USB KVM without video

Nikumba · 11 Jun 2018 at 13:30

So I have two PCs that I want to share mouse and keyboard between, I found a USB switcher that will share 4 USB devices between PCs which is fine, but you manually have to press a button to change between which PC is in control.

In the old days when I used KVMs in server rooms you could double tap scroll lock and would let you flick between the different inputs.

Is there anything out there like that is cheap and works?

The reason for wanting a keyboard shortcut is to hide away all the wires etc

