This video was extremely helpful in getting me started in the right direction. I found the below device that works as easy as plugging it in to each computer. I have a work HP and a personal HP. You do still need to have a docking station and I cant say that it will work for everyone and the docking station that you have but I didn't even look to see if the one I have will work with it and it did. Best $16 ever. USB 3.0 Switch Selector,iDsonix USB Switcher 1 in 2 Out(2 in 1 Out) Bi-Directional,USB Switch 2 Computers Share 1 Device for Printer,Scanner,Keyboard, USB Sharing Switch with 2pcs A to A 3.3ft Cables
Yea in the same boat myself. Currently use a USB switch for keyboard and mouse and have ethernet, HDMI/DP cables running to the Work laptop and Desktop. Have to manually switch the monitor from HDMI to DP inputs and press the button to switch keyboard and mouse but it's still easier than unplugging everything and swapping it out. But just got my new Lenovo Legion 7i Pro with a 4080 GPU and a 4k 60hz monitor to pair with my 1440p 144hz monitor, and was hoping to simplify stuff. I also wanted open up a second display for my work laptop which only has 1 HDMI port and no DP, so can only do a single monitor unless it is docked. Would also make it easier to disconnect the laptops when using em away from the monitor or when I go into the office once per week. Sadly working the goverment they don't let us install software on the work laptop😢
This seems like a great trick. My only concern, however, is that if I use this with a gaming pc, connecting to the share switch through a usb port will not allow video output to run through a dedicated graphics card. In a perfect world, the share switch could allow the source (pc, laptop, gaming console, etc) to hook up to the share switch via hdmi/display port (outputs allowed via video card) and then run through a centralized docking station that can adequately display to multiple monitors while also supporting connectivity to all our peripherals (keyboard, mouse, webcam, etc). I do not suppose a share switch that supports hdmi inputs from sources has been created, has it?
Thanks for asking! You raise a common concern that the configuration demonstrated in this video is not applicable for (i.e., gaming). Ultimately, the solution you would be looking for is more of a traditional KVM switch, which isn't something Plugable offers at this time.
I've thought of a workaround. Lots more cables involved and I'm not 100% certain if this works. What if you use a docking station, connect it to your work laptop, connect the same docking station to both monitors - via an alternative input source (VGA, Display Port, DVI / using a converter, etc.). Then have the HDMI/DisplayPort cables connected to your graphics cards on your desktop to your monitors at well. Now we have two sources connected to both screens. For example, 2 DisplayPort cables from Desktop GFX card to each monitor (2 cables) + HDMI from docking station that is connected to work laptop (2 cables from docking station to monitors, 1 cable from laptop to docking station). If you want to switch, you just switch the input source on each of the connected monitors. My only concern is that I'm not sure if the monitors will properly support two inputs from different sources as I have not tried this yet. For this to work, I think the first step is to determine your input options on the monitors. The more options there are the more flexibility you have with using a high definition source for your graphics cards i.e. DisplayPort and then a docking station that sends the HDMI signals from your connected work laptop. If anyone has the resources to test this out please let me/us know!
Thanks for asking! We don't have concrete plans on releasing a USB-C switch that supports both PD and Alt Mode at this time. These kinds of switches that can toggle both PD and Alt Mode are possible create but are pretty techincally complex (as if cost is any indicator, the ones that do exist are very expensive).
RIGHT!! ive been looking for a switch to use with my 3 laptops, and dual monitors, using thunderbolt, and i would think theres a lot of folks working from home now, and with the rise of the thunderbolt capabilities, this should be a no brainer - make it, shut up and take my money! lol, im tired of hot swapping cables.
@@Plugable Certainly would be tricky. As for cost, I'd be willing to pay towards double the price as docking two laptops via thunderbolt for power, display and peripherals requires two different docking stations currently if you don't want to manually swap them back and forth. We have a Plugable thunderbolt 3 dock that we use for the home laptop and have to use a separate dell dock for the work laptop. To switch we have to go and cycle through the monitor's display and pull out separate mouse and keyboard. Pain. The other issue is that there isn't an option for multi-gig Lan but that is a less complex fix than laptop switching.
Thanks for asking! The answer depends on if your dock is a USB 3.0 dock, or a USB-C/Thunderbolt dock. We answer this in the FAQ section in this blog post: plugable.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-plugable-switch-kvm-options-for-sharing-two-displays-and-more-between-two-computers#block-9 In summary, we expect third-party USB 3.0 docks to work via our USB 3.0 switch (though we haven't tested all third-party docks so we cannot guarantee compatibility). Any USB-C or Thunderbolt dock on the other hand is not compatible with our USB 3.0 switch. I hope this helps clarify!
Hello, what about Linux support? And what if I want to switch among 4 computers? Is there a KVM for 4 devices that could handle also the docking station?
I love this solution and this brings back life to my spare sharing switch. The problem is that when I plug in the dongle of my Microsoft mouse, the mouse movement is no that sensitive and is lagging. Anyway to sort that out? Thanks!
Good evening, I have a laptop (for remote work) that connects to the docking station via USB type C and a desktop computer that connects to the screens through HDMI. How can I use my two monitors with either the laptop or desktop without changing my setup each time? Thank you.
Thank you for contacting Plugable! To clarify, if you wished to use a USB3-SWITCH2 with your setup, you would need to connect all your monitors directly to a USB 3.0 dock, then swap the dock back and forth between your laptop and PC for this setup to work as expected. You would not connect any HDMI cables directly to the laptop or desktop. Thank you! Ryoma
WFM driver issues aside, I understand how this would work when using two computers with integrated graphics, but what if one of them has a graphics card with dedicated display outputs? Presumably you have to just run the machine without it?
Hello! Compatible systems with dedicated graphics cards can be paired with USB-C Alt Mode docks (such as our UD-ULTCDL or UD-CAM) to drive a monitor directly. However our USB 3.0 docks will not be able to utilize a native graphics card, as DisplayLink USB graphics works by converting video data into USB data. Thank you!
Thank you for contacting Plugable! If an adapter is needed to connect to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 port, we do provide our USBC-AF3 (plugable.com/products/usbc-af3) to allow for this compatibility. Thank you! Ryoma
Hi, I'm looking for a solution really, hoping this is the right one. I have a 2 monitor setup 1920x1080 with a 144hz refresh rate for my main pc for gaming. Also have a dell XPS laptop for work I used and would like just 1 solution without having to unplug them. Can I use this at 144hz refresh rate on my gaming PC and will it support displayport?
Thanks for asking. Unfortunately, our USB 3.0 DisplayLink-based docking stations only support refresh rates up to 60Hz. Additionally, we don't recommend our DisplayLInk-based docks for gaming, so this solution does not sound like a good fit. Sorry about that!
I believe a lot of companies DO NOT allow installing external software such as the drivers on the work laptop for security purposes. Could this product work without software installation?
Thank you for reaching out! Typically, Windows systems install the DisplayLink drivers from within Windows Updates. However, there are cases where the DisplayLink driver isn't installed properly, and a manual installation is required. On macOS, the DisplayLink Manager must be installed on the system, and special permissions are needed for the dock to work as expected. Please feel free to reach out to us at support@plugable.com for more information.
@@Oceanblue-yc1mb Thank you for reaching out! We can help more with this issue via our support team. Please reach out to Support@plugable.com for more information. Thank you!
Any plans to release a dock with a built-in Sharing Switch feature? That would be amazing! I currently have a Wavlink UG39DK1 from 2018 and thinking about how to switch from my work laptop to my personal pc without hassle.
Thank you for reaching out! Currently, Plugable doesn't have any docking stations that support switching. We may see this down the road. Please keep a lookout on our website or Twitter for product updates. Thanks!
Hi, Jill! Thank you for reaching out to us! The USB3-SWITCH2 does not require any device drivers. However, whatever USB device is connected to the switch will require device drivers. If you're planning to use the switch with one of our USB 3.0 docking stations, you will need to install the DisplayLink software.
Your IT team can assist you with driver and software installation for USB devices connected to the switch and the DisplayLink software.
If you have any other questions, please reach out to us directly via support@plugable.com.
We expect most USB 3.0 docking stations that uses DisplayLink USB graphics to work through our USB 3.0 Sharing Switch (USB3-SWITCH2), but we don't test with all third-party docks so we can't guarantee compatibility.
I run a gaming computer desktop with my wife's work laptop, does this switch lag at all? As running the HDMI cables through a USB 3.0 may not have the power that the feed directly from my video card supplies.
