Office & WFH · Head-to-head
TESmart HKS202-M24 Dual Monitor KVM Switch vs Level1Techs DisplayPort 1.4 KVM Switch (Dual Monitor, Four Computer)
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full Which KVM Switch Should You Buy? 6 Compared comparison.
The TESmart HKS202-M24 gives most two-desktop desks true dual 4K 144Hz switching with built-in EDID emulation at a mid-range price. Step up to the Level1Techs DisplayPort KVM when you run three or four machines or demand DisplayPort switching built for demanding peripherals.
TESmart HKS202-M24 Dual Monitor KVM Switch
Buy itDual 4K 144Hz HDMI 2.1 switching for two desktops, with the EDID smarts that cheap boxes lack.
- True dual-monitor HDMI 2.1 up to 4K 144Hz with VRR and HDR
- Built-in EDID emulation keeps windows and displays stable on switch
- Switch via front button, keyboard hotkeys, mouse wheel, or the included IR remote
- Only two computers supported
- Each PC needs two HDMI outputs plus a USB link for full dual-monitor use
Level1Techs DisplayPort 1.4 KVM Switch (Dual Monitor, Four Computer)
Buy itThe enthusiast DisplayPort pick: dual DP 1.4 up to 4K 120Hz, broad peripheral compatibility, and up to four machines.
- Handles up to four computers on two DisplayPort 1.4 displays
- Works with USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) peripherals and RGB gaming keyboards with built-in hubs
- Dual DisplayPort 1.4 up to 4K 120Hz per monitor, with DSC support
- Flagship price is overkill for a simple two-PC setup
- DisplayPort-only inputs mean HDMI gear needs adapters
- No monitor emulation, so windows can shuffle on switch unless you set the OS to remember window positions
Side by side
The 7 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| TESmart HKS202-M24 Dual Monitor KVM Switch Our pick | Level1Techs DisplayPort 1.4 KVM Switch (Dual Monitor, Four Computer) | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Two-desktop desks running dual HDMI monitors for both gaming and work. | Power users juggling three or four DisplayPort machines with demanding USB peripherals. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $$$$ · flagship |
| Video support | Dual HDMI 2.1, up to 4K 144Hz with VRR + HDR | Dual DisplayPort 1.4, up to 4K 120Hz |
| Connection type | HDMI 2.1 + USB-B per PC | DisplayPort 1.4 + USB per PC |
| Computers supported | 2 | Up to 4 |
| Dual-monitor & EDID | True dual-screen; built-in EDID emulation | True dual-screen; no monitor emulation |
| USB & peripherals | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) + Gigabit Ethernet sharing | USB 3.2 Gen1 (5Gbps) peripheral hub |
| Switching method | Button, hotkey, mouse wheel, IR remote | Front buttons, hotkey |
| Best use case | Two desktops on a dual-4K/high-refresh desk | Three to four DisplayPort machines |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the TESmart HKS202-M24 Dual Monitor KVM Switch if
two-desktop desks running dual HDMI monitors for both gaming and work.
Know before buying: only two computers supported.
Pick the Level1Techs DisplayPort 1.4 KVM Switch (Dual Monitor, Four Computer) if
power users juggling three or four DisplayPort machines with demanding USB peripherals.
Know before buying: flagship price is overkill for a simple two-PC setup.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the TESmart HKS202-M24 Dual Monitor KVM Switch - Dual 4K 144Hz HDMI 2.1 switching for two desktops, with the EDID smarts that cheap boxes lack. Choose the Level1Techs DisplayPort 1.4 KVM Switch (Dual Monitor, Four Computer) instead if power users juggling three or four DisplayPort machines with demanding USB peripherals.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete Which KVM Switch Should You Buy? 6 Compared.