Opinion/Advice wanted: KVM (also: Standalone vs. Monitor integrated)

[Timbaloo]

So I am looking to get some sort of KVM solution. The systems to be used with it:

1. Desktop PC on Windows 10 (Likely to switch to Linux at some point)
2. Personal Laptop (USB-C) on Linux
3. Company Laptop (USB-C) on Windows (10, 11 soon)

I want a KVM to be able to switch between one of the laptops and the desktop. Having both laptops connected at the same time would be nice in theory, but will practically never be used, so that's not a requirement. Apart from keyboard + mouse I also use a USB Audio interface that should be shared between the systems connected to the KVM. The KVM shall be able to charge the Laptop connected. That's about it as far as my requirements go, at least for what I know of now.

One KVM that got my attention is the AV Access iDock C10 which seems to meet my requirements just fine, and also makes a good "impression".

Questions:

• Any experience with the iDock C10, ideally with similar requirements/usage (Linux... shared Audio interface...)
• Would a monitor integrated KVM solution fit my needs just fine? Do they generally work well, or are specialized solutions (like C10) just the safer option (I hate buying things that don't do what they're supposed to do)?

Money is not really a factor, but reducing clutter/devices on the desk would be a nice catch. I'm also thinking about a new monitor, so I would not buy a monitor just for the KVM. Although I'm a bit sceptical about such integrated solutions as it will limit the options of available (good) monitors even further.

So, give me your opinions/advice please

 

[Bill_Bright]

I have no experience with that iDock or any "recent" KVM solutions. However, I have used several KVM solutions over the years, from cheap to expensive and I have learned of one constant: use quality cables. If you try to trim the budget with cheap cables, you will regret it, then end up buying quality cables anyway.

 

[Timbaloo]

Good hint! I guess you are thinking primariliy about DP/HDMI cables, right?

 

[Bill_Bright]

Nope. All cables. Fact is, I have never used a KVM with DP. Plenty of HDMI, VGA, PS/2 and USB cables (and switches) too.

KVM switches add several additional cable connections and typically double the cable length between devices compared to straight-through, direct connections. And each connection adds several points of failure where the individual wires are connected inside each male and female connector of the cable and the switch. Plus there are connections internally to the switch. So not only must you depend on quality mechanical connections between the male and female connectors, but you must depend on dozens of solder connectors where the cable wires attach to the various connector pins.

 

[A Computer Guy]

So I am looking to get some sort of KVM solution. The systems to be used with it:

1. Desktop PC on Windows 10 (Likely to switch to Linux at some point)
2. Personal Laptop (USB-C) on Linux
3. Company Laptop (USB-C) on Windows (10, 11 soon)

I want a KVM to be able to switch between one of the laptops and the desktop. Having both laptops connected at the same time would be nice in theory, but will practically never be used, so that's not a requirement. Apart from keyboard + mouse I also use a USB Audio interface that should be shared between the systems connected to the KVM. The KVM shall be able to charge the Laptop connected. That's about it as far as my requirements go, at least for what I know of now.

One KVM that got my attention is the AV Access iDock C10 which seems to meet my requirements just fine, and also makes a good "impression".

Questions:

• Any experience with the iDock C10, ideally with similar requirements/usage (Linux... shared Audio interface...)
• Would a monitor integrated KVM solution fit my needs just fine? Do they generally work well, or are specialized solutions (like C10) just the safer option (I hate buying things that don't do what they're supposed to do)?

Money is not really a factor, but reducing clutter/devices on the desk would be a nice catch. I'm also thinking about a new monitor, so I would not buy a monitor just for the KVM. Although I'm a bit sceptical about such integrated solutions as it will limit the options of available (good) monitors even further.

So, give me your opinions/advice please

Anther way to go about it is to use Remote Desktop from the multi-monitor Desktop to the laptops and avoid the KVM altogether. Whether or not you can do that or if that's a better fit for you depends on your use case.

 

[Easy Rhino]

Would a monitor integrated KVM solution fit my needs just fine? Do they generally work well, or are specialized solutions (like C10) just the safer option (I hate buying things that don't do what they're supposed to do)?

I have a monitor with built in KVM. My desktop is connected using Display Port and USB-B and laptop is connected by USB-C. It works well but is limited in the amount of power through USB-C. If you don't mind a little clutter then go for a separate KVM box and get high end cables.

 

[bonehead123]

use quality cables. If you try to trim the budget with cheap cables, you will regret it, then end up buying quality cables anyway.

^^THIS^^

Been there, done that, never again

 

[Ferrum Master]

Anther way to go about it is to use Remote Desktop from the multi-monitor Desktop to the laptops and avoid the KVM altogether. Whether or not you can do that or if that's a better fit for you depends on your use case.

You misspoke simple SSH in terminal there .

I use the built in the monitor, some have PIP function too. For keyboard I cheat using razer dongle and direct cable to the other, the switch makes it easy to use for both target PC's... usually the other one does not need a rodent... but I have some spare ones... including a living one lol.

 

[Timbaloo]

Anther way to go about it is to use Remote Desktop from the multi-monitor Desktop to the laptops and avoid the KVM altogether. Whether or not you can do that or if that's a better fit for you depends on your use case.

I discarded that thought a while ago, I don't really trust this to be a solution that works well with multiple different operating systems (while I like Wayland on Linux, it's not trouble-free regarding screen capturing etc.). For Windows only, this would propably be a viable option thoughl.

I have a monitor with built in KVM. My desktop is connected using Display Port and USB-B and laptop is connected by USB-C. It works well but is limited in the amount of power through USB-C. If you don't mind a little clutter then go for a separate KVM box and get high end cables.

Yep, that's pretty much what I suspect, it works, but a dedicated KVM just works better

 

[Timbaloo]

Maybe someone is interested:

I did not get the KVM box, because I realised my old monitor would not support 1080p@120Hz through HDMI. Another issue would be that gsync/freesync would not work over an external KVM. So I looked around a bit. Finding a monitor that would fit my needs was not easy, but I ended up with a Dell U2724DE (DE is the KVM variant). Now I get 1440p@120Hz from desktop and laptop, have pretty much no clutter at all (also got a VESA desk mount straight away), and the USB-C connector from monitor to laptop supports even 90W charging power :O
The latter is in fact an issue with quite some monitors, so you gotta be careful, the 90W that I have now is almost a unicorn, a lot have 60W (would have been enough for me) and some weird ones only have like 18W...
I'm switching mouse, keyboard and USB audio interface. Imo pretty much the perfect setup now
Switching systems is not a one button click, you have to go through the menu, but it's pretty quick, quick enough for me at least.