2 PC's 1 Keyboard

[therealbards]

I'm looking for a solution to using my keyboard and mouse with multiple devices.

 

I've looked at USB switches, Logitech Flow, etc - but wanted to learn of your experiences for what worked best?

At my desk, I have a laptop docking station and my desktop. Switching USBs between the two is getting tedious.

 

I like the idea of Logitech flow, becuase it appears to be seamless - instead of having to toggle a switch every time you use a different device. I also like the idea of a switch, as it doesn't require any additional software (work laptop is a little less permissive when it comes to installing applications).

 

Before spending any money on either, thought I'd try and find some real world experiences or if there's any other suggestions?

 

Thanks in advance.

[NineEyeRon]

I also am in this situation, in the UK.

 

Working from home with work laptop on the desk, gaming PC on stand next to desk. Then I have two monitors, one gaming keyboard and gaming mouse.

 

I want to use the same keyboard and mouse so I don’t have to keep switching when I am done working so I can game. I end up using Steam’s big picture and a controller but I would like to use K&M too.

[Skiiwee29]

I personally use Synergy for my KVM solution. 

 

https://symless.com/synergy

[therealbards]

1 minute ago, NineEyeRon said:

I also am in this situation, in the UK.

 

Working from home with work laptop on the desk, gaming PC on stand next to desk. Then I have two monitors, one gaming keyboard and gaming mouse.

 

I want to use the same keyboard and mouse so I don’t have to keep switching when I am done working so I can game. I end up using Steam’s big picture and a controller but I would like to use K&M too.

I feel seen :D. We have the same set up, minus Steam's big picture.

 

 

[therealbards]

3 minutes ago, Skiiwee29 said:

I personally use Synergy for my KVM solution. 

 

https://symless.com/synergy

thanks, I hadn't considered Synergy. I will check it out

[Skiiwee29]

Just now, therealbards said:

thanks, I hadn't considered Synergy. I will check it out

Its really great. Its only a hassle with Synergy 2 if you use a VPN. If you use a VPN for work, you will need Synergy 1 and use your Public IP as the server IP otherwise it cant talk when connected to the VPN. 

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

I currently is a cheapo Trendnet KVM to handle my keyboard and mouse. But rely on using different monitor inputs to support multiple devices. One switch solutions tend to be expensive and limited in refresh rate and resolution. 

[Kimmaz]

I have used a device where you plug mouse, keyboard, monitor and headset and other stuff into a box/device, and then you can connect that box to 4 computers, and you select witch one of the 4 computers you want to "control" with a simple button. Its pretty simple, but a lot of cable mess.

[NineEyeRon]

I certainly don’t want a software solution for this as I doubt my work will let me install anything on my work laptop.

 

I also don’t need to worry about video as my monitors have multiple video inputs so I can switch those on the monitors themselves. In fact I do this already and have a cheap HP mouse in my gaming rig so I can fold on my gaming PC while I work. I then monitor it using remote software on my iPad.

 

My big worry is latency added by the switch for PC gaming, thats it. I can see its usually a single cable from the box to each PC meaning its just a USB hub with a switch in it. That makes me worry about latency!