KVM Switch for a Gaming PC and Laptop: 144 Hz, EDID and Gaming Mice – Buying Guide 2026

Gaming PC and work laptop on the same desk, but only one good monitor and one keyboard? Then you either keep swapping cables or you get a KVM switch. KVM stands for keyboard, video, mouse: one button press moves the monitor, keyboard, mouse and other USB devices from one computer to the other.

For gaming there are a few traps. Many cheap switches only do 4K at 60 Hz, some scramble your window layout, and with some your gaming mouse software stops working. This guide covers what to look for and which five devices were in stock on amazon.de.

Transparency: We have not tested these switches ourselves. All details come from VESA, HDMI Licensing, the manufacturers TESmart and UGREEN, and the verified amazon.de product pages (as of October 2026). We do not list prices because they change constantly.

Do you need a KVM switch at all?

Not always. Many monitors have two or more inputs. If both computers are cabled to the monitor, you change the picture in the monitor menu. Then all that is missing is switching the keyboard and mouse, and a plain USB switch does that (example below). It is the cheapest option, and the video signal goes straight to the monitor.

A real KVM switch is worth it if

• you want to switch everything with one button instead of using the monitor menu and a USB switch separately,
• your monitor has only one suitable input, for example only one DisplayPort for the full refresh rate,
• you want to share two monitors between two computers.

HDMI or DisplayPort?

A KVM switch handles either HDMI or DisplayPort, rarely both. Pick the connection that gives your monitor its highest refresh rate, and check that both computers have that output.

• HDMI 2.1 offers up to 48 Gbps according to HDMI Licensing. The Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable is designed for it.
• DisplayPort 1.4 uses the 32.4 Gbps link bandwidth introduced with DP 1.3, according to VESA. On top comes DSC 1.2, compression of up to 3:1 that VESA rates as visually lossless.

The version number alone says little, though. What counts is which resolution and refresh rate combination the manufacturer lists for the switch. An example from our picks: the UGREEN switch with HDMI 2.0 does 4K only at 60 Hz according to its listing, but 1440p at 144 Hz. That is enough for a 1440p 144 Hz monitor, not for 4K at 144 Hz.

Tip: Look up the resolution and refresh rate you actually use on your monitor, and find exactly that combination in the switch description.

VRR and G-Sync: the whole chain has to support it

Variable refresh rate (VRR, FreeSync, G-Sync) and HDR only work if the graphics card, switch, cables and monitor all support them. TESmart explicitly notes for its HDMI 2.1 switch that VRR, HDR and DSC only work when the entire signal chain supports them. If the switch does not list VRR, do not count on it.

EDID emulation: why your windows jump around

Through EDID, the monitor tells the computer which resolutions and refresh rates it supports. When a basic KVM switch moves to the other computer, the first computer "loses" the monitor. According to TESmart, this causes flicker, reset resolutions and shifted windows and desktop icons.

A switch with EDID emulation keeps presenting the monitor data to each computer. If you switch often, it saves you from tidying up every time. UGREEN openly states that the DP 1.4 switch below has no EDID emulation.

Gaming mouse and keyboard: emulation or pass-through

So that the computers do not have to detect the mouse and keyboard again after every switch, many KVM switches emulate a standard keyboard and mouse. According to TESmart, that has a downside: special functions and the maker software of a gaming mouse or keyboard may not work.

TESmart therefore offers a pass-through mode. The computer receives the real device descriptors, and the mouse and keyboard behave as if directly connected. In compatibility mode (legacy emulation), the manual says keyboard and mouse control software no longer works. Bluetooth keyboards and mice are not supported on the dedicated ports, according to TESmart.

For the UGREEN models below, the manufacturer lists no separate keyboard and mouse mode; the four USB 3.0 ports are switched as a whole.

If you configure your gaming mouse or keyboard with software, check how the switch passes USB devices through before you buy.

