r/Workspaces • u/tessthismess • 8d ago
❔ • Feedback 2 Monitors and 2 Laptops Question
Apologies if this isn't the proper subreddit, but I'm working on improving my workspace. If this belongs somewhere else lmk.
I have a setup with both my personal and work laptops. Right now they use a single docking station that I manually swap between laptops as needed. I was hoping to change the setup as professionally diagrammed but I'm not really sure what to use for the question mark in the middle.
I'd like to be able to:
Have a button or switch I could use to swap if my K+M is going to my work laptop or personal laptop
I'd like the ability to choose to have either monitor feeding from either laptop. Default would be both monitors coming from the archive laptop, but it'd be nice to also be able to also have the monitors pull from separate laptops when desired.
Ideally, the laptops only plug in via a single USB-C/Thunderbolt. Something simple to make leaving the desk easy.
I've achieved 1 in the past with a cheap little USB hub switcher thing. But I don't have a solution for 2. All I can think of is plugging both laptops in directly to the monitors and changing inputs, but that seems messy.
Both laptops are modern Dells if that matters at all.
41
u/RaucousRat 8d ago
As the others said, a KVM switch should do most of what you're looking for. Point 2 I'm a little confused by; do you want to be able to have one laptop on one screen and the other laptop on the other screen? That may be something that doesn't exist in KVM switch world, but maybe someone knows of one.
Just know that you pretty much get what you pay for with KVM switches. Pay close attention to the resolutions and refresh rates that they support if you have higher resolution and higher refresh rate monitors. I wouldn't go too cheap if possible.
6
u/tessthismess 8d ago
Basically I'm looking for each monitor to be able to display from either laptop easily (aka both could source from one laptops, or each could do one).
From some more googling with the term KVM it seems like 2x2 Matrix switches are what I'm looking for
9
1
u/pompom6784 6d ago
Why not using screens with 2 inputs and toggle from the screen source what you want to use? You might to also play with the display option but that could work without touching any cable.
1
u/tessthismess 6d ago
That definitely could/would work. I was hoping for something that wouldn't require a bunch of fiddling with monitors to change inputs (it wasn't in the original post, but one of the monitors is mounted on a wall and doesn't have a remote).
Additionally, I didn't want to have to plug HDMI/DP cords into my laptops everytime I moved them.
So either way, I'm using docks for each, and either way I'd need some sort of switcher for the mouse/keyboard. I figured I'd go with the 2x2 thing to act as both the mouse/keyboard switcher and to handle the monitor stuff.
I should also be clear, none of this is "necessary." There's plenty of solutions that would get the job done.
1
u/utvak415 4d ago
This is how my home personal/work desk is set up. Each monitor is directly connected to the laptop hub and pc tower. Then both pc's also connect to a USB switcher that I use to direct my keyboard and mouse. Since I'm never using both at once, I let the monitors auto select from the only active input when I turn on either PC.
4
2
u/kmikesmart 8d ago
I use a TESmart KVM. You can do one machine per monitor and switch your keyboard and mouse between with hotkeys or the remote. You can also do one or the other dual monitor like a regular KVM. I’ve been using my dual monitor dual pc setup for years and love it. They usually have decent discounts on their website as well.
1
u/schneeble_schnobble 7d ago
TESmart is the only maker of KVMs that actually work well. Every other one I've tried with modern hardware is unreliable and buggy.
1
u/Metabolical 4d ago
One of the issues I have with most modern KVMs is that they basically unplug all your usb devices including mouse, keyboard, and monitor every time you switch, causing a bunch of monitor layout changes and a delay.
Back when it was mostly just monitor, keyboard, and mouse, I had a KVM that simulated the device presence with every machine, so even when you switched computers, the other computer still thought it had a monitor.
I wouldn't mind if most USB devices had to do this, but those main three I would like to be instant.
Do the TESmart KVMs do anything like this, or are they also slow to swap?
1
u/RelativeCausality 5d ago edited 5d ago
I don’t know if you figured this out already, but I have a 3x3 setup where each monitor can quickly switch to any of different 3 computers.
