If you spend your days hopping between a work laptop and a gaming PC (or another desktop), constantly unplugging and plugging cables, a KVM switch can save you a lot of hassle. Instead of physically swapping cables, you just hit a button (or a hotkey) and switch which machine is driving your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals. That’s exactly what the TESmart Thunderbolt KVM Switch promises to deliver. tesmart.com
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What it Is & What’s in the Box
-The TESmart Thunderbolt KVM Switch lets you hook up two computers (for instance — a work laptop and a gaming desktop), and use a single monitor, keyboard, mouse, and shared peripherals, switching control between the two at the press of a button or hotkey.
-In the package you get: the KVM unit itself, KVM cables, a DisplayPort cable, a Thunderbolt 4 cable, a small IR remote control, a DC power adapter, and a user manual.
Credit: The-Gadgeteer.com
Design & Features
-The KVM’s chassis is a compact dark-grey slab, machined from what appears to be aluminum, with a solid build and weight. Dimensions are about 9″ wide, 5″ deep, and 1.75″ tall.
- Ports are thoughtfully laid out: front-facing high-speed USB ports (ideal for plugging in portable hard drives or dongles), and a variety of ports at the back for other peripherals such as webcams and mics. The machine connected via Thunderbolt (PC-1) also gets a downstream TB4 port — useful if you want to hook an SSD, dock, or another hub.
- Importantly, TESmart included EDID emulation: when you switch machines, each computer “remembers” the multi-monitor layout and immediately restores its proper desktop configuration — no windows jumping between screens, no rearranging icons.
Real-World Experience (Performance)
After using the switch for several weeks — with a mini-PC connected on one side, and a Thunderbolt-equipped gaming laptop on the other — the reviewer experienced zero issues, except for one limitation: the KVM maxes out at 60 FPS at native resolution (in their case, an ultrawide 3440 × 1440 monitor).
-For many users working or browsing or watching video, this is more than enough.
-But if you prefer higher refresh rates — like 120 Hz or more — or you run 4K/UHD screens, this is where the switch becomes a compromise. As the reviewer notes: for high-refresh “serious gamers,” the 60 Hz ceiling may feel limiting.
Pros and Cons
✅ What works well
-A generous number of USB ports, laid out in a sensible way.
-Switching between two computers is smooth and nearly instantaneous — no unplugging cables every time you switch tasks.
-Dual 4K@60 Hz output (for two monitors) or 2K screens will serve many workflows — perfect for typical productivity, creative work, and everyday gaming setups.
⚠️ Where it falls short
-No option for higher refresh rates on dual-monitor mode — a 60 Hz limit may disappoint high-refresh-rate gamers.
-The price is steep: this kind of convenience comes with a premium cost.
Verdict
If all you need is a reliable way to share one monitor, keyboard, mouse, and peripherals between two computers — for work, entertainment, or mixed-use — the TESmart Thunderbolt KVM Switch is a solid solution. It removes the annoyance of swapping cables, preserves multi-monitor layout with EDID emulation, and gives you a clean dual-computer setup with minimal fuss.
However — if your workflow or gaming demands high refresh rates (e.g. 120 Hz, 144 Hz, or more), or you’re running 4K or ultrawide high-resolution monitors and care about fluid frame rates, this device might feel limiting due to its 60 Hz cap.
In short: it’s excellent for dual-PC productivity, content creation, and general gaming — but not ideal for high-refresh competitive gaming or those who demand ultra-smooth motion on UHD/ultrawide screens.
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