I got my work desktop and personal laptop all hooked up with Plugable and I have one issue. Due to space I have my laptop tucked away and I don't want it on all the time. So when I put it to sleep is there an easy way to wake it back up without having to dig back and crack it open to bring it back to life? Without a signal the switcher doesn't go to it to use the mouse or keyboard. Please help!!!
Thank you for reaching Out! This is possible. You'll have to change some Windows settings to change the default behavior 1.Device Manger 2.Mice and Pointing Device 3.Right Click on the Mouse , select properties 4.Under the tab Power Management you will see the "Allow this device to wake up the computer " Check that , apply and save the setting . Please reach out to support@Plugable.com for additional questions or concerns. Thanks!
@@Plugable Unfortunately the newest version of Windows doesn't give the the "Power Management" tab in properties anymore. I've tried a few tricks to get it to come up and nothing works. But this is a great idea! I will continue to see if I can figure this out. Thank you!
Hey thanks for all the information. Can you please tell how can I share a USB-C docking station between two computers using this? In this video, you showed only the USB 3.0 Hub connected to the device shown.
Thanks for asking. The answer depends on the specific video technology that the dock uses. If it is a USB-C dock that uses USB-C Alt Mode to drive video, then this would not be possible because converting to a USB-A connection means that the USB-C video signal is lost. If the USB-C dock uses DisplayLink USB graphics however, then conversion to USB-A would be possible. All that being said, other features such as USB-C Power Delivery would not be compatible through the USB 3.0 sharing switch. Please contact us at support@plugable.com with the specific model of the USB-C dock and we'd be glad to further clarify. Thanks!
Be good if it had discrete extendable switch, rather than having to have the whole device with all those cables on desk. Also is it compatible with RGB peripherals?
Thanks for asking. The same configuration shown in the video can still work, however you'll need a separate USB-C to USB-A adapter (such as our USBC-AF3: plugable.com/products/usbc-af3) for your Mac in order for the USB switch to connect to it. Please contact us at support@plugable.com if you have any additional questions.
I have a little different situation and was wondering if you have a recommended solution. I have a work laptop and a home laptop similar to yours (both are Dells). I have a single monitor (the monitor has HDMI and VGA connections) an external keyboard and an external mouse. So I want to have one laptop displayed on the monitor (along with using an external mouse and keyboard) and then at different times, I want to use & view the other laptop. Only one laptop will be viewed on the monitor at a time. Any thoughts on how to accomplish this?
When I download the Mac software manager and connect my macbook pro to it it only shows extended screens when open. When i close the lid to my macbook the screens turn off
Thank you for contacting Plugable! To help diagnose the issue, simply send an email to support@plugable.com with the subject line of "Ticket 439491" so that we can prioritize that case and match it to this inquiry. Thank you! Ryoma
As a tech noob, the diagrams was all I needed to understand what was going on so thank you!! Only problem is these r out of stock on amazon. Also I can’t download the thing you said as I have restrictions on my work laptop. Are there any ways around this?
Thanks for asking! Unfortunately, our USB 3.0 docks rely on the DisplayLink USB graphics driver in order to work properly, so work laptops with security/permission restrictions are not going to be a compatible fit. Sorry about that!
Hi, I had a question about the function "auto input switch". This is turned on and when switching from the PC to the laptop, the screen switches to the laptop instantly. But when I would like to switch from the laptop to a the PC it won't automatically do it. I have to pres the screen button and switch manual to my DP. Do you maybe know what the solution is for this problem?
Thank you for contacting Plugable! We would expect the USB3-SWITCH2 to switch smoothly from either host. To help diagnose the issue, simply send an email to support@plugable.com with the subject line of "Ticket 443734" so that we can prioritize that case and match it to this inquiry. Thank you! Ryoma
Hey fantastic walkthrough on the docking station between two computers! Just wondering, what model table is that? It looks very professional and well built =)
This is awesome. I have two macbooks with two peripheral 4k displays. I noticed there is only one HDMI port. Will I get that same display quality when using the plugable DS and also the switching device?
Thanks for asking! For two 4K displays, you'd want to to consider a dock like our UD-6950H (plugable.com/products/ud-6950h), which supports two HDMI or DP 4K 60Hz monitors. Please contact us at support@plugable.com for any additional questions or concerns. Thanks!
Hi Plugable, I have a similar setup with a Probox docking station and KCEVE USB 3.0 Switch. Many times, the video will freeze and then go blank for a few seconds. Does your Plugable switch and docking station run into similar issues? Any limitations in regards to compatible video cards, etc?
Hello there, thanks for reaching out! The major difference is that the UD-6950Z supports resolutions up to 4K. We have a comparison tool on our website that also shows differences (if any). For these two in particular here is a direct link to the comparison: plugable.com/pages/compare-docks?compare=ud-3900pdz,ud-6950pdz Hope this helps!
Hi! Thanks for reaching out to us! You can use the USB3-SWITCH2 with two MacBooks. You'll need the Plugable USBC-AF3 USB-C to USB-3.0 adapter connected to each MacBook in order to use the switch. You will also need a USB 3.0 docking station such as the UD-3900H, UD-6950Z, or the UD-6950H. We have an article on our blog that shows you how to connect the switch to a dock and two computers: plugable.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-plugable-switch-kvm-options-for-sharing-two-displays-and-more-between-two-computers. You can contact us directly via support@plugable.com if you have any other questions.
Thanks for reaching out! We currently don't have a Sharing Switch that would support 4x computers. You may want to look at a traditional KVM Switch. Thanks!
Is there anything like tesmart dual hdmi monitor where in a Ziff one can use both PCs on both monitors and able to use two monitors for either the PCs using soft key switches...!?
Thank you for reaching out! Our UD-6950PDZ would be a better option to drive three displays from your 2017 iMac. Please reach out to support@Plugable.com for more information. Thanks!
Thank you for contacting Plugable! To clarify, our docks only officially support up to 30Hz or 60Hz displays via the DisplayLink software, so we do not recommend using monitors with higher refresh rates. Thank you! Ryoma
Nicely explained.. just a query.. I have got mac mini and pc both. I am looking for a docking station can be used with both. Currently, i have to remove cables from docking station to use monitors with mac. Pls suggest.
Hello Sandeep! You'll want head over to plugable.com/pages/support with the models of your computers and monitors. Our product experts would be happy to provide a recommendation for your setup. Do note that some stock may not be available at this time.
Thank you for reaching out! Our USB 3.0 docking stations do not support the charging of the laptop. In this case, your original charger must be connected when using a USB 3.0 dock/USB Switch. Please feel free to reach out directly to Support@plugable.com with any other questions. Thanks!
Our USB 3.0 docking stations use DisplayLink USB graphics technology to drive additional displays. DisplayLink works well for general office or productivity use, but we wouldn't recommend it for more graphics intensive tasks like gaming. If you're looking to use your desktop computer for gaming, I'm afraid this solution wouldn't be a good fit.
Hi - I have an office Laptop Dell which is connected to monitors via Dell docking station using USB C. I would like to use my surface pro having mini display and USB port through a switch so that I can change the display on monitor (and use it for personal work) from Dell Laptop to Surface pro by using a switch as shown in the video above. Only challenge is I cannot install anything on my office laptop. Can you please suggest the right pluggable for this usage?
Hello Vivek, thanks for reaching out! This is a fairly complex setup it sounds like. I would suggest reaching out to our Product Owners at plugable.com/pages/support with your computer models, monitor models, and the description you left here so they can give you an accurate recommendation (if there is one we can offer) for your setup. Do note, our USB 3.0 Switch is currently out of stock so this kind of setup may not be possible presently. I hope this helps!
Thank you for contacting Plugable! While it is possible to swap between two computers with the USB3-SWITCH2 as shown in the video, this is not a true KVM setup that allows for 3 or more hosts. For cases like these, we usually recommend using a KVM switch specifically. Thank you! Ryoma
Hello there, thanks for reaching out! We do have devices that will allow for dual screens on Mac systems, and have a USB3-SWITCH2 that may allow for switching between systems. We would recommend reaching out to our support team at support@plugable.com for more information and possibly a recommendation based on your setup.
I have two dell laptops both with USB-C Chargers. With a setup like this can both laptops be charged when it is not the selected device for monitor and peripherals, or would they need to have their own chargers plugged in as well?
Thanks for asking! Our USB 3.0 sharing switch doesn't charge the connected laptops, so you would need to keep the USB-C power adapters connected to each laptop separately. I hope this helps clarify.
Can you please help me. I never used a desktop or lab top so bare with me, please. Im currently using a desk top and lab top but I want to be able to use both at the same time. How do I drag over my work from my lab top onto my desktop so that I can work from both at the same time as I’m taking calls? Im so sorry if I sound dumb. Hopefully you can understand what I’m asking of you. Thank you!
