StarTech.com 2-Port Hybrid USB-C HDMI Cable KVM Switch, 4K 60Hz, Compact KVM with 6ft/1.8m USB-A/HDMI/Audio & 4ft/1.2m USB-C Integrated Host Cables, Bus Powered - Remote Push Button/Hotkey Switching

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

For £46.90 ex-VAT, this StarTech hybrid USB‑C/HDMI KVM is the sort of “just make it work” tool that earns its keep in small offices—especially if you’re switching between a laptop and a desktop (or two laptops) on the same monitor. The remote push button/hotkey switching is genuinely handy day-to-day, and the integrated host cables mean you don’t end up faffing around with a tangle of extra dongles. In my experience, the value here is less about fancy features and more about convenience: plug it in, switch, and get on with your day.

That said, I wouldn’t buy it for heavy, “IT-managed” device fleets or anyone who needs deep compatibility across odd USB devices. Hybrid/compact KVMs like this often live or die on your laptop’s USB‑C alt-mode behaviour and how reliably it enumerates when you switch—most of the time it’s fine, but there can be annoyances with audio/video sync or peripherals that are picky. If your goal is basic dual-host monitor sharing (and you’re not constantly hot-swapping flaky USB accessories), it’s a solid buy. If you need maximum robustness, long-term reliability across a wide range of laptops, or lots of USB peripheral switching beyond audio, look a tier up in KVMs or at least validate compatibility with your exact devices before committing.