Can you use a laptop as a USB Keyboard and mouse for another machine

Gav_881 · 12 May 2017 at 10:24

Thinking a piece of software that you run on your laptop which configures one of your USB ports to act as a HID to operate another PC.

Don't see any reason it couldn't be done but wouldn't be surprised if there is.

(solutions such as https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35460 are not suitable needs to present as a USB keyboard to the other machine)

Rroff · 12 May 2017 at 10:27

Doubt anyone has done it - in theory with a USB dongle that also had an additional USB interface and a software driver it could be done but that is very niche.

Mr Plow · 12 May 2017 at 18:12

Have you looked into something like Synergy? It runs over the local network and not USB but works very well from what I hear.

https://symless.com/synergy

Rroff · 12 May 2017 at 18:15

If he needs a USB input device present (which some software, etc. like) then that won't help as per his post about mouse without borders.

I can't really see any solution except to KVM an external keyboard and mouse as presenting one system as a HID device to another is kind of specialised.

Saundie · 12 May 2017 at 20:44

It does exist, in the form of KVM console to USB adapter. It's typically used in data centers to enable you to connect a laptop to a server, basically turning the laptop into a console. They are really expensive, however; Startech want nearly £600 for one.

Gav_881 · 18 May 2017 at 10:58

Saundie said:
It does exist, in the form of KVM console to USB adapter. It's typically used in data centers to enable you to connect a laptop to a server, basically turning the laptop into a console. They are really expensive, however; Startech want nearly £600 for one.

My search has led me to this at about £15 if you build it yourself, will update when all the bits get here and i have had chance to test it

Saundie · 18 May 2017 at 12:53

Gav_881 said:
My search has led me to this at about £15 if you build it yourself, will update when all the bits get here and i have had chance to test it

I'll be interested to hear what you come up with, as this is something that'd be nice to have in the old toolbox!

Rroff · 18 May 2017 at 13:01

Think I've seen those used to admin kiosk type equipment before - never actually thought about what it was. Probably possible to DIY with something like the Arduino nano but beyond my working experience.