A Comprehensive Guide to KVM Switches Compatible with Laptops at TESmart

Choosing the right KVM switch for your laptop can be confusing, especially with so many options out there. If you constantly switch between your laptop and desktop setup, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with all those cables and connections.

That’s where TESmart’s laptop-friendly KVM switches come in. These handy devices let you control multiple systems with just one keyboard, mouse, and monitor—no more plugging and unplugging cables. Whether you're running a home office, gaming setup, or just trying to streamline your workspace, TESmart has you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best TESmart KVM switches that perfectly suit your laptop, so you can focus on what matters—getting things done.

 

TESmart KVM Switches for 2 Laptops

If you’re using a powerful laptop like a Lenovo Legion for demanding tasks but find it heavy and with limited battery life, a lightweight secondary laptop, such as a Surface, can be a great solution for everyday tasks. This way, you can reserve the high-performance laptop for intensive work and use the portable one for lighter activities.

That’s why having two laptops can be a smart way to balance performance and convenience. Below is an summary of TESmart’s KVM switches for two laptops, which are designed to switch between your two devices with ease.

• 2-Port 8K@60Hz USB-C KVM Switch Gaming Dock

We have recently released the new 8K KVM switch dock, CKS201-M23, designed for connectivity between 2 laptops and 1 monitor. This product features 2 USB-C input ports (compliant with DP 1.4 and DP Alt Mode), accommodating the common USB-C connections found on modern laptops for video output, power delivery, and data transfer. It also includes 1 HDMI 2.1 output port for your monitor.  

For other features, first off, this dock supports impressive 8K resolution at 60Hz, making it ideal for high-definition tasks like video editing and gaming. If you’re using a 4K monitor, don’t worry—it’s fully compatible and supports up to 144Hz for smooth and vibrant visuals.

Power management is seamless with CKS201-M23 as well. Each laptop benefits from its own 60W power supply directly from the dock, so you won’t need to keep track of extra chargers. Plus, the dock simplifies your network connection: both laptops can access the internet through a single network cable, reducing cable clutter.

The built-in EDID emulator is another standout feature. It ensures that your display settings remain consistent, preventing annoying resolution shifts and icon rearrangements when switching between devices.

For data transfer, the dock supports USB 3.2 Gen 1, providing high-speed data rates and allowing you to share USB 3.0 and audio peripherals between your laptops. Switching between devices is intuitive and flexible, with options for keyboard hotkeys, mouse wheel, front panel buttons, or IR signals.

Finally, CKS201-M23 is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, various Linux distributions, and more. This makes it a versatile choice for diverse computing environments.

 

• Dual Monitor 4K@60Hz USB-C KVM Switch Kit

CKS202-P23 is one of our earlier models designed for 2 laptops and dual monitors, but it stands out from the CKS201-M23 due to its support for an additional monitor and MST (Multi-Stream Transport). Unlike the typical setup where connecting 2 laptops and 2 monitors requires 2 cables to switch and display content on each monitor, CKS202-P23 simplifies this process. As shown in the third image below, you only need 1 cable to control which laptop is displayed on either of the 2 monitors.

How does it work? By using the DisplayPort (and our USB-C, which complies with the DP standard), the MST feature splits this signal into separate streams for each monitor, effectively managing and distributing video data more efficiently.

*As Mac doesn’s support MST (Multi-Stream Transport), you’ll still need 2 cables to switch and display content on each monitor.

Like CKS201-M23, with 2 USB ports (customized for keyboards and mice, compatible with 99.99% of setups), 1 LAN port, 1 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack, and 2 HDMI outputs (CKS201-M23 has only 1), CKS202-P23 is the all-in-one KVM switch and docking station combo.

For other features, even though this KVM can’t live up to 8K, it supports 4K@60Hz and caters to high refresh rate enthusiasts with support for 1080P@240Hz/165Hz/144Hz/120Hz and 2560×1440@144Hz/120Hz. It supports EDID emulation as well to prevent resolution and icon rearrangement.

It also includes a built-in charging modules, providing up to 36W of power per laptop, and 3x USB 3.0 (one with power delivery) for peripheral charging. But be sure to check your laptop's power requirements to ensure compatibility.

 

TESmart KVM Switches for 1 Laptop and 1 Desktop

This is the most seen multiple device setup I’ve known. People usually have one working laptop and one gaming desktop. To switch between the two without plugging and unplugging, that’s where a KVM switch comes in.

• Dual Monitor 4K@60Hz Hybrid KVM Docking Station Kit

HDC202-P23 is designed specially for 1 laptop and 1 desktop. This device is not just a switch, but also a comprehensive 9-in-1 docking station that transforms your workspace. It features an HDMI+DP port combination to match most graphics cards and two USB-C ports for your desktop and laptop input. For output, it has two HDMI ports for the dual monitors.

For gamers, this KVM supports 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 resolution and high refresh rates, and caters to high refresh rate enthusiasts with support for 1080P@240Hz/165Hz/144Hz/120Hz and 2560×1440@120Hz.

