Using USB keyboard and mouse with 2 computers

[yas1320]

Hi 

 

 

 

I need some advice.

 

 

 

So I have a laptop for work which only has usb c ports. I have a keyboard and a mouse that is powered by USB 3.0 port on my home computer desktop. I'd like to use both the mouse and keyboard with my work laptop too. 

 

 

 

Is there any kind of hub or switch I can get so I can use it with my work laptop and my home computer without having to keep unplugging things. (Not at the same time though)

 

 

 

I hope the above makes sense. 

 

 

 

P.S I do have a spare USB C port on my computer. 

[Brandon H Supervisor]

what you are describing is a KVM switch.

 

are the computers close together or not? if they're next to each other then you can use a physical switch like the following:

https://www.amazon.com/Selector-Computers-Keyboard-Printer-Included/dp/B092Q42VPS

there are usb-c versions but I'd recommend just getting an adapter as the type c versions are quite a bit more expensive it seems https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kvm+switch+usb+c&i=electronics&sprefix=kvm+switch+usb%2Celectronics%2C141

 

other option is software solution

https://symless.com/synergy

https://www.raymond.cc/blog/how-to-share-keyboard-and-mouse-on-multiple-computers/

[yas1320]

  On 14/09/2022 at 19:11, Brandon H said:

what you are describing is a KVM switch.

 

are the computers close together or not? if they're next to each other then you can use a physical switch like the following:

https://www.amazon.com/Selector-Computers-Keyboard-Printer-Included/dp/B092Q42VPS

there are usb-c versions but I'd recommend just getting an adapter as the type c versions are quite a bit more expensive it seems https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kvm+switch+usb+c&i=electronics&sprefix=kvm+switch+usb%2Celectronics%2C141

 

other option is software solution

https://symless.com/synergy

https://www.raymond.cc/blog/how-to-share-keyboard-and-mouse-on-multiple-computers/

Expand  

Yes, they are next to each other. 

[Brandon H Supervisor]

  On 14/09/2022 at 19:19, yas1320 said:

Yes, they are next to each other. 

Expand  

great, then a physical switch should work well for you and avoid any extra latency from a software solution  

[+BudMan MVC]

Your other option is get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse that allows switching of the device to different pairings.  There are a few different models of these keyboards and mice from logitech for example. A click of button on the keyboard or mouse allows to switch to a different pairing partner. 

 

Other option with these keyboards and mice that can switch that can use bluetooth, also work with their dongle, latest being their logi dongle vs their unify dongle - and they do sell a usb-C to A adapter.

 

Old school kvm that allows physical switching of the connection sure can work.

 

But to be honest might be cheaper option is to just by a separate usb-c keyboard and mouse to use with your laptop.  Quick google shows many options for usb-c mice and keyboards at very reasonable prices.  

[adrynalyne]

Certain Logitech keyboards and mice support Flow. There is also something like Synergy. 
 

https://support.logi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360023188134-Logitech-Flow

 

 

https://symless.com/synergy

 

[+DonC Subscriber²]

If you go for a software solution, then there is also a Microsoft Garage project called "Mouse Without Borders" which does a similar job to Synergy.

 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/garage/wall-of-fame/mouse-without-borders/

 

I mention this because if you need to clear the software installation on the laptop with your work then it coming from Microsoft might make it an easier sell.

 

[Malcolm Lim]

Try Barrier - free alternative to synergy (basically to me its open source version of it):
https://github.com/debauchee/barrier

 

One mouse, one keyboard, two computers