Thank you for contacting Plugable! While you will not be able to directly drag files between your computer and laptop, you can either use a USB drive, network file transfer, or a cloud storage service (such as Dropbox or Google Drive) to transfer files between computers. Thank you! -Ryoma
Thank you for contacting Plugable! Yes, our USB3-SWITCH is compatible with USB keyboards and mice to allow them to swap back and forth between computers. Thank you! Ryoma
So, I already have a dock compatible with DisplayList, and on this dock I have two monitors connected. Every time i need to change from one computer to another I have to unplug from my macbook and connect to my pc. Using this switch will I be able to do it with one click or I need the docking station from Plugable as well to make it work?
Thank you for contacting Plugable! Based on your specifications, I would normally recommend our USB3-SWITCH2 to swap a USB 3.0 docking station between computers, but we are unfortunately out of stock at this time, so you would need to either source a 3rd party USB 3.0 switch, or continue to manually swap the dock between computers. Thank you! Ryoma
Does this switch work with an OWC Thunderbolt 3 dock? I'd like to switch between my work laptop (macbook pro) and my personal Mac Mini. It would be great to use this switch to between my work and personal devices.
The Plugable USB 3.0 Sharing Switch (USB3-SWITCH2) shown in the video is compatible with USB 3.0 devices only. Thunderbolt devices are NOT compatible with the USB3-SWITCH2. Please reach out to us directly via --> plugable.com/pages/support if you have any additional questions.
Thanks for asking! To clarify, a desktop computer would connect to the input of the USB 3.0 switch, using the included USB-B to USB-A cable. USB-C is not required with this configuration. I'd recommend you to refer to the following blog post which goes into great detail about the connection details: plugable.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-plugable-switch-kvm-options-for-sharing-two-displays-and-more-between-two-computers
The problem understood: One monitor and inputs setup with a work laptop and home computer. The solution is not great: why does it need another component and can't this be integrated into the switch? Lacks USB-C functionality (charge+data) for the laptop
You cannot believe how long I've been looking for a solution for exactly the problem you describe. I have a home desktop but work laptop. I want to be able to take the laptop home, plug it in and have it connect to all my peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor (s), speakers, printer, ethernet, external HDD) while also charging the laptop. It sounds like a lot to ask, but surely in the age of thunderbolt and USB C this should be possible. With more and more people working from home there surely is a market.
Thank you for reaching out to Plugable support! The M1 series Macs (2x MacMini) only support a single external display per Apple specifications due to limitations with the M1 graphics. Two Thunderbolt monitors will not be possible with any Thunderbolt 3 docking station/cable with these first-generation M1 systems. Please reach out to support@plugable.com for a recommendation. You might want to consider a USB-C graphics adapter such as a Plugable USBC-6950U adapter: plugable.com/products/usbc-6950u. This adapter would allow you to drive up to two HDMI or DisplayPort displays via a single USB-C connection to your M1 Mac and function great for general office or productivity use. Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions or concerns. Thanks, Omar D. Plugable Technologies
Hey, i just want to ask. I have iPad Pro and Lenovo Legion 5. I have dock but i have to always reconnected the cabel to device the i am just working on. Do you think that these Switch can manage this problem? I have connected to my dock monitor, SSD, ethernet. Thank you
Thanks for asking! Our USB 3.0 sharing switch isn't compatible with USB-C or Thunderbolt devices I'm afraid, so our switch would not be a good fit in this case. We speak more about compatibility in the following blog post: plugable.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-plugable-switch-kvm-options-for-sharing-two-displays-and-more-between-two-computers
Thank you for contacting Plugable! We believe the monitors featured in this video are HP 24mh displays, but please note that we are not 100% sure as we have moved equipment around in our office over the last 3 years. Thank you! -Ryoma
Can I leave the laptop charging in the UD-6950PDZ and use this to switch between laptop and desktop without loosing any speeds in ports or image quality in the monitors?
Hi, thank you for asking, the UD-6950PDZ requires a direct connection from the docking station to a compatible host computer to function properly and when connected through a USB 3.0 sharing switch the docking station's "Display 1" output port-pair and charging capability will both be non-functional. Both of these features rely on USB-C specific features ( USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode and USB-C Power Delivery respectively ) which are not supported with USB Standard-A ports/cables. I am sorry, for the UD-6950PDZ to be fully functional and to charge the connected notebook computer it must be connected directly to the computer using the original USB-C cable provided with the docking station. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact our support team via email at 'support@plugable.com' and we can further discuss the setup and try to find a solution to easily swap the docking station between the two computers. Thank you,
Thanks for asking! Our USB 3.0 sharing switch is not compatible with docks such as our UD-6950PDZ, as USB-C features such as Alt Mode video and Power Delivery are not supported over the USB-A connection on the USB 3.0 switch. Sorry about that!
This is what I'm looking for, however I need to mount it back behind and below my desk. This means I can't reach the button on the device. Does this switch have a keyboard shortcut or something like that to trigger the switching?
In order to switch between the two host computers, you must push the physical button located on top of the Plugable USB 3.0 Sharing Switch. It is not possible to trigger the switch via any other method. Please reach out to us directly via support@plugable.com if you have any additional questions.
Thanks for asking! If a storage device is connected to either the Plugable USB 3.0 Sharing Switch or a USB 3.0 dock (connected to the switch), then please make sure to safely eject the storage device before pressing the toggle button the switch.
The Dell D3100 dock is a USB 3.0 dock that uses DisplayLink technology (such as our UD-3900Z shown in the video), so while we can't guarantee compatibility, we'd expect this to work assuming both laptops support USB 3.0.
Thank you for your question. Yes, the USB3-SWITCH2 does work with the UD-3900H. Please note that the DisplayLink drivers must be installed on both systems for the UD-3900H. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly at support@plugable.com
Hello, Thank you for contacting Plugable! While we do provide alternative docks to the UD-3900Z (such as the UD-3900 and UD-3900H), USB3-SWITCH2 production has unfortunately been hit hard by the global chipset shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is no clear timeline for restocking at this time with any of our distributors. Sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news, but hopefully this information was helpful. -Ryoma Plugable Technologies
Thanks for asking! Our Plugable USB 3.0 sharing switch (USB3-SWITCH2) doesn't connect via USB-C, so an adapter isn't necessary. As long as your PC has a USB 3.0 port, this configuration can work!
Hello, I do like the idea, but do you have a switch that can handle more that just two devices as I have about 8 devices that I need to switch between and two of them are Laptops.
Thank you for contacting Plugable! While we are always working on new products, we do not currently produce a USB switch that supports up to 8 devices at this time. Sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news, but hopefully this information was helpful. -Ryoma
This is the exsact set up I need, I have a PC tower and a laptop I need to switch between. I cant see what the docking station + sharing switch plugs into in the PC tower? What kind of port does it use. How can I be sure it will be compatable with my PC tower?
Thank you for reaching out! This configuration should be compatible with any PC that supports USB-A 3.0. Feel free to reach out to support@plugable.com for a recommendation. Thanks!
Hello. Like this product. However, just have one question. I have two desktop computers at home sharing dual monitors through KVM Switch. One desktop with USB 2.0 and the other one with USB 3.0. Company laptop is Dell i7 Vostro. If I would like to share the company laptop to dual monitors as well, does Plugable Sharing Switch works in this situation? If not, any recommendation?
Thanks for asking! Unfortunately, our Plugable USB 3.0 sharing switch only supports switching between two computers, so it wouldn't be a good fit in your scenario. We don't offer a switches that support three computers. Sorry about that!
We don't sell a USB-C switch equivalent, but to help point you in the right direction, you may want to look into "USB-C KVM switches". Sorry about that!
Thank you for contacting Plugable! While we are always working on new products, Plugable currently does not offer a USB-C/Thunderbolt "A/B" switch that allows for a USB-C device (supporting USB-C DP video) to be toggled between computers. Sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news, but hopefully this information was helpful. Ryoma
Just wondering if this would work with my windows pc(not laptop) and MacBook Pro? Please note that’s my pc have hdmi and display port for video output whereas my MacBook have usb c for power and display
Thank you for reaching out! The UD-3900Z docking station is connected to our USB Sharing switch via a USB-B to USB-A cable. Please reach out to Support@Plugable.com for more information! Thanks!
