USB dock vs. KVM switch: There’s a much better method to broaden your PC’s abilities

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                                                                                                                                <span>Released</span> Sep 20, 2026, 7:30 PM EDT




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                                <div data-nosnippet>Since he got his very first smart device, the famous Nokia 6600, back in 2005, Goran ended up being consumed with innovation. This fixation had actually just worsened after he got his very first video gaming PC a number of months later on.

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USB docks and KVM switches are more like 2 various coins than 2 sides of the exact same coin. They can both update your desk setup, however they do it in rather various methods. Let me stroll you through their distinctions and, as somebody who utilizes both, assist you choose which one is best for your requirements (tip: they aren’t equally unique).

USB docks are everything about enhancing your computer system’s connection

They’re normally for laptop computers and portable PCs, however you can utilize them with desktops, too

USB docks, likewise referred to as USB docking stations or USB centers, included a lot of various ports, consisting of USB ports, video outputs (HDMI and DisplayPort in many cases), Ethernet ports, audio jacks, SD card readers, and more. Their primary function is to plug into among your computer system’s USB ports and turn that single port into a center bristling with connection choices.

<p>USB docks generally utilize a USB-C port for this, and they are available in 2 types. You've got less expensive docks that deal with USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports, which peak at 5Gb/s and 10Gb/s, respectively. On the other hand, you've got costlier designs that utilize Thunderbolt or USB4 connections. They tend to include more ports and more capable video outputs, given that Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and the majority of USB4 ports use 40Gb/s of bandwidth. The most pricey alternatives out there assistance Thunderbolt 5 and its beastly 80Gb/s bandwidth.</p>    


















                                                                                        <figure><picture><source media="(max-width: 1023px)" data-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/a-thunderbolt-4-dock-lying-on-a-table-with-a-thunderbolt-4-cable-resting-on-top-of-it.jpg?quality=82&strip=all"><img width="1650" height="794" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="A Thunderbolt 4 dock lying on a table with a Thunderbolt 4 cable resting on top of it." src="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/a-thunderbolt-4-dock-lying-on-a-table-with-a-thunderbolt-4-cable-resting-on-top-of-it.jpg?quality=82&strip=all" previous-src="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/a-thunderbolt-4-dock-lying-on-a-table-with-a-thunderbolt-4-cable-resting-on-top-of-it.jpg?quality=82&strip=all">
    </source></picture><small>Credit: Goran Damnjanovic/ How-To Geek</small></figure>

Some docks draw power from your PC to run themselves and any gadgets linked to them, however you’ve likewise got powered docks that plug into a wall outlet. These can power not just your laptop computer or portable PC, however likewise the gadgets plugged into them. I’ve got a powered Thunderbolt 4 dock that I charge my phone, mouse, earbuds, and other gadgets with, considering that it not just provides up to 90W to the linked PC however likewise consists of 2 Thunderbolt ports that provide up to 15W of power each.

<p>While USB centers are frequently coupled with laptop computers and portable PCs, absolutely nothing stops you from utilizing one with your desktop PC. I utilize my Thunderbolt docking station with a Mac mini. </p><div data-img-url="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/owc-thunderbolt-dock-copy.png?quality=82&strip=all" data-modal-id="single-image-modal" data-modal-container-id="single-image-modal-container" data-img-caption="" owc data-stnl-group-once="JcAVZbTbDk"> I likewise prepare to get another USB-C dock, an unpowered one <source media="(max-width: 480px)" data-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/owc-thunderbolt-dock-copy.png?quality=82&strip=all"> <source media="(max-width: 767px)" data-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/owc-thunderbolt-dock-copy.png?quality=82&strip=all"> <source media="(max-width: 1023px)" data-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/owc-thunderbolt-dock-copy.png?quality=82&strip=all"> <img width="420" height="420" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="nature news OWC Thunderbolt Dock." src="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/owc-thunderbolt-dock-copy.png?quality=82&strip=all" previous-src="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/owc-thunderbolt-dock-copy.png?quality=82&strip=all"> this time, and link it to my Windows desktop's 10Gb/s USB-C port because I require more USB ports, and I likewise desire a quickly available SD card slot that rests on my desk under the screen.    























