Any recommendations for KVM switch for MacBook and older Windows PC?

[MBAustin]

I see there was a somewhat similar thread last year (How to copy data to a Mac) but have a slightly different situation. I have finally convinced DH to migrate from his 2016 Windows 10 desktop (not eligible for for Win 11 upgrade) to a MacBook. But he uses several Windows-only programs for various tasks and tackling all of that change in one fell swoop would be too much for him (and me).

I think the solution is to get a KVM switch to connect both computers to his monitor, keyboard, and mouse (all wired - HDMI monitor, USB-A keyboard and mouse) so he can switch between computers easily until everything is migrated. There are quite a few available but Amazon reviews for most of them indicate some issues with Mac compatibility.

If anyone has good or bad experience with a particular brand/model KVM in this type of situation, or any tips, I'd be grateful. TIA!

 

[Golden Mean]

I think your best bet is going to be looking at Mac forums and findiing someone who has "done that".

I used IOGear stuff about 4 years ago (without a MAC) and it seemed to be well made:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/167703C4-5D53-4D71-958E-35C14527C2DA?ingress=2&lp_context_asin=B002TQYSN8&visitId=ff58a8bb-07c2-4253-9b0a-253cd27decbe&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto&ref_=ast_bln

GF has a new Macbook Air, and adding a 2nd external monitor came down to "just try it and see if it works". Took a bit of a dance to get it to display on the 2nd monitor (need to close the lid on laptop "at the right time").

 

[earlierme]

I have a TrendNet TK-207 for many years.
I use it to share a monitor , USB keyboard, USB mouse between a Linux desktop PC and Windows 10 desktop PC.
It switches VGA not HDMI though.

https://www.trendnet.com/products/product-detail?prod=105-TK-207K

but they do sell KVMs that switch HDMI.

 

[foxcreek9]

If you are in the market for a nice monitor too, some Dells have builtin KVM switchs. I have the U2720QM and it works pretty well - the only problem is getting it back in sync if the computers go into sleep mode. Copy/paste and drag and drop between my mac mini and win 11 machine works [almost] flawlessly.

KVM Setup for Dell Monitors – Ultimate Guide & Tips | Dell US

 

[Al18]

I question the need for a KVM. Most monitors have at least 2 inputs, a wired Mac USB keyboard will cost you $20, while wireless Logitech mice work fine on Macs and PC’s. Staples has a sale on wireless Logitech mice for $12.99.

 

[MBAustin]

I question the need for a KVM. Most monitors have at least 2 inputs, a wired Mac USB keyboard will cost you $20, while wireless Logitech mice work fine on Macs and PC’s. Staples has a sale on wireless Logitech mice for $12.99.

I just checked and his monitor does have 2 inputs, thanks for that tip. But for a lot of complicated reasons, he needs to use the same wired keyboard and mouse for both computers, which I don't know how to do without a KVM.

 

[foxcreek9]

I just checked and his monitor does have 2 inputs, thanks for that tip. But for a lot of complicated reasons, he needs to use the same wired keyboard and mouse for both computers, which I don't know how to do without a KVM.

It works, I have a single wireless KB and mouse connected to the monitor USB port, I start up the Mac first. I also have a wireless KB and mouse connected to my Win 11 machine (KB not necessary, you can use the on-screen keyboard to log-in, but you do need a sep mouse). After a few seconds the "software" kvm kicks in and I can use either mouse and the keyboad attached to the monitor. The mouse(s) seemlessly flows from the Mac to Win 11 and back, no selection needed. It is very slick.

I should note, I have 3 monitors connected. The dell is connected to both the Mac and Win and I 2 other monitors hooked up indiv to each computer.

Not all Dell monitors have this feature.

 

[Golden Mean]

I question the need for a KVM. Most monitors have at least 2 inputs, a wired Mac USB keyboard will cost you $20, while wireless Logitech mice work fine on Macs and PC’s. Staples has a sale on wireless Logitech mice for $12.99.

I did that with a couple of setups at work, back in the day. I found that I constantly grabbed the wrong mouse and the extra keyboard was frequently in the way. Also, switching the inputs on most monitors is multi-step/button click process. With a KVM you can set it up to be a keyboard shortcut (like Ctrl-Alt-[left/right]).

I guess it would come down to how often you need to switch. At work I was flipping between machines multiple times a minute.

 

[homestead]

I used a Black Box kvm switch at work for many years. Worked great was able to switch between 4 computers with 4 different OS's.
Not inexpensive though.

Another way is to use "Windows App" on the mac and connect to the PC over the network this was formerly called remote desktop. This worked well too. Both computers must be on and networked.

 

[teetee]

Look up "kvm over ip" device or do the remote desktop (RDP) like the above comments. Take advantage of the network so you don't have to be bound by the physical limitation of the kvm cables.

I have a pikvm that supports power reset for my (target) desktop. With tailscale VPN, I can remotely view and control my PC from anywhere and any computer as long as there is Internet, and can even do power on / off or wipe and install a complete operating system on the pc remotely. There are other (cheaper) alternatives out there such as nanokvm. Here is a video review:

 

[More Cowbell]

I used to share multiple peripherals between Mac and Windows and used this Cable Matters box. It’s still on my desk, though I haven’t used Windows since retiring and need to simplify my life and cabling by getting rid of the old Win10 box.

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Sharing-Computers-Peripherals/dp/B083JKDNRJ