Cables, power and laptops

• Two cables per computer: Each computer needs one video cable and one USB cable to the switch. Without the USB cable, the keyboard and mouse do not work.
• Cables in the box? Often not. The UGREEN DP switch and the UGREEN HDMI 2.0 switch come without video cables; the UGREEN dual monitor switch with HDMI 2.1 includes four HDMI cables. High refresh rates need certified cables, see our HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort cable buying guide.
• Cable length: For 8K at 60 Hz, UGREEN specifies DP cables of 2 m at most for its DP switch.
• Power: USB-powered switches need an extra USB-C power adapter for hard drives or other power-hungry devices, according to UGREEN, and it is not included.
• Laptop with USB-C only: UGREEN recommends a USB-C to USB-A adapter for the USB cable. The picture still needs an HDMI or DisplayPort output, if necessary via USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode. More on that in the USB-C hub buying guide.
• Sleep mode: According to UGREEN, the DP switch does not switch while a computer is asleep.

Sharing two monitors

For two monitors you need a dual monitor switch, and each computer needs two video outputs. According to UGREEN, both monitors always show the same computer. Computer 1 on the left monitor and computer 2 on the right is not possible.

Five example models

The following devices were in stock on amazon.de when we checked, shipped by Amazon (October 2026). They are not test winners but examples for different setups. Details come from the manufacturers and the amazon.de product pages.

Example model

For 4K at high refresh rates: TESmart HKS201-Meister (HDMI 2.1)

HDMI 2.1 switch for two computers and one monitor, 48 Gbps according to the listing. It supports up to 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 60, 120 and 144 Hz, plus VRR, FVA and ALLM. Every input has EDID emulation. The keyboard and mouse ports offer pass-through and legacy emulation modes. You can switch with the button, IR remote, mouse wheel and custom hotkeys. Four USB 3.0 ports (3 × USB-A, 1 × USB-C) and an Ethernet port that gives both computers network access are included too.

Computers / monitors

2 / 1

Video

HDMI 2.1, 4K up to 144 Hz, 8K 60 Hz

EDID emulation

yes

Switching

button, remote, mouse wheel, hotkeys

Extras

Ethernet, pass-through mode, 4 × USB 3.0

Good for you if your gaming monitor has HDMI 2.1, you switch often and want to keep using your gaming mouse software.

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Example model

For DisplayPort monitors: UGREEN DP 1.4 KVM Switch

DisplayPort 1.4 switch for two computers and one monitor. According to the listing it handles up to 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 240 Hz, plus HDR. It adds four USB 3.0 ports (3 × USB-A, 1 × USB-C) with up to 5 Gbps. You switch with the button or desktop controller; UGREEN says hotkeys and EDID emulation are not supported. DP cables are not included.

Computers / monitors

2 / 1

Video

DisplayPort 1.4, 4K up to 240 Hz, 8K 60 Hz

EDID emulation

no

Switching

button, desktop controller

In the box

2 × USB-A to C cables, desktop controller, no DP cables

Good for you if your monitor only reaches its full refresh rate over DisplayPort and the occasional shifted window does not bother you.

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Example model

For two monitors: UGREEN HDMI 2.1 KVM Switch, 2 PCs 2 Monitors

Dual monitor switch for two computers with two HDMI outputs each. According to the listing it supports up to 8K at 60 Hz and is backward compatible down to 4K at 240, 144 and 120 Hz. It offers duplicate and extend modes, and you switch with the button or desktop controller. The box contains four HDMI 2.1 cables, two USB-A cables and a 12 V power adapter.

Computers / monitors

2 / 2

Video

HDMI 2.1, 4K up to 240 Hz, 8K 60 Hz

USB

4 × USB 3.0 (3 × A, 1 × C)

Switching

button, desktop controller

In the box

4 × HDMI 2.1, 2 × USB-A, 12 V/2 A power adapter

Good for you if you have two monitors and both computers have enough HDMI outputs.

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Example model

Budget pick for 1440p: UGREEN HDMI 2.0 KVM Switch

Simple HDMI switch for two computers and one monitor. According to the listing it does up to 4K at 60 Hz and 1440p at 144 Hz, plus VRR, G-Sync, FreeSync and HDR10+. Four USB 3.0 ports (3 × USB-A, 1 × USB-C), switching with the button or desktop controller. UGREEN also lists consoles such as the PS5 as compatible sources. HDMI cables are not included.