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                                [<sourcemedia data-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/startech-4-usb-c-pcie-expansion-card.png?quality=82&strip=all"> <source media="(max-width: 1023px)" data-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/startech-4-usb-c-pcie-expansion-card.png?quality=82&strip=all"> <img width="1650" height="1100" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="nature news USB-C PCIe expansion card installed in a desktop with two USB-C cables plugged in" src="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/startech-4-usb-c-pcie-expansion-card.png?quality=82&strip=all" previous-src="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/startech-4-usb-c-pcie-expansion-card.png?quality=82&strip=all">
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OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock

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                        <p>The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock is among the couple of Thunderbolt docks with an integrated power supply, getting rid of the large external power brick without compromising connection. It provides Thunderbolt 4, USB-A and USB-C ports, 2.5 GbE Ethernet, HDMI, an SD card reader, and approximately 90W laptop computer charging, making it an outstanding option for any computer system with Thunderbolt connection.















Tower desktop PC owners aren't restricted to USB docks




















                                                                                        <figure><picture><img width="1650" height="1100" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="USB-C PCIe expansion card installed in a desktop with two USB-C cables plugged in" src="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/startech-4-usb-c-pcie-expansion-card.png?quality=82&strip=all" previous-src="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/startech-4-usb-c-pcie-expansion-card.png?quality=82&strip=all">
    </picture><small>Credit: StarTech</small></figure>

If you own a laptop computer, a portable PC, or a Mac desktop, you’re restricted to USB docking stations. If you own a tower desktop with a routine desktop motherboard, you can include more USB ports with a PCIe card or a USB adapter that links to your motherboard’s internal USB headers.

<p>The previous installs in a PCIe slot, with its ports resting on the rear panel of your case. The latter can either be installed on the rear panel or come as front-panel adapters you can set up in a 5.25-inch bay, if your case has one. They aren't as easy to set up as a routine USB dock, however they can be useful if you require more USB ports and do not have a totally free high-bandwidth USB port to plug a dock into. You'll simply require a totally free PCIe slot or USB header.</p>    A KVM switch serves a various function

One keyboard, one mouse, one display for numerous PCs

<source media="(max-width: 767px)" data-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/a-monitor-menu-showing-various-kvm-switch-related-options.jpg?quality=82&strip=all"> <source media="(max-width: 1023px)" data-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/a-monitor-menu-showing-various-kvm-switch-related-options.jpg?quality=82&strip=all"> <img width="1650" height="928" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="nature news A monitor menu showing various KVM switch-related options." src="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/a-monitor-menu-showing-various-kvm-switch-related-options.jpg?quality=82&strip=all" previous-src="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/a-monitor-menu-showing-various-kvm-switch-related-options.jpg?quality=82&strip=all">
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    </picture><small>Credit: UGREEN</small></figure>

On the other side of the street, you have KVM switches, which serve a various function. Rather of broadening your computer system’s connection choices, a KVM switch lets you utilize a single screen and a single set of peripherals with numerous computer systems. The name states everything: KVM represents keyboard, video, and mouse

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They usually include numerous sets of inputs( one set for each PC, generally several video inputs and USB ports

)and a single set of outputs for linking your screen(or numerous displays, if the KVM switch supports them), keyboard, and mouse. When whatever’s linked, there’s a single button you can push to change the display and peripherals from one PC to another. While you utilized to just discover standalone KVM switches, nowadays numerous displays included integrated KVM switches. A common setup consists of a number of USB ports for your keyboard and mouse, plus 2 methods to link your PCs. One PC links to the screen’s HDMI or DisplayPort input, in addition to a USB upstream cable television(usually USB-B)for the peripherals.

