With a seemingly ever-increasing number of audio devices around the home, using a good pair of Bluetooth headphones becomes integral. However, having to switch between profiles constantly is a real problem, particularly when quickly trying to juggle between devices.
Enter the Kensington 3-in-1 Professional Audio Switch. Measuring in at 3.26 x 2.1 x 1.1 inches, the Kensington 3-in-1 Audio Switcher has a small enough footprint not to clutter one’s setup while still offering a robust and legible interface on its facade for quick and easy use.
The face of the Kensington 3-in-1 Professional Audio Switch features seven buttons, including power, Bluetooth profiles 1 and 2, a switch for wired and wireless headsets, a large and pronounced mute button, and a volume up and down toggle to complete the package. Setting up the Kensington 3-in-1 Audio Switcher is a straightforward process, even for the technologically-incept among us. Simply requiring the user to plug in the included USB-C cable either directly to a free USB-C port on their Mac or PC, or with the included USB-C to USB adapter.
From here, toggling the power button and syncing the Kensington 3-in-1 Professional Audio Switcher to your Mac or PC’s Bluetooth will allow any compliant Bluetooth headset to pair with the Kensington Audio Switcher. Acting as a hub to communicate between your devices without pairing your headphones to different devices constantly.
“In practice, the Kensington 3-in-1 Professional Audio Switch provides nearly seamless switching capabilities between devices.”
On Windows, going down to the audio mixer and simply selecting the Kensington 3-in-1 Professional Audio Switcher as the primary input and output device completes the setup, but certain apps such as Discord and Zoom will require the user to ensure the correct device is selected from within those apps themselves before use.
In practice, the Kensington 3-in-1 Professional Audio Switch provides nearly seamless switching capabilities between devices. Upon pressing either the power, Bluetooth profile 1 or 2 buttons, the user can expect a slight half-second delay between the audio profile switching, with a small chime denoting said change.
One major benefit of the Kensington 3-in-1 Professional Audio Switch is in its plug-and-play nature, meaning the lack of dedicated drivers ensures quick connectivity and the ability to use the device while the computer is in a low power or standby mode (as long as power is active to the USB ports).
“…a sizeable mute button situated in the centre of the Kensington 3-in-1 Professional Audio Switch gives the user a quick and easy method of muting and unmuting when in a call or meeting…”
When paired with the Kensington 3-in-1 Professional Audio Switch, Bluetooth headphones are best used with the dedicated Bluetooth channels that take the form of the upper face buttons on the right side of the device. It is possible to use a Bluetooth headset using the power toggle/ wired channel. Still, audio quality takes a noticeable hit in clarity, while using the Bluetooth profile ensures parity with your headphones of choice.
Additionally, a sizeable mute button situated in the centre of the Kensington 3-in-1 Professional Audio Switch gives the user a quick and easy method of muting and unmuting when in a call or meeting, which, even without the audio switching functionality, is a nice option to have for ease of use in a real-world setting.
As the Kensington Switcher only accepts Bluetooth and wired solutions, the device is best reserved for the working professional or non-gamers as generally, gaming dedicated headsets feature their own dongles, something the Kensington Switcher can’t communicate with it.
