REVIEW – Working from home often means managing more than one computer. Since my home office is a bit small and my desk only has room for one large monitor, I need to maximize space whenever possible. Being able to run multiple computers on my one large monitor makes everything a lot easier and that’s where a KVM switch comes in handy.
A KVM switch (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) is a device that allows multiple computers to share a keyboard, mouse, and monitor(s). This allows the user to switch between multiple computers using a single input device, reducing the need for multiple sets of peripheral devices. Newer units like the VisionTek VT2900 USB-C Dual System KVM I recently tested can do a whole lot more. These new KVMs can run multiple 4K monitors, provide power for up to two computers, and simultaneously charge mobile devices. KVMs like the VT2900 do cost more, with this unit coming in at $264.77, but if you fit the specific requirements for the device, it’s well worth the premium.
What is it?
The VisionTek VT2900 is a USB-C Dual System KVM Docking Station that allows a user to switch easily between two computers with a single mouse and keyboard, and up to three monitors depending on the setup. The VT2900 can deliver up to 100W of power to one computer with the included cables and deliver 100W to a second computer with an optional separate USB-C power adapter.
The VisionTek VT2900 arrives in simple colorful packaging that features photos of the unit as well as its available ports and functionality.
What’s in the box?
- VT2900 USB-C KVM Dock
- Power Adapter
- 2 x USB-C to USB-C Cables
- 3.5mm Wired Switch
- User Manual
Hardware specs
- Front Ports:
- 3.5mm Mic/Audio Combo Jack
- 2 x USB-C 5Gbps BC 1.2 Ports
- USB-A 5Gbps BC 1.2 Port
- PC1 Indicator LED
- PC2 Indicator LED
- Power / Switch Button
- Back Ports:
- DC Power Supply Port
- PC2 USB-C Upstream Port with Power Passthrough charging up to 100W
- PC1 USB-C Upstream Port
- 3.5mm Switching Port
- DisplayPort 1.4
- HDMI 2.0
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 2 x USB-A 5Gbps
- USB-C PD Port – PC-1
- Display Outputs Supported:
- Single Display Support:
- DisplayPort: Resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz (4K)
- HDMI: Resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz (4K)
- Dual Display Support:
- DisplayPort + HDMI: Resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 @ 30Hz (4K)
- Single Display Support:
- Compatible Operating Systems: Windows 11, Windows 10, and macOS 10.12 or later
- Dock to System Connection:
- USB-C
- Thunderbolt 3
- Thunderbolt 4
- Dimensions:
- Length: 7.28″ (185mm)
- Depth: 3.11″ (79mm)
- Height: 1.14″ (29mm)
- Weight: 8.8oz (250g)
- Compatible Devices:
- A system with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C (DP Alt Mode MST) for video or MacBook with USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C (DP Alt Mode SST) for video
- For USB-C charging, a system with a USB-C port that supports USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 is required
- Optional Additional Hardware:
- USB-C power adapter 5V/1A — 5V/20A for Power Passthrough to PC1
Design and features
The build quality of the VT2900 is solid and well-designed. The unit has a sleek, professional look, and the ports are easily accessible and clearly labeled.
The top of the unit has a single button that functions as both the power button and button for switching between computers.
An additional wired button is included to make switching between computers even easier if the unit isn’t readily accessible on your desktop.
The front of the VisionTek VT2900 has a 3.5mm audio port, two USB-C ports, and a USB-A port.
There are also two LED indicators to let the user know which PC is currently activated.
The back of the VT2900 has ten ports and connections for providing power, internet/LAN, and video. The ports include a power port for the docking station, two USB-C ports for connecting the unit to the source computers, a KVM switch port for the wired button, a DisplayPort and HDMI port that both support a maximum resolution of 4K at 60Hz, a Gigabit Ethernet port for internet connection, two USB-A 3.0 ports for devices, and third USB-C port for connecting an optional power source for passthrough power to PC1.
The right side of the VT2900 has a Kensington Lock slot for added security.
The bottom of the unit has a couple of rubberized feet to keep the VT2900 from sliding around on a desktop.
Power for the VT2900 and PC2 is provided by the included 130W – DC 24V/5.41A Power Adapter.
The VT2900 also comes with two USB-C to USB-C cables for connecting the two source computers.
The USB-A and USB-C ports on the front of the VT2900 have the ability to fast charge Apple devices up to 12W or charge up to 7W for non-Apple devices.
Setup
The VisionTek VT2900 requires very little setup. There aren’t any drivers that need to be installed, which makes setup much easier. The only real setup is connecting the VT2900 to the two computers, monitors, keyboard, and mouse along with any other peripherals that are needed.
Performance
The VT2900 performed really well in testing when connected to computers that exactly met its requirements. For instance, the unit worked perfectly when switching between my work Surface Book 2 and my personal 2022 Razer Blade 15. Both laptops are able to fully utilize their USB-C / Thunderbolt ports.
But when using the VT2900 to switch between the Surface Book 2 and my older 2017 Razer Blade Pro the keyboard and mouse would frequently act erratically and then completely stop working. This despite the fact that the specs for the Thunderbolt port on the 2017 Razer Blade match the requirements of the VT2900.
When the VT2900 is working though, it does an excellent job of quickly switching between the attached computers without too much signal delay. I found that the wired switch was a great addition to the unit since reaching behind my monitor to press the switch button on the unit would be inconvenient.
Overall, the VisionTek VT2900 USB-C Dual System KVM Docking Station is a good option for a convenient and versatile way to switch between two computers. With USB-C connectivity, dual 4K display outputs, power delivery and the option for power passthrough as well as a variety of peripheral ports, it offers a lot of functionality in a compact, easy-to-use package as long as you check compatibility with your specific system before purchasing.
What I like
- Easy to set up
- No software drivers required
- Wired switch is convenient for tight workspaces
What I’d change
- A separate power passthrough adaptor is needed to supply a second connected computer with 100W power delivery via USB-C
- Might not work with some older USB-C/Thunderbolt-enabled computers
- Two display input options might not be enough for some users
Final thoughts
The VisionTek VT2900 is a good KVM switch for users with specific hardware and needs. If the equipment you have fits the profile, like having the most recent Thunderbolt 4 ports, the ability to be powered by 100W via USB-C, a separate passthrough USB-C power adaptor, and the option to utilize USB-C Alt DP mode, then the VT2900 might be for you. At $264.87, the VT2900 is right in line with similar KVM devices and will prove an excellent addition to your workspace provided you meet its narrow hardware profile.
Price: $299.99
Where to buy: VisionTek and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by VisionTek.