Thanks for the video. I currently have a plugable usb 3.0 docking station which I use b/w my office windows laptop and my personal Mac M1 air. I have an external monitor and usb wireless mouse keyboard attached to the dock which is working fine with the setup. I manually remove the usb cable to switch the peripheral devices b/w my laptops. If i get this usb 3.0 sharing switch for this config I have, would it work in switching b/w a mac m1 and windows laptop?
Thanks for asking -- yes, our USB 3.0 sharing switch would work great in your scenario! Unfortunately however, we are currently out of stock of our USB 3.0 switch. We hope to be back in stock by the end of year, sorry about that!
I purchased it, and installed it to use my laptop with usb C port, also the all in one computer , the side of the all in one computer was not working, is any solution of it, my AIO is a DELL inspiron 7700, any idea how to fix it or recommendation?
Hello there, thanks for reaching out. Provided both are USB 3.0 systems, there should not be any issue. If our switch is used with USB-C systems/devices, some functionality will not work such as power delivery. If you have any other questions regarding the switch we would recommend reaching out to our product experts at plugable.com/pages/support We hope this helps!
If using this with the UD 6950z will plugging in speakers to the docking station via 3.5 mm jack also switch the speaker output from the "work" to "home" computer and vice-versa?
The short answer to your question is 'yes'. To expand further, the Plugable USB 3.0 Sharing Switch (USB3-SWITCH2) will allow you to share one USB 3.0 device with two different computers. When the Plugable UD-6950Z docking station is connected to the USB3-SWITCH2 and is 'switched' between two computers, the net result is that all of the functions of the docking station are available. This includes the 3.5mm audio output jack on the front of the UD-6950Z. A quick important note, you may have to change the default audio output setting within the host computer's operating system after making the 'switch'. Please reach out to us directly via --> plugable.com/pages/support if you have any additional questions.
@@DutchXDr Hi Dutch, That is correct, both the USB3-SWITCH2 and UD-6950Z are USB 3.0-based devices, and will need compatible ports for full functionality. Thank you! -Ryoma
Thank you for reaching out! The Thinkpad Pro docking station cannot be used with our USB-Switch as it uses a proprietary connection to the host. Our USB switch works best with simple USB devices like USB 3.0 docking stations, keyboards, mice, thumb drives, etc. Please reach out to Support@Plugable.com for any additional questions or concerns. Thanks!
what if you want to have these said capabilities but you also want to at times view your 2 laptops on individual displays? but then switch to one laptop 2 extended displays?
Thanks for asking! This USB 3.0 switch + dock configuration wouldn't support viewing your two laptops on individual displays at the same time. You would need to manually unplug and reconnect video cables to get this outcome. Sorry about that!
No, charging is not supported given this is a USB 3.0 switch. Laptop charging is only possible through a USB-C connection via USB-C Power Delivery. We speak more to common FAQs in the following blog post: plugable.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-plugable-switch-kvm-options-for-sharing-two-displays-and-more-between-two-computers
This is the perfect solution for me in terms of hardware. Unfortunately, I am unable to download external software on my work computer. Is there a way to use the hardware without the software? Thank you!
Unfortunately, this solution requires that the laptop is able to install the dock's DisplayLink driver. If you cannot download this driver, then I'm afraid this setup will not work. Sorry about that!
We do not currently have any USB-C Switch devices. However, we have seen an increase in interest in such a device so we have been discussing the potential for manufacturing such a switch (though no ETA as of yet).
Thank you for contacting Plugable! We would expect this setup to work with two macOS laptops, but you would need to add a USB 3.0 Type A to Type C adapter (such as our USBC-AF3) to plug the device into the MacBook Thunderbolt ports. Thank you! Ryoma
Thank you for contacting Plugable! To clarify, we would expect any USB 3.0 audio device to be compatible with the USB3-SWITCH2. Ryoma Plugable Technologies
Can i connect my PC to the USB switch if it has a dedicated Nvidia GPU? Like will the provided USB cable that plugs into my motherboard be able to display onto the monitors? Im not concered about gsync and over 60hz capabilities. The PC is used for video editing and not gaming. Thanks.
Thank you for reaching out! Our USB Switch would allow you to connect a docking station to switch monitors. However, this USB switch would not support monitors without a docking station or USB Graphics adapter. Additionally, The USB graphics technology known as DisplayLink graphics is great for general office or productivity use, but we do not recommend DisplayLink for graphics-intensive tasks. Please feel free to reach out to support@Plugable.com for more information. Thanks!
Probably yes but careful because you need drivers of displaylink and I had some troubles with it in linux. Basically you have to remove the secureboot from your BIOS if it's enabled. That was my solution
Thanks for asking! This USB 3.0 switch + USB 3.0 dock configuration supports a single laptop connection at a time. It's not possible to share the devices and displays connected to the dock with your PC and work laptop concurrently. I hope this helps clarify.
Hello there, thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, this setup would not work. The MBA M2 is only equipped with USB-C / Thunderbolt ports and the switching device shown here is USB 3.0. Additionally, converting the USB 3.0 may produce unexpected results. We are discussing the possibility of a USB-C switch, but do not have an ETA at this time. Apologies we do not have better news in this regard.
Could you please tell me if it will work with dell 3100 docking station that I already have? So I could switch all gadgets connected to my docking station between 2 laptops
The Dell D3100 dock is a USB 3.0 dock that uses DisplayLink technology (such as our UD-3900Z shown in the video), so while we can't guarantee compatibility, we'd expect this to work assuming both laptops support USB 3.0.
This video was extremely helpful in getting me started in the right direction. I found the below device that works as easy as plugging it in to each computer. I have a work HP and a personal HP. You do still need to have a docking station and I cant say that it will work for everyone and the docking station that you have but I didn't even look to see if the one I have will work with it and it did. Best $16 ever.
USB 3.0 Switch Selector,iDsonix USB Switcher 1 in 2 Out(2 in 1 Out) Bi-Directional,USB Switch 2 Computers Share 1 Device for Printer,Scanner,Keyboard, USB Sharing Switch with 2pcs A to A 3.3ft Cables
This would be perfect but I am not able to install drivers on my work laptop without their permission and they would not allow it even if I asked.
Yup that's a game ruiner.
Yea in the same boat myself. Currently use a USB switch for keyboard and mouse and have ethernet, HDMI/DP cables running to the Work laptop and Desktop. Have to manually switch the monitor from HDMI to DP inputs and press the button to switch keyboard and mouse but it's still easier than unplugging everything and swapping it out.
But just got my new Lenovo Legion 7i Pro with a 4080 GPU and a 4k 60hz monitor to pair with my 1440p 144hz monitor, and was hoping to simplify stuff. I also wanted open up a second display for my work laptop which only has 1 HDMI port and no DP, so can only do a single monitor unless it is docked. Would also make it easier to disconnect the laptops when using em away from the monitor or when I go into the office once per week.
Sadly working the goverment they don't let us install software on the work laptop😢
Same here. Other option is KVM. Gets complicated
same here.
Is there any other similar switch that would work without software installing ?
@@Yordanov1990 I don't think KVM allows for multiple monitors tho (correct me if I'm wrong, not 100% sure about this)
Glad that I landed on this video, this is what I was looking for. Thank you, Ordering one now.
Thank you for considering Plugable!
Please reach out to support@Plugable.com for any questions or concerns.
Thanks,
what was your experience with it?
Would be great if something like this existed for Thunderbolt 3 or 4.
YES! Totally agree!
yessssss
This seems like a great trick. My only concern, however, is that if I use this with a gaming pc, connecting to the share switch through a usb port will not allow video output to run through a dedicated graphics card. In a perfect world, the share switch could allow the source (pc, laptop, gaming console, etc) to hook up to the share switch via hdmi/display port (outputs allowed via video card) and then run through a centralized docking station that can adequately display to multiple monitors while also supporting connectivity to all our peripherals (keyboard, mouse, webcam, etc). I do not suppose a share switch that supports hdmi inputs from sources has been created, has it?
Thanks for asking! You raise a common concern that the configuration demonstrated in this video is not applicable for (i.e., gaming). Ultimately, the solution you would be looking for is more of a traditional KVM switch, which isn't something Plugable offers at this time.
Drats this is my exact question/problem. :(
Please let me know if you find one!
