I have a custom PC for play and a work-issued fully spec`d out 2019 MBP for …work. Ideally I would like to easily switch back and forth between them. Luckily, I just received the new L1 KVM in the mail! Unfortunately, driving my 5120x1440@120hz monitor at full native res/speed from the MBP through the KVM with my passive DP → Thunderbolt 3 adapter does not work (flickering + artifacts). Using the DP → Thunderbolt 3 adapter without the KVM does work and I can run it with the KVM @ 60hz if I use my powered thunderbolt 3 dock.
I am but a baby when it comes to understanding the intricacies of DP 1.4 and Thunderbolt 3 but Level1 is one step ahead of me and has this useful note at the bottom of the page:
Note for Mac and USBc Users: USBc can be problematic, especially the low voltage variant. I recommend either the Anker USBc to DP adapter, the USBc Level1Techs KVM as an “input adapter” for this one (because the Level1Techs USBc KVM has a DP out for the USBc+DP inputs), or the Level1Techs DP Repeater, which is really pretty awesome in its own right.
I don’t believe any of the options listed here support 120hz at my resolution, but if can find a powered DP → Thunderbolt 3 adapter/dock would it be possible to solve the low voltage issue and achieve 120hz nirvana? *
TLDR
The Gear
- PC
- 2019 MBP
- Samsung CRG9 (5120x1440 @ 120hz)
- L1T single monitor DP 1.4 KVM
- Passive Cable Matters USB C → DP 1.4 adapter w/ 8k@60hz
- Powered Belkin Thunderbolt 3 dock w/ 4k@60hz
The Goal
KVM switching between MBP and PC using a 5120x1440 monitor @ 120hz.
Working
- PC @ 120hz
- PC + KVM @ 120hz
- MBP + passive DP->Thunderbolt 3 adapter @ 120hz
- MBP + KVM + powered thunderbolt 3 dock @ 60hz
Not Working
- MBP + KVM + passive DP->Thunderbolt 3 adapter @ 120hz
* The closest thing I have found so far is this guy that explicitly states in the specs that mac is not supported:
Cable Matters 4K Triple Display USB C Hub with 2X DisplayPort, HDMI, and 100W Charging for Windows and Linux