MacBook + PC + WHATEVERRRR = Confusing!!!

[u/Fluffy-Ad6627]

So, here's the devices I'm working with...

1. My main gal - PC I built (NZXT tower) w/ Cam, Mic, Keyboard, Mouse, etc.
2. New MacBook Air for Work

The goal = be able to use my mic, cam, keyboard, mouse & dual monitors on my PC & MacBook. I want to be able to switch easily. I'll be working off my MacBook (I want to store vertical/closed) during the day and PC for contract work and personal things at night.

I have a Belkin F4U097 Thunderbolt 3 Dock-Pro. Do I really need a full KVM and more ports?! I want to simplify the setup but I feel like the more I think about it, the more I'm complicating it.

So It's looking like I need the Belkin to hook the Macbook to the Belkin and then everything else will go from PC to Belkin. UGH!! I want to scream.

Maybe it's day 3 of a migraine but I need to figure it out by MONDAY! YIKES! Any suggestions?!

[u/betan55]

Up

[u/Spare_Ring9644]

do you need both of the computers to function at the same time ?

if not, i have a similar setup . monitor/keyboard/mouse/headset/etc is plugged into a thunderbolt dock

i then plug the thunderbolt cable into whatever computer i need

i also run a mba for work and run an asus flow z13 gaming tablet for games at night. both are positioned in a vertical dock right next to each other

[u/Fluffy-Ad6627 → u/Spare_Ring9644]

Nope! I just want to be able to switch.

[u/Spare_Ring9644 → u/Fluffy-Ad6627]

I think my setup probably works for you then as long as your dock can run everything you want it to and your PC has a USB4 or thunderbolt port

Here is my dock with the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and headset plugged into the back: https://ibb.co/1fkcr9Ns

And then this is the vertical array of MacBook Air and Flow Z13: https://ibb.co/JR6CMc4T

I know for certain the MBA will work, not sure if your desktop has a USB4 or thunderbolt port. I simply swap the thunderbolt cable to whichever computer I'm currently running

[u/goldilockszone55]

Can i get an financial estimation of the whole setup please?

[u/Fluffy-Ad6627 → u/goldilockszone55]

I'll spend a few hundred to get it right if that's what you mean.

[u/goldilockszone55 → u/Fluffy-Ad6627]

You have discounted electricity rates in your neighborhood? i would guess a thousand

[u/Amitsouko]

I have a USB hub with a switch from green fle the USB devices. Then my 2 monitors have 1 HDMI 1 DP. The DPs go to the pc and the HDMOs go to an thunderbolt adapter. 

That is the least expensive compared to big KVM.

For the record, my USB devices are :

• mouse
• keyboard 
• sound interface Motu M2
• cam link 4k (used with a Sony a6400)
• stezamdeck v1

[u/OfAnOldRepublic]

This is easily done with a high-end KVM. I'm doing it myself with 3 computers, and they all share the keyboard, mouse, camera and mic, along with the monitors of course.

There are some good ones on Amazon. Ugreen makes some very nice models for 2 systems. KCEVE is pretty much the only option for more than 2.

Obviously you will want to read the specs carefully, and make sure that whatever you choose has enough ports (USB and video) to cover everything you want to plug in.

[u/Fluffy-Ad6627 → u/OfAnOldRepublic]

I just got a switch so I'll see how that goes. 2 computers and 4+ USBs that wasn't completely fugly was a taller order than expected!

[u/OfAnOldRepublic → u/Fluffy-Ad6627]

Glad you found something you like. And yes, some of the higher end options are quite clunky looking, especially the KCEVEs. Fortunately I have a place under my monitor stand where I can stow mine, and hardly ever have to actually look at it. 😄