Thank you for asking this question
I've thought of a workaround. Lots more cables involved and I'm not 100% certain if this works. What if you use a docking station, connect it to your work laptop, connect the same docking station to both monitors - via an alternative input source (VGA, Display Port, DVI / using a converter, etc.). Then have the HDMI/DisplayPort cables connected to your graphics cards on your desktop to your monitors at well. Now we have two sources connected to both screens. For example, 2 DisplayPort cables from Desktop GFX card to each monitor (2 cables) + HDMI from docking station that is connected to work laptop (2 cables from docking station to monitors, 1 cable from laptop to docking station). If you want to switch, you just switch the input source on each of the connected monitors. My only concern is that I'm not sure if the monitors will properly support two inputs from different sources as I have not tried this yet. For this to work, I think the first step is to determine your input options on the monitors. The more options there are the more flexibility you have with using a high definition source for your graphics cards i.e. DisplayPort and then a docking station that sends the HDMI signals from your connected work laptop. If anyone has the resources to test this out please let me/us know!
Awesome - I've been looking for one of these simple switches for way too long!
This looks like a great piece of kit. Are there any plans to release a Thunderbolt/USB-C version compatible with PD and DP Alt Mode?
Thanks for asking! We don't have concrete plans on releasing a USB-C switch that supports both PD and Alt Mode at this time. These kinds of switches that can toggle both PD and Alt Mode are possible create but are pretty techincally complex (as if cost is any indicator, the ones that do exist are very expensive).
@@Plugable This would be great! Heavy gaming with a desktop and laptop.....would be nice to have USB-C or Thunderbolt.
RIGHT!! ive been looking for a switch to use with my 3 laptops, and dual monitors, using thunderbolt, and i would think theres a lot of folks working from home now, and with the rise of the thunderbolt capabilities, this should be a no brainer - make it, shut up and take my money! lol, im tired of hot swapping cables.
@@Plugable Certainly would be tricky. As for cost, I'd be willing to pay towards double the price as docking two laptops via thunderbolt for power, display and peripherals requires two different docking stations currently if you don't want to manually swap them back and forth.
We have a Plugable thunderbolt 3 dock that we use for the home laptop and have to use a separate dell dock for the work laptop. To switch we have to go and cycle through the monitor's display and pull out separate mouse and keyboard. Pain.
The other issue is that there isn't an option for multi-gig Lan but that is a less complex fix than laptop switching.
@@curtisbme Thank you for reaching out! We hope to see a USB-C switch in the future.
Will using this method utilize my graphics card on my main PC?
Can you share a different brand docking station or does it need to be a Pluggable one? I have an HP docking station.
Thanks for asking! The answer depends on if your dock is a USB 3.0 dock, or a USB-C/Thunderbolt dock. We answer this in the FAQ section in this blog post: plugable.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-plugable-switch-kvm-options-for-sharing-two-displays-and-more-between-two-computers#block-9
In summary, we expect third-party USB 3.0 docks to work via our USB 3.0 switch (though we haven't tested all third-party docks so we cannot guarantee compatibility). Any USB-C or Thunderbolt dock on the other hand is not compatible with our USB 3.0 switch. I hope this helps clarify!
Hello, what about Linux support?
And what if I want to switch among 4 computers? Is there a KVM for 4 devices that could handle also the docking station?
Dreams do come true; this is amazing! Thank you!
I love this solution and this brings back life to my spare sharing switch. The problem is that when I plug in the dongle of my Microsoft mouse, the mouse movement is no that sensitive and is lagging. Anyway to sort that out? Thanks!
Thank you for reaching out!
We can help with this mouse issue!
Please contact us @ support@plugable.com for assistance!
Thanks!
Good evening, I have a laptop (for remote work) that connects to the docking station via USB type C and a desktop computer that connects to the screens through HDMI. How can I use my two monitors with either the laptop or desktop without changing my setup each time? Thank you.
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
To clarify, if you wished to use a USB3-SWITCH2 with your setup, you would need to connect all your monitors directly to a USB 3.0 dock, then swap the dock back and forth between your laptop and PC for this setup to work as expected. You would not connect any HDMI cables directly to the laptop or desktop.
Thank you!
Ryoma
WFM driver issues aside, I understand how this would work when using two computers with integrated graphics, but what if one of them has a graphics card with dedicated display outputs? Presumably you have to just run the machine without it?
Hello! Compatible systems with dedicated graphics cards can be paired with USB-C Alt Mode docks (such as our UD-ULTCDL or UD-CAM) to drive a monitor directly.
However our USB 3.0 docks will not be able to utilize a native graphics card, as DisplayLink USB graphics works by converting video data into USB data.
Thank you!
The instructions say to only use the cables provided, but could an adapter to USB-work? My new MacBook Pro doesn't have a regular USB(A) port.
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
If an adapter is needed to connect to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 port, we do provide our USBC-AF3 (plugable.com/products/usbc-af3) to allow for this compatibility.
Thank you!
Ryoma
God Bless you sure, I'm not even going to try to explain my setup but this is perfect. Also you guys should make a switch with 3 ports :)
Hi, I'm looking for a solution really, hoping this is the right one. I have a 2 monitor setup 1920x1080 with a 144hz refresh rate for my main pc for gaming. Also have a dell XPS laptop for work I used and would like just 1 solution without having to unplug them. Can I use this at 144hz refresh rate on my gaming PC and will it support displayport?
Thanks for asking. Unfortunately, our USB 3.0 DisplayLink-based docking stations only support refresh rates up to 60Hz. Additionally, we don't recommend our DisplayLInk-based docks for gaming, so this solution does not sound like a good fit. Sorry about that!
Hey, did you ever find a solution this? I'm currently running into the exact same issue.
@@zachshamroukh809 did you find a solution to that? Same issue...
I believe a lot of companies DO NOT allow installing external software such as the drivers on the work laptop for security purposes. Could this product work without software installation?
Thank you for reaching out!
Typically, Windows systems install the DisplayLink drivers from within Windows Updates.
However, there are cases where the DisplayLink driver isn't installed properly, and a manual installation is required.
On macOS, the DisplayLink Manager must be installed on the system, and special permissions are needed for the dock to work as expected.
Please feel free to reach out to us at support@plugable.com for more information.
@@Plugable as I don’t have admin access to install software on my work laptop, how can I find out if display link drivers are installed?
@@Oceanblue-yc1mb Thank you for reaching out! We can help more with this issue via our support team. Please reach out to Support@plugable.com for more information. Thank you!
This is what I was looking for!
Any plans to release a dock with a built-in Sharing Switch feature? That would be amazing! I currently have a Wavlink UG39DK1 from 2018 and thinking about how to switch from my work laptop to my personal pc without hassle.
Thank you for reaching out! Currently, Plugable doesn't have any docking stations that support switching. We may see this down the road. Please keep a lookout on our website or Twitter for product updates. Thanks!
I have a pretty locked down laptop for work and most likely cannot install your driver. Will the switch not work if it isn't installed?
Hi, Jill!
Thank you for reaching out to us! The USB3-SWITCH2 does not require any device drivers. However, whatever USB device is connected to the switch will require device drivers. If you're planning to use the switch with one of our USB 3.0 docking stations, you will need to install the DisplayLink software.
Your IT team can assist you with driver and software installation for USB devices connected to the switch and the DisplayLink software.
If you have any other questions, please reach out to us directly via support@plugable.com.
Would any USB 3.0 dock work for two monitors, laptop, and desktop?
We expect most USB 3.0 docking stations that uses DisplayLink USB graphics to work through our USB 3.0 Sharing Switch (USB3-SWITCH2), but we don't test with all third-party docks so we can't guarantee compatibility.
I run a gaming computer desktop with my wife's work laptop, does this switch lag at all? As running the HDMI cables through a USB 3.0 may not have the power that the feed directly from my video card supplies.
Does it support Dell d3100 dock
I got my work desktop and personal laptop all hooked up with Plugable and I have one issue. Due to space I have my laptop tucked away and I don't want it on all the time. So when I put it to sleep is there an easy way to wake it back up without having to dig back and crack it open to bring it back to life? Without a signal the switcher doesn't go to it to use the mouse or keyboard. Please help!!!
Thank you for reaching Out!
This is possible. You'll have to change some Windows settings to change the default behavior
1.Device Manger
2.Mice and Pointing Device
3.Right Click on the Mouse , select properties
4.Under the tab Power Management you will see the "Allow this device to wake up the computer " Check that , apply and save the setting .
Please reach out to support@Plugable.com for additional questions or concerns. Thanks!
@@Plugable Unfortunately the newest version of Windows doesn't give the the "Power Management" tab in properties anymore. I've tried a few tricks to get it to come up and nothing works. But this is a great idea! I will continue to see if I can figure this out. Thank you!
Hey thanks for all the information. Can you please tell how can I share a USB-C docking station between two computers using this? In this video, you showed only the USB 3.0 Hub connected to the device shown.
