SOLVED Two Macs, one monitor

[Rayman31]

Hi everybody,

I have a MacBook par touche bar and I want to get the new iMac mini.
I want to add also one Dock the TS3+ from Caldigit.

How can I connect both of them to the same monitor, same keyboard and mouse.
I have seen some KVM switches, but still I have some problem for connecting.

Best regards

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello and welcome.

The CalDigit unit won't work for what you are trying to do. It is for connecting multiple devices to a single computer. A KVM switch is the only solution for connecting multiple computers to a single display/keyboard/mouse.

-What are the exact models of the two Macs?
-What version of OS X/macOS are they running?
-What type of connections do the display/keyboard/mouse have?

KVM switches are getting harder to find, as the industry is evolving.

C

 

[Rayman31]

Hello, thanks for your reply,

Actually I have the MBP 2016 running on the latest version 10.15.4. I will get the iMac Mini soon and I will update it to same version.
I know that TS3 is not fitted for that purpose, but I want it as a dock for my Macs.
So, I dont know if I can get the TS3 for both Macs at the same?
The KVM that I have found on the net, are mostly with VGA connection, is it a digital video output? I have seen some adapters from VGA to HDMI.
I have seen also the Tachloe HDMI switch with a button for easy swapping, some have remote controls.
Actually I have the Logitech Master Mx 3 and I want to get a similar brand keyboard.
I beleive that I need to install many switch for my setup.

Thanks one more time, appreciate your support.

Regards

 

[Cory Cooper]

No worries.

You could use the CalDigit TS3+ to connect your display and peripherals, and then to either Mac. You wouldn't be able to connect it to both simultaneously. It should be hot-swappable between them, but you would need to confirm via their documentation.

Stay healthy and safe.

C

 

[Rayman31]

Thanks for confirming that it can be used only by one Mac, now remaining how I can get both Macs on same monitor then swap using a simple button. I am still trying to find it out and let you know. If you have any other suggestions, you are welcome.

Take care

Regards

 

[Cory Cooper]

A KVM switch is the only way to switch those peripherals between to Macs with a button. It may work if you could use the CalDigit with an external USB-C switcher, but I can't promise that. Maybe contact CalDigit and explain your situation - maybe they know of a solution?

Let me know if you find anything and I will be happy to take a look.

C

 

[Rayman31]

Thanks for the advice, I will try to contact Caldigit or other brands and get help from them.
I will let you know as soon as I get an answer.

Best regards

 

[Rayman31]

Hi again,

I have found that on YouTube, one USB switch (I think the k USB-C switch is better and faster) and one HDMI switch, I think it's the only way, but still I will try to contact caldigit.

Many thanks

Regards

 

[Rayman31]

Hi,

I have sent an email to caldigit, but no answer.
I think there are many options, KVM switches from IOGREEN for exemple, or I got a suggestion from another forum saying we can use virtual machine to control the MBP.
Hope this will be useful, many thanks.

Best regards