KVM with computer and USB C laptops

Hi everyone.

I’m new here, so sorry if this is a dumb question.

Ok, so, I just bought the 4 computers, 2 monitors DP KVM, but it doesn’t seem like it quite does what I wanted. My own fault for not reading more before ordering though =].

I’m trying to connect one desktop computer and 2 laptops on the KVM. The desktop works fine. But the laptops are not fine. They both have USB C ports, so I bought a USB C to DP cable. However, that only seems to transfer image, not USB data (so no keyboard or mouse support), nor power (so no charging support). Ok, sounds like I just need more cables, so each laptop requires 2 USB-C to DP cables, 1 USB cable, and one more USB C cable for charging. But now, I don’t have enough ports on the laptops, each only have 2 USB C. I guess I could get a docking station for each laptop to get more ports, but that is starting to feel like too many parts. I like how easily I can get image, power and keyboard/mouse by connecting a single USB C cable to the monitor from the laptop. Maybe I just can’t have that simplicity with a KVM.

But, sounds like I should have bought a USB C kvm, but I only see one for 2 computers in the store. I would need 1 for 4 computers, and some way to connect my DP desktop on a USB C port (I see that there is an adaptor for that in the store). Not a big fan of that solution with adaptors either though, but sounds better than the one above.

Does anyone know of a better way to do this? Ideally, I want a KVM that has all types of ports USB C, DP, USB 3.1, and delivers power, etc, lol.

Thanks!

Depending on the resolution and refresh rate, you can daisy-chain DisplayPort monitors.

I saw some cheap USBC power passthrough adapters in Taipei. I think it’s not a bad idea to use a USBC PD passthrough adapter to give you power USB and one dp between the kvm and laptop. Got a high refresh display? Use a Moshi USBC to dp so it doesn’t share bandwidth. That works pretty well.

It will be around a year before I do 4 port mixed dp and usbc PD kvms as theres some glitches we ran into working that out.

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