Built-In KVM Switchers: Control Two PCs with One Monitor

What is a KVM monitor?

A KVM monitor combines a display with a keyboard, video, and mouse switch. You connect two or more computers to the monitor, and the monitor's built-in switch lets you control all of them with a single keyboard and mouse. The KVM functionality is integrated into the monitor's electronics, so you do not need an external switch box.

This is different from a standard monitor that only switches video inputs. A KVM monitor also shares USB peripherals, like your keyboard and mouse, between the connected computers. When you switch inputs, both the video and the USB devices switch to the selected computer, giving you a seamless experience.

• One monitor, one keyboard, one mouse, multiple computers
• Built-in switching without extra hardware
• Ideal for desks with limited space or for reducing cable clutter

Why you might need a KVM monitor

The most common reason to choose a KVM monitor is a multi-computer setup. You might have a work laptop and a personal desktop, or a gaming PC and a separate machine for streaming or work. Instead of juggling two keyboards and mice or constantly unplugging cables, a KVM monitor lets you switch with a button or a keyboard shortcut.

A built-in KVM is especially useful if you have a single high-quality display and want to use it with both computers. It can also simplify a home office by letting you use one monitor, keyboard, and mouse for both a company laptop and a personal computer. For gamers, it means you can keep your high-refresh-rate monitor for both your console and your PC gaming setup.

How a built-in KVM works

Inside the monitor, the KVM function routes both the video signal and the USB data. When you switch from one input to another, the monitor changes the video source and simultaneously redirects the connected USB peripherals to the new source. This is managed by the monitor's firmware, and the switching can be triggered by a button on the monitor, a keyboard shortcut, or sometimes by detecting when a computer wakes up.

The number of computers a KVM monitor can support depends on how many video inputs it has. For example, a monitor with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort can handle up to three computers, provided each is connected to a distinct video input. The USB hub, which carries your keyboard and mouse signals, needs to be connected to each computer as well, typically via USB-B or USB-C upstream ports.

Ports and connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort

Modern KVM monitors often include USB-C ports with Power Delivery, which can carry video, data, and power over a single cable. According to USB-IF, USB Power Delivery enables up to 240W over a full-featured USB-C cable, so a monitor can charge a laptop while also acting as a KVM hub. This simplifies a laptop connection: one USB-C cable handles everything, and the monitor's KVM routes the signal to a second computer connected via HDMI or DisplayPort. You can learn more about USB-C monitors in our dedicated guide.

HDMI and DisplayPort remain essential for connecting desktops and other devices. HDMI 2.2 supports high resolutions and refresh rates, including 4K240 and 8K60, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smoother gaming. If you plan to use a KVM monitor for gaming, check that both the video inputs and the KVM switching support the refresh rate you need, especially if you are coming from a high-speed gaming setup.

• USB-C with Power Delivery for one-cable laptop connections
• HDMI 2.2 for high resolution and VRR
• DisplayPort for desktop GPUs

What to look for in a KVM monitor

When shopping for a KVM monitor, start with the number of video inputs. Most built-in KVMs handle two or three computers, but the exact count depends on the ports available. Look for a monitor that has enough upstream USB ports for each computer, and consider the type of switching: some monitors have a dedicated button, others allow switching via the on-screen menu, and a few support keyboard shortcuts.

Resolution and refresh rate matter too. If you need a 4K display for work or a high refresh rate for gaming, make sure the KVM switching does not downgrade the signal. Check the supported resolution and refresh rate for each input. Also, consider the USB hub's speed, especially if you attach storage drives or other high-bandwidth peripherals. ENERGY STAR certified monitors are a good choice for efficiency, and the certification ensures the monitor meets strict power requirements in on, sleep, and off modes.

Alternatives to a built-in KVM

If you already own a monitor without KVM functionality, an external KVM switch can achieve the same result. These boxes sit between your computers and the monitor, and they route both the video signal and USB data. External KVMs are available for varying numbers of ports and often support high resolutions, but they add an extra piece of hardware and more cables.

Software-based solutions, such as sharing a keyboard and mouse over a network, can also work but they usually do not switch the display, and they require both computers to be on and connected to the same network. A built-in KVM is the cleanest solution if you are buying a new monitor, as it integrates the switch into the monitor and reduces clutter.

If you are not sure whether a KVM monitor is right for you, consider how often you switch between computers. If it is a daily need, the convenience is worth it. For occasional use, an external switch may be more flexible.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What does KVM stand for?

KVM stands for keyboard, video, and mouse. A KVM switch lets you control multiple computers with one set of peripherals and one display.

Can a KVM monitor switch between more than two computers?

Yes, if the monitor has enough video inputs and upstream USB ports. Many built-in KVMs support three or four computers, but the exact number depends on the model.

Do I need special software for a built-in KVM?

No. The monitor handles the switching at the hardware level. You simply connect each computer to the monitor's video and USB ports, then use the monitor's controls to switch.

Does a KVM monitor affect performance for gaming?

It can, if the built-in switch does not support the full resolution and refresh rate you need. Check the monitor's specifications for each input to ensure it supports the refresh rate you plan to use.

Can I use a KVM monitor with a laptop and a desktop?

Yes, that is a common use. A USB-C port with Power Delivery can connect a laptop with a single cable, while the desktop connects via HDMI or DisplayPort.

Is a built-in KVM better than an external KVM switch?

A built-in KVM is more convenient because it reduces cable clutter and is already integrated. An external switch gives you more flexibility if you already own a monitor, but it adds an extra device.