KKVMChecker
Configuration guide

MacBook Air M4 + gaming PC + 4K144 monitor

A one-monitor 4K144 setup that preserves gaming features while keeping the M4 MacBook Air connection practical.

Computer 1M4 MacBook Air
Computer 2Gaming PC
Display1 × 4K144
Featureshigh dynamic range (HDR) + variable refresh rate (VRR)
PowerSeparate Mac charger
Main riskMac adapter bandwidth

The practical answer

Use a high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 KVM and connect the MacBook Air through a certified USB-C video adapter. One monitor avoids the Multi-Stream Transport (MST) and multi-display problem; the remaining issue is whether the Mac adapter exposes 4K144 with the required colour and high dynamic range (HDR) mode.

Product assessments

These statuses apply to this exact configuration, not to the product in every possible setup.

Needs verification

TESmart HDK202-M24

Published specifications do not prove the complete setup

What this means for you: It has ample single-display 4K bandwidth plus high dynamic range (HDR) and variable refresh rate (VRR), but the Mac adapter and monitor timing still need confirmation.

Displays
2
Video connections
HDMI 2.1 / DisplayPort 1.4
Published 4K ceiling
Single 240Hz · multi 144Hz
USB-C laptop charging
None

High dynamic range (HDR): supported · Variable refresh (VRR): supported · Keeps monitor settings (EDID): supported

Product-specific limits
  • 4K240 and dual 4K144 are Display Stream Compression (DSC) modes, so every device and cable in the signal chain must support the required mode.
  • A Mac needs a separate video output for each display.
  • It does not charge a USB-C laptop.
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Needs verification

TESmart HKS202-M24

Published specifications do not prove the complete setup

What this means for you: The HDMI 2.1 route reaches 4K144 through Display Stream Compression (DSC); verify the Mac adapter preserves that mode.

Displays
2
Video connections
HDMI 2.1
Published 4K ceiling
Single 144Hz · multi 144Hz
USB-C laptop charging
None

High dynamic range (HDR): supported · Variable refresh (VRR): supported · Keeps monitor settings (EDID): supported

Product-specific limits
  • Dual 4K above 120Hz depends on Display Stream Compression (DSC) and the complete GPU, monitor and cable chain.
  • A Mac needs a separate video output for each display.
  • It does not charge a USB-C laptop.
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Needs verification

TESmart DKS202-M24

Published specifications do not prove the complete setup

What this means for you: A suitable USB-C-to-DisplayPort 1.4 adapter can provide the cleanest connection, but Display Stream Compression (DSC) support must be end to end.

Displays
2
Video connections
DisplayPort 1.4
Published 4K ceiling
Single 165Hz · multi 144Hz
USB-C laptop charging
None

High dynamic range (HDR): supported · Variable refresh (VRR): supported · Keeps monitor settings (EDID): supported

Product-specific limits
  • 4K144 or 165Hz may require Display Stream Compression (DSC); confirm the GPU, monitor, adapters and cables support it.
  • Each display requires its own host-side DisplayPort signal.
  • It does not charge a USB-C laptop.
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Compatibility constraints

  • The MacBook Air does not gain USB-C charging from these desktop KVMs.
  • 4K144 may require Display Stream Compression (DSC) depending on colour depth and link mode.
  • variable refresh rate (VRR) availability on macOS may differ from Windows even when the KVM supports it.

Recommended setup sequence

  1. Test 4K144 directly from the Mac through the intended adapter.
  2. Test gaming-PC high dynamic range (HDR) and variable refresh rate (VRR) directly.
  3. Insert the KVM and repeat both tests.
  4. Use separate USB-C charging for the MacBook Air.

Technical term unclear? See KVM terms explained for plain-English definitions and practical consequences.

Sources checked

The primary documents supporting the decisive compatibility claims on this page.

Related configurations

MacBook Air M4 + gaming PC + dual 4K monitors MacBook Pro + Windows PC + dual 4K 144Hz monitors Mixed DisplayPort 1.4 + HDMI 2.1 KVM setup

Sources last checked 12 August 2026. Products were not physically tested by KVMChecker. Firmware, host hardware, adapters and cables can change the result.