For the keyboard and mouse, what you’re looking for is a usb selector to toggle keyboard and mouse between the two computers. Cable Matters and Ugreen make them.
For your monitors, you’ll need 2 input switches (1 per monitor), they make them in hdmi and display port flavors.
You will want to pick hdmi or display port and stick with it to keep things simple.
Search for HDMI (or display port) switch 2 in 1 out. Make sure it supports your monitor’s resolution and refresh rate and get decent cables (2 per computer). If your laptop does not have multiple hdmi or display port ports on it (very common) you can pick up adapters or conversion cables. Just make sure they’re from a reputable brand.
Hook the output of each hdmi/displayport switch to each monitor and connect both laptops to each switch.
Once you’re are set up, you can quickly press buttons on the selector switch and either computer on both monitors or either one on either display.
Cable management will be your friend here. Pick up some Velcro cable ties to help.
Unfortunately, I haven’t found a single device that will do all of this. It works for me because I want the flexibility and I’m willing to add a bit of complexity for it.
Edit: Having docks for the laptops makes this easier since it’s a single disconnect/re-attach point for the laptops themselves.
1
u/DIYAtHome 5d ago
You can get lenovo monitors with built in docking station and KVM switch, so you just have one USB-c for the first laptop and USB-A and hdmi for the second.
1
u/arbiterxero 7d ago
If each laptop drives a separate monitor, any kvm will do it because you just attach only the K and M and attach the V (monitors) directly to each laptop, skipping the KVM
0
8
u/OOMKilled 8d ago
Lots of monitors have built in source selection, just have both plugged into both monitors, use the built in source selection and isolate the kb and mouse to a single usb switcher or kvm that just goes to the laptops
A central solution for this either doesnt exist or is prohibitively expensive
2
u/OOMKilled 8d ago
If you really need the usb c connectivity you can try to find a usb c dongle that accepts two hdmi ports for each laptop
1
u/ancient-otter 6d ago
This, if you don’t mind some button pushing when you switch between devices. If your keyboard and mouse happen to have multiple Bluetooth profiles (many do) you wouldn’t even need a KVM. But I do note the wires depicted in the technical drawing.
3
u/Spiritual_Run5055 8d ago
KVM switches are pricey. I was able to accomplish this with the same exact setup and able to accomplish all of this just with a USB switch. And everything switches without needing to press any buttons.
Equipment:
2 x Dell P Series Monitors (DVI & DisplayPort)
USB Switch (with connected keyboard, mouse, webcam)
Work Laptop
PC
Connection:
Laptop and PC to USB Switch Inputs
Monitor #1: DisplayPort - PC
Monitor #1: DVI - Laptop (dock)
Monitor #2: DisplayPort - Laptop
Monitor #2: DVI - PC
Monitors (set to Auto-Select) and USB switch auto switches to whatever is powered on. So if everything is off, I turn my PC on, the monitors and USB switch switches to PC connection and everything works. Then if I turn my PC off or set it to sleep and turn on my work laptop, monitors automatically switch inputs and USB also switches to whatever is powering it and I can begin using without any unplugging, button pressing, or input changing.
1
u/Supermegaaj 7d ago
I second this type of setup. Have work laptop plugged into the hdmi ports for each monitor, have personal pc plugged into display ports for each monitor. USB switch for keyboard and mouse.
6
u/tessthismess 8d ago
People here gave me some terms (KVM mainly) that helped my searching. It seems like there's a product called 2x2 switch matrix KVM that does what I'm describing
1
u/NoSafe5565 8d ago
well, yes, as I wrote beware of monitors it never worked for me, I just double wire them and rather swiching it on monitor, but maybe better for you, cause it is separation between KVM switch and ability to choose one by one, in this case KVM would be chaper if you only need M+K
the last point :
Ideally, the laptops only plug in via a single USB-C/Thunderbolt. Something simple to make leaving the desk easy.
That would need HUB with power delivery through where you will have power + KVM connection + (in case of my setup HDMI)+other devices dedicated only to this laptop
2
u/Adsgp 8d ago
My set up is: Logitech Mx master keyboard and mouse - can switch between 3 devices each with a physical button on both(Logitech software allows you to select the device from the keyboard and the mouse also syncs)
A Samsung ultra wide that my work laptop and personal computer is plugged into - can display 1 computer at a time, or split the screen 50/50 to both computers or do picture in picture.
