How to Set Up Apple Studio Display with ConnectPRO DisplayPort KVM Switches
The Apple Studio Display is a premium monitor with advanced features like a high-resolution Retina display, built-in camera, microphone, speakers, and a USB hub. Connecting such a feature-rich device to a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch, like the ConnectPRO UDP2-12AP DisplayPort KVM switch, requires careful configuration to ensure functionality and reliable performance.
This guide illustrates two different setup configurations—Setup A and Setup B—that allows the Apple Studio Display to work with ConnectPRO Advanced-DDM class KVM switches.
✅ Setup A: Share as a Display Only
Objective: Use the Apple Studio Display solely for video output (display only), without utilizing its camera, speakers, microphone, or USB hub.
Connection Method:
-
The Apple Studio Display is connected to the KVM switch’s DisplayPort port via a CAC-1557 thunderbolt to DisplayPort adapter.
-
The UDP2-12AP KVM switch then connects to 2 computers, allowing for video output switching between the 2 computers.
Limitations:
-
The Apple Studio Display's peripheral features (camera, audio, USB) will not work at all with this connection.
-
Shared USB ports on the Apple Studio Display won't work with the KVM switch.
Benefits:
-
Faster switching between computers since only the video signal is being handled.
-
USB ports on the KVM switch remain free for other devices or sharing needs.
✅ Setup B: Share as a Whole Console (Display, Camera, Audio, USB)
Objective: Fully utilize the Apple Studio Display’s integrated features, including video, USB hub, camera, microphone, and speakers.
Connection Method:
-
Use the Thunderbolt cable that comes with the Apple Studio Display.
-
Connect the Thunderbolt cable to a DisplayPort + USB to USB-C converter.
-
The adapter is then connected to:
-
The DisplayPort port on the KVM switch (console side).
-
An USB-A port on the KVM switch using a USB cable.
-
-
These connections provide both video and USB data to the Apple Studio Display.
Limitations:
-
The combined USB data rate for the Apple Studio Display (including camera, audio, and hub devices) must not exceed 10 Gbps. This can limit the maximum resolution and refresh rate achievable on the monitor.
-
All shared USB ports on the KVM switch are used for this connection and are not available for other devices.
⚖️ Comparison Summary
| Feature | Setup A | Setup B |
|---|---|---|
| Display Output | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Camera | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Microphone & Speakers | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| USB Hub Ports | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Switching Speed | ⚡ Faster | 🚶 Slower (more data to manage) |
| Shared USB Ports Usable | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Max USB Bandwidth Concern | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited to 10 Gbps |
📝 Final Thoughts
The choice between Setup A and Setup B depends on your usage needs:
-
Choose Setup A if you only need the display functionality and prefer faster switching and more free USB ports.
-
Choose Setup B if you want the full Apple Studio Display experience, including camera, audio, and USB device access, while accepting the bandwidth limitations and lack of spare USB ports on the KVM.
This flexibility makes the ConnectPRO DisplayPort KVM switches a strong choice for professionals who need to share high-end displays like the Apple Studio Display across multiple systems.