Can I get a KVM switch for Thunderbolt Display to use between MacBook 2013 and M2 mac mini?

[KeepOnKeepinOn]

To elaborate on the title a little...

My main computer is an early 2013 MBP and even though I have had an M2 mac mini for some months for various reasons (mainly legacy software and wanting to do a spring clean of files), I'm currently unable to make the switch fully at this time but want to gradually transition over.

I have a separate magic keyboard for the mini but would like to use the same mouse between both systems.

Is there a KVM that will suit my needs? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

See Page 19 of this extensive thread on this topic. Fellow consumers are claiming success with a linked one from AliExpress, though it looks like it would be monitor only, not also including keyboard or mouse. But if keyboard & mouse are plugged into monitor ports (or a hub hooked to one of the monitor ports), that seems like it COULD do the trick you seek.

Else maybe it for monitor sharing and another USB-based KVM switch for keyboard and mouse.

 

[PaulD-UK]

Is it an A1407 Apple Thunderbolt Display?
That's TB 2, which AFAIK can't be KVM switched.

 

[KeepOnKeepinOn]

See Page 19 of this extensive thread on this topic. Fellow consumers are claiming success with a linked one from AliExpress, though it looks like it would be monitor only, not also including keyboard or mouse. But if keyboard & mouse are plugged into monitor ports (or a hub hooked to one of the monitor ports), that seems like it COULD do the trick you seek.

Else maybe it for monitor sharing and another USB-based KVM switch for keyboard and mouse.

Thanks for pointing me in that direction.

May post on that thread as I'm rocking the older Thunderbolt Display with TB 2 but I guess it means that I'll also need some adaptors. If it's from AliExpress and it works, that's cool in my book as I don't want to spend a lot on this gizmo.

 

[KeepOnKeepinOn]

Is it an A1407 Apple Thunderbolt Display?
That's TB 2, which AFAIK can't be KVM switched.

Oh, damn, is that true? Yeah, it is that model.

 

[PaulD-UK]

There is/was one for £618 and another £435.....

US7220 | 2-Port Thunderbolt™ 2 KVM Docking Station

Stylish, intuitive and designed with a wealth of functionality and convenience, the new US7220 Thunderbolt™ 2 KVM Docking Station from ATEN takes your Thunderbolt setup to the next level. As a dual-computer KVM docking station, it not only allows you to effortlessly share hardware resources and...

www.aten.com

Iogear Thunderbolt 2 KVM Docking Station Review

The Iogear Thunderbolt 2 KVM Docking Station lets you connect two Macs to a pair of monitors and other accessories like hard drives and drawing tablets. It's a useful, versatile tool for power users, but the convenience will cost you.

uk.pcmag.com

 

[KeepOnKeepinOn]

Wow - a minimum of 10x my budget.

Oh well, guess I'll be swapping the cables back & forth for some time yet!

 

[KeepOnKeepinOn]

Isn't TB 3 (or 4) backwards compatible with TB 2?

 

[joevt]

Isn't TB 3 (or 4) backwards compatible with TB 2?

Yes. Use the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter to connect Thunderbolt 1/2 devices to Thunderbolt 3/4 Macs or to connect Thunderbolt 3/4 devices to Thunderbolt 1/2 Macs.

Here's a Thunderbolt 4 KVM:
https://sabrent.com/products/sb-tb4k

My Thunderbolt 1 iMac 2013 can't detect a Thunderbolt 4 hub even if the Thunderbolt 4 hub is connected to a Thunderbolt 3 device. I tested this in High Sierra, Big Sur, and Ventura. The Thunderbolt 4 hub can work if it's connected before boot but downstream Thunderbolt devices connected to it are not hot pluggable which is what you need for a KVM. Apple could make it work but have zero incentive to do so.

 

[Intenost]

Wow - a minimum of 10x my budget.

Oh well, guess I'll be swapping the cables back & forth for some time yet!

I have the IOGear Thunderbolt 2 KVM Model GTD732 and have been using it for years with a 2013 Mac Pro (trashcan) and a more current Macbook Pro - both sharing a Thunderbolt Display.

I recently replaced my display with a Studio Display and the Mac Pro with a Mac Mini M2 and the IOGear isn't able to use the 5k resolution of the Studio Monitor, so I replaced the IOGear with what appears to be the only KVM option currently available that would allow me to share the Studio Monitor at full resolution across my two Macs, the Sabrent Thunderbolt 4 KVM, which, although the reviews seemed mixed, is working great so far.

As I'm no longer using the IOGear I'm happy to part with it for short money + shipping, and since I have some idea of your budget from your comment, I'm sure we can work something out if you're interested. I also have a couple of the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapters. You'll definitely need one to connect the Mac Mini, and possibly anything else you'd want to connect to the KVM via Thunderbolt. I no longer have the box the KVM came in or any documentation but I'm sure you can find what you need online, and it's easy to figure out, the ports are labeled clearly. Regarding sharing your mouse, there are three USB-A ports on the IOGear and you can plug a wired mouse or the wireless USB receiver into one of them.

Feel free to PM me if you want to pursue further. I'm in Massachusetts but happy to ship.