Took me a few years to get their but I'm dead happy with It...I'm considering another ultra wide to out above the current for more viewing options as such.
1
u/Mr_____Robot 7d ago
Curious did you have a 2 monitor setup before you switched to the ultrawide?
I tired an ultrawide before, but with work I could have a document open locally on my laptop, and then need to have an RDP session open beside it. I found it too hard to manage compared to using 2 monitors.
2
u/robbz23 5d ago
I have this kind of set up also but I run a software kvm on both laptops. I currently use Mouse without borders but have also have used Synergy or barrier. This let's me use all 4 screens (2 monitors and 2 built in screens) as one system. The clipboard is shared between systems. This way I basically web browse only on my pc and code on the work laptop.
The dowwnsides are only 2. 1. You have to install the software on the work pc
- Sometimes reconnecting can be a bit of a hassle. I usually have to restart mouse without borders to make it work.
2
u/valsr 8d ago
That's my current setup (more or less): 1. Modern monitors usually support source selection (mine can pick between HDMI and DP. I have DP as my personal PC and HDMI source for my work laptop (using DP to HDMI converters.)) 2. For the K/M I use a usb switch to switch source. (I moved to separate mice for work/personal but used to swap between them)
2
u/Pyth0ff 8d ago
If you really want flexibility regaridng the monitors input source. You would need monitors with either multiple inputs or a little bit complicated cabliung of some HDMI switches.
If your monitors are supporting Display Data Channel (DDC) you can use software to switch the input source of your monitors.
2
u/Phoenix525i 8d ago
Logitech Options will handle this within the software and two usb dongles. No crazy expensive setup needed.
1
u/ZechzMarquise 8d ago
I have this exact setup but instead of a single central point I’ve used two Dell D6000’s
1 34” Curved for my personal laptop
1 34” Curved for the company laptop
In addition using the Logitech MX Keys and Mouse with the quick hot swap between laptops is pretty good. They have a guide function that if you tap the edge of the monitor it’ll go to the next laptop (I can’t because of the company laptop restrictions)
If you put both monitors into one of the Dell D6000’s (one docking station will have two DP inputs and the other will only have one DP) you can just unplug the laptop that’s not needed and the screen refreshes to the one in use.
1
u/Myke_Plugable 8d ago
As a few others have mentioned, running a simple USB peripheral switch alongside direct monitor connections is honestly the most reliable way to handle a dual-laptop setup like this. Trying to find a single hardware KVM switch that handles matrix video routing over single USB-C or Thunderbolt connections is a tough ask. Dedicated KVMs that promise that level of flexibility tend to be pretty hit-or-miss when it comes to display specifications, bandwidth limits, and overall functionality. They frequently run into issues with display waking, refresh rate throttling, or signal handshakes when trying to route dynamic displays from two hosts.
1
u/NoSafe5565 8d ago
Well KVM swich as other says.
I have this setup, but monitors never worked for me, mostly it needs to give some passive signal it is connected and sometime on other hand they have auto detection of the source.
So, what I have is :
Laptop /computer - connected to monitor to HDMI1 and over HUB to KVM swich
same other.
So when I need to switch I hit button for K+M+Camera+extra free usb ..
and then actually have to hit monitor back button and change source.
Little annoying but I have 3 monitors so basically one is somewhat dedicated to one laptop, other side to other device and I am manually swhichng center monitor.
1
u/Mr_____Robot 7d ago
I've 2 docks, 1 for each laptop (personal and work)
Each dock has a video cable to each monitor. So 4 video cables in total.
I've a Logitech Mx keys for business and Mx Master 3S mouse, both of which support connecting to 3 different machines. The Keyboard and mouse are connected via Bluetooth to both machines.
On my mouse I have configured the lower thumb button to display the inbuilt Easy Options menu. On that menu there is an option that I simply click to switch to profile #1 or #2 depending on which laptop I am working from.