Thanks for asking. The answer depends on the specific video technology that the dock uses. If it is a USB-C dock that uses USB-C Alt Mode to drive video, then this would not be possible because converting to a USB-A connection means that the USB-C video signal is lost. If the USB-C dock uses DisplayLink USB graphics however, then conversion to USB-A would be possible. All that being said, other features such as USB-C Power Delivery would not be compatible through the USB 3.0 sharing switch. Please contact us at support@plugable.com with the specific model of the USB-C dock and we'd be glad to further clarify. Thanks!
This is the exact solution i was looking for! Thank you!!!
Be good if it had discrete extendable switch, rather than having to have the whole device with all those cables on desk. Also is it compatible with RGB peripherals?
I want to try this setup for my windown (work laptop) and Mac (personal) but my Mac book only has USB C and hdmi what would you recommend for that?
Thanks for asking. The same configuration shown in the video can still work, however you'll need a separate USB-C to USB-A adapter (such as our USBC-AF3: plugable.com/products/usbc-af3) for your Mac in order for the USB switch to connect to it. Please contact us at support@plugable.com if you have any additional questions.
I have a little different situation and was wondering if you have a recommended solution. I have a work laptop and a home laptop similar to yours (both are Dells). I have a single monitor (the monitor has HDMI and VGA connections) an external keyboard and an external mouse. So I want to have one laptop displayed on the monitor (along with using an external mouse and keyboard) and then at different times, I want to use & view the other laptop. Only one laptop will be viewed on the monitor at a time. Any thoughts on how to accomplish this?
When I download the Mac software manager and connect my macbook pro to it it only shows extended screens when open. When i close the lid to my macbook the screens turn off
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
To help diagnose the issue, simply send an email to support@plugable.com with the subject line of "Ticket 439491" so that we can prioritize that case and match it to this inquiry.
Thank you!
Ryoma
Hi there can this work with 3 monitors with different resolutions? 1080p, 1440p & 2160p?
As a tech noob, the diagrams was all I needed to understand what was going on so thank you!! Only problem is these r out of stock on amazon. Also I can’t download the thing you said as I have restrictions on my work laptop. Are there any ways around this?
Thanks for asking! Unfortunately, our USB 3.0 docks rely on the DisplayLink USB graphics driver in order to work properly, so work laptops with security/permission restrictions are not going to be a compatible fit. Sorry about that!
My concern as well. Totally useless if you can't download drivers on work laptops!!
Hi, I had a question about the function "auto input switch". This is turned on and when switching from the PC to the laptop, the screen switches to the laptop instantly. But when I would like to switch from the laptop to a the PC it won't automatically do it. I have to pres the screen button and switch manual to my DP. Do you maybe know what the solution is for this problem?
Thank you for contacting Plugable! We would expect the USB3-SWITCH2 to switch smoothly from either host.
To help diagnose the issue, simply send an email to support@plugable.com with the subject line of "Ticket 443734" so that we can prioritize that case and match it to this inquiry.
Thank you!
Ryoma
Hey fantastic walkthrough on the docking station between two computers! Just wondering, what model table is that?
It looks very professional and well built =)
this is perfect for what I need. Thanks
In the future, I hope you come out with a Thunderbolt 4 version of this dock.
This is awesome. I have two macbooks with two peripheral 4k displays. I noticed there is only one HDMI port. Will I get that same display quality when using the plugable DS and also the switching device?
Thanks for asking! For two 4K displays, you'd want to to consider a dock like our UD-6950H (plugable.com/products/ud-6950h), which supports two HDMI or DP 4K 60Hz monitors. Please contact us at support@plugable.com for any additional questions or concerns. Thanks!
Hi Plugable, I have a similar setup with a Probox docking station and KCEVE USB 3.0 Switch. Many times, the video will freeze and then go blank for a few seconds. Does your Plugable switch and docking station run into similar issues? Any limitations in regards to compatible video cards, etc?
What's the difference between UD-3900Z and UD-6950Z in your description? Since the UD-6950Z costs more, is it better in some way?
Hello there, thanks for reaching out! The major difference is that the UD-6950Z supports resolutions up to 4K. We have a comparison tool on our website that also shows differences (if any). For these two in particular here is a direct link to the comparison: plugable.com/pages/compare-docks?compare=ud-3900pdz,ud-6950pdz Hope this helps!
Is there one for Mac books
Hi! Thanks for reaching out to us! You can use the USB3-SWITCH2 with two MacBooks. You'll need the Plugable USBC-AF3 USB-C to USB-3.0 adapter connected to each MacBook in order to use the switch. You will also need a USB 3.0 docking station such as the UD-3900H, UD-6950Z, or the UD-6950H. We have an article on our blog that shows you how to connect the switch to a dock and two computers: plugable.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-plugable-switch-kvm-options-for-sharing-two-displays-and-more-between-two-computers. You can contact us directly via support@plugable.com if you have any other questions.
I don't suppose you have any plans or have already built one for x4 PC's? It's for three really, but four would be great!
Thanks for reaching out!
We currently don't have a Sharing Switch that would support 4x computers.
You may want to look at a traditional KVM Switch.
Thanks!
Is there anything like tesmart dual hdmi monitor where in a Ziff one can use both PCs on both monitors and able to use two monitors for either the PCs using soft key switches...!?
Nice. Do you know if this will work on iMacs from 2017 27inch for three external monitors or is it limited to just two?
Thank you for reaching out! Our UD-6950PDZ would be a better option to drive three displays from your 2017 iMac. Please reach out to support@Plugable.com for more information. Thanks!
Can you still get the same hertz to your monitor? Like for example you have 240hz can u still get the same impact when u switch it?
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
To clarify, our docks only officially support up to 30Hz or 60Hz displays via the DisplayLink software, so we do not recommend using monitors with higher refresh rates.
Thank you!
Ryoma
Nicely explained.. just a query..
I have got mac mini and pc both. I am looking for a docking station can be used with both. Currently, i have to remove cables from docking station to use monitors with mac.
Pls suggest.
Hello Sandeep! You'll want head over to plugable.com/pages/support with the models of your computers and monitors. Our product experts would be happy to provide a recommendation for your setup. Do note that some stock may not be available at this time.
Normally docks can also charge your laptop. In this case, does it still charge your laptop or do you need a separate charging cable for your laptop?
Thank you for reaching out! Our USB 3.0 docking stations do not support the charging of the laptop. In this case, your original charger must be connected when using a USB 3.0 dock/USB Switch. Please feel free to reach out directly to Support@plugable.com with any other questions. Thanks!
Im concern about the input lag/latency as of i use my desktop for gaming
Our USB 3.0 docking stations use DisplayLink USB graphics technology to drive additional displays. DisplayLink works well for general office or productivity use, but we wouldn't recommend it for more graphics intensive tasks like gaming. If you're looking to use your desktop computer for gaming, I'm afraid this solution wouldn't be a good fit.
Hi - I have an office Laptop Dell which is connected to monitors via Dell docking station using USB C. I would like to use my surface pro having mini display and USB port through a switch so that I can change the display on monitor (and use it for personal work) from Dell Laptop to Surface pro by using a switch as shown in the video above. Only challenge is I cannot install anything on my office laptop. Can you please suggest the right pluggable for this usage?
Hello Vivek, thanks for reaching out! This is a fairly complex setup it sounds like. I would suggest reaching out to our Product Owners at plugable.com/pages/support with your computer models, monitor models, and the description you left here so they can give you an accurate recommendation (if there is one we can offer) for your setup. Do note, our USB 3.0 Switch is currently out of stock so this kind of setup may not be possible presently. I hope this helps!
Hello, is there a way of simultaneously keeping the pc and multiple laptops connected and usable together?
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
While it is possible to swap between two computers with the USB3-SWITCH2 as shown in the video, this is not a true KVM setup that allows for 3 or more hosts.
For cases like these, we usually recommend using a KVM switch specifically.
Thank you!
Ryoma
Do you guys have any solutions for using dual screen monitors and switching the monitors between a Mac mini and pc
Hello there, thanks for reaching out! We do have devices that will allow for dual screens on Mac systems, and have a USB3-SWITCH2 that may allow for switching between systems. We would recommend reaching out to our support team at support@plugable.com for more information and possibly a recommendation based on your setup.
I have two dell laptops both with USB-C Chargers. With a setup like this can both laptops be charged when it is not the selected device for monitor and peripherals, or would they need to have their own chargers plugged in as well?
Thanks for asking! Our USB 3.0 sharing switch doesn't charge the connected laptops, so you would need to keep the USB-C power adapters connected to each laptop separately. I hope this helps clarify.