Like CKS202-P23, it supports both Windows laptops with MST (Multi-Stream Transport) and MacBooks without one. It has EDID emulator to prevent resolution and icon rearrangement. It also features the same charging modules, LAN port, 2 USB ports, and 1 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack to meet all your connectivity needs. If CKS202-P23 is ideal for managing 2 laptops and dual monitors, HDC202-P23 is perfectly suited for handling 1 laptop and 1 desktop with dual monitors.

 

• Triple Monitor 4K@60Hz Hybrid KVM Docking Station Kit

As the successor to HDC202-P23, HDC203-P24 takes things up a notch. It is designed for 1 laptop&1 desktop and 3 external monitors.

It has every feature HDC202-P23 supports, except that it supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 with super-speed data transfer rate, shares USB 3.0 and audio peripherals (integrated microphone and L/R audio output port) for added convenience, and has a LCD visual display for easy setup with keypad control ( with 4 lockable USB 3.0 channels).

It is an ideal upgrade if you want easier switching method, faster data transfer speed, and consider investing in one additional display.

 

TESmart KVM Switch for 1 Laptop and 3 Desktops

As the number of devices increases, so does the need for versatile connectivity in a KVM switch. While it's uncommon to see setups with 1 laptop and 3 desktops in everyday scenarios, some professionals do use multiple devices like this.

• Triple Monitor 4K@60Hz Hybrid KVM Docking Station Kit

Evolving from earlier models, HDC403-P23 features1 USB-C port for PC1, 1 DP port for PC2, 3 HDMI ports for PC3 and PC4, which meets the versatile demand of port connection. It also has 3 HDMI 2.0 outputs for your monitors.

Since DP standard and USB-C with DP Alt Mode support MST (Multi-Stream Transport), inputs 1 and 2 of the KVM switch is enhanced with MST technology.

Being HDMI 2.0 compatible, HDC403-P23 supports up to 4K@60Hz and caters to high refresh rate enthusiasts with support for 1080P@240Hz/165Hz/144Hz/120Hz and 2560×1440@120Hz. With the same EDID emulator found on other models, it prevents resolution and icon rearrangement.

It expands the port connectivity a little compared to the above version, as it now includes 4x USB 3.0 (two with power delivery), 2x USB for K&M (customized for keyboards and mice, compatible with 99.99% of setups), 1x LAN, 1x 3.5mm headphone/Micphone jack, and 3 HDMI outputs. It's the all-in-one KVM switch and docking station combo.  

Additionally, HDC403-P23 is built with a LCD screen for visual display for easy setup. It’s equipped with 3 lockable USB 3.0 channels and 1 integrated microphone and L/R audio output. It is also a one-touch locking KVM to protect private information, with audio output pause and LCD screen brightness reduction. With removable rack ears, it's easy to customize the installation to fit various setups or rack configurations.

 

TESmart KVM Switch for 2 Laptops and 2 Desktops

2 laptops and 2 desktops—it’s the perfect balance for a multiple device setup. Here’s what to look for in an ideal KVM switch for this setup.

• Dual Monitor 4K@60Hz USB-C KVM Docking Station Kit

Equipped with 2 sets of dual USB-C ports, mirroring the acclaimed design of the CKS202-P23, HCK402-P23 is optimized for 2 laptops and 2 desktops. This KVM switch features double 2 x USB-C ports for PC1 and PC2, and double 2 x HDMI 2.0 ports for PC3 and PC4. It also includes 2 DP outputs for dual monitors.

It’s not only a KVM switch, but also a designed 10-in-1 docking station tailored for 4 PCs (2 desktops + 2 laptops). Except for the input and outpuy, it includes 4x USB 3.0 (two with power delivery), 2 x USB for K&M (customized for keyboards and mice, compatible with 99.99% of setups), 1x LAN, and 1x 3.5mm headphone/Micphone jack.

Thanks to HDMI 2.0, it supports up to 4K@60Hz, and caters to high refresh rate enthusiasts with support for 1080P@240Hz/165Hz/144Hz/120Hz and 2560×1440@120Hz, meeting the needs of both designers seeking crisp visuals and gamers desiring swift refresh rates.

Being compatible with Windows laptops featuring MST and MacBooks, HCK402-P23 can achieve the "ABC" effect of two extended monitors. Each laptop is supported by a built-in 36W power module, addressing laptop power concerns directly.

Similar to the HDC403-P23, this KVM switch features an integrated LCD screen for clear visual display, simplifying setup. It includes 3 lockable USB 3.0 ports and 1 combined microphone and L/R audio output. The switch offers one-touch locking for enhanced privacy protection, along with audio output pause and adjustable LCD screen brightness. Additionally, it comes with removable rack ears, allowing for flexible installation and adaptation to different rack configurations or setups.

 

Conclusion

The content above provides a comprehensive overview of KVM switches that support laptop switching. Whether you’re looking for one supports 2 laptops, 1 laptop and 1 desktop, 1 Laptop and 3 Desktops, or 2 Laptops and 2 Desktops, TESmart has you covered with a range of versatile solutions to fit your specific setup needs.