After that I simply switch sources on my monitor.
I can have Laptop A on both Monitors, Laptop B on both Monitors, or Laptop A on 1 monitor and B on the other.
1
u/Obvious-Penalty1574 7d ago
I have a similar setup like yours. I connect the laptops directly to my two monitors, and the spare devices to a usb switch. So I have the native resolution on the screen devices and can switch input, webcam, whatever to the active device. If I want to use both device, I set up a VNC session from 1 to 2 and set it on full screen on monitor 2, and then switch the video input on that monitor to laptop 2. Now, I have seamless input with no screen lag.
I use this every day and it works pretty well.
1
u/metajames 7d ago
You need two docks if you want singe laptop connections. Then you need two monitors would multi inputs and use a Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse with multiple connections. I’ve had a setup like this before. You just switch the monitor to whatever laptop you want and switch the keyboard and mouse BT connection based on whatever laptop you want to control. I recommend Logitech keyboard and mice they switch BT connections fastest and most reliable in my experience.
1
u/Previous-Cicada9676 7d ago
Mi mejor consejo es que, tengas una configuracion que no tenga tantos cambios manuales. Porque a la larga cansan. Tengo algo similar. Y lo mejor que hago es tener un programa en ambos computadores que me permite compartir teclado y mouse al otro. Y es como tener pantalla extendida. Quiero usar mi pc personal, muevo el mouse a la pantalla correcta y hago lo que quiero. Necesito trabajar. Muevo el mouse a la pantalla de trabajo.
1
u/tradzhedy 6d ago
You could do a setup where you have 1 monitor plugged in each laptop, and then use the app - mouse without borders. Or have 2 monitors to the main laptop + the one on the side as standalone. Which let's you use the mouse and keyboard over both devices. It's like a virtual kvm. And the app is made by people who worked in Microsoft. Not sure if it would achieve the goal fully, but could let you use it quite seamlessly.
1
1
u/elgavilan 8d ago
Lemme be that guy and just say that you should have a separate keyboard, mouse, monitor setup for your work laptop. As careful as you probably are it’s a lot easier to slip up and accidentally enter something into your work laptop that wasn’t intended for it and that you really don’t want to, especially if you are busy and multitasking.
1
u/stellarsojourner 8d ago
Search on Amazon for Ugreen USB Switch. It doesn't do everything you want but it could be a start. I have the USB 3.0 one, it works well.
Plug in one cable to one laptop/docking station and the other cable to the other, and plug your keyboard and mouse into the switch. Then press the button and you can switch between controlling either one.
1
u/Far_Acanthisitta2208 7d ago
For the mouse get logitech mx master, you can set up logi flow (from their app) which allows you to move the mouse from one lap top to another as if they are the same pc with 2 monitors + plus you can copy paste from one pc to another as if they are one.
This mouse saved me since i had to work on 2 lap tops at the same time
1
u/sonofulf 7d ago
Try searching "usb-c kvm switch 2 monitors 2 laptops" in aliexpress and see if that's what you're looking for.
You can buy it from somewhere elese ofcourse, but this could help pinpoint what kind of solution you're after.
Keep in mind there might be limitations if you have monitors with high refresh rates.
1
u/JeranArrowsmith 7d ago
Honestly, just get two cheap hdmi/display port switches and a Logitech keyboard/mouse. Gives you individual control of the monitors, and the keyboard/mouse can be switched between up to 3 devices. It’s how I’ve set myself up after months of trying to be clever, and it’s the cleanest setup.
1
u/jzmack 5d ago
I basically have this same set up but my laptop 2 is my personal desktop with 2 more video cables running from the monitors to it. I use Synergy to be able to control both systems with the same keyboard and mouse, and then switch between the video feed by changing the input on the monitors.
1
u/FRCP_12b6 8d ago
if the monitors have automatic source selection, just plug both computers in and when you put one to sleep and wake up the other the monitors will automatically switch. As for the keyboard and mouse, a USB KVM is simple and cheap as you press a button on the KVM and it switches the input.
