Why Your Next Monitor Needs a KVM Switch
There are many monitors on the market with even more features for you to explore. But while brightness, resolution, and refresh rate are important factors, there’s one monitor feature you should definitely consider the next time you’re shopping for a display: a KVM switch. Essentially, this switch allows you to easily switch between hardware connections with the press of a button and even allows you to turn a single monitor into multiple displays.
If you’re looking to upgrade your desktop and add a new monitor, I highly recommend looking for a monitor with a KVM switch. This can make your life a little easier and will also declutter your desk. Here’s how it works.
A KVM switch allows you to use the monitor between multiple systems.
The main purpose of a KVM switch is to improve your productivity by allowing you to use multiple computers with a single monitor, mouse, and keyboard. It’s in the name: KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, Mouse, and when a monitor is equipped with a KVM switch, you can easily switch between multiple devices using it.
You can buy custom KVM switches —a fact our friends at PCMag highlight in this article —but manufacturers are now also building them directly into their monitors.
If you want to see the built-in KVM switch in action, you can watch this video from YouTuber Dave2D , who talks about one of the best ASUS displays with this feature. In the video, Dave2D demonstrates how he can connect his Windows and Mac PC to the monitor and easily switch between them. It can even run Mac and Windows computers simultaneously on the same screen. (So cool.)
A KVM switch allows you to seamlessly move your keyboard and mouse between different devices, making it easy to run multiple systems without switching inputs or wasting space across multiple displays and multiple peripherals.
Recommended Products:
Looking for a display with KVM switch? Here are some monitors we recommend:
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ASUS ROG Strix 49 $999
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Gigabyte M32Q $370
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Gigabyte M27Q Pro $330
KVM switch helps you multitask
As I noted 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, I find it much easier to switch between the two setups using a KVM switch. This means I can change what I’m working on without having to move to another desk or cluttering up my workspace.
Yes, there is also software that makes some of this possible, but typically you’ll still need multiple monitors to run multiple systems at once. When using a KVM switch, you only need one monitor to keep both systems running at the same time.
Great monitors with KVM switches
If you’re looking for a new monitor, there are some great monitors with built-in KVM switches.
Let’s start by saying that the massive 49-inch ASUS monitor that Dave2D highlights is a great option. However, the ASUS ROG Strix 49 isn’t cheap and typically costs $999. However, for this price you get a dual QHD 32:9 ultra-wide display with a 165Hz refresh rate and a dual-input KVM switch that makes it stand out so much.
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 KVM switch and typically costs around $370, depending on Amazon offers. It’s a reliable option, and its lower price makes it more affordable for most people to buy.
This Acer Nitro 37.5-inch curved gaming monitor is another solid KVM option, although it’s priced higher than even the ASUS Dave2D. For that $1,299.99 price, you’ll get a 37.5-inch curved display with 2300R curvature (maximum viewing distance 2.3 meters) and support for QHD+ 3840 x 1600 resolution, HDR600, and 165Hz refresh rate.
Another reliable KVM option is the Gigabyte M27Q Pro . This 27-inch gaming monitor supports 1440P resolution and 1ms response time. It typically costs $329.99, although it can often be found on sale for under $300 on Amazon and other retailers.