How can I configure my multiple monitors/peripherals to work on two computers?

Optimizing Multi-Monitor and Peripheral Setups for Dual Computer Environments

In today’s flexible work and gaming setups, many users manage multiple computers alongside a shared peripheral workspace. Transitioning seamlessly between systems without constant unplugging can significantly enhance productivity and ease of use. This article explores effective strategies to configure multiple monitors and peripherals for dual-PC environments, allowing effortless switching between a work laptop and a personal desktop.

Understanding Your Hardware and Goals

Consider a typical scenario: a user operates a work laptop used predominantly for professional tasks, alongside a personal gaming or recreational PC. The setup includes several monitors and peripherals—most notably a favorite keyboard and mouse—that the user wishes to share across both systems. The challenge lies in switching input sources and display outputs smoothly without physically disconnecting cables.

Current Configuration

• Monitors: Three screens
• Two AOC 27E1H models (HDMI only)
• One Odyssey G7 LC27G75TQSRXXU (HDMI + DisplayPort), preferred gaming monitor
• Work Laptop: Single HDMI output, with work-supplied USB keyboard and mouse
• Personal PC: Multiple HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, with personal USB keyboard and mouse
• Additional details: Two independent setups, with separate keyboards and mice for each system

Goals

1. Enable seamless switching of all three monitors between the work laptop and the personal PC without crawling under the desk to unplug cables.
2. Allow the same USB peripherals (keyboard and mouse) to operate with either system, toggling easily without physically disconnecting.

Potential Solutions

1. Using a USB KVM Switch

A practical approach involves deploying a USB KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch. These devices enable one set of peripherals and multiple displays to control multiple computers, switching with a button press or keyboard shortcut.

Advantages:

• Simplifies switching between systems
• Reduces cable clutter
• Supports multiple monitors and peripherals

Considerations:

• Ensure the KVM switch has enough video inputs for all monitors (preferably three or more) and supports the video resolutions and refresh rates you require

• Check compatibility with your monitors, especially if they utilize DisplayPort daisy chaining or HDMI

• Implementing DisplayPort Daisy Chaining

For monitors supporting DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport (MST), daisy chaining allows multiple monitors to be connected through a single DisplayPort output from a computer.

Advantages:

• Fewer