I got a DeLock KVM switch recommended by the shop vendor (who actually did spend a good 15 min understanding my need and doing web searches), and quickly confirmed by ChatGPT as a solution to my need (plug the work macbook alongside my personal linux tower, no exchange of data between hosts, no driver needed, and do a KVM switch).
I actually end up using 2 mice and switching the keyboard from bluetooth (for the mac) to usb (for the linux) because I can't get usb working through the HDMI. And the screen is limited to 120hz (instead of 144hz) because of the switch quality or the HDMI cables, I do not know (it lights up and works for a minute and then goes black a few seconds every few seconds, losing sync).
In the end it is more tedious and less featureful than just plugging the mac to the screen via a USB to HDMI cable, switching everything from the screen (and doing the same mice / keyboard juggle than above), because at least I would get the 144hz and save the 150€ from the switch. I can't return it anymore because the 15 day window has passed so I still use it, it's a little bit easier to switch from the remote control than from the screen anyway, but that's expensive just to switch from a different button.
ProllyInfamous 6 hours ago [-]
After thirty years of attempted-KVM, I finally stopped leaking $hundreds$ on hardware – and instead just bought a bigger desk.
With a VESA-mounted LCD I have enough physical desktop space for three full-sized keyboard/mice combos (and don't have any disconnect/phantom issues common with KVM switching). Without the NUMPAD, two would fit on most desks, IMHO.
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Of course I also recommend having multiple physical desktop spaces, set up for certain routine tasks (e.g. billing/taxes, music/media/TV/hub). Don't know how I used to operate on a single 13" laptop!~
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>120hz (instead of 144hz)
Can you actually notice a difference? My LCD supports both and I use the lesser one just because it reduces energy consumption. I think I can tell between 60Hz/120Hz.
Shadowmist 3 hours ago [-]
60/120 it’s super obvious just moving the mouse cursor around.
tuzemec 4 hours ago [-]
I ended up using an UGreen dusplayport switch AND separate USB switch.
It turns out that most of the kvm switches can't handle well usb mice with high polling rate like Logitech G502 X Plus.
Now I need to press two buttons when switching from the gaming pc to the MacBook, but everything works.
I actually end up using 2 mice and switching the keyboard from bluetooth (for the mac) to usb (for the linux) because I can't get usb working through the HDMI. And the screen is limited to 120hz (instead of 144hz) because of the switch quality or the HDMI cables, I do not know (it lights up and works for a minute and then goes black a few seconds every few seconds, losing sync).
In the end it is more tedious and less featureful than just plugging the mac to the screen via a USB to HDMI cable, switching everything from the screen (and doing the same mice / keyboard juggle than above), because at least I would get the 144hz and save the 150€ from the switch. I can't return it anymore because the 15 day window has passed so I still use it, it's a little bit easier to switch from the remote control than from the screen anyway, but that's expensive just to switch from a different button.
With a VESA-mounted LCD I have enough physical desktop space for three full-sized keyboard/mice combos (and don't have any disconnect/phantom issues common with KVM switching). Without the NUMPAD, two would fit on most desks, IMHO.
----
Of course I also recommend having multiple physical desktop spaces, set up for certain routine tasks (e.g. billing/taxes, music/media/TV/hub). Don't know how I used to operate on a single 13" laptop!~
----
>120hz (instead of 144hz)
Can you actually notice a difference? My LCD supports both and I use the lesser one just because it reduces energy consumption. I think I can tell between 60Hz/120Hz.
no monitor switching needed, although i did hook up a hub for more usb ports.