Can you please help me. I never used a desktop or lab top so bare with me, please. Im currently using a desk top and lab top but I want to be able to use both at the same time. How do I drag over my work from my lab top onto my desktop so that I can work from both at the same time as I’m taking calls? Im so sorry if I sound dumb. Hopefully you can understand what I’m asking of you. Thank you!
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
While you will not be able to directly drag files between your computer and laptop, you can either use a USB drive, network file transfer, or a cloud storage service (such as Dropbox or Google Drive) to transfer files between computers.
Thank you!
-Ryoma
Hello, Could I only use my ''tower'' keyboard and mouse for both laptop and tower? As I don't like my laptop keyboard. Thank you,
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
Yes, our USB3-SWITCH is compatible with USB keyboards and mice to allow them to swap back and forth between computers.
Thank you!
Ryoma
So, I already have a dock compatible with DisplayList, and on this dock I have two monitors connected. Every time i need to change from one computer to another I have to unplug from my macbook and connect to my pc. Using this switch will I be able to do it with one click or I need the docking station from Plugable as well to make it work?
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
Based on your specifications, I would normally recommend our USB3-SWITCH2 to swap a USB 3.0 docking station between computers, but we are unfortunately out of stock at this time, so you would need to either source a 3rd party USB 3.0 switch, or continue to manually swap the dock between computers.
Thank you!
Ryoma
Does this switch work with an OWC Thunderbolt 3 dock? I'd like to switch between my work laptop (macbook pro) and my personal Mac Mini. It would be great to use this switch to between my work and personal devices.
The Plugable USB 3.0 Sharing Switch (USB3-SWITCH2) shown in the video is compatible with USB 3.0 devices only. Thunderbolt devices are NOT compatible with the USB3-SWITCH2. Please reach out to us directly via --> plugable.com/pages/support if you have any additional questions.
On a desktop computer which USB is the output USB to connect it to the switch if I don't have an USB-C? tnx
Thanks for asking! To clarify, a desktop computer would connect to the input of the USB 3.0 switch, using the included USB-B to USB-A cable. USB-C is not required with this configuration. I'd recommend you to refer to the following blog post which goes into great detail about the connection details: plugable.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-plugable-switch-kvm-options-for-sharing-two-displays-and-more-between-two-computers
The problem understood: One monitor and inputs setup with a work laptop and home computer. The solution is not great: why does it need another component and can't this be integrated into the switch? Lacks USB-C functionality (charge+data) for the laptop
You cannot believe how long I've been looking for a solution for exactly the problem you describe. I have a home desktop but work laptop. I want to be able to take the laptop home, plug it in and have it connect to all my peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor (s), speakers, printer, ethernet, external HDD) while also charging the laptop.
It sounds like a lot to ask, but surely in the age of thunderbolt and USB C this should be possible.
With more and more people working from home there surely is a market.
Can we use two of these LG UltraFine 5K Display with the Mac 24 M1?
Thank you for reaching out to Plugable support!
The M1 series Macs (2x MacMini) only support a single external display per Apple specifications due to limitations with the M1 graphics. Two Thunderbolt monitors will not be possible with any Thunderbolt 3 docking station/cable with these first-generation M1 systems. Please reach out to support@plugable.com for a recommendation.
You might want to consider a USB-C graphics adapter such as a Plugable USBC-6950U adapter: plugable.com/products/usbc-6950u.
This adapter would allow you to drive up to two HDMI or DisplayPort displays via a single USB-C connection to your M1 Mac and function great for general office or productivity use.
Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Omar D.
Plugable Technologies
Hello, I'd like to buy this Plugable Sharing Switch, but here in brazil, i have no clue where i can buy it.
Hey, i just want to ask. I have iPad Pro and Lenovo Legion 5. I have dock but i have to always reconnected the cabel to device the i am just working on. Do you think that these Switch can manage this problem? I have connected to my dock monitor, SSD, ethernet. Thank you
Thanks for asking! Our USB 3.0 sharing switch isn't compatible with USB-C or Thunderbolt devices I'm afraid, so our switch would not be a good fit in this case. We speak more about compatibility in the following blog post: plugable.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-plugable-switch-kvm-options-for-sharing-two-displays-and-more-between-two-computers
Hi, Which model is your HP monitor? Also, very informative thank you.
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
We believe the monitors featured in this video are HP 24mh displays, but please note that we are not 100% sure as we have moved equipment around in our office over the last 3 years.
Thank you!
-Ryoma
Can I leave the laptop charging in the UD-6950PDZ and use this to switch between laptop and desktop without loosing any speeds in ports or image quality in the monitors?
Hi, thank you for asking, the UD-6950PDZ requires a direct connection from the docking station to a compatible host computer to function properly and when connected through a USB 3.0 sharing switch the docking station's "Display 1" output port-pair and charging capability will both be non-functional. Both of these features rely on USB-C specific features ( USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode and USB-C Power Delivery respectively ) which are not supported with USB Standard-A ports/cables.
I am sorry, for the UD-6950PDZ to be fully functional and to charge the connected notebook computer it must be connected directly to the computer using the original USB-C cable provided with the docking station.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact our support team via email at 'support@plugable.com' and we can further discuss the setup and try to find a solution to easily swap the docking station between the two computers.
Thank you,
out of stock on Amazon. Any news on when it will be in stock again? Thank you!
Hi Plugable, does the sharing switch work with the usb-ctriple 4k hdmi displayport display horizontal docking station? UD-6950PDZ? Thanks in advance.
Thanks for asking! Our USB 3.0 sharing switch is not compatible with docks such as our UD-6950PDZ, as USB-C features such as Alt Mode video and Power Delivery are not supported over the USB-A connection on the USB 3.0 switch. Sorry about that!
This is what I'm looking for, however I need to mount it back behind and below my desk. This means I can't reach the button on the device. Does this switch have a keyboard shortcut or something like that to trigger the switching?
In order to switch between the two host computers, you must push the physical button located on top of the Plugable USB 3.0 Sharing Switch. It is not possible to trigger the switch via any other method. Please reach out to us directly via support@plugable.com if you have any additional questions.
When you suggest to eject the HDD's, is that what you are suggesting when using the Plugable Sharing Switch or is that with any device such as this?
Thanks for asking! If a storage device is connected to either the Plugable USB 3.0 Sharing Switch or a USB 3.0 dock (connected to the switch), then please make sure to safely eject the storage device before pressing the toggle button the switch.
Hello, I have a Dell D3100 docking station which works with USB 3.0 for both of my laptops. Will the switch work with the docking station?
The Dell D3100 dock is a USB 3.0 dock that uses DisplayLink technology (such as our UD-3900Z shown in the video), so while we can't guarantee compatibility, we'd expect this to work assuming both laptops support USB 3.0.
Hi, I have the UD-3900H. will the switch with this model? Thanks
Thank you for your question. Yes, the USB3-SWITCH2 does work with the UD-3900H. Please note that the DisplayLink drivers must be installed on both systems for the UD-3900H. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly at support@plugable.com
Is there a USB-C version planned? Especially one that routes power would be interesting, since most Computer monitors only have one USB-C output.
Thank you for reaching out! We hope to see a USB-C Switching adapter in Plugable's future lineup.
The ud-3900z docking station is out of stock is there an alternate model? I have two computers need single dock with shared monitors
Hello,
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
While we do provide alternative docks to the UD-3900Z (such as the UD-3900 and UD-3900H), USB3-SWITCH2 production has unfortunately been hit hard by the global chipset shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is no clear timeline for restocking at this time with any of our distributors.
Sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news, but hopefully this information was helpful.
-Ryoma
Plugable Technologies
My PC is old and doesn't have USB C. Is there any recommended adapter for going from regular USB to USB C?
Thanks for asking! Our Plugable USB 3.0 sharing switch (USB3-SWITCH2) doesn't connect via USB-C, so an adapter isn't necessary. As long as your PC has a USB 3.0 port, this configuration can work!
Can I plug my gaming PC and the docking station at the same time
Hello, I do like the idea, but do you have a switch that can handle more that just two devices as I have about 8 devices that I need to switch between and two of them are Laptops.
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
While we are always working on new products, we do not currently produce a USB switch that supports up to 8 devices at this time.
Sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news, but hopefully this information was helpful.
-Ryoma
This is the exsact set up I need, I have a PC tower and a laptop I need to switch between. I cant see what the docking station + sharing switch plugs into in the PC tower? What kind of port does it use. How can I be sure it will be compatable with my PC tower?
Thank you for reaching out! This configuration should be compatible with any PC that supports USB-A 3.0. Feel free to reach out to support@plugable.com for a recommendation. Thanks!
