Choosing a USB-C KVM switch for data-only peripheral sharing between two computers
The Cable Matters USB-C Switch is designed specifically for users who need to share USB-A and USB-C peripherals between two computers without video switching or host charging capabilities. This product targets a niche within the KVM market focused purely on data transfer at 10Gbps speeds, making it essential to understand its specific limitations and applications.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- This switch supports only data transfer—it cannot switch display signals or charge connected host computers, which distinguishes it from traditional KVMs.
- With 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C downstream ports, verify your peripheral mix matches this configuration, especially if you rely on newer USB-C accessories.
- The included remote control offers physical switching convenience, but consider your workspace setup to ensure the remote is accessible during use.
What Our Analysts Recommend
For data-only KVM switches, prioritize units with clear specifications about supported data transfer speeds—this model's 10Gbps rating is suitable for SSDs and fast storage devices. Check for explicit mentions of peripheral compatibility, particularly for keyboards with complex macros or printers that require persistent connections.
KVM Switches Market Context
Market Overview
The KVM switch market has fragmented into specialized segments, with data-only switches like this Cable Matters model emerging for users who need peripheral sharing without display management. USB-C implementations vary widely, with some offering power delivery and video support while others focus solely on data throughput.
Common Issues
Users frequently encounter compatibility problems with specific peripherals, especially gaming mice with high polling rates or external drives requiring consistent power. Another common complaint involves switches that claim to support certain speeds but experience significant throughput degradation when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.
Quality Indicators
Look for switches that specify chipset brands (though Cable Matters doesn't disclose theirs), include physical switching options alongside software control, and provide clear documentation about supported operating systems. Quality units typically maintain stable connections without requiring peripheral re-enumeration during switching.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B authenticity rating with 12% estimated fake reviews indicates generally reliable feedback, though shoppers should remain slightly cautious. The 4.10 adjusted rating (down from 4.33) suggests some review inflation exists but doesn't fundamentally distort the product's reception.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on the 13 verified purchase reviews among the 15 analyzed, as these carry higher credibility. Pay particular attention to reviews discussing specific use cases like sharing SSDs or printers between work and personal computers, as these demonstrate authentic testing scenarios.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Prioritize reviews that mention specific peripheral models tested, data transfer speed measurements, or detailed setup experiences. Be skeptical of overly vague praise about 'working perfectly' without technical details, as these may represent less helpful feedback.
Expert Perspective
This Cable Matters switch fills a specific niche for users who need high-speed data peripheral sharing without video capabilities—a configuration that reduces complexity and cost compared to full-featured KVMs. The 10Gbps specification is meaningful for SSD users but less critical for basic keyboard/mouse sharing. The remote control implementation adds physical convenience missing from many software-controlled alternatives, though the lack of host charging may require separate power solutions for laptops.
Purchase Considerations
Evaluate whether your workflow truly requires only data sharing—if you need to switch monitors between computers, this product won't suffice. Consider your peripheral power needs, as some bus-powered devices may behave differently when shared versus directly connected. The two-computer limitation is fixed, so future expansion would require a different solution.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare similar data-only switches from brands like UGREEN and Sabrent, paying attention to downstream port configurations and switching mechanisms.
