4, 8K@60Hz)
For a single high-refresh monitor, this DisplayPort model keeps the picture sharp at up to 8K at 60Hz and runs 4K at up to 240Hz, which gamers will appreciate. It shares four USB 3.0 ports at up to 5Gbps for keyboard, mouse, printer, webcam and drives. The desktop controller lets you tuck the switch out of sight under the desk while the button stays within reach.
Keep in mind: it is DisplayPort only, so it has no HDMI connection.
USB 3.0 KVM Switch with Gigabit Ethernet (2-in-4 Out)
If your monitor already has two inputs, you may only need to share the USB side. This switch moves four USB devices between two computers and adds a built-in gigabit network adapter, so both machines stay online without swapping network cables. It offers one USB-C and three USB-A ports at up to 5Gbps, an optional USB-C power input for hard drives and headsets, and switching by controller or button.
Keep in mind: it does not switch video, so the monitor input is changed on the monitor itself.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- How many monitors do you use, and do they connect by DisplayPort or HDMI?
- What video outputs do both computers have, including USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode?
- Which USB devices need to follow you between machines, such as a webcam, headset or drive?
- Would you rather switch with a button on the desk or keep the switch hidden and use a controller?
Wrapping Up
The right switch depends mostly on your screens. Two DisplayPort monitors call for the dual-monitor model, a single HDMI screen suits the 4K version, a fast gaming monitor fits the DisplayPort single-screen switch, and a desk where only the USB side matters is covered by the Ethernet model. Whichever you choose, a USB KVM switch gives you back the desk space that a second keyboard and mouse used to take.
You can compare all four switches, along with the cables they need, at UGREEN. For more short guides that make a home office run smoother, head over to 2minuteread whenever you have a couple of minutes.