You can make it all work - but it isn't cheap and it isn't portable. PS2 or USB mouses & keyboards - all digital or all analog video - not so good for a mix & match. I've also run into trouble with KVM cables that are cheap - lots of ghosting, fuzziness & jittery display on the monitor.Ī KVM works best for the "lowest common denominator" keyboard / mouse / video combinations.
The cheap ones support Analog Video (VGA) - but once you've gone digital, you'll never want to go back. Some KVM will support Digital - but not the cheap ones. Fortunately for users of both Windows and Macintosh computers. You will NEVER find a KVM switch that will do everything you want - especially the Digital Video Interface. Although laptops now outpace desktop computers in overall sales, it is often necessary to connect a laptop to a larger display. I like this set up a million times better than a KVM. Just bought Retina Mac Pro and when I connect to LCD through this cable only the screen background appears on the LCD display screen.
Both wireless mice sit on the same mouse pad, the Mac wireless keyboard is on top of the desk, and the full size wireless PC keyboard sits on a keyboard drawer under then desktop. Clarification: I have a thunderbolt of mini display to VGA cable, which I had been using to connect an LCD with my old Mac Pro Book for over 4 years. I use a nice Bluetooth connected mini keyboard & mouse for the MacBook and a LogiTech wireless keyboard & mouse for the PC. Thankfully there are cheaper third-party USB-C to VGA adapters.
I set my MacBook Pro to extend the desktop to the 20" monitor - so, when I am switched to the PC, I can still see the 20" side in the Spaces "preview" - that give me a clue that I need to switch back to Digital on the monitor. The Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter lets you mirror your Mac display to a VGA-enabled projector, TV or display in up to 1080p HD. I use an LG Flatron 20" to switch between my PC desktop and my MacBook Pro. Get the correct cable for your Mac to hook to the full size DVI input on the monitor, and Bob's Your Uncle. There is a switch on the front of the monitor to select between the Analog (VGA) and the Digital (DVI) port. Any of the newer monitors have both a VGA and a separate DVI port.