Connecting 2 devices to 1 monitor with peripherals without using usb switch or kvm switch

Professional Blog Article:

Efficiently Connecting Two Computers to a Single Monitor and Peripherals Without a KVM or USB Switch

In modern work environments, many professionals operate multiple computers—such as a personal device and a work laptop—requiring seamless switching between them using a shared monitor and peripherals. While hardware solutions like KVM switches and USB switches are commonly used, they might not always be feasible or desirable, especially during temporary setups or budget-conscious configurations.

This article explores a practical and cost-effective approach to connect two devices to a single monitor and peripherals without reliance on dedicated switching hardware. We’ll examine a user’s specific setup and assess whether their proposed connection scheme can achieve efficient device switching.

Understanding the Setup

Suppose you have a Dell P2422HE monitor and wish to connect:

• Your personal PC and work laptop
• Shared peripherals such as keyboard and mouse

Your goal is to display each device on the monitor and have the peripherals automatically switched so that they control whichever device is active.

The proposed connection plan is:

1. Connecting your laptop to the monitor via a USB-C to USB-C cable
2. Connecting peripherals (keyboard, mouse) to the monitor via a USB-A to USB-A connection through a USB hub
3. Connecting the monitor back to your PC via USB-A to USB-A cable
4. Connecting the PC to the monitor via HDMI or DisplayPort

This setup is visually represented in the following diagram:

Evaluating the Feasibility

The primary concern with this configuration revolves around the behavior of input switching:

• Video Output: When you switch the monitor’s input source (e.g., from HDMI to USB-C), the display will correspondingly upgrade to the new source.
• Peripheral Input: Will the keyboard and mouse automatically switch between devices without additional hardware?

Key Considerations:

• Display Switching: Monitors like the Dell P2422HE support multiple input sources and can switch between them either manually or automatically if configured for auto-detection.

• Peripheral Sharing: Simply connecting peripherals through the monitor’s USB ports (via a USB hub) does not inherently enable seamless switching of control between multiple PCs. The monitor’s USB ports are generally designed to work with the selected input device, but they do not automatically switch control of peripherals when input sources change unless explicitly supported.

• Limitations Without KVM Switching