WORKS Great - Almost perfect even but has some limitations
I really like the KVM dock, it's exactly what I've been looking for to be able to extend to 3 displays with my Macbook M1 (Personal) AND be able to switch monitors and accessories between that and my Dell Windows laptop (Work).
I had a workaround with a KVM and a monitor remote (to change sources), but I didn't get the 3rd display for the Macbook. I could have added an option for that but then it would have made the setup even more complicated. It has allowed me to get rid of the USB hub, KVM, Mac charger, and the Dell dock & charger (both laptops charge via USB-C)
The USB ports for peripherals are on the front, but it would be better to have some on the side for permanently connected devices for better cable management.
There are however a couple of limitations that weren't 100% clear:
1) The open applications on the windows laptop all collapse down to the laptop screen when I switch across to the Macbook.
- The FAQ documentation says to install a A DisplayPort EDID emulator, however that solution is for their other DisplayPort KVM and not the USB C KVMs. I can't find a passthrough EDID for USB C, I may try one of the 'Dummy' heads on the windows laptop to see if that works.
- There is a workaround but it's not great. Before switching the KVM you need to do the following on your keyboard. "Windows Key + M" it minimizes the open apps to the task bar. When you switch the KVM back to the windows laptop, "Windows Key + Shift + M" and it will maximize the apps again in their original position.
- The macbook apps, collapses down to the laptop screen but return to original positions once you return it to being the active computer.
2) Standard Hot Key switching of 'double left shift' does not work for me, so I'm left with switching between laptops using the switch directly on the KVM, so it can't be mounted out of the way and needs to be in easy reach
3) Startech.com Link Software - per documentation does not link between different versions. The version number of the application is different between MacOS and Windows, so a link cannot be established between the 2. Therefore I'm unable to configure any hotkeys using the Link Software. If you run 2 windows or 2 MacOS, you'd be unaffected, but running mixed OS's the software wont work.
Couple of other things to note.
- Check your monitor cables: I was originally using HDMI to HDMI but the KVM required Display Port. So order them before you unplug everything.
- The USB-C cables that come with the KVM are 3ft: Depending on your set up you may need longer ones and if you order new make sure they are charging cables
So all that being said, the KVM dock works and is exactly what I was looking for, however some of the additional features that I was happy to have (but didn't absolutely need) don't work.