Credit: Goran Damnjanovic/ How-To Geek

The 2nd PC links through the screen’s USB-C port, which deals with both video and USB over a single cable television. To put it simply, if your display has an integrated KVM switch, you’ll plug one PC into the HDMI or DisplayPort input and utilize the USB-C port for the other, which suggests among the 2 computer systems needs to load a USB-C port with video assistance.

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UGREEN 8K@60Hz HDMI Displayport KVM Switch

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                        <p>The UGREEN KVM change lets 2 computer systems share 3 screens(2 DisplayPort and one HDMI), plus your keyboard, mouse, and other USB gadgets, through 4 USB </p><th scope="row"> 3.0 ports. It supports approximately 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz, so video gaming screens perform at complete refresh rate.















USB dock vs. KVM switch: What's the real distinction?

They serve various functions and can match each other

                                                                                        <figure><picture><source media="(max-width: 1023px)" data-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pmnsports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/localimages/a7308357.jpg?quality=82&strip=all">
    </source></picture><small>Credit: Patrick Campanale/ How-To Geek</small></figure>

While some KVM switches likewise feature audio ports and a couple of additional USB ports beyond the 2 peripheral ports you can utilize with both PCs, a KVM switch isn’t a replacement for a USB dock. Even a KVM switch with more than 2 USB ports can, at finest, supply your PC with a couple of additional USB ports and absolutely nothing else. At the end of the day, a KVM switch merely lets you utilize numerous computer systems with the very same screen (or screens) and the very same set of peripherals.

USB docks, on the other hand, plug into a single USB port and turn it into a connection center with a lot of additional ports. Because lots of modern-day laptop computers just have USB-C video outputs, they can’t link to most KVM switches without a dock or adapter, since a lot of KVM changes just come with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. A USB dock can plug into that USB-C port and let you link the laptop computer to any display or KVM switch, while likewise loading a lot of additional ports you can utilize as you please.

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<p>USB dock</p>    












<p>KVM switch</p>    



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<p>What it does</p>    





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<p>Includes ports</p>    

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<p>Shares peripherals</p>    

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<p>Links to</p>    





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<p>One computer system</p>    

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<p>2 or more computer systems</p>    

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<p>What you link to it</p>    





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<p>Screens, Ethernet, SD cards, USB gadgets, and more</p>    

</td>



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<p>Keyboard, mouse, display, in some cases audio and USB gadgets</p>    

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<p>Best for</p>    





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<p>Laptop computers and portable PCs</p>    

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<p>Individuals with numerous PCs</p>    

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Simply put, you do not need to restrict yourself to one or the other. If you require both, you can utilize them together and get the very best of both worlds. The dock lets you link your laptop computer to a KVM switch with a routine HDMI cable television, or to a screen with an integrated KVM switch with a USB-C cable television, while still providing you a lot of additional ports for peripherals, SD cards, speakers, Ethernet, and more.

I utilize both, and I’m never ever returning

While I ‘d handled to utilize my Windows desktop and Mac mini with a single screen and a single set of peripherals without a KVM switch (my mouse and keyboard both support Bluetooth), getting a display with one integrated truly streamlined my setup. Both my mouse’s cordless dongle and my keyboard’s cable television are now plugged into the display, and they amazingly change in between the 2 PCs with a couple of button presses. The only thing I still need to do is toggle my speakers in between wired and Bluetooth mode whenever I alter computer systems.

<p>I utilize a Thunderbolt docking station with the Mac mini, and I enjoy it. It's made the mini much more flexible than my desktop PC, considering that the dock features an SD card slot and several Thunderbolt ports I can utilize to charge my phone, mouse, cordless earbuds, and other gizmos. If you ask me, integrating a USB dock and a KVM switch is the method to go, and I'm never ever returning to my old desk setup.</p>    























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