Need a KVM switch with fast switch time

[ScubaDachshund]

I’m not sure if this is the right place to post this so mods please feel free to move it.

My KVM switch (VPFET model SW220) and wireless keyboard and mouse died a few days ago. I’ve replaced the keyboard and mouse but need something so I can share 2 monitors and USB peripherals between my Mac Mini and my PC work laptop. The switch I was using was very slow to switch. It could be 10 seconds or it could be long enough that I thought it wasn’t working. Any recommendations for a new KVM switch that would switch faster and not cost me more than about $100? Needs to connect the laptop and Mac via HDMI to 2 ViewSonic monitors and have at least 4 USB ports for peripherals.

 

[Jimmysb]

If you have wireless keyboard and mouse, why do you need a KVM, it is only the monitors that you are sharing, and providing you have the ports, 4 cables 2 monitors to 2 devices and use the monitors to switch ports, you could even have each device on one monitor each. I used this set up when I was working, and had a works laptop and a home desktop.

 

[ScubaDachshund]

If you have wireless keyboard and mouse, why do you need a KVM, it is only the monitors that you are sharing, and providing you have the ports, 4 cables 2 monitors to 2 devices and use the monitors to switch ports, you could even have each device on one monitor each. I used this set up when I was working, and had a works laptop and a home desktop.

I don’t understand how you’re connecting the monitors to the computers. I’v tried Googling it but didn’t come up with a satisfactory solution. I also have several USB devices that I need to use on both computers.

 

[MacInWin]

If the Viewsonics have two HDMI ports, connect a cable from the two computers to the two ports and then use the monitor controls to select the port you want to use. If the keyboard/mouse use wireless, then just switch them through the settings on the two computers. Or, get another keyboard and moust and dedicate them to specific computers. That way all you need to switch are the monitors.

The USB peripherals are also switchable by using a USB Hub (much cheaper than KVM), and moving the cable to the hub from one computer to the other as you need to.

With two KB and Mouses, all you need to move is one cable.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

I'm using this switch and it fits your needs except it only has 3 USB ports on it. The switch is nearly instantaneous between my MBP and Mac Studio.

 

[ScubaDachshund]

If the Viewsonics have two HDMI ports, connect a cable from the two computers to the two ports and then use the monitor controls to select the port you want to use. If the keyboard/mouse use wireless, then just switch them through the settings on the two computers. Or, get another keyboard and moust and dedicate them to specific computers. That way all you need to switch are the monitors.

The USB peripherals are also switchable by using a USB Hub (much cheaper than KVM), and moving the cable to the hub from one computer to the other as you need to.

With two KB and Mouses, all you need to move is one cable.

Thank you for the explanation. I know the monitors have multiple connections. I’ll have to see what they are but I’m sure I can make that work.