One USB-C Hub for a PC or Laptop?

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MikeAqua

7773 posts

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#299029 4-Aug-2022 09:51

So I'm trying to setup my home office so that I can use the same USB hub for two different PCs, both of which will be running windows 10 or 11.

HP laptop with USB-C output
Mini PC with USB-C output

Currently I have the laptop, which plugs into a USB-C. The HUB connects to power delivery, LAN, monitor, keyboard and mouse and the USB peripherals.

I want to add a PC for to enable me to use Fusion3609 which is CAD package that is free for non commercial users. I'm not able to install it on my laptop (edit supplied by work), which lacks the graphics chops anyway.

I haven't yet figured out what model of PC I will get but ideally it will be in mini PC or other compact form, so it can sit in a cabinet to the side of my desk, rather than take up space on or under the a desk.

In an ideal world there would be either: -

A USB-C switch that allows me to switch the connection to the USB hub between the two machines and that still delivers power to the laptop but not the new PC, which may have it's own power supply
A USB-C hub, that I can connect two PCs to (one requiring power delivery, the other not)

I'd really appreciate some advice on whether that is achievable. I found this, but not sure if it's going to do what I want.

Amazon.com: SABRENT 2-Port USB Type-C KVM Switch with 60 Watt Power Delivery Option (USB-KCPD) : Electronics

Mike

sadler

28 posts

Geek

#2980740 11-Oct-2022 19:08

Hey, did you ever find a solution for this? I'm finding myself heading towards needing a similar setup.

everettpsycho

614 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2980755 11-Oct-2022 20:19

So my set up achieves this but I opted to not use the USB c dock for the desktop. What I've done is plugged the laptop dock and desktop in to all monitors and just switch inputs when I need to change. For keyboard and mouse I have a basic USB switch that can change inputs by pushing a button, this is also plugged in to the dock and desktop.

It's not quite as seamless as a single cable in to each but once the wires are hidden it's not really noticeable and the only wire I change is the USB in to the laptop. Hasn't been an issue at all switching between devices since setting it up.

MikeAqua

7773 posts

Uber Geek

#2980840 12-Oct-2022 09:23

sadler:

Hey, did you ever find a solution for this? I'm finding myself heading towards needing a similar setup.

Not yet. I may just have to use one USB-C dock and use video and USB (mouse, keyboard etc) switches.

After reading Everett's post I realised that it's only really the laptop that needs the USB-C hub functionality.

Mike

timmmay

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#2981854 12-Oct-2022 10:07

A USB-C switch will do this (Amazon Link to a search). I have this USB-A UGreen switch which does a similar thing.

MikeAqua

7773 posts

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#2981921 12-Oct-2022 12:15

timmmay:

A USB-C switch will do this (Amazon Link to a search).

So that I understand: I could connect this between both computers and a USB hub, and then choose which machine has the upstream connection for the USB hub?

Mike

timmmay

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#2981933 12-Oct-2022 12:42

MikeAqua:

So that I understand: I could connect this between both computers and a USB hub, and then choose which machine has the upstream connection for the USB hub?

Yes, if you buy the right product. The way I use mine is I plug keyboard, mouse, and webcam into one side, both computers into the other side, I can choose which computer has use of the peripherals.

MikeAqua

7773 posts

Uber Geek

#2981959 12-Oct-2022 13:49

timmmay:

Yes, if you buy the right product. The way I use mine is I plug keyboard, mouse, and webcam into one side, both computers into the other side, I can choose which computer has use of the peripherals.

Do you think a USB-C type switch would maintain power supply to the laptop, while the peripherals are connected to the desktop (which will be powered from a wall socket) ?

I'm looking at the below as the sort of device I need, with my existing USB-C hub.

2-Port USB-C Gen 2 Sharing Switch with Power Pass-through - US3342, ATEN Peripheral Switches | ATEN Corporate Headquarters

Mike

Equinox IT

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timmmay

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#2981966 12-Oct-2022 14:20

When the switch is set to PC the laptop will be disconnected. You'd need a separate power supply, or a switch that always provides power to both ports - sounds a bit niche.

Geektastic

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#2993188 7-Nov-2022 16:46

Will a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 dock work? The ports and plugs are the same.