When I started working from home, I didn’t have space for a dedicated workspace or work desk, so I had to use a single set of peripherals for both my personal & work computer.
Requirements
- Connect two computers to the same set of peripherals with minimal amount of cable replugging
- DisplayPort v1.4 support for UHD 120Hz display
Solution options
- Dock: Thunderbolt 3 dock would work, but I only have one device that supports it. USB-C docks & adapters have maximum resolution limit (usually 3840x2160 30Hz). Requires replugging a cable between devices.
- KVM would be ideal, but at the time when I was trying to solve this problem, the amount of models that support DP 1.4 were quite low, usually out of stock and quite expensive (400-600 USD).
- Separate display and USB switches to toggle between inputs & outputs. Requires pressing multiple buttons, but quite foolproof, passive and expandable setup.
My solution
I ended up deciding to get a USB switch for peripherals, using the input selector in my display and a HDMI switch for my secondary display that only a single HDMI port. Audio is handled via USB DAC and switches with the other peripherals. Using the USB-C to DisplayPort adapter requires the device to support DisplayPort over USB-C, commonly known as DP Alt Mode. Works on M1 SoC based MacBook Air, Asus G14 and HP ProBook 440 G8.
Hardware:
- USB-C to DisplayPort adapter.
- USB-C extension cable to be able to move the adapter under the table
- USB switch
- Fuj:tech 2in1 4K HDMI switch