Hello ROG Community,
I recently purchased the ROG Swift OLED PG49WCD and use it as my primary display and docking station for two PCs: my private desktop PC (connected via DisplayPort for video and USB-B for USB data) and my company laptop (connected via USB-C for video and USB data).
My goal is to use the same set of peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc.) with whichever PC is currently active. The monitor does a great job of automatically detecting the active video input (DisplayPort for desktop, USB-C for laptop) and switching to it. However, I'm facing significant issues with the integrated KVM switch and its ability to automatically switch the USB peripheral connection.
My Core Problem:
The monitor does not automatically switch the USB input (and thus my peripherals) to the currently active video input. I constantly have to manually go into the monitor's OSD (On-Screen Display) and select the correct USB source (USB-B for desktop, USB-C for laptop) under the USB setup, even though the video signal has already switched automatically. This defeats the purpose of an integrated KVM switch and is quite inconvenient.
I understand that the KVM functionality, especially in "Smart KVM" mode, is intended to work seamlessly with automatic input switching.
Additional Concern: KVM vs. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR / G-SYNC Compatible)
During my troubleshooting, I've noticed a message in the OSD stating that Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) cannot be activated when Smart KVM is active. This is a major concern for me as a gamer. If I am forced to choose between convenient KVM auto-switching and the essential VRR feature for smooth, tear-free gaming, that's a significant drawback for a premium gaming monitor.
My ideal scenario is that the monitor automatically switches the USB peripherals based on the active video input without any manual intervention AND without sacrificing VRR functionality when I'm gaming on my desktop PC.
I understand that the monitor's KVM might be designed to work primarily with Picture-in-Picture (PIP) mode for simultaneous control of two systems. However, this is not my use case. I use only one PC at a time and simply want the peripherals to follow the active display input automatically and seamlessly.
My Questions to the Community & ASUS Support:
- Is there a specific setting in the OSD that I might be missing to enable truly automatic USB KVM switching based on the active video input (without needing PIP)? I've checked the "Smart KVM" setting, and it seems to be enabled.
- Is there a known firmware limitation causing the KVM to not auto-switch the USB input reliably?
- Is the conflict between KVM and VRR a known limitation that will potentially be addressed in a future firmware update? For a gaming monitor, VRR is crucial.
- How can I achieve genuinely automatic KVM switching with my current setup (single active PC at a time) without sacrificing VRR?
Any help, insights, or advice from other PG49WCD owners or ASUS representatives would be greatly appreciated. I believe this functionality is key for users with multi-PC setups who want a streamlined experience.
Thank you!
