Question How to setup 2 Computers, 2 monitors, 1 set of peripherals?

[Haliax68]

Hey everyone, I'm looking for some help on how to setup 2 different computers, 2 monitors and 1 set of peripherals. I know I need a KVM switch. I already have one for my current setup. But I'm changing my setup soon and don't know how to do what I want.

But I'm going to be setting up my dream desktop very soon and will have 2 computers and 2 monitors now. So, I'm still going to have my PC, but then instead of the Macbook Air laptop, I'm getting a newer Mac Mini M2 to replace it (it's old and I can't even get updates anymore). And then I'm getting 2 monitors. So what I'm looking to do is a few things.

1. Sometimes I will want to just use the PC with both monitors and the 1 set of speakers
2. Other times I will want to use the Mac Mini with both monitors and the 1 set of speakers
3. Other times I will want to use the PC on 1 monitor and the Mac Mini on the other monitor (so I can do personal computing on one and watch sports on the other)
4. Other times I will want to use the PC to game on one monitor and use the Mac Mini on the other monitor for personal computing or having videos or maps up that help me with the game

One thing I'm also not sure how it will work is the sound? I don't want to have two sets of speakers for obvious reasons. So how do I set that all up as well? Can I have sound coming from the speakers and the PC, while the Mac Mini just uses the monitors built in speakers? And then vice versa? Will I chose one computer/monitor to be the "main" one for the speakers on the KVM switch? And then the other computer/monitor just uses that monitors built in crappy speakers for sound? And then anytime I want, I just hit the KVM switch and the sound changes to whatever the "main" computer/monitor is? is that how that works or some other way?

So just wondering what kind of KVM switch I need to be able to do this? Do I need to worry about the Hz (refresh rate) of the KVM switch? My current one says 4K @ 60Hz, but my monitor is either 75Hz. So I'm guessing the KVM switch is lowering my refresh rate a bit? Or not? I don't know enough to say for sure. And if it is lowering the refresh rate, I'm guessing whatever KVM switch I get for my new setup, should have as high an Hz rate as my monitor? So I get the best refresh rate for gaming?

And I was reading up on this and I'm not 100% sure I understand. It's saying on a google search that to have 2 computers and 2 monitors, I need a "Dual Chanel" KVM switch or two separate KVM switches, which I do NOT want to do. I'd rather just have one. I searched for those and nothing really comes up that says "Dual Chanel" KVM switch.

Any help would be appreciate. I'm really excited about finally doing this. I'm going to be doing the whole shebang. Wall art, dual monitors on a dual monitor arm setup. Behind the desk LED backlighting, nice speakers, nice shelf in the middle to store stuff (put the KVM switch and other stuff), the whole thing! I even finally decided to build my own custom Keyboard and bought the Neo80, some really nice SA keycaps and some super silent TTC Frozen V2 switches. But I'm not sure how to set this all up and what type of KVM switch I should be looking for and what brands? I'm not looking for top of the line, just something that is reliable, affordable and allows me to set it up how I described.

Thanks

 

[punkncat]

I really am not sure how much help my own suggestion will be given the very specific demands you have concerning two monitors. With the laptop, if you are also considering its screen it should pose no issue. I assume with the PC it would not be a problem so long as you are willing to select a specific input on the screen being shared with the laptop. I cannot comment from experience regarding running two screens off your laptop where one isn't native.

In my own setup I used some of the Logitech devices with "multi-pairing". I have a dongle on one system which is the unifying device where you can learn several devices into it, so the keyboard and mouse are connected to the one PC by it. On the other I am using the devices BT capability to connect to it. For the one monitor I use DP on the gaming rig, HDMI on the other. When I power down one machine and power up the other it auto detects. I only have to select the input if both machines are on. I selected a set of speakers with both 3.5mm and RCA inputs such that each PC can produce sound. Issue here being that only one can project sound at a time for which you could make sense of. The other issue being that in some games I have to unhook the 3.5mm/RCA adapter from one PC not to have a background buzz.

I don't personally like KVM switches, so thus why I went this route. The issue in my setup vs yours would be the problem of having two matched and separate monitors operational on both. I am not sure how to solve that part outside maybe Thunderbolt (or Lightening) which I have no experience with.

 

[Haliax68]

I really am not sure how much help my own suggestion will be given the very specific demands you have concerning two monitors. With the laptop, if you are also considering its screen it should pose no issue. I assume with the PC it would not be a problem so long as you are willing to select a specific input on the screen being shared with the laptop. I cannot comment from experience regarding running two screens off your laptop where one isn't native.

