Power for KAC is provided by the host PC through the Control Port on the USB-C-Switch. When KAC is enabled, you can see the Vbus levels on non-selected channels rise to +5V. The Control Port on USB-C-Switch is used to both power the switch and to establish software control. The USB-C-Switch does not have a separate power connection. All power and control functions (including channel selection) are under software control from the host PC.

The switcher also thrives when it comes to audio capabilities, offering analog audio de-embedding features as well as support for DANTE/AES67 network connection to send DANTE/AES67 audio stream directly to a dedicated audio system.In our example, we are connecting the Control Port and the Common Port to USBHub3+. USBHub3+ is not necessary in this application, but we are using USBHub3+ for it's additional monitoring capabilities. The device is designed to be a centerpiece of any collaboration space and can be connected to four USB peripherals via USB-A type connectors.

The device draws power from your computer via the USB-C bus, and you need to connect external power sources if you want to charge your laptops while you work. So you can minimize the wire clutter and optimize the space at your workstation. Why ATEN didn’t give this box a couple of USB 2.0 ports and a single USB 3.2 Gen 1 port is curious, as it would have avoided the need for even more hardware to make this solution more flexible.The GUS4C2 allows you to connect two computers via the USB-C interface. And, unlike the KVM switch from Sabrent, it comes with an external power source. This enables it to provide 85W Power Delivery on one USB-C port. For DisplayPort 1.4 compliant display device, make sure to configure the device setting to be compatible with DisplayPort 1.2 to avoid compatibility issue. In use, this is a remarkably simple device that doesn’t really require any lengthy explanation of the workflow. This affordable KVM offers a bit more value than the Greathtek since it comes with a wired remote. That means you can put the KVM out of sight, as long as it's still close enough for the remote's cable run. But it has only three USBs for peripherals, in case you needed the Greathtek's fourth.

Moreover, while Windows users can extend displays and use a dual monitor setup, Mac users are limited to screen mirroring. So, unless you use Windows (or Linux), you will find better utility with other KVM switches. Ports Finally, the compact design is perfect for the user who is constantly on the move. At the same time, the device offers excellent utility when you need to connect two desktop computers. This is because desktop PCs handle their power distribution, and the device won’t take up much space. Our Take Supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) which enables the USB connection to carry DisplayPort signalsAdding Thunderbolt would only increase the cost of these devices, as the bandwidth of 40GBs would be overkill.” The device supports two hosts via the USB-C ports, providing a combined Power Delivery of 135W. While the active host receives 90W, the inactive host receives 45W Power Delivery. StarTech.com uses a 180W external power adapter to support this, which connects to a DC pin next to the Power Switch. KVM switches with only a few PC connections usually do not have a dedicated power supply; they take power from the monitor’s power supply or through the USB bus. Bigger or higher-rated KVM switches usually have dedicated power supplies, especially if they can charge connecting devices. The absence of a dedicated power supply seems attractive, but we only recommend smaller KVM devices, like the ones switching between two or three computers. This device is a super compact yet fully functional KVM switch. It offers all the essential features of a KVM switch and is perfect for users looking for a portable solution.