Member Avatar for thedumbone

Here's what I'm trying to accomplish:

Two computers - the first is a home desktop that has USB and PS2 hook-ups. The second is a laptop with a docking station that only has usb hook ups.

I'd like to have share the same mouse, keyboard, two monitors, printer and speakers between the two computers.

I've figured that part out BUT what I want to know is if there is a way to get what I really really want which is to that same setup BUT with three monitors and somehow have my laptop and phones be able to send to the printer...

If that's not easy (or would be very very expensive) can someone suggest a good KVM switch that would at least suit my basic needs?

Thanks!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by lucyamelia123

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Quick practical breakdown for , building on points from and : what you want (shared keyboard/mouse, speakers, printer and three monitors between a desktop and a docked laptop) is achievable, but it’s three separate problems — video, input switching, and printing/phone printing — and each has its own limits and costs. Multi-head KVMs are one route, but they require exact matching of connector types, resolutions and EDID handling and tend to be the priciest option.

Start by inventorying hardware: list each monitor’s inputs (HDMI/DP/DVI/VGA), the desktop GPU outputs, the exact laptop model and dock, and the highest resolution/refresh you need on each screen. Check whether the dock exposes native video (DisplayPort/HDMI) or uses USB graphics (DisplayLink). If the laptop/dock supports DisplayPort MST or Thunderbolt/USB‑C Alt Mode, a single dock/cable can feed multiple displays; if not, add a proper multi‑output dock or USB video adapters as a fallback (DisplayLink works but can struggle with high‑bitrate video).

A lower‑cost, reliable workflow is to keep monitors wired to each machine and only share keyboard/mouse and audio. Use a small hardware USB switch or a software KVM (Synergy/Barrier) for seamless cursor/clipboard transfer; add a simple audio switch or speakers with multiple inputs. Printer and phone printing are easiest with a networked printer or a print server so phones can print directly; if the printer stays USB on one PC, enable OS-level printer sharing but that host must be awake to accept jobs.

Troubleshooting notes: prefer KVMs or docks with EDID pass‑through to avoid resolution resets; use active PS/2→USB adapters for legacy keyboards; keep DisplayLink drivers and dock firmware up to date; test each monitor directly before adding switching hardware. Matching connectors and confirming the laptop/dock can actually drive three monitors will save time and money.

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

Yes, there are KVM switches that support multiple monitors. do a search for multi-display KVM.

with regard to send print jobs to the printer, the best approach is probably going to be to buy a wireless printer and hook it up on your local network.

Member Avatar for lucyamelia123

I would recommend checking with KVMSwitchTech. They offer a wide
range of KVM Switch solutions. I am pretty sure they can help you find
the right product for your application.

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