Computers / monitors

2 / 1

Video

HDMI 2.0, 4K 60 Hz, 1440p 144 Hz

Sync

VRR, G-Sync, FreeSync per listing

USB

4 × USB 3.0

In the box

no HDMI cables

Good for you if you have a 1440p 144 Hz monitor or want to share one screen between a console and a PC.

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Example model

If your monitor already has two inputs: UGREEN USB Switch with remote

Not a KVM switch but a plain USB 3.0 switch: two computers share three USB-A ports and one USB-C port at up to 5 Gbps. You switch with the button or the included remote, and change the picture on the monitor itself. Two 1.5 m USB-A to A cables are included.

Computers

2

Video

none, picture via the monitor input

USB

3 × USB-A, 1 × USB-C, up to 5 Gbps

Switching

button, remote

In the box

2 × USB-A cables (1.5 m)

Good for you if both computers are already plugged into the monitor and you only want to move your keyboard, mouse and headset.

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Models compared

Model	Connection	Monitors	Max at 4K	EDID emulation	Best for
TESmart HKS201-Meister	HDMI 2.1	1	144 Hz	yes	4K gaming, frequent switching
UGREEN DP 1.4	DisplayPort 1.4	1	240 Hz	no	DP monitors
UGREEN HDMI 2.1 Dual	HDMI 2.1	2	240 Hz	not stated	two monitors
UGREEN HDMI 2.0	HDMI 2.0	1	60 Hz	not stated	1440p at 144 Hz, consoles
UGREEN USB Switch	USB only	–	–	–	monitor with two inputs

Checklist before you buy

• What resolution and refresh rate does your monitor use? The switch must list exactly that combination.
• Do both computers have the right output (HDMI or DisplayPort), and two each for two monitors?
• Do you need EDID emulation because you switch often?
• Do you use software for your gaming mouse or keyboard? Then look for pass-through.
• Are the cables included, and are they long enough?
• Does your monitor have two inputs? Then a USB switch may be enough. For a matching screen, see our gaming monitor buying guide.

FAQ

Does a KVM switch add input lag?

The manufacturers of our picks do not publish measurements, so we do not give a number. What matters more for smooth gaming is that the switch supports your refresh rate and VRR. Otherwise the monitor runs at fewer hertz than it could.

Can I connect a PS5 or Xbox to a KVM switch?

With HDMI, yes. UGREEN lists the PS5 as a compatible source for its HDMI 2.0 switch. Make sure the switch passes through the console's refresh rate; for 4K at 120 Hz you need a switch that explicitly lists that combination, such as one with HDMI 2.1.

Do wireless mice and headsets work through the switch?

Bluetooth devices pair directly with the computer, not with the switch, so they are not switched over. TESmart states that Bluetooth keyboards and mice are not supported on its dedicated ports.

Why do my windows move after switching?

The computer thinks the monitor was unplugged. A switch with EDID emulation prevents that; according to TESmart, resolution, windows and desktop icons then stay in place.

Is a KVM switch with USB 2.0 enough?

For a keyboard and mouse, yes. For external SSDs, webcams or audio interfaces, USB 3.0 with 5 Gbps makes more sense. All models above have USB 3.0.

Sources

As of October 2026. Product specs come from the manufacturers and the verified amazon.de product pages.

• VESA – DisplayPort Standard Version 1.4 (DSC 1.2, 32.4 Gbps since DP 1.3)
• HDMI Licensing – HDMI specification and Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable (48 Gbps)
• TESmart – HKS201-M24 HDMI 2.1 KVM switch (EDID, VRR, pass-through)
• TESmart Support – Keyboard and mouse emulation and pass-through mode explained
• UGREEN – DP 1.4 KVM switch 8K@60Hz for 2 PCs
• UGREEN – DisplayPort KVM Switch 2 PCs 1 Monitor (notes on EDID, cables, sleep mode)
• UGREEN – HDMI KVM Switch 2 Monitors 2 Computers