AOC 27P2C Zwart

AOC 27P2C Product KVM Switch review

This monitor is modern monitor which support DisplayPort video over USB-c 3.2 alternate mode. And it support HDMI or DisplayPort together with a USB-a 3 hub function. You can switch between USB-c and HDMI or DisplayPort as video source. If the monitor is correct configured the USB will also switch after the video switch is successful.

My experience is that this monitor has a good display exactly as I expected. And the USB-C works also but this needs to work exactly to the DP over USB-C alternate standard. My first PC did not have this standard implemented, it had firewire over USB-c and that did not work well, but my new configuration works without any problems.

Disagree with AOC regarding KVM function

In my opinion AOC promises a normal KVM functionality on the 27P2C monitor but does not deliver that. In fact it only adds USB functions to the standard video switch functionality. And this only works when there is a video signal. A real KVM switch should be able to switch even when there is no video signal coming from a PC. Because the manual nor the website make clear that this is not a standard KVM switch it is misleading advertisement. Only after buying the product the customer has to discover how this function works. And in this case, because the manual does not explain it, a support call was made to clarify how this KVM function should work. And after more than 6 months corresponding with support there is no clear answer to the question.

So what is a KVM Switch

A KVM switch is a hardware device that allows you to control multiple computers via a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. The KVM switch is able to switch a computer to this single keyboard, monitor and mouse also before power on of the computer. The KVM switch is able to switch in depended of the status of the selected computer. Also the objective is to switch using one switch button and not have to do a sequence of actions just like unplug from one pc and plug in to the other pc.

Problem statement

The following facts have emerged after buying the product and testing it:

1) The AOC product manual does not mention the advertised KVM functionality. Neither the website nor the manual explain how the KVM works or should work.
2) The AOC KVM switch function does not switch Keyboard and Mouse from one computer to a destination computer when there is no video signal.
3) The AOC KVM switch settings can not be changed through the on screen displayed menu if there is no video signal.
4) The AOC KVM switch settings can not be changed through the on screen displayed menu if the USB setting on the display select the other computer then the computer from which you see the video signal. The on screen display menu is only visible for a few seconds in this situation. Not enough time to be able to change the settings.

These facts lead to the following problems:

1) Before power on of any connected computer it is not possible to setup the display and make a selection in the on screen menu. Which will result in having to connect an extra Keyboard and Mouse to a computer in the following scenario’s:
a.The display USB setup is not on automatic selection but setup to connect to the computer you are want to use.
b.This display is a secondary display for the PC that you startup. So the automatic selection will not detect a video signal and therefor not connect keyboard and mouse.
2) It is not possible to switch from computer a to computer b when computer b has display power saving activated. The display power saving settings will turn off the video signal after 15 minutes for example. This will result in:
a. Having to connect an extra Keyboard or Mouse to computer b to be able to switch. The display of computer b can then be activated by mouse movement or typing on the keyboard.
b. Do not use the KVM function, that is the ability to switch using one button or PC selector, and manually switch USB and video walking through the on screen menu of the display. And you have to do that while using computer A. If after the switch you then want to switch back to computer a you first have to go again to all the menu options and change the appropriate settings.

Producer AOC advertises this on their website.

(https://eu.aoc.com/en/monitors/27p2c)

Total comfort and connectivity in a 27” Full HD display with USB-C and KVM
The perfect choice for today’s seeking to make the most of every work day, the 27P2C offers a flat 27” IPS/3FL panel with Full HD resolution and wide viewing angles of 178°/178°. Its elegant 3-sided frameless display features a built-in KVM switch. Highly connectable, this model is compatible with HDMI, DP, and USB-C technology, includes a USB 3.2 hub, and offers users an array of comfort options such as a fully adjustable, tiltable, swivelable stand as well as eye-friendly technologies like Low Blue Mode and Flicker-Free.