Connecting MBP and my PC to a *single* monitor + keyboard + mouse setup

[sat24]

Sorry if this is not the right forum for asking this question, please move appropriately.

So I have a PC setup with an ultrawide monitor + mechanical keyboard and a nice mouse (all wired). Monitor has HDMI and Displayport inputs. Mouse and keyword are standard USB-A.

I want to integrate my 16" MBP into that setup, but dont want to buy a new kb/mouse/monitor. I essentially want to buy a dock that will allow me to use my PC as usual and then when I want to use my MBP on a bigger monitor setup, I just plug in my MBP to something that will allow me to magically use the same keyboard/mouse/monitor with my MBP (no need for PC to be usable during this time, of course).

Trying to figure out what that something is . Appreciate the help of folks experienced in this matter than I am.

(I am aware of KVM switch concept - but not sure if anything like this exists for the MBP setup; looking for specific suggestions, please)

 

[mightyjabba]

You probably want a KVM switch, as you guessed. For years I had a setup similar to what you wanted with my 2014 MBP and a SIIG CE-KV0411-S1, but I haven't used it since upgrading to the 16", since it was also part of a multi-monitor setup. I had some issues with multiple displays on the 16" and wanted to simplify a bit (these may be due to bugs in Catalina).

One possibility for something simple and cheap is to just get a USB switch (without the monitor component), and use the different inputs on your monitor to switch the video manually (i.e. plug the PC into HDMI and the MBP into DisplayPort or vice versa).

 

[grmlin]

Does your monitor have multiple inputs? I would use a dedicated cable to connect your MBP to it.
USB switches are not that expensive, I used one for years but switched to a Bluetooth keyboard from Keychron and MX Master 3 recently.

 

[vemac575]

Plus one for the post above.

 

[sat24]

Does your monitor have multiple inputs? I would use a dedicated cable to connect your MBP to it.
USB switches are not that expensive, I used one for years but switched to a Bluetooth keyboard from Keychron and MX Master 3 recently.

Thanks for the suggestion. After some research, this is very likely what I might do.

1. Macbook pro aluminium stand (to use in clamshell space saving mode)
2. Simple dock with passthru charging - HDMI only for now (4K30Hz); may be switch to CalDigit version with display port + 100W passthru once they release it
3. Apple Magic Keyboard 2
4. MX Master 3 grey mouse
5. I have a 27" 4K monitor (Dell P2715Q) that I might use for this purpose, in which case, it becomes an entirely separate setup from the existing PC setup (my son's gaming rig).

I already have a USB switcher lying around but it is clunky to use...

 

[jerryk]

I use a USB-C to HDMI cable, MX Master 2S mouse, USB port switch. I connection to the HDMI port on my Dell U2717 monitor. The MX Master mouse USB receiver and keyboard are connected to USB port switcher.

Mac and PC are connected to monitor and I use the monitors input to toggle between them. USB port switch moves mouse and keyboard.

 

[grmlin]

Don't do 4k@30Hz. 30Hz is a terrible idea.

 

[sat24]

Don't do 4k@30Hz. 30Hz is a terrible idea.

Right. This is why I dont want to connect via HDMI - instead go via DisplayPort.

 

[Beancamel]

theres some nice KVM switches out there but they cost big bucks

 

[Thysanoptera]

5. I have a 27" 4K monitor (Dell P2715Q) that I might use for this purpose, in which case, it becomes an entirely separate setup from the existing PC setup (my son's gaming rig).

Is the ultrawide also a Dell? Dell's ultrawides have two USB inputs, you assign USB input to video input and it switches the USB together with video when you select different video source. Plug keyboard and mouse to the monitor and you have integrated KVM switch.

 

[sat24]

Is the ultrawide also a Dell? Dell's ultrawides have two USB inputs, you assign USB input to video input and it switches the USB together with video when you select different video source. Plug keyboard and mouse to the monitor and you have integrated KVM switch.

Oh wow didn't know Dells did that!

But no, my ultrawide is the Acer Predator X34... not sure if that one has this feature, but don't think so.