In my own setup I used some of the Logitech devices with "multi-pairing". I have a dongle on one system which is the unifying device where you can learn several devices into it, so the keyboard and mouse are connected to the one PC by it. On the other I am using the devices BT capability to connect to it. For the one monitor I use DP on the gaming rig, HDMI on the other. When I power down one machine and power up the other it auto detects. I only have to select the input if both machines are on. I selected a set of speakers with both 3.5mm and RCA inputs such that each PC can produce sound. Issue here being that only one can project sound at a time for which you could make sense of. The other issue being that in some games I have to unhook the 3.5mm/RCA adapter from one PC not to have a background buzz.

I don't personally like KVM switches, so thus why I went this route. The issue in my setup vs yours would be the problem of having two matched and separate monitors operational on both. I am not sure how to solve that part outside maybe Thunderbolt (or Lightening) which I have no experience with.

So I'm not going to use a laptop. That's my current and old setup. I was just talking about it, to share that I currently use a KVM and it was easy to setup and use.

But the new setup is going to be a bit more complicated, hence why I'm here asking for sage advice. The new setup is going to be: 1 PC, 1 Mac Mini computer, 2 monitors (exact same model), 1 mouse, 1 keyboard, 1 set of speakers. That's how I want to set it up.

 

[punkncat]

Gotcha, my apologies in that I was of the thought the mentioned laptop was to be part of this. Even with that, I think your hurdle is going to be that second monitor. Anxious to see if someone had a streamlined idea otherwise.

 

[Haliax68]

Gotcha, my apologies in that I was of the thought the mentioned laptop was to be part of this. Even with that, I think your hurdle is going to be that second monitor. Anxious to see if someone had a streamlined idea otherwise.

No problem. I was debating even including that part in my post, haha. Like I said, I guess I just wanted to convey that I currently use a KVM switch and know how it works. But then I was like, hopefully it won't confuse people, haha.

I'm really excited about all of this, but this KVM switch and being able to do what I want seems a bit complicated. I just watched a few videos on YT, but they're for laptops and computers and they're doing other stuff, not what I want to do. Hopefully someone knows how to make this all work. Because if I can get it to work, it's going to be SOOO great!

 

[Haliax68]

I'm wondering if 2 KVM switches would be as good or better then 1 switch?

I could have 1 KVM setup for the Mac Mini. It would connect just to the Mac Mini, but then both monitors?
Then 1 KVM setup for the PC. It would connect to just the PC, but then both monitors?

And then I could just plug the speakers into the PC as default, but if I wanted the Mac to have sound, I can just unplug the speaker line from the PC KVM and hook it up to the Mac KVM?

I wonder if that would work better or if they make 1 switch that does everything I want?

The other thing I forgot to ask is: do they make any of these KVM switches that allow me to move my mouse across the two screens, one with Mac on one monitor and PC on the other monitor? Without having to press a button of some sort on a remote or the switch? That would be even more incredible. Being able to use the mouse and keyboard just by moving the mouse across to the other monitor! Not sure if that's a thing or not?

 

[punkncat]

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=best+kvm...dc&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_6rpw0ip17v_e_p67

IDK if the above is going to work out right. Searched Amazon for "best kvm switch for dual monitors".
The unknown to me is how many video outputs you have on the Apple hardware.

 

[Haliax68]

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=best+kvm...dc&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_6rpw0ip17v_e_p67

IDK if the above is going to work out right. Searched Amazon for "best kvm switch for dual monitors".
The unknown to me is how many video outputs you have on the Apple hardware.

Yeah, I already looked on Amazon and just saw a TON of random KVM switches that may or may not work for what I want. They all have different things about them and no great info that definitively states which one I need or why.

Hopefully someone that knows about this stuff see's my post and chimes in.

 

[Haliax68]

Hey everyone, I'm looking for some help on how to setup 2 different computers, 2 monitors and 1 set of peripherals. I know I need a KVM switch. I already have one for my current setup. But I'm changing my setup soon and don't know how to do what I want.

I'm going to be setting up my dream desktop very soon and will have 2 computers and 2 monitors. So, I'm still going to have my PC, but then instead of my Macbook Air laptop, I'm getting a newer Mac Mini M2 to replace it (it's old and I can't even get updates anymore). And then I'm getting 2 identical monitors. So what I'm looking to do is a few things.