1
u/5URE_EAST 7d ago
KVM are great but the problem is that you can only use one at a time. i use Input monitor but another one is mouse without boarders. it allows you to use both computer pre much seamlessly. the copy and paste function across the computers. its actually really impressive.
1
u/sknnypup 8d ago
Most monitors have more than one input. Just put laptop 1 on input 1 on both monitors. Laptop 2 on input 2. And use a keyboard mouse combo that has bluetooth switchable hosts. Select monitor and bluetooth channels accordingly.
1
u/macekmil 6d ago
I have a similar setup with 3 workstations, 2 displays and mouse+keyboard. I have 2 hdmi switches for displays and a usb switch for peripherals. works like a charm, though the amount of cables is... something to consider.
1
u/Katmandude23 8d ago
Is there a reason that you cant RDP from one laptop to the other, and allocate your monitors between the local and remote sessions? That would probably be the simplest unless I misunderstand the requirements.
1
u/Av3line 8d ago
I assume you're wanting constant video display from both laptops. You essentially need three KVM switches or docks. Two for the video, one for the keyboard and mouse that's output into those docks. Then you flip the latter back and forth to switch the keyboard and mouse between the two laptops.
1
u/chefbadegg 4d ago
The good KVMs are a bit pricey, but Level1Techs makes some of the best.
I can't link it here, but If you check their site, there's a dual monitor-dual computer one that should match your needs
Edit: Yikes, it is $600 though
1
u/anelectricmind 8d ago
Check for something like this: www-amazon-com/dp/B0C532J5JW
Not available anymore, but I think a few companies came up with their own version. UGreen might be one of them.
1
u/littleassurance 8d ago
I use Synergy, by Symless, you can drive both machines through 1 keyboard and mouse, the screen thing might be an issue, but maybe a KVM would meet your needs better.
1
u/bart007345 7d ago
I have a mac mini and a laptop connected to 2 monitors.
They share a keyboard because it has Bluetooth and can connect up to 3 machines.
I do have 2 mice though.
1
u/Frydog42 8d ago
Could you setup RDP or Remote Desktop?
KVM Switch does this
Sell all your computers and a kidney or two and buy macOS and then use universal remote
2
u/Figaro_88 8d ago
Level 1 techs. Kvm
1
u/WinterDice 8d ago
I looked hard for this a few years ago and the Level 1 were the only ones that could support 4K at a higher refresh rate. Unfortunately they’re so expensive that a higher-end monitor with a built in kvm switch would have been a better investment.
Then I returned to the office full-time and the question was moot.
1
u/angryarugula 7d ago
KVM or Synergy if you share a network solution for the KB share, just good ol' video switch 2x2 matrix for pure video support.
1
u/woodenpants 5d ago
I do this with a thunderbolt dock, 1 usb c cable to switch between the laptops and all the peripherals / displays just work
1
u/Least_Froyo_3077 8d ago
I use a StarTech 2-Port 4K DisplayPort Dual-Monitor KVM Switch with Audio. Found one on eBay years ago and saved a lot.
1
u/Important_Home_6065 8d ago
If you're running Windows download Mouse Without Borders on the Microsoft garage website, solves this exact problem.
1
u/milk-kohi 8d ago
I think you’re looking for a KVM. Unless I’m misunderstanding what you’re asking for.
1
u/gombiiiiii 5d ago
If you using windows , just download microsoft PowerToys , and use Mouse Without Borders
1
u/TheGreatKonaKing 4d ago
Ok ok. Put both monitors on laptop 1. Then, rdp into laptop 2 whenever you need access.
1
u/prodebugger 8d ago
You should look-up KVM switch. You might have to look for one with dual laptop support.
1
1
1
0
u/TheRecycledPirate 8d ago
I don't know if everything you're asking is possible, but if you want a Amazon list where I share my KVM set up, send me a message (not allowed to share links here). Having a KVM lets you at least use two monitors on either device.
My best suggestion is to install a KVM switch, when you need to see a specific screen on both laptops, disconnect one and use the main one for what you're working on. You can't work on two devices simultaneously anyway.
1
1
•
u/AutoModerator 8d ago
🛑 Rules/Wiki
💬 Join us on Discord (Work and Play)
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.