KVM Switches

Deathwing said:

I figured this deserved its own thread because of the increased amount of people working from home.

Work gave me a laptop and told me to WFH. I'm using my peripherals because they're better and I don't have the desk space nor motivation to deal with two discrete sets monitors, keyboards, and mice. Is a KVM switch the best solution here? If so, what brands/models would people recommend?

Is there any gaming performance issues with using a KVM switch? I'm thinking something like input lag.

Click to expand...

Just get your laptop on the network with no peripherals attached, then RDP to it from your desktop computer. Voila.. If you need true console access, then install VNC on the laptop assuming you have admin rights.

Deathwing said:

No can do. I need to VPN into my company's network to do most of my work, which takes the laptop off my local network. An ssh tunnel fixes that problem but IT itching real bad to remove that.

Click to expand...

The fuckers lock down no split tunneling on your VPN? I didn’t think anybody still does that because routing all your internet traffic over VPN is a dog.
If that’s really the case, then either a mechanical KVM or buying and extra mouse/keyboard along with maybe a chrome cast might be a good bet.

Deathwing said:

They see tunneling as a security risk. We have a larger issue where half the company works on government contracts that falls under DFARS. IT has been trying to keep the other half secured away the CUI stuff. According to IT, the ssh tunnel doesn't fit in this scheme. I don't know the specifics well enough to call bullshit or not.

What exactly is split tunneling? First I've heard that mentioned and would like to ask IT about it with a bit more information.

Click to expand...

Split tunneling is a vpn setting that basically determines what gets sent over VPN, and what is sent out locally. If it’s turned off ALL your traffic is shuttled over VPN and you can’t reach anything on your local network. With split tunneling turned on, only traffic destined for the corporate network is sent across VPN, so general internet traffic and local network traffic is sent out over your local connection. Usually the only reason why IT will turn split tunneling off is when they want to enforce browning restrictions via a remote proxy.

I bought a JideTech 4 port hdmi kvm when I started working from home some a while back. It is a pain in the ass in that it's pretty dumb, it just passes signal, and it doesn't pass 120 HZ, only 60, which makes initial config something of a pita. But once done it basically just works. I had to get this one because I was looking for something with at least 3 ports (so I can hook up a rpi to it as well if needed or whatever) and one of my monitors HAD to be hdmi. My setup is two monitors, one left and one center, with the work laptop on the right side. The KVM switches the middle monitor between the two. The only gaming issues I've had are the previously mentioned refresh rate thing and (back when I was still playing wow classic) getting the client to go on the right damn monitor.

Sometimes the transfer isn't seamless, which leads to USB devices/monitors not syncing up. Just have to hit the button again, and it isn't often. You can share USB resources using this KVM too, but I haven't had to use that so idk. The one I got was super cheap overall, like 60 bucks, but has done the job.

bringing this thread back up cause now i need help.
New job: work sent me a laptop that has: 1 HDMI
also has 2 USB type C.
I have a monitor at home that is using DP and 144hz with G-sync

my objective is to have 2 monitors (work will send me another monitor)

Laptop to KVM to new monitor (HDMI to HDMI)
Gaming PC to KVM to existing monitor (DP to DP)

I can't find a DP KVM that will support 144Hz
well, i did, but i'd have to use an HDMI to DP cable for the laptop (sounds good, however if you do that, the KVM does not see it, it requires a DP to DP only, no adapters)

I'm up for any and all new suggestions. Work said "just tell us what you need, within reason"

Lanx said:

don't know of a kvm, just saying that for me to get my wifes dell w/ only a hdmi and vga w/ dual monitors i had to get a usb-c to hdmi to make dual 27in display properly., maybe you can go that route usbc to hdmi or dp

Click to expand...

yea, i'm looking into USB C to HDMI now. and the work can get me another monitor. Then i can use laptop with 2 outputs (HDMI to current monitor, just switch inputs) and the 2nd will be USB-C to a new HDMI monitor. Then laptop just just stay closed.
That leaved me with only wanting to use 1 keyboard and mouse.
KVM's allow sharing of the Key/Mouse with USB 2 type B
I hope i can use one of those without the HDMI port, because all other keyboard / mouse switches require 4 cables instead of 2 (keyboard and mouse into inputs) then 4 usb outs, 2 to laptop and 2 to PC)