Sharing monitors / peripherals between 2 computers

[MrBlueSky]

I will be moving recently and would like to consolidate some of my setup; I have my personal/gaming desktop with 2 monitors (as well as my keyboard/mouse) on my desk and would like to find a way to have my work laptop (Lenovo Thinkpad) be able to share those peripherals as simply as possible (preferebly without having to unplug the monitors, mice and keyboard between them every time). Is there a way to do this?

 

[GeorgeMKane]

It sounds like all you need is a dual monitor hub. Just know that you'll want to keep your laptop plugged in, while using this kind of setup.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-USB-C-Tethered-Windows-Laptops/dp/B07Q3HP6KQ/

Belkin is a highly trusted and recommended brand, who actually work with manufacturers to deliver solid products. For this hub, you'll need to connect 1 monitor via hdmi, and the other via your laptop's hdmi port. This will give you at least two extra usb ports. The brand mostly deals with newer laptops that have at least 1 usb-c port.

 

Otherwise, you'll have to go with not well known brands like this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Universal-Splitter-Compatible-Chromebook/dp/B08PV132WJ/

 

j5create is more of a hit or miss brand. Sometimes reliable.

https://www.amazon.com/Kopplen-j5create-Docking-Ethernet-charging/dp/B07212RBBG/

[MrBlueSky]

Just now, GeorgeMKane said:

It sounds like all you need is a dual monitor hub. Just know that you'll want to keep your laptop plugged in, while using this kind of setup.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-USB-C-Tethered-Windows-Laptops/dp/B07Q3HP6KQ/

Belkin is a highly trusted and recommended brand, who actually work with manufacturers to deliver solid products. For this hub, you'll need to connect 1 monitor via hdmi, and the other via your laptop's hdmi port. This will give you at least two extra usb ports. The brand mostly deals with newer laptops that have at least 1 usb-c port.

 

Otherwise, you'll have to go with not well known brands like this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Universal-Splitter-Compatible-Chromebook/dp/B08PV132WJ/

 

j5create is more of a hit or miss brand. Sometimes reliable.

https://www.amazon.com/Kopplen-j5create-Docking-Ethernet-charging/dp/B07212RBBG/

This looks like a great product but im looking for more of something that allows me to switch between both computers using the same peripherals and monitors, not just a dual monitor hub

[GuiltySpark_]

Either the clunky way with a USB switcher or the seamless software method.

 

USB switch: https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Selector-Computers-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B01MXXQKGM

 

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

 

Best paid software method: https://symless.com/synergy

 

I've used both software methods and they're incredible if both PC's are setup on the same desk. Essentially you get almost a multiple monitor setup where if you move the mouse from the edge of one PC's display it just appears on the other PC's display as if its a single PC with dual monitors. The hardware method involves pressing a button and waiting the brief few seconds while Windows picks up the keyboard and mouse on the other PC.

[MrBlueSky]

13 hours ago, rickeo said:

Either the clunky way with a USB switcher or the seamless software method.

 

USB switch: https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Selector-Computers-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B01MXXQKGM

 

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

 

Best paid software method: https://symless.com/synergy

 

I've used both software methods and they're incredible if both PC's are setup on the same desk. Essentially you get almost a multiple monitor setup where if you move the mouse from the edge of one PC's display it just appears on the other PC's display as if its a single PC with dual monitors. The hardware method involves pressing a button and waiting the brief few seconds while Windows picks up the keyboard and mouse on the other PC.

Ok the software method is super cool! Last thing is is there a way to have my work laptop use the same 2 monitors as my home PC? I was looking for some HDMI KVM switches but it seems they dont suit my needs from what I can find. To be specific, id like to be able to switch the usage of my 2 monitors between my work computer and my home computer as seamlessly as possible

[GuiltySpark_]

2 minutes ago, MrBlueSky said:

Ok the software method is super cool! Last thing is is there a way to have my work laptop use the same 2 monitors as my home PC? I was looking for some HDMI KVM switches but it seems they dont suit my needs from what I can find. To be specific, id like to be able to switch the usage of my 2 monitors between my work computer and my home computer as seamlessly as possible

Theoretically this, I think. Just seems needlessly complicated, especially if you're trying to employ one of the suggestions I already linked. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Extended-CKL-Microphone-Keyboard-CKL-922HUA/dp/B07KN4J2XD 

 

Not even close to something I would ever attempt to setup, especially if I can already share my keyboard and mouse between computers.

[MrBlueSky]

5 hours ago, rickeo said:

Theoretically this, I think. Just seems needlessly complicated, especially if you're trying to employ one of the suggestions I already linked. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Extended-CKL-Microphone-Keyboard-CKL-922HUA/dp/B07KN4J2XD 

 

Not even close to something I would ever attempt to setup, especially if I can already share my keyboard and mouse between computers.

Ok, only reason i wondered is my work computer is a laptop and therefore has a single 15" display. didnt want to buy 2 extra monitors just for it. Set up synergy and it works great though!