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They exist plot monitors on the market, with more and more features to discover. While brightness, resolution, and refresh rate are vital factors, there is one monitor feature you should definitely pay attention to the next time you’re looking for a monitor: the KVM switch. This switch essentially allows you to easily swap out hardware connections with a single click and even allows you to turn a single monitor into multiple displays.
If you’re looking to upgrade your desktop computer and add a recent monitor, I highly recommend purchasing one with a KVM switch. It can make your life easier and tidy up your desk at the same time. Here’s how it works.
A KVM switch allows you to share a monitor between multiple systems
The main purpose of a KVM switch is to improve productivity by allowing you to apply multiple computers with a single monitor, mouse and keyboard. It’s evident in the name: KVM stands for “Keyboard, Video, Mouse,” and when your monitor is equipped with a KVM switch, you can easily switch between multiple devices using it.
You can buy custom KVM switches –a fact that our friends at PCMag highlight in this article— but manufacturers are now also embedding them directly into their monitors.
If you want to see how the built-in KVM switch works, you can do so check out this video from YouTuber Dave2D, which highlights this feature as one of ASUS’ best displays. In the video, Dave2D shows how he can connect a Windows PC and a Mac to the monitor and easily switch between them. It can even run Macs and Windows PCs side by side on the same screen at the same time. (How frigid.)
A KVM switch allows you to seamlessly move your keyboard and mouse between different devices, making it straightforward to run multiple systems without swapping inputs or wasting space on multiple displays and tons of peripherals.
Recommended products:
Are you looking for a display with a KVM switch? Here are some monitors we recommend:
A KVM switch can lend a hand you multitask
As I mentioned above, a KVM switch makes it easier to work on multiple systems at the same time. As someone who often spends time working on both Mac and Windows, a KVM switch makes it much easier for me to switch between my two setups. This means I can change what I’m working on without having to move to a different desk and without maintaining a very cluttered workspace.
Yes, there is also software that partially makes this possible, but usually multiple monitors are needed to run multiple systems simultaneously. With a KVM switch, you only need one monitor to run both systems simultaneously.
Great monitors with KVM switches
If you’re looking for a recent monitor, there are some great ones with built-in KVM switches.
To start with, the great 49-inch ASUS monitor that highlights Dave2D is a great option. The ASUS ROG Strix 49 is not economical, however, and usually costs $999. However, at this price you get a dual 32:9 QHD ultra-wide display with a 165Hz refresh rate and the dual-input KVM switch that makes it so special.
Another great option is the Gigabyte M32Q 32-inch gaming monitor, which also runs at a 165Hz refresh rate and supports HDR400. This monitor also supports dual input with a KVM switch and usually retails for around $370, depending on Amazon deals. It’s a solid option, and its lower price makes it an easier-to-maintain purchase for most people.
This 37.5-inch curved Acer Nitro gaming monitor is another solid KVM option, though it’s priced higher than even the ASUS Dave2D unveiled. For the price of $1,299.99, you get a 37.5-inch curved display with a 2300R curvature (2.3 meters maximum viewing distance) and support for QHD+ 3840 x 1600 resolution, HDR600 and 165Hz refresh rate.
Another solid KVM option is the Gigabyte M27Q Pro. This 27-inch gaming monitor supports 1440P resolution and offers a 1Ms response time. It usually retails for $329.99, though you can often find it on sale for less than $300 at Amazon and other stores.
