From time to time in computer setups coverage I come across a first-time Mac user, and their delight at having switched from Windows to Mac is often obvious. And that’s true of today’s M4 Pro Mac mini user, but they still need to work on a Windows laptop regularly. So they installed a Mac-Windows KVM switch in their setup to easily use the same peripherals with either machine with just the click of a button, as described and shown below.
New Mac owner loves Mac-Windows KVM switch between Windows laptop to M4 Pro Mac mini
This KVM switch lets you use the same monitor, keyboard and mouse with Mac and Windows machines. Supports DisplayPort 1.4 with 4 USB 3.0 Ports (3 USB-A + 1 USB-C), 8K@60Hz and 4K@240Hz display compatibility, plus other peripherals. Comes with two DP cables and two USB-A-to-USB-C cables.
- Use the same monitor, keyboard and mouse with Mac and Windows computers
- Supports other peripherals, too
- Supports high-resolution displays
- Not the highest DisplayPort bandwidth
Redditor FederalJob4644 (“FJ”), from Germany, showcased the new Mac mini setup in a post entitled, “First Time Mac Owner.” A longtime Windows user, FJ recently added a new Mac, calling the move the answer to a childhood wish.
“I work 100% in my home office (Windows laptop) and for my part-time studies I fulfilled a consumer wish from my childhood and bought a new Mac Mini with M4 Pro with 24GB RAM and 512GB SSD after my old Windows Tower PC, and I love it!” they gushed about the new M4 Pro Mac mini addition.
“I would like to get a backlight and a table plant and have also ordered a webcam (Logitech MX Brio),” they added. “I switch between Windows and Mac with a KVM switch from Ugreen.”
Windows laptop, M4 Pro Mac mini and Ugreen KVM switch
Photo: [email protected]
A discussion in the comments section provided plenty of useful information about using a KVM switch to go between Windows and Mac machines using the same peripherals, such as a mouse and keyboard. KVM stands for keyboard, video, mouse (but it’s better known as an abbreviation).
“I’ve never heard of a KVM switch, what’s it do?” asked a commenter.
“It’s the shit, I swear,” FJ replied. “Via the little black box (switch toggle) I’m able to switch the monitor, mouse and keyboard (K V M) between my Windows laptop und my Mac mini with just one click. So no more unplugging. I even connected my headset to the KVM switch. It’s making my life a lot easier working with two computers (Windows for work und Mac for private use).”
Another person wondered which bit in the photographs was which with the switch.
“Is that a KVM switch under the shelf?” asked a commenter. “Or is the Ugreen box the switch?”
“The big box under the shelf ist the KVM switch und the little black box is the Box is the trigger for the Switch,” FJ replied, using the German words “ist” for “is” and “und” for “and.”
Why use a separate KVM switch when your external display already has one?
Photo: [email protected]
But another alert commenter noticed FJ’s external display already has a KVM switch built in.
“Why are you using a separate KVM if the U4025QW has a built in KVM?” they asked.
“Didn‘t work for me with the USB connectors,” FJ replied. “The hotkey for switching didn’t work reliably.”
Question about Logitech peripherals and USB connectors
And other commenter wondered about the Logitech peripherals — keyboard and mouse — and how streamlined their wireless use can be.
“Do your peripherals require two Logi wireless USB connectors?” they asked. “I use one to connect to an MX mouse and an MX keyboard.”
“Yes, one USB connector each,” FJ replied.
But someone else provided a correction. “If they’re both Bolt receivers, you only need one. You can connect multiple devices to a single receiver,” they explained.
And when FJ asked, the commenter also thoroughly explained how to do it:
- Remove the device(s) from one of the receivers in Logi Options+. Then unplug the one that has nothing on it.
- Or just press and hold a different device switching key/button on the mouse or keyboard to pair it to the other receiver. (This option lets you use the input device’s original receiver on another device and use the Flow feature to move across the two devices without physically switching.)
- I’m Logi Options+, add a new device. Select the Bolt receiver that’s still plugged in, and press and hold the device switching key or button on the input device to put it in pairing mode. Logi Options+ will detect it and walk you through the rest.
And if you like the wallpaper showing on the display, you can get it from Basic Apple Guy.
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This KVM switch lets you use the same monitor, keyboard and mouse with Mac and Windows machines. Supports DisplayPort 1.4 with 4 USB 3.0 Ports (3 USB-A + 1 USB-C), 8K@60Hz and 4K@240Hz display compatibility, plus other peripherals. Comes with two DP cables and two USB-A-to-USB-C cables.
- Use the same monitor, keyboard and mouse with Mac and Windows computers
- Supports other peripherals, too
- Supports high-resolution displays
- Not the highest DisplayPort bandwidth
Computer, stand and KVM switch:
Display and light bar:
Input devices:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually suffice). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
