If you've ever found yourself switching between two computing devices, such as a home desktop and a work-issued laptop, then you've probably felt the pain of jumping back and forth between two keyboards and two different screens. KVM switches make that process painless. Unlike a dock, a KVM switch remains plugged into both your computers all the time. You don't need to mess with cables. Just press a button on the switch to swap your peripherals from computer #1 to computer #2.
Basic KVM switches have two to four USB ports and let you share a keyboard and mouse, a printer, a USB thumb drive, a webcam and headset, or other peripherals. If you want to share an external hard drive between two computers for backing up or transferring data, a USB KVM switch can help with that too, though you'll often need to plug either the drive or the switch into a power source. More expensive KVM switches will allow you to connect two computers (or a computer and a gaming console) to one display.
This list of KVM switches runs the gamut from simple to full-featured. If you regularly need to swap between two devices, you'll be amazed by how these little devices make your life easier.
The Ablewe HDMI USB KVM switch, which shares a monitor and two USB peripherals, supports 4K display at 60Hz, 4K at 30HZ, 3D, and 1080p, as well as lower resolutions. The only caveat is that you need to set both computers to display at the same resolution. It also accepts a variety of input devices or signal sources that use HDMI, including the Nintendo Switch, the PS4, the PS5, and the Xbox One.
The perfectly simple Aimos HDMI KVM Switch lets you share a single HDMI monitor between two computers. This switch supports 4K resolution at 3840 by 2160 pixels at 30Hz, and supports 3D displays at 1080P or lower resolutions.
If you want to share a DisplayPort monitor between two devices, the IOGEAR 2-port USB DisplayPort KVM Switch (model GCS52DP) is a terrific choice. This USB-powered switch comes ready with built-in cables and supports 4K resolutions of 4096 by 2160 pixels at 30Hz. Full 2.1 audio support lets you connect headphones and a microphone for listening to music and joining online meetings. Hide the switch box anywhere and use the push-button remote (attached by a 6-foot cable) to swap peripherals between the two connected computers.
The Kswllo Switcher Selector is a driver-free USB 3.0 switch that lets two computers share four USB peripherals. Like many of the less-expensive KVM switches in this list, the Kswllo requires an external 5V adapter (not included) if you need to power an external hard drive or any other power-hungry device.
The Sabrent USB 3.0 Sharing Switch (model USB-SW30) is a simple KVM switch that saves you money by working with your existing USB hub. Plug your peripherals into the hub, plug that hub into the single USB port on the switch, and press the single button at the top of the device to swap between the two connected computers. No drivers are required.
The Rybozen USB 3.0 Switch Selector is a 4-port USB hub that doubles as a driver-free KVM switch. It easily connects any four unpowered USB peripherals to one or two computers.
This basic KVM switch allows two computers to share up to four USB 3.0 peripheral devices. Simply press the button at the top of the device to swap your keyboard, mouse, printer, USB flash drive, or other peripherals between two computers. The LED indicator light shows which computer is actively using the connected items.
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