Two-PC, Two-Display Workspace
With remote and hybrid work becoming standard, many professionals now work with two PCs at the same desk — typically a company-issued work laptop and a personal one. At the same time, productivity increasingly depends on:
Two external monitors for multitasking
Shared peripherals such as keyboard, mouse, webcam, headset, and storage
USB-C connectivity for video, data, and charging through a single cable
A clean, efficient desk setup that switches easily without constant cable swapping
This has made a dual-monitor USB-C KVM switch with docking features an attractive solution for modern home offices and professional workspaces.
Solutions: Dual-Monitor USB-C KVM Switch
iDock C20 Overview
The iDock C20 from AV Access, the iDock Series is designed as an all-in-one KVM switch docking station, focusing on everyday productivity and simplicity.
Here is the product brief: It connects two USB-C laptops, both via one USB-C cable. It supports two external monitors via HDMI and resolutions up to 4K@60Hz. It has a built-in 12-in-1 docking station you can share between two laptops (keyboard, mouse, storage, audio devices, etc.). It provides up to 60W USB-C charging for each laptop. It supports one-button switching for displays and peripherals.
Its design goal is clear: streamline dual-laptop, dual-monitor workflows with maximized connectivity and minimal cabling and setup.
Level1Techs USB-C KVM Switch
The Level1Techs dual-monitor USB-C KVM targets more basic functionality and compatibility with old-fashioned devices.
Here is the product brief: It connects two computers, each using a USB-C and a DisplayPort cable. It supports dual DisplayPort 1.4 outputs for resolutions up to 4K@120Hz or 8K@30Hz. There is 135W total USB-C power delivery for both PCs. It provides a few ports, like USB 2.0 ports, audio in/out ports to connect a microphone and a headphone.
This product emphasizes maximized compatibility and flexibility, even at the cost of complexity.
Read along for more details about these products and how you can choose between them. I will also refer to some other options at the end, in case you don’t find that they match.
Setup & Connections Explained
This chapter explains, with connection diagrams, how these two products work with your desk setup. It is important to understand if any of them really fit your current desk.
iDock C20 connection approach
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Each laptop connects using a single USB-C cable and is charged with 60W
Two monitors connect via HDMI outputs (up to 4K@60Hz/1440P@144Hz/1080P@240Hz)
All peripherals (USB devices, Ethernet, audio) connect directly to the dock
Switching is done via a front-panel button or an optional wired remote button
This setup minimizes cables and is especially convenient for most modern laptops that support MST. AV Access designed the iDock C20 for basic dual-laptop home office use. Instead of making it compatible with all types of desk setups, it made models like iDock C10 and iDock B10 dedicated to laptop & desktop combo setups, and iDock M10 for MacBook & desktop combo.
Level1Techs connection approach
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Each computer requires two cables: one USB-C cable and one DisplayPort cable
Two monitors connect via DisplayPort (support up to 8K@30Hz)
Power delivery and USB3 bandwidth can be manually configured
This design provides greater flexibility. You can connect two laptops, or one laptop and one desktop, and it will get two extended screens even if your computer’s video ports do not support MST (when your OS supports dual external screens). But you need to connect each computer via two cables, and for the desktop PC, if there is no USB-C video out port, you will need to get an adapter.
Product Comparisons: Pros and Cons
CategoryiDock C20Level1Techs Dual-Monitor USB-C KVMComputer Inputs2 × USB-C laptops2 × computers (USB-C + DisplayPort per device)Laptop Charging (PD)Up to 60W per laptop135W total, dynamically configurableMonitor Outputs2 × HDMI2 × DisplayPort 1.4Maximum ResolutionUp to 4K@60Hz1440p@144Hz1080p@240HzUp to 4K@120Hz or 8K@30Hz1440p@144HzDual-Monitor Support MethodUSB-C with MST (Windows)USB-C + DP per device (no MST required)Cabling ComplexityLow — one cable per laptopHigh — two cables per computerDocking Expansion12-in-1 dock: USB-A, USB-C, LAN, SD, audioLimited USB and audio portsEthernet (LAN)Yes (1GbE) — shared between laptopsNoUSB Expansion2 × USB 3.0 + 4 × USB 2.01 × USB 3.0 + 3 × USB 2.0EDID EmulationYesNoSwitching MethodFront panel button / optional wired remoteHardware buttonAdaptive Sync (G-Sync / FreeSync / VRR)Not supportedNot supportedmacOS CompatibilityMirror mode only; instead, it offers another dedicated option for MacBook (iDock M10)Full dual-display output as long as the PC supports multiple extended screensIncluded AccessoriesCore cables includedNo cables includedTypical PriceAround $260 USDAround $700 USD
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Key Takeaways from the Comparison
Level1Techs supports better display performance and flexibility, making it suitable for users who need computers with non-MST USB-C ports and need resolutions up to 4K@120Hz.
iDock C20 focuses on usability, integration, and value, combining KVM switching and full docking functionality into a single, easy-to-deploy device.
For most dual-laptop, dual-monitor office and home-office setups, iDock C20 offers a cleaner desk, simpler setup, smoother workflow (EDID emulation), and more complete peripheral support.
Summary: Which One Should You Choose?
Both products are well-engineered, but they clearly serve different users.
Choose Level1Techs if:
You need ultra-high refresh rates or 8K support
You work with non-MST systems and require maximum flexibility
You are comfortable with complex wiring and manual configuration
Budget is not a primary concern
Choose iDock C20 if:
You use two USB-C laptops (non-Mac) with dual monitors
You value a clean desk and simple, one-cable laptop connections
You want integrated docking features like Ethernet and USB expansion
Your primary focus is productivity, home office, or hybrid work
If you’re interested, the iDock Series, combining KVM switching and a docking station into a streamlined device, provides a broader range of models for multi-computer, multi-monitor workspaces. While Level1techs provides KVM switch models that connect up to 4 computers with features like mouse roaming and Series control.
Conclusion: Choose the Right KVM Switch
Choosing the right KVM switch is less about finding the most powerful product on paper and more about understanding how you actually work day to day. Budget, ease of setup, resolutions and refresh rates, peripheral connectivity, accessories provided, laptop power delivery, switching methods, and more — how you prioritize them?
The best KVM switch is the one that fits your devices, workspace, and workflow, and understanding your setup and real-world needs will lead to a wise decision! Good luck.
About AV Access
AV Access is the world’s leading provider of Pro AV, AV over IP, and wireless conference room solutions. Some of our outstanding products include HDMI encoder & decoder, wireless presentation and conferencing system, 4K PTZ camera, conference speakerphone, etc.
Are you a newbie? AV Access blog helps beginners get on board easily (visit our site and learn more).
