StarTech P2AD122-KVM-SWITCH 2-Port 4K 60Hz DisplayPort KVM Switch

Overview

The StarTech P2AD122-KVM-SWITCH is a two-port DisplayPort KVM switch purpose-built for workstation environments where you need to share a single 4K display, keyboard, mouse, and USB peripherals across two computers — without sacrificing resolution, refresh rate, or USB throughput. It drives a single DisplayPort monitor at 3840×2160 60Hz via DisplayPort 1.2, which means every pixel renders at full 4K refresh — no dropped frames, no resolution fallback that plagues cheaper KVM implementations. If you're running dual-workstation edit bays, security operations desks, or developer setups where both machines need to share high-resolution display real estate, this is the model to evaluate.

Key Features

• 4K 60Hz DisplayPort 1.2 Output: Pushes 3840×2160 at 60Hz to the connected monitor — full-bandwidth 4K without the resolution or refresh-rate compromises common in budget KVM switches. Relevant anywhere color accuracy and motion clarity matter, such as video review workstations or dual-machine security analyst desks.
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) Host Interface: Each PC connects via USB 3.2 Gen 1 at up to 5Gbps — not USB 2.0 like many KVM switches in this class. That means USB 3.2 peripherals connected through the console ports retain high-speed data transfer capability when that PC has focus, rather than being throttled to 480Mbps.
• Four USB 2.0 + Two USB 3.2 Console Ports: The console side provides four USB 2.0 Type-A ports for keyboard, mouse, and accessories, plus two USB 3.2 Type-A ports for storage drives or other high-speed devices — six USB ports total, so peripheral sprawl at the desk stays manageable without a separate hub.
• EDID Management: Active EDID management prevents the connected computers from losing or resetting their display configuration when you switch between them. Without this, some applications reflow windows or reset resolution every time control switches — EDID management eliminates that nuisance in multi-application, multi-window workflows.
• HDCP 1.4 Support: Handles HDCP 1.4 copy protection passthrough, so DRM-protected content from streaming applications or Blu-ray playback won't produce a blank screen on either connected PC. Worth noting if the workstations run training content or licensed media playback.
• Analog Stereo + DisplayPort Audio: Provides both a 3.5mm stereo analog audio output and DisplayPort audio (2-channel on both paths). You can route audio to desktop speakers via the 3.5mm jack independently of the display signal — useful when the monitor doesn't have built-in speakers or when speakers are desk-mounted rather than display-mounted.
• Push-Button and Hotkey Switching: Switch control between PCs via the front-panel push button or keyboard hotkeys — no reaching for a remote, no software agent required on either host.
• Universal Power Input (100–240V AC): Ships with a 12V DC / 3A power supply rated for 100–240V AC input, so it works on North American and international power without an adapter. Draws 36W under load — plan for a standard outlet near the desk, as this unit requires external power rather than drawing from USB.

Integration and Compatibility

The P2AD122-KVM-SWITCH connects to host PCs via DisplayPort and USB 3.2 Gen 1 — both machines need available DisplayPort output and USB Type-A ports. The console DisplayPort output is compatible with any DisplayPort 1.2-capable monitor; adapters to HDMI or DVI are not included and may introduce resolution limitations. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 host interface is backward-compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 host ports, though throughput caps at the slower standard if the host port is USB 2.0. Operating temperature range is 0°C to 40°C, making it suitable for standard office and operations center environments — it is not rated for industrial or uncontrolled-temperature installations. For environments deploying multiple high-resolution workstation setups, pairing this with a quality KVM switch infrastructure reduces desk clutter and cable runs significantly. Buyers evaluating multi-monitor configurations should note this switch drives a single display per session — if your workflow requires two monitors simultaneously from either PC, a dual-head KVM variant is the correct direction. Explore the full StarTech connectivity line for dual-monitor and multi-port alternatives within the same product family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum resolution supported by the P2AD122-KVM-SWITCH?

A: The P2AD122-KVM-SWITCH supports a maximum resolution of 3840×2160 (4K UHD) at 60Hz via DisplayPort 1.2.

Q: Does the P2AD122-KVM-SWITCH require external power, or does it draw power from the host PCs?

A: It requires external power. The unit ships with a power supply rated at 12V DC / 3A (36W), with a universal AC input of 100–240V. A standard outlet near the desk is required.

Q: How many USB ports are available on the console side?

A: The console provides six USB ports total: four USB 2.0 Type-A ports and two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, plus a 3.5mm stereo audio jack and a DisplayPort output.

Q: Can I switch between computers using keyboard hotkeys, or do I need to use the physical button?

A: Both methods are supported. You can switch control between PCs using the front-panel push button or via keyboard hotkeys — no software installation required on either host.

Q: Does EDID management mean my windows won't rearrange when I switch between PCs?

A: Yes. The active EDID management in the P2AD122-KVM-SWITCH maintains the display profile for each connected PC even when that PC does not have active focus, preventing applications from reflowing windows or resetting resolution on switch.

Q: What is the warranty on the P2AD122-KVM-SWITCH?

A: StarTech provides a 2-year manufacturer warranty on the P2AD122-KVM-SWITCH.

Ted Perry

The spec that matters most day-to-day on the P2AD122-KVM-SWITCH is the EDID management — and it's the one most buyers overlook until they've already deployed a cheaper switch and watched their application windows rearrange every time they toggle between machines. At 3840×2160 60Hz over DisplayPort 1.2, this unit maintains a continuous display profile for both connected PCs, so the operating system on the inactive machine never sees a monitor disconnect event.

Technical Highlights:

• 4K 60Hz via DP 1.2: Full 3840×2160 at 60Hz — no resolution fallback, no refresh-rate reduction. The DisplayPort 1.2 bandwidth headroom handles this without compression artifacts.
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 at 5Gbps host interface: Both PC connections run at 5Gbps, meaning high-speed USB storage or capture devices attached to the console retain full throughput when active — not capped at USB 2.0's 480Mbps like older KVM designs.
• 6 console USB ports (4x USB 2.0 + 2x USB 3.2): Enough to handle keyboard, mouse, a USB headset, and a high-speed storage device simultaneously without a secondary hub on the desk.

Deployment Considerations:

• This unit drives a single DisplayPort monitor. If either workstation requires dual-display output, this model is not the correct fit — evaluate a dual-head KVM variant before purchasing.
• External power at 36W is required. The barrel power connector needs a live outlet at the desk — USB bus power is not an option here, so factor outlet availability into your desk layout before mounting or cable-managing.

The P2AD122-KVM-SWITCH fits cleanly in security operations centers and analyst workstations where two machines share one high-resolution display — particularly where EDID stability is non-negotiable for multi-window investigative software that doesn't tolerate monitor reconnect events mid-session.