Hello. Like this product. However, just have one question. I have two desktop computers at home sharing dual monitors through KVM Switch. One desktop with USB 2.0 and the other one with USB 3.0. Company laptop is Dell i7 Vostro. If I would like to share the company laptop to dual monitors as well, does Plugable Sharing Switch works in this situation? If not, any recommendation?
Thanks for asking! Unfortunately, our Plugable USB 3.0 sharing switch only supports switching between two computers, so it wouldn't be a good fit in your scenario. We don't offer a switches that support three computers. Sorry about that!
Looking for a similar USB C solution that would charge the laptop. Any suggestion?
We don't sell a USB-C switch equivalent, but to help point you in the right direction, you may want to look into "USB-C KVM switches". Sorry about that!
Hey pluggable, any solution for thunderbolt? Running 4 screens off a single docking station. Would love to be able to swtich to another pc
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
While we are always working on new products, Plugable currently does not offer a USB-C/Thunderbolt "A/B" switch that allows for a USB-C device (supporting USB-C DP video) to be toggled between computers.
Sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news, but hopefully this information was helpful.
Ryoma
Just wondering if this would work with my windows pc(not laptop) and MacBook Pro? Please note that’s my pc have hdmi and display port for video output whereas my MacBook have usb c for power and display
Unfortunately, this would not work with modern MacBooks as they only have USB-C and this device is strictly USB-A 3.0.
what are you using to connect the docking and plugable device ? usb-a to usb-a cable?
Thank you for reaching out! The UD-3900Z docking station is connected to our USB Sharing switch via a USB-B to USB-A cable. Please reach out to Support@Plugable.com for more information! Thanks!
Thanks for the video. I currently have a plugable usb 3.0 docking station which I use b/w my office windows laptop and my personal Mac M1 air. I have an external monitor and usb wireless mouse keyboard attached to the dock which is working fine with the setup. I manually remove the usb cable to switch the peripheral devices b/w my laptops. If i get this usb 3.0 sharing switch for this config I have, would it work in switching b/w a mac m1 and windows laptop?
Thanks for asking -- yes, our USB 3.0 sharing switch would work great in your scenario! Unfortunately however, we are currently out of stock of our USB 3.0 switch. We hope to be back in stock by the end of year, sorry about that!
I purchased it, and installed it to use my laptop with usb C port, also the all in one computer , the side of the all in one computer was not working, is any solution of it, my AIO is a DELL inspiron 7700, any idea how to fix it or recommendation?
Sorry to hear! Please contact us at support@plugable.com and we'd be happy to help investigate what could be going wrong. Thanks!
Does this work for macbook air and windows laptop hybrid setup as well?
Hello there, thanks for reaching out. Provided both are USB 3.0 systems, there should not be any issue. If our switch is used with USB-C systems/devices, some functionality will not work such as power delivery. If you have any other questions regarding the switch we would recommend reaching out to our product experts at plugable.com/pages/support We hope this helps!
If using this with the UD 6950z will plugging in speakers to the docking station via 3.5 mm jack also switch the speaker output from the "work" to "home" computer and vice-versa?
The short answer to your question is 'yes'.
To expand further, the Plugable USB 3.0 Sharing Switch (USB3-SWITCH2) will allow you to share one USB 3.0 device with two different computers. When the Plugable UD-6950Z docking station is connected to the USB3-SWITCH2 and is 'switched' between two computers, the net result is that all of the functions of the docking station are available. This includes the 3.5mm audio output jack on the front of the UD-6950Z.
A quick important note, you may have to change the default audio output setting within the host computer's operating system after making the 'switch'. Please reach out to us directly via --> plugable.com/pages/support if you have any additional questions.
@Plugable Thanks! Does this set up require both computers to have USB 3.0?
@@DutchXDr Hi Dutch,
That is correct, both the USB3-SWITCH2 and UD-6950Z are USB 3.0-based devices, and will need compatible ports for full functionality.
Thank you!
-Ryoma
I now have Thinkpad T14 and Thinkpad pro docking station. Does this switcher work with my docking station to connect to a PC or Macbook?
Thank you for reaching out!
The Thinkpad Pro docking station cannot be used with our USB-Switch as it uses a proprietary connection to the host.
Our USB switch works best with simple USB devices like USB 3.0 docking stations, keyboards, mice, thumb drives, etc.
Please reach out to Support@Plugable.com for any additional questions or concerns.
Thanks!
Does this work with Lenovo ThinkPad mechanical docks?
what if you want to have these said capabilities but you also want to at times view your 2 laptops on individual displays? but then switch to one laptop 2 extended displays?
Thanks for asking! This USB 3.0 switch + dock configuration wouldn't support viewing your two laptops on individual displays at the same time. You would need to manually unplug and reconnect video cables to get this outcome. Sorry about that!
can this switch support charging capability of my dell docking station?
No, charging is not supported given this is a USB 3.0 switch. Laptop charging is only possible through a USB-C connection via USB-C Power Delivery. We speak more to common FAQs in the following blog post: plugable.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-plugable-switch-kvm-options-for-sharing-two-displays-and-more-between-two-computers
This is the perfect solution for me in terms of hardware. Unfortunately, I am unable to download external software on my work computer. Is there a way to use the hardware without the software? Thank you!
Unfortunately, this solution requires that the laptop is able to install the dock's DisplayLink driver. If you cannot download this driver, then I'm afraid this setup will not work. Sorry about that!
Do they have the type C variant of this? My docking station and my laptops are all type C
We do not currently have any USB-C Switch devices. However, we have seen an increase in interest in such a device so we have been discussing the potential for manufacturing such a switch (though no ETA as of yet).
Does this work with 2 macbooks? Instead of usb type A use type A to type C for the sharing switch?
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
We would expect this setup to work with two macOS laptops, but you would need to add a USB 3.0 Type A to Type C adapter (such as our USBC-AF3) to plug the device into the MacBook Thunderbolt ports.
Thank you!
Ryoma
Wow, great Video! thanks!
does it works for audio interface ?? i mean the external hardware which use a usb for a connection ?
Thank you for contacting Plugable!
To clarify, we would expect any USB 3.0 audio device to be compatible with the USB3-SWITCH2.
Ryoma
Plugable Technologies
Do you have a product that can connect 4 or more PC's with dual monitors? The exact same setup in the video but with 4 pc's
Hello Chuck, unfortunately we do not have a product that would function as you've outlined.
Can i connect my PC to the USB switch if it has a dedicated Nvidia GPU? Like will the provided USB cable that plugs into my motherboard be able to display onto the monitors? Im not concered about gsync and over 60hz capabilities. The PC is used for video editing and not gaming. Thanks.
Thank you for reaching out! Our USB Switch would allow you to connect a docking station to switch monitors. However, this USB switch would not support monitors without a docking station or USB Graphics adapter. Additionally, The USB graphics technology known as DisplayLink graphics is great for general office or productivity use, but we do not recommend DisplayLink for graphics-intensive tasks. Please feel free to reach out to support@Plugable.com for more information. Thanks!
Does it work under Archlinux?
Hello!
Thank you for reaching out!
Yes, our USB switch would have no issues with Linux OS.
Is this compatible with Ubuntu?
Probably yes but careful because you need drivers of displaylink and I had some troubles with it in linux. Basically you have to remove the secureboot from your BIOS if it's enabled. That was my solution
Can you use both with one monitor connected to the PC, while the other's connected to the work laptop?
Thanks for asking! This USB 3.0 switch + USB 3.0 dock configuration supports a single laptop connection at a time. It's not possible to share the devices and displays connected to the dock with your PC and work laptop concurrently. I hope this helps clarify.
Would this dock and switch combo allow me to run dual monitors on my m2 MacBook Air and my gaming pc?
Hello there, thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, this setup would not work. The MBA M2 is only equipped with USB-C / Thunderbolt ports and the switching device shown here is USB 3.0. Additionally, converting the USB 3.0 may produce unexpected results. We are discussing the possibility of a USB-C switch, but do not have an ETA at this time. Apologies we do not have better news in this regard.
@@Plugable thank you for clarifying! Much appreciated
@@63avtar You're very welcome!
Could you please tell me if it will work with dell 3100 docking station that I already have? So I could switch all gadgets connected to my docking station between 2 laptops
The Dell D3100 dock is a USB 3.0 dock that uses DisplayLink technology (such as our UD-3900Z shown in the video), so while we can't guarantee compatibility, we'd expect this to work assuming both laptops support USB 3.0.
@@Plugable cool, I got it, thank you