1. Sometimes I will want to just use the PC with both monitors and the 1 set of speakers
2. Other times I will want to use the Mac Mini with both monitors and the 1 set of speakers
3. Other times I will want to use the PC on 1 monitor and the Mac Mini on the other monitor (so I can do personal computing on one and watch sports on the other)
4. Other times I will want to use the PC to game on one monitor and use the Mac Mini on the other monitor for personal computing or having videos or maps up that help me with the game

One thing I'm also not sure how it will work is the sound? I don't want to have two sets of speakers for obvious reasons. So how do I set that all up as well? Can I have sound coming from the speakers and the PC, while the Mac Mini just uses the monitors built in speakers? And then vice versa? Will I chose one computer/monitor to be the "main" one for the speakers on the KVM switch? And then the other computer/monitor just uses that monitors built in crappy speakers for sound? And then anytime I want, I just hit the KVM switch and the sound changes to whatever the "main" computer/monitor is? is that how that works or some other way?

So just wondering what KIND of KVM switch I need to be able to do this? I've already done some preliminary google searching and Amazon product hunting and not really finding anything. Also, I'm just not sure how this even works, so not even sure what to look for? Do I need to worry about the Hz (refresh rate) of the KVM switch? My current one says 4K @ 60Hz, but my monitor is 75Hz. So I'm guessing the KVM switch is lowering my refresh rate a bit? Or not? I don't know enough to say for sure. And if it is lowering the refresh rate, I'm guessing whatever KVM switch I get for my new setup, should have as high an Hz rate as my monitor? So I get the best refresh rate for gaming? And yet most of the KVM switches I'm seeing only have 60Hz. Not 100 or more, like most gaming monitors support.

And I was reading up on this and I'm not 100% sure I understand. It's saying on a google search that to have 2 computers and 2 monitors, I need a "Dual Chanel" KVM switch or two separate KVM switches. But it never explains the pros/cons of each setup, nor how to do it. I then searched for "dual channel KVM switches" and nothing really comes up that says "Dual Chanel" KVM switch.

Any help would be appreciate. I'm really excited about finally doing this. I'm going to be doing the whole shebang. Wall art, dual monitors on a dual monitor arm setup. Behind the desk LED backlighting, nice speakers, nice shelf in the middle to store stuff (put the KVM switch and other stuff), the whole thing! I even finally decided to build my own custom Keyboard and bought the Neo80, some really nice SA keycaps and some super silent TTC Frozen V2 switches. But I'm not sure how to set this all up and what type of KVM switch I should be looking for and what brands? I'm also not looking for top of the line, just something that is reliable, affordable and allows me to set it up how I described.

Thanks

 

[Ralston18]

Start with a simple diagram showing all of the devices that need to be connected per your requirements.

There are many KVM diagrams online that you can use as a basic template.

The diagram does not need to be fancy or some work of art. The diagram does need detail.

Show devices, device ports, type of port, gender, etc..

Include the cables connecting ports: again type of plug, gender. Both ends.

Use the diagram as a checklist when it comes to selecting the KVM switch, cables, and maybe some adapters.

Google "KVM diagram images". Look at the results and modify the search criteria as you deem necessary.

Once you have found a diagram format that you like then model your diagram using the same format.

Details matter.

If anything, take a screenshot of what you believe to be a suitable KVM.

Print out the screenshot and draw in all the required connections between that KVM and the required supported devices.

Likely it will take a bit of trial and error via a few "screenshots".

Hopefully the end diagram will match your requirements and you can go forward with purchases and then put it all together.

Do not forget the cables - both cable ends must match their respective host device: type of plug/port, required gender, and pinouts.

Hopefully you will not need a custom build KVM.....

 

[Haliax68]

Start with a simple diagram showing all of the devices that need to be connected per your requirements.

There are many KVM diagrams online that you can use as a basic template.

The diagram does not need to be fancy or some work of art. The diagram does need detail.

Show devices, device ports, type of port, gender, etc..

Include the cables connecting ports: again type of plug, gender. Both ends.

Use the diagram as a checklist when it comes to selecting the KVM switch, cables, and maybe some adapters.

Google "KVM diagram images". Look at the results and modify the search criteria as you deem necessary.

Once you have found a diagram format that you like then model your diagram using the same format.

Details matter.

If anything, take a screenshot of what you believe to be a suitable KVM.

Print out the screenshot and draw in all the required connections between that KVM and the required supported devices.

Likely it will take a bit of trial and error via a few "screenshots".

Hopefully the end diagram will match your requirements and you can go forward with purchases and then put it all together.

Do not forget the cables - both cable ends must match their respective host device: type of plug/port, required gender, and pinouts.

Hopefully you will not need a custom build KVM.....

