Controls for the COMMON connection or “USB Port” are listed on the left side of the USB-C-Switch panel. The programmable flip features allows for tests of all the connections on a port without multiple manual cable plug events. Disable the Common Port by un-checking the Port checkbox on the left side of the USB-C-Switch panel. Not to mention how much of a pain it is to reconnect all the wires every time you switch between computing systems.

All power and control functions (including channel selection) are under software control from the host PC. Most USB-C KVM switches allow you to connect only two hosts, but the TESmart USB-C KVM has USB-C ports to connect three hosts. Of course, that means that one of your computers or the monitor power supply will end up charging the other.Some of them are familiar, while many others are reboxed and rebranded imports sold on large etailers' sites. By default, the USB-C-connected computer has precedence, but you can easily switch to the other by changing a menu setting in the onscreen display (OSD). It brings 4K superior viewing quality to your desktop, revealing all your visual content, text and numerical digits in outstanding precision. This KVM has just the right amount of heft to make it feel high-quality without being heavy, and a sturdy metal case. The USB-C ports are compatible with the Thunderbolt ports on Mac-based computers and the iPad Pro, and you can use it with USB-C devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Security is always a key concern in the corporate world, therefore our engineers ensured that the UCX-4x2-HC30D adhere to the strictest security standards. This post includes affiliate links, for which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase using our links. Gen 1 port is curious, as it would have avoided the need for even more hardware to make this solution more flexible. While working on multiple laptops, you have to deal with multiple keyboards, mice, monitors, flash drives, and whatnot.Imagine you’re using your work desktop, and you want to switch over to another computer for a lunch break.

But if the USB ports are used for connecting external drives and the display is being run through the system, the available bandwidth might not be enough for optimal file transfer speeds. The front panel is also where you’ll find all the expansion ports, including two USB-A and one USB-C 10Gbps port, suitable for connecting newer peripheral devices.

It has several layers of internal switches that make it a 4:1 bi-directional selector and USB-C line controller. What we can’t defend is the lack of a power supply in the box, as without this extra the Docking Switch isn’t a permanent installation, and much less convenient to use. KAC currents are not monitored by USB-C-Switch, so we are using USBHub3+ in our example to show the amount of power drawn through the Control Port when KAC is enabled. The CS1953 supports DisplayPort connectivity between up to two computers, a monitor, and a mobile device (over USB-C).