HDK203-M24 — is it the right pick for my setup? A couple of questions before I buy

Hi everyone,

I've been researching KVMs for a while and after comparing a lot of brands, I keep coming back to the HDK203-M24 as the best fit for what I need. Before I pull the trigger, I'd love input from people who actually own it.

My setup:

• 2 devices: 1 laptop (XMG Neo A25) + 1 desktop PC
• Laptop USB-C spec: USB-C 3.2 Gen2 (10 Gbps) with DisplayPort 1.4a at 32.4 Gbps (HBR3) and 100W PD
• Laptop also has a separate Mini DisplayPort 2.1 (DP80/UHBR20, 80 Gbps) output
• 3 monitors (planning a 4K OLED at 144Hz down the line, so I want the headroom now)
• Hard requirements: EDID emulation (I can't stand windows rearranging on every switch), Ethernet passthrough, and single-cable USB-C docking + charging for the laptop

From the spec sheet, the HDK203-M24 seems to hit every one of these, which is exactly why it's my top choice.

My questions:

1. Fan noise — I've seen a few mentions (and a YouTube review of the HDK202-M24) about the fan being audible/whining under load. I know there are multiple fan modes (including fully off). For those who own the M24 series: how loud is it realistically in a quiet room at idle/light load? Was the fan profile improved in newer units?
2. Fanless (Mode 1) safety — if I run the fan off for silence, is there any real risk of thermal issues during long sessions at 4K144Hz across 3 monitors, or is passive cooling via the metal chassis enough for normal desktop use?
3. Laptop USB-C output over 3 monitors — my laptop outputs DP 1.4a (HBR3, 32.4 Gbps, full 4-lane) with DSC support over its USB-C port. Given the HDK203-M24 routes the laptop through the USB-C input, what's the realistic max I can drive across all 3 displays from the laptop side? Specifically: can I get 3× 4K@60Hz via MST, and is 4K@120/144Hz on any of them achievable with DSC — or does the USB-C input cap the laptop lower than the desktop DP inputs? Want to set expectations before buying.
4. EDID behavior — does the EDID emulation fully prevent window/app repositioning when switching between the laptop and desktop, even with mixed monitor configs?
5. Mixing the KVM with the laptop's Mini DP 2.1 — my laptop's strongest video output is a Mini DisplayPort 2.1 (DP80/UHBR20, 80 Gbps) that the KVM won't utilize. Has anyone run a hybrid setup where 2 monitors go through the KVM (USB-C) while a 3rd monitor is driven directly from the laptop's Mini DP 2.1 for full 4K@144Hz+? My concern is what happens on switch — when I switch the KVM to the desktop, does the directly-connected 3rd monitor just stay on the laptop's output (requiring a manual input switch on that monitor), or is there a cleaner way people have solved this?

Any real-world feedback from owners would be hugely appreciated before I commit. Thanks!