While I appreciate your thorough hands on resolution to this problem, drawing a diagram is not going to solve the problem. I already know what I want to do. It's that I'm not finding any products that can do what I want to do. And nobody can tell me what KVM switch would work. Or if it even exists. At least not just by searching: "dual monitors, 1 pc, 1 mac, and peripherals KVM setup. " I think it's the Mac Mini that is throwing this all off. I've seen a few videos on YT that mention a KVM that can do what I want with a PC and Mac Laptop, but not a Mac Mini. And the M2 Mac Mini has 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports with 1 HDMI. With the Thunderbolt 4 being a USB-C. While most dual computer/dual monitor KVM switches have one of the two following input setups: 2 HDMI, 1 USB-A. Or 1 HDMI, 1 Display Port, 1 USB-A. Nothing with either of those on Input set 1 and then a Thunderbolt input on Input set 2.

Well, I look for something like that and don't see any KVM switches that have 1 set of inputs being for a PC, 1 for a Mac Mini and 2 monitors. With Input 1 for the PC being either: 2 HDMI and 1 USB or 1 HDMI, 1 Display Port and 1 USB. And then Input set 2 being a USB-C or Thunderbolt input. So it makes me wonder if this is even possible? It's kind of mind boggling that there is nothing like this or info out there about it. I 100% can't be the only person in the world that wants to have a Mac Mini and PC hooked up to 2 monitors. I'm sure there's tons of people that want that. Hopefully someone knows how to make this work or I'm going to have to make a major compromise in my setup and do something totally different.

 

[Ralston18]

Remember that "a picture is worth a 1,000 words" or perhaps "10,000" according to some.

Drawing a diagram is a good way to present the requirements so others can clearly envision what you have in mind and need.

And if you cannot find an existing KVM to match the requirements then the diagram may help someone visualize other options. E.g., some adapter perhaps.

That can lead to a solution. Maybe with little or no compromises involved.

Also remember that there is probably no harm in using some existing KVM that meets the requirements even if the KVM has an extra port or two that may go unused.

Google "KVM for PC and Mac Mini" - seems that there are some number of options available.

Some options did not match the requirements, some options may be a partial match, others - well, details matter.

Here is a link from a mac website:

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ni-m1-and-windows-dual-monitor-setup.2282893/

Not an endorsement or recommendation per se- just a possible lead for you.

I also noted but did not watch (full disclosure) some video references....

FYI: there are a number of vendors who will custom build KVMs. You will need to provide clear requirements if a custom KVM is necessary. Likely expensive.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

 

[punkncat]

I am going to reiterate the link I posted above:

https://www.amazon.com/Computers-Switches-Monitors-Extended-Controller/dp/B0F4BZY17P/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ascsubtag=tomshardware-us-6579183608340230979-20&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xsN04obboRKc911L_ek9aQ8ghJQkACYnX7_ohtkfd2u0qYiOqTgel5zdOmashe1MmrMkZEG8gxH_fLYL1Mqp3yq2rYccpKM0tiuKfpafz2Up9rmUF-8ilBpz7MlUHL-tHdjqzQHrvdbGmBIbRqxFUhVh0Snu5kN7g79lVoklg8FcnGMzYN8ToSHTDRI5NiSEP-rcnLRnBQaXzVoeqOvrNk0VbFBXnNTnYCpa-cZgsp8.eq6z-FVpCFHeO2VHyUJVAHJtwNWjJqFjpmIY6Y_tbnw&dib_tag=se&geniuslink=true&hvadid=694625119880&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9010876&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=11910255295538647779--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11910255295538647779&hvtargid=kwd-438677255401&hydadcr=24391_13517605&keywords=best+kvm+switch+for+dual+monitors&mcid=58a84653a3003710ac3849ab8db12fdc&qid=1745271402&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

This switch linked and about half a page below it on the link in the first reply about it both have PC1 and PC2 with 2 HDMI input and 2 HDMI output. On the back it has the USB inputs and the only thing it seems to be missing is the audio you are asking about which is super simple to solve other ways (if not on the same device).

Amazon has a GREAT return policy which is nearly free to use if you have a UPS Store or several other retailers anywhere nearby. Pick one up and see if it satisfies your need. If not, return it and keep looking around.

 

[Haliax68]

Remember that "a picture is worth a 1,000 words" or perhaps "10,000" according to some.

Drawing a diagram is a good way to present the requirements so others can clearly envision what you have in mind and need.

And if you cannot find an existing KVM to match the requirements then the diagram may help someone visualize other options. E.g., some adapter perhaps.

That can lead to a solution. Maybe with little or no compromises involved.

Also remember that there is probably no harm in using some existing KVM that meets the requirements even if the KVM has an extra port or two that may go unused.

Google "KVM for PC and Mac Mini" - seems that there are some number of options available.

Some options did not match the requirements, some options may be a partial match, others - well, details matter.

