A good keyboard/monitor switch for both a MacBook and an older PC?

September 10, 2020 10:45 AM

I'm going to be using a MacBook for work, and I'm new to the Mac world. I need to find a way to use my regular keyboard, mouse, and monitor with my new MacBook, as well as with my older generic desktop PC.

I'm using a USB-2.0 (?) mouse and keyboard with my old desktop computer. My monitor is an ASUS ProArt with HDMI capabilities (but I'm just using its SVGA port with my old desktop computer).

The new MacBook has four USB-C / Thunderbolt 3(?) ports, and that's it. :)

Need to find a nice KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) switch that will easily let me switch between these two computers. What has worked for you?

posted by umber vowel to Technology (4 answers total)

Best answer: If the machines are adjacent and on the same network, use Synergy. It's a software KVM that you install on both machines, and give it instructions for which screen is to the left, and to the right, etc.

After that, move the mouse from screen to screen, and whichever screen the mouse appears on, the keystrokes will go to. I've used this happily with up to 3 different computers.
posted by Sunburnt at 11:49 AM on September 10, 2020 [1 favorite]

If you don't already have it, the standard Apple USB-C to USB-C (power), HDMI, and USB (Square) is hands down more reliable with a MacBook for video and USB in and out of charging as well as sleep / wake video recovery. I know it costs more than other USB-C dongles, but it is really worth it.
posted by nickggully at 11:49 AM on September 10, 2020

Best answer: I always check Monoprice first for things like this. A switch like this one could work with the addition of an HDMI to Thunderbolt 3 adapter. Monoprice has plenty of other switches available ; I haven't used this specific one but I've always been happy with the tech adapters I get from them.
posted by ourobouros at 11:49 AM on September 10, 2020

Response by poster: Thanks folks!
posted by umber vowel at 9:08 AM on October 19, 2020