Buy a USB switch: Work on two computers at the touch of a button

hardware
USB switch: Work on two computers with one mouse at the push of a button

05/04/2022, 12:45 p.m

4 min reading time

Anyone who uses two computers at one workplace knows the problem: constantly reconnecting the mouse etc. A USB switch can help. But how does this practical gadget work and what do you need to consider before buying it?

The problem came with the home office: there was a computer under the desk at home and a mouse, keyboard and an external hard drive were connected to it – all via USB. Then a work laptop joined the desk and the misery began. Before “The Witcher” or the heroes of “Dota 2” flickered across the screen on the home computer, the mouse and keyboard wanted to be removed from the work laptop’s USB hub and plugged into the private computer. An annoying procedure that threatened to spoil the evening relaxation in front of the computer. A solution was needed and it came in the form of the USB switches –where the original designation rather KVM switch is.

The abbreviation stands for Keyboard, Video, Mouse Switch. The highlight: A USB switch connects to both computers. At the push of a button, the user decides whether he or she controls a desktop computer or a laptop – a blessing for anyone who wants to use several USB devices on different computers. A USB switch is also useful, for example, if you want to share data on an external hard drive between computers. A push of a button is enough and the plate connects to the other PC. There are also KVM switches with additional audio and HDMI inputs. In this way, users can also control different monitors with the different computers or alternatively connect a screen to several devices and then switch back and forth between them.

USB Switch: Ugreen 4 ports USB 3.0

If you are looking for a basic USB switch, you just need to make sure that it offers USB 3.0. Why? Because the data throughput with USB 3.0 is ten times higher at 5 gigabits per second compared to USB 2.0 (480 megabits per second). Connect an external hard drive to the USB switch and move photos, videos and documents noticeably faster. That’s exactly what it offers Ugreen USB switch, which distributes four USB-A devices to two computers. There really isn’t much more to say other than that you need to connect both computers with USB cables and the switch. The corresponding cables are included in the scope of delivery. Switching takes place at the push of a button.

Important: Some manufacturers state that their switches come with the USB 3.2 Gen 1 protocol work. Don’t let that confuse you. The name also stands for USB 3.0. Only from USB 3.2 Gen1x2 data throughput of ten gigabits per second is possible. The “x2” stands for two lanes over which data is transmitted, i.e. twice five gigabits per second. Let’s complete the confusion: USB 3.2 Gen 2 enables ten gigabits per second over one lane. Accordingly offers USB 3.2 Gen2x2 20 gigabits per second data transmission over two lanes. Why the manufacturers have agreed on such a confusing identifier remains their secret.

Rybozen USB 3.0 switch

It’s a bit cheaper Rybozen USB switch. It is similar to the Ugreen switch in USB protocol and the ability to connect four USB-A devices to it. Of course, two USB cables are also included so you can connect the switch to two computers.

USB 3.0 HDMI KVM switch

If you want to switch not only USB devices between computers, but also the monitor, you need a switch that offers HDMI inputs and outputs. But also make sure that the switch enables 4K resolution at 60 Hertz per second. If you are already using a monitor with a 4K resolution, you want at least a refresh rate of 60 Hertz for office work.

If you work in QHD or HD resolution, you can theoretically buy a switch that only allows 30 Hertz at 4K resolution. But you want to replace it if you replace your monitor with a 4K device in the future. It is therefore more future-proof to make sure that you have a switch with the higher refresh rate today.

And that’s exactly what it offers ezc USB 3.0 HDMI switch. What can you do with it now? In principle, you can connect three USB-A devices to the switch and a monitor. For example, you can connect a game console and a computer to the switch via USB and HDMI. This makes sense if your monitor only has one HDMI input. Once everything is connected, switch between computer and console with the push of a button – the screen should then automatically display the image from the console or computer. If you want to connect more than two devices to the monitor via HDMI, there are also switches with multiple HDMI inputs.

HDMI switch for two monitors

Do you work on two monitors with two computers each and want to switch between the devices without any problems? No problem, manufacturers also have the right switch up their sleeve for this, namely the Greatek KVM Switch Dual Monitor. Nice: Instead of HDMI, the switch uses DisplayPort. For computers, this is the preferred interface. The switch offers 60 Hertz at 4K resolution, but unfortunately only USB 2.0. A total of four USB devices can be connected to the switch. Unfortunately, if you depend on USB 3.0, you’ll have to dig deeper into your pocket: That’s what the ezc switch for two monitorswhich even offers enough data throughput for 4K at 120 Hertz.

VGA KVM switch

If your monitor is so old that it only offers a VGA connection, there are also switches that offer the old-school connection. Manufacturer MT-VIKI has one USB and VGA switch on sale that connects two computers to one monitor. Two VGA USB cables are included. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not reveal which USB protocol its switch works with, which is why it can be assumed that it is USB 2.0.

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