moeburn Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 I have a wireless keyboard/mouse combo with a small usb receiver. I know KVM's exist, but is there a simpler usb switch, that has one or more inputs and two outputs? I'm using a desktop PC, and at the same time trying out various linux distros on a little netbook beside me. I'd like to use my wireless keyboard/mouse receiver on both without switching usb ports every time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleNeutrino Veteran Posted July 18, 2013 Veteran Share Posted July 18, 2013 KVM is your best bet. +jamwheat 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moeburn Posted July 18, 2013 Author Share Posted July 18, 2013 do a search for a KVM Switch. lol did you not read my post? I know about KVMs, they are pricey. I want to know if it is possible to switch USBs, I might try to make one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n_K Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 I made one, all you need really is a double pole slide switch, 2 diodes and 3 USB connectors they just switch the USB DATA- and DATA+ over from one to the other, due to differences in PCBs and PSUs it's probably best to put the diodes on the +5 lines too or get a bigger switch and put it on there too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
techbeck Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 lol did you not read my post? I know about KVMs, they are pricey. I want to know if it is possible to switch USBs, I might try to make one. What do you call pricey? A 2 port KVM runs around $20 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moeburn Posted July 18, 2013 Author Share Posted July 18, 2013 I made one, all you need really is a double pole slide switch, 2 diodes and 3 USB connectors they just switch the USB DATA- and DATA+ over from one to the other, due to differences in PCBs and PSUs it's probably best to put the diodes on the +5 lines too or get a bigger switch and put it on there too. thanks! what are the diodes for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+LogicalApex MVC Posted July 18, 2013 MVC Share Posted July 18, 2013 I use this and it works well (occasionally my mouse needs to be unplugged and replugged, but that is the only con). I went this route as I had no need whatsoever for the V portion of the expensive KVM options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moeburn Posted July 18, 2013 Author Share Posted July 18, 2013 I use this and it works well (occasionally my mouse needs to be unplugged and replugged, but that is the only con). I went this route as I had no need whatsoever for the V portion of the expensive KVM options. $25 lol. I'll make my own, but thanks, good to know they exist. I do not have $25 to spend, but I do have dozens of switches, project boxes, USB extension cables, hundreds of diodes, and many feet of wire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+LogicalApex MVC Posted July 18, 2013 MVC Share Posted July 18, 2013 $25 lol. I'll make my own, but thanks, good to know they exist. I do not have $25 to spend, but I do have dozens of switches, project boxes, USB extension cables, hundreds of diodes, and many feet of wire. I fail to see the comedy. If you wanted to make one you should have asked how to make one... But carry on :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kami- Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 $25 lol. I'll make my own, but thanks, good to know they exist. I do not have $25 to spend, but I do have dozens of switches, project boxes, USB extension cables, hundreds of diodes, and many feet of wire. You don't have $25 to spare yet you can run multiple computers? Personally if my finances were that dire I'd sell one of the computer systems... Rudy 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n_K Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 The diodes were to stop the +5v rails of each host going into the other but it lowers the +5v to +4.3v so it might not power your keyboard. As said though if you get a 3 wire switch you can just feed the 5v line through that and link the grounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeGourmand Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 I was planning to try http://synergy-foss.org/ when i'll get a new computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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