KVM Switch Monitors: One Switch to Control Your PC and Mac® System

Are you tired of constantly plugging and unplugging cables when switching between your MacBook^®, another laptop, and a PC? In today's digital world, having an efficient and productive setup is crucial for designers, photographers, programmers, and gamers. One solution to this problem is a KVM (Keyboard, Video, and Mouse) switch monitor. BenQ offers a range of KVM monitors that are designed to streamline your workflow and boost productivity.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a KVM Switch?

2. What Is a KVM Monitor?

3. What Are the Benefits of KVM Monitors?

4. Are KVM Monitors Worth It?

5. For Designers, Photographers, and Mac Users

6. For Programmers

7. For Gamers

8. How to Use the KVM Switch [Step-by-step]

9. Smart KVM: Switch Effortlessly via Software

10. How to Set Up Your Smart KVM

11. Why Use BenQ KVM Monitors?

What Is a KVM Switch?

A KVM switch is a hardware device that lets users control multiple computers with one or more sets of peripherals, keyboards, monitors, and mice. This technology offers different methods of connecting to computers and reduces the need for multiple keyboards and mice on a desk.

What Is a KVM Monitor?

A KVM switch on a monitor directly integrates the KVM switch into the monitor itself for convenience. This means you can connect several computers to a single monitor and switch between them using the monitor's built-in KVM features. BenQ’s KVM monitors also have features such as USB-C connectivity, making system swapping even smoother.

What Are the Benefits of KVM Monitors?

KVM monitors bring several advantages to the table in comparison to regular monitors. A few examples of these benefits are:

Space Saving: Reduces the need for additional peripherals, decluttering your workspace.
Cost-Efficient: Eliminates the need to purchase extra keyboards, mice, and monitors.
Convenience: Simplifies switching between different systems with a single control setup.
Efficiency: Enhances productivity by allowing seamless transitions between tasks on different devices.

Are KVM Monitors Worth It?

KVM monitors are a great investment overall and offer specific benefits for different fields of focus.

For Designers, Photographers, and Mac Users

Working across multiple devices for creating, editing, and previewing creative works can be tiring. Switching from a MacBook to a desktop PC and then to another device for final previews often disrupts the workflow and wastes time. KVM monitors streamline these transitions, enabling you to move seamlessly between devices with a single control setup, helping you maintain focus on your creative tasks without interruption.

KVM Switch Monitors for Designers and Photographers

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Looks perfect as you'd expect

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For Programmers

Testing code on different operating systems can be a hassle, involving starting Virtual Machines (VMs) or physically switching cables between a MacBook and Windows PC. These interruptions break concentration and waste time. KVM monitors eliminate these disruptions, allowing you to switch quickly and seamlessly between systems to reduce hassle, enhancing multitasking and coding efficiency. Ultimately, it can help you enter a state of flow and boost your productivity.

For Gamers

Switching between a gaming console and a PC can be tedious, involving unplugging and reconnecting cables, which disrupts gaming. Moving from a PC to a console might require adjusting the monitor and peripherals. KVM monitors simplify this process, enabling easy transitions between devices with one control setup, reducing desk clutter, and maintaining a smooth gaming experience.

How to Use the KVM Switch

To make the most of the KVM switch, let’s look at how to set it up and use it.

Before you start, prepare:

Two source devices (desktops/laptops/consoles)
One keyboard and mouse set
Video cable (HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C/Thunderbolt)
Upstream USB cable (if you are using USB-C/Thunderbolt, then you don’t need this)

Let’s get started:

Turn on your devices and monitor
Connect your monitor to two source devices using either
- USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 or 4
- HDMI/DisplayPort cable + USB upstream cable
  
  *Plug the ports in order following what’s on the instruction label (The form of the instructions may vary by model). The cables and ports will go into pairing mode automatically.
Go to the OSD menu > KVM switch
Switch the keyboard and mouse control over different inputs
If you select “Auto” or “Auto Switch,” then the USB ports are switched automatically when the input signals switch.
(Or click on the HotKey Puck G2 if you are using a DesignVue Monitor)

Think Traditional KVM Isn't Convenient Enough?
Switch Effortlessly via Software

Traditional KVM switches often require physical buttons or external controllers to swap between systems, which can interrupt your creative flow. BenQ has introduced Smart KVM and Smart KVM Basic technologies to make this process smoother than ever.

Software-Defined Control: Configure switching logic directly via Display Pilot 2, eliminating the need for physical buttons. Simply gliding your mouse across the screen edge swaps control between systems as intuitively as using a single computer.

Smart KVM: The Ultimate Bridge for Seamless Copy-Paste Between PC and Mac

Working across Windows and Mac often leads to a major headache: incompatible clipboard formats that prevent you from directly copying assets, like PowerPoint elements, or files from one system to another. Smart KVM breaks this barrier:

True Cross-Platform Synergy: Effortlessly copy and paste text, images, or entire files between your PC and Mac, overcoming all platform format restrictions.
Pro Tip for Cross-Platform File Sharing: When transferring files to a Mac, ensure the destination folder is within the /Users/{USER_NAME} directory to meet macOS permission requirements for a successful transfer.

Feature	Traditional KVM	Smart KVM Basic	Smart KVM
Feature Switching Method	Traditional KVM Monitor buttons	Smart KVM Basic Cursor switching (Display Pilot 2)	Smart KVM Cursor switching (Display Pilot 2)
Feature PBP Mode	Traditional KVM Not required	Smart KVM Basic Required	Smart KVM Required
Feature Cross-System Copy/Paste	Traditional KVM No	Smart KVM Basic No	Smart KVM Yes (text/files)

*Please refer to the User Manual of each model for detailed specifications.

How to Set Up Your Smart KVM

Follow these steps to unify your dual-system workspace:

Install Software: Download and run Display Pilot 2 on both computers.
Enable Function: Open Smart KVM in the software menu. The system will prompt you to switch to PBP (Picture-by-Picture) mode.
Align Position: Set the relative location of your two computers (Left/Right) within the software.
Ready to Go: Once the status shows "Connected," you can immediately start switching control and transferring files via your mouse.

BenQ Smart KVM: the ultimate bridge for seamless copy-paste between PC and Mac

Why Use BenQ KVM Monitors?

Whether you want to declutter your desk or solve the technical challenges of cross-platform file transfers, BenQ’s KVM monitor range provides the precision you need. From hardware-based control to seamless cross-platform collaboration, upgrade your dual-system experience today and let your workflow be limitless.

Mac^® and MacBook^® are trademarks of Apple Inc.

KVM Switch Monitors: One Switch to Control Your PC and Mac® System

What Is a KVM Switch?

What Is a KVM Monitor?

What Are the Benefits of KVM Monitors?

Are KVM Monitors Worth It?