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How to Share a KVM Docking Station with Two Computers?

Posted on by cecilia
kvm docking station for home worker with a laptop and a desktop PC
14
Jun
This article introduces KVM switch, docking station, their differences, and KVM docking station as the combo. Why KVM docking station is created? You’ll find the answer in the last part of this blog.

 

KVM Switch vs Docking Station

What are the differences between a KVM switch and a docking station? They do have something in common – offer an extended hub and give your computer or laptop more connectivity options to connect to more peripherals.

  • The key difference is that a KVM switch allows the user to connect more than one computing device, and allows them to switch around and always share the hub for peripheral connection. And a KVM switch is not only used for computers. You can connect it to your Mac book, you can also connect it to your Xbox or PS5. 
  • Basically, a docking station is designed to connect a laptop or a computer. It can be quite resourceful with different ports like USB, HDMI, Ethernet, audio jack, card reader, and more. And most docking stations keep your computer charged.

Can you use a KVM switch with a docking station?

You may need to look closer at your setup and the specs of available ports. Theoretically yes, you can connect your computer to a docking station, and connect a KVM switch to it. However, if you connect a second device to the KVM switch, they won’t share the peripherals on the docking station.

Then you may ask, can I connect a docking station to two computers at the same time? 

Docking Station with KVM Switch

If we can combine a KVM switch with a docking station, we can have the docking station connect to 2 computers at the same time.

  • There are different types of KVM switches. Some KVM switches could be powerful as they support high resolutions and refresh rates (up to 8K/10K), and connect to more devices and more than one monitor. People who work from home would love to have such a KVM switch that connects to 2 devices, a desktop computer, and a work laptop, to a dual monitor setup that would help level up their work efficiency.
  • A docking station has its advantage too. Sometimes your laptop or PC has limited connectivity and a docking station makes it up.

So, is there a docking station that can switch between two computers like a KVM switch? Due to the needs of our users, yes, we launched a dual monitor KVM docking station that combines the use of a KVM switch and a docking station. 

You can have both. You can connect to your work laptop (via USB-C) and your desktop PC to a dual monitor setup with this KVM switch, and also have a docking station that keeps you charged.

Also a USB-C Dual Monitor KVM Switch

You may not be satisfied with your setup right now for any of these reasons and a KVM docking station is there to streamline the whole setup and make the most out of it.

  • The setup really squeezes your desk space with a lot of cables, or several sets of keyboards, mouses, and other peripherals.
  • Different adapters or hubs make the connection complicated and unstable.
  • The hub or KVM does not support good enough refresh rates or resolutions and brings down the visual experience.
  • You wanna upgrade to a dual monitor setup.

kvm switch and docking station all in one

And this KVM docking station is designed to kill these pain points:

  • This is an MST dual monitor KVM switch, and you need only one USB-C cable to have your laptop connect to a dual monitor setup.
  • The USB-C In port is designed with a charging feature, so you don’t need to keep another charging cable on your desk and one cable will both charge and connects to the display.
  • An Ethernet port is available for you to offer a wired network to your laptop, so no adapter is needed for this.
  • You can connect to your PC via a Displayport and an HDMI. No converter is needed.
  • There are 5 USB ports, a USB-C charging port, a fiber audio jack, and an SD card reader free for use. You are having a powerful docking station in this KVM switch.
  • Different resolutions and refresh rates are supported: 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, 1080P@240Hz/165Hz/144Hz/120Hz, and 2560×1440@144Hz/120Hz.

If you are bringing your work laptop home from your office now and then, this setup can easily have everything to be shared with it just by plugging a USBC cable in.

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cecilia

Passionate in the Pro AV industry and content creation. Learning new things about audio-visual integration and writing to make it accessible to my readers as well.