One of the extra fascinating merchandise that we’ve seen at CES 2023 is the Iogear GCMS1922 — a dual-port KVM change that makes an attempt to persuade you to pay $529.95 to attach a pair of 4K ShowPort computer systems utilizing a single keyboard and mouse. We’d remind you that you should utilize an current no-cost software program utility to save lots of your self that very same amount of cash.

You can nonetheless management a pair of laptops through a docking station by plugging in a Thunderbolt or USB-C cable into both pc. But the 2-Port 4K Dual View ShowPort Matrix KVMP, as Iogear calls it, is designed to have two PCs on the identical desk, with a pair of shows shared between them. The GCMS1922 contains each “extension mode” — spanning your PC’s output throughout two shows — in addition to matrix mode, which assigns one monitor to every show. Those are useful options.

The promoting level, although, is “crossover switching,” which lets you merely transfer your mouse between shows. In this mode, the GCMS1922 lets you management the left-hand PC on the left-hand show, routinely switching to regulate of the solely separate right-hand PC by shifting your mouse “across” the show. Why do that? In case you’ve gotten a piece laptop computer on one show, and a private laptop computer on the opposite.

Iogear

We’d remind you, nonetheless, that there are a selection of options already available in the market that may prevent substantial quantities of cash by selecting them as a substitute. In 2018, Microsoft debuted Mouse without Borders, a small utility app that not solely lets you do the identical factor (offered each computer systems might be accessed through Bluetooth or WiFi). Mouse with out Borders is now referred to as Microsoft Garage Mouse without Borders, nevertheless it’s nonetheless out there immediately from Microsoft. We admittedly haven’t used the app in a while, nevertheless it might do one thing Iogear’s KVM change couldn’t — copy data from one PC to the opposite. (Iogear executives say that characteristic is coming.)

Logitech additionally gives its Flow software that connects the older MX Master hardware in addition to the newest MX Master 3 mouse, although you’ll pay $100 or so for the privilege of devoted {hardware}.

Why purchase the Iogear GCMS1922? For one, as a result of your work PC may not enable unauthorized apps to be put in, or it may be hidden behind a VPN. Iogear’s KVM can even combine audio from each PCs over the identical headphone jack. Otherwise, nonetheless, at all times hold looking out at no cost options that may prevent from shelling out for devoted units.