Here is a link from a mac website:

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ni-m1-and-windows-dual-monitor-setup.2282893/

Not an endorsement or recommendation per se- just a possible lead for you.

I also noted but did not watch (full disclosure) some video references....

FYI: there are a number of vendors who will custom build KVMs. You will need to provide clear requirements if a custom KVM is necessary. Likely expensive.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

Yeah, I saw that video and it's the only one that seems like it "might" work. But of course, they're talking about this KVM switch from TESmart and they all cost 170 min up to 200-400!?!? That's IN SANE and I'm not paying that just for a switch.

One idea I just had while thinking of your "diagraming this out" comment was this. Not as great as an all in one KVM switch solution, but could work. But it's a compromise I'm willing to make.

What if I just put the PC on a single KVM switch? And the Mac Mini only ever has 1 monitor. So meaning, I hook up the PC to a KVM switch like I currently have. 1 HDMI cable, 1 Display Port cable and one USB cable come from my PC, goes to the KVM switch and then 1 HDMI or Display port cable goes to one of the monitors. While another HDMI or DP cable goes to the other monitor.

Then the Mac Mini just has one cable going to the other monitor. Then of course, I could get a USB switch as well and put that between the Mac/PC and the KVM switch, and be able to switch mouse, keyboard, speakers. Not sure how to do that quite yet, but I think it's an option.

I made a crude drawing to show what I'm talking about, to see if you guys think this option will work. I don't care if the Mac can't be hooked up to both monitors. It would be nice, but I only need both monitors for the PC.

H = HDMI
DP = Display Port

 

[Haliax68]

I am going to reiterate the link I posted above:

https://www.amazon.com/Computers-Switches-Monitors-Extended-Controller/dp/B0F4BZY17P/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ascsubtag=tomshardware-us-6579183608340230979-20&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xsN04obboRKc911L_ek9aQ8ghJQkACYnX7_ohtkfd2u0qYiOqTgel5zdOmashe1MmrMkZEG8gxH_fLYL1Mqp3yq2rYccpKM0tiuKfpafz2Up9rmUF-8ilBpz7MlUHL-tHdjqzQHrvdbGmBIbRqxFUhVh0Snu5kN7g79lVoklg8FcnGMzYN8ToSHTDRI5NiSEP-rcnLRnBQaXzVoeqOvrNk0VbFBXnNTnYCpa-cZgsp8.eq6z-FVpCFHeO2VHyUJVAHJtwNWjJqFjpmIY6Y_tbnw&dib_tag=se&geniuslink=true&hvadid=694625119880&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9010876&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=11910255295538647779--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11910255295538647779&hvtargid=kwd-438677255401&hydadcr=24391_13517605&keywords=best+kvm+switch+for+dual+monitors&mcid=58a84653a3003710ac3849ab8db12fdc&qid=1745271402&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

This switch linked and about half a page below it on the link in the first reply about it both have PC1 and PC2 with 2 HDMI input and 2 HDMI output. On the back it has the USB inputs and the only thing it seems to be missing is the audio you are asking about which is super simple to solve other ways (if not on the same device).

Amazon has a GREAT return policy which is nearly free to use if you have a UPS Store or several other retailers anywhere nearby. Pick one up and see if it satisfies your need. If not, return it and keep looking around.

This one will not work for my solution. It has two sets of identical inputs: 2 HDMI's and 1 USB. The Mac Mini only has 1 HDMI and then 2 TB4 ports. So that wouldn't even work. Plus, I think I just found out today (by doing more research), that the Mac Mini TB4 port will not allow dual monitors, or something like that. And that I might have to get some sort of TB Docking station to allow that? I'd have to hook up some cables from the Mac to the TB docking station and then to the KVM or monitor? I'm going over to the Apple forums to see if anyone can help over there, since I think at it's heart, this is a Mac issue I'm facing. If it was just two PC's, I'd already be hooking everything up. But because Mac's use TB and the Mac Mini's have so few ports, I think I'm going to need some help from Apple people first, before I can see if this setup I want to have can even work. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[Ralston18]

The diagram certainly helps to present the requirements.

As you proceed just update the diagram to detail the ports, plugs, genders, cables etc..

= = = =

Not at all sure about Mac Mini and multiple monitors.

What I would expect, based on the diagram, that the Mac Mini would connect directly to the KVM and the KVM would allow you to switch monitor(s) usage between PC and Mac Mini.

However that does appear to be problematic - primarily with TB4.

FYI:

https://easytechsolver.com/can-you-connect-thunderbolt-4-to-hdmi/

And, from the Apple community:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255967505?sortBy=rank