If you're thinking of using a KVM switcher to switch between your GPU and laptop outputs, some of the switchers are higher quality and will successfully output a 144 hz signal. They are expensive though, so you might want to claim it as a work expense.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZZxsEbGBWYPXK
This is what I'm using for the same scenario.
I used to rely on three 1920x1200 displays but now use two 2560x1440 displays.
Note the unit linked does work with G-sync at refresh rates up to 120Hz (I just haven't tried 144Hz). I purchased Club3D DP cables of the minimum required length to reach between the displays, switch, PC, and Notebook dock.
I just learned about KVM switchers from my brother today, and it sounded like a really great way to do it. But now I have a few other parameters.
I have two monitors I use for work and play as well. I have one at 3840x2160 60hz for work and 2560x1440 144hz. When I work I use both monitors and after work, when I play ideally I would like to use both as well and at 144hz. I not sure which one I should get.
I see the:
TRENDnet 2-Port Dual Monitor DisplayPort KVM Switch with Audio - Not sure if this one works. I see two display ports but the USB A port is on the amazon section.
This one here.
I'm leaning towards the first option. 44hz monitor sharing KVM- same thing with the screens but there is no USB type B for the amp.
Im leaning towards the first option but is there anything more suitable?
Then something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_1W52BR8SVE47WD1GC70W
With a Dp to Hdmi for the second monitor?
I do network engineering and all my coding I run in a VM. I try to do all my work on a vm and just use my laptop to access it. My desktop is just so I can have 4 screens in the office.
This product appears to fit your requirements except that you'll also need an HDMI-to-DP adaptor between the laptop and the KVM.
You could probably save a lot of money if you could live with reduced refresh rate or resolution.
I ended up getting this here KVM switch off of amazon and specially hardwired in my gaming monitor to my PC. the other two monitors are plugged in the kvm switch. The only annoying thing is the blinking lights on the kvm switch. So far zero issues. I am using display ports. On my MacBook, I am using a lightning to display port.
A kvm is what you need yes, as far as reducing refresh rate that depends on the switch itself. You can get 60hz ones easily. There are also others that can support 144hz and 1440p like https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZZxsEbGBWYPXK
For the KVM switch, I personally have been using this one. It's a little bulky so it might be hard to hide/fit with your desk, but the main reason I got it was for the 1440p 144Hz support. It does do 4k60Hz, across both screens as well, and that was a consideration as I have been thinking about moving up to 4k from 1440p. You will probably need a dock of some kind for the Mac book though.
KVM switch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q/
Has been a trooper, with all the work from home, with so far no major issues so far (since late March). Sometimes the PC indicator light for my laptop (input 2) keeps flashing as if it's not connected to my laptop, even though it is properly connected/displaying.
I am currently using this KVM switch, and it has been working fantastically, as I am in the same situation are you are in. 3 monitors (2 are 1440p 144hz, one is 1080p 60hz) a keyboard and mouse switching between my desktop and my work laptop. This particular KVM only supports 2 monitors, but it does support 1440p, 144hz for both.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q
It's not too exspensive and been working flawlessly since mid March when I started working remotely.
Ive been looking at this TRENDnet one bc it supports 1440 at 144hz (up to 4k 60hz) for 2 monitors. Some of the reviewers said theyre using it for the same thing
Will any DisplayPort 1.2 KVM switch support 144hz monitors? The specs usually list 60hz but why would it be different than plugging a DisplayPort directly into my GPU?
For example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q/
Also, are there cheaper hardware options? Why are these switches so expensive?
Emphasis on “or more”; I’ve had little luck finding anything under $200 or so, e.g., https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q/ - but this only supports DisplayPort 1.2, so if you want to upgrade to anything better than 1440p144, you’re out of luck.
For my use case I basically just want a Thunderbolt 3 switch, but those literally don’t exist. The next best option is the nearly $500 ConnectPro UDP2-12AP, which supports 2 DisplayPort 1.4 monitors… but it’s $500 and is backordered almost 2 months…
Instead, I just manually swap my monitors and use a USB-only switch.
I think you need a KVM switcher that has display port. This was the first one that came up in the amazon search: https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Monitor-DisplayPort-Resolutions-TK-240DP/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=Kvm+Displayport&qid=1618846258&sr=8-4
I can't say if it is a good one or not or if I would recommend it -- just an example.
have you considered getting a KVM switch? I have this one and it works wonderfully. I have a similar setup, albiet my work laptop and PC are on the same desk: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MMZ1W1Q/
I use 2x G-sync 1440 displays @ 120Hz with this switch and I have a third monitor that I just switch inputs on between DP and HDMI.
This one served me well for a while, and worked with 1440p 165Hz and Gsync:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MMZ1W1Q
(Only DP 1.2 though)
These support DP 1.4:
https://store.level1techs.com/?category=Hardware
From personal experience stay away from any KVM that has EDID emulation. I had one from ConnectPro, and at least their implementation was buggy and I would black screen a lot. The KVM's above basically just switch the inputs so the computer loses the monitor. Which some people complain about their arrangement being reset, but that has to do with which monitor the computer sees first and is a different "configuration". Once you set it up for each of those, it's pretty seamless, at least it was for me. Running Windows and Mac.
I haven't gotten a Level1Tech one yet as I just got my QD-OLED Alienware ultrawide :). My old KVM wouldn't work with the new monitor because of DP version and bandwidth requirements.
I think this is the one I saw floating around last time someone posted a similar question
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZZxsEbGBWYPXK
I have two 1440p monitors that I plug into this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MMZ1W1Q/
Not super expensive.
Thanks for all the input guys, i ended up going for this device to help me out:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q?psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&ref\_=chk\_typ\_imgToDp
> Outputs/Resolutions:
> * 2x DisplayPort 1.2 supports resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 @60Hz. (DisplayLink) > * 1x HDMI supports resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 @30Hz. (DisplayPort over USB-C)
That device uses DisplayLink for two of the ports. This means those displays are driven in software by the CPU, not directly by the GPU, and passed to the dock as standard USB3 data.
Those 2 displays:
The remaining port uses USB-C DP Alt-mode. This means it will be driven by the GPU, but only on supported hardware like laptops. You can't use that port at all with a custom built desktop without very specialized hardware.
I have the same issue as you with a gaming desktop and work laptop. I RDP into my work laptop, but that's not an option with Mac.
The cheapest solution is to get a standard USB-C dock for your Mac, a simple USB switch, and connect your Mac to the secondary inputs on each of your monitors. It's a few more button presses to switch.
Or you could get a USB-C dock with 2x DP out (ideally using DP MST instead of DisplayLink), and connect both to a multi display KVM like this one.
If you have cash to burn and want as few wires as possible, another option is to get a PCIe Thunderbolt 3/4 card designed for you mobo that supports DP passthrough. (For example, an Asus motherboard would probably need a ThunderboltEX 3) You could then use any USB-C KVM like the one you linked, although I'd still recommend avoiding DisplayLink.
You want a KVM Switch. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_5C37NY6PGT0HHQHBVNRF
There a re a few out there. You just need to find the one that suits you best.
This one uses Displayport instead of HDMI
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZZxsEbGBWYPXK
Haven't used it, and it's on a $166 deal right now but something like this should work?
TRENDnet 2-Port Dual Monitor DisplayPort KVM Switch with Audio, TK-240DP https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZ1W1Q/
I use a kvm switch, which basically is a beefed up usb switch. It includes displayport and usb so its all in one. Here is the amazon page. It is pricey but works flawlessly. If that doesnt fit your budget, you can probably get a usb switch and an hdmi switch. (I dont know if they make only display port switches)
The PC with the custom water loop is my main one and is used for gaming and recording/streaming whenever im playing with friends. The other one is just for hosting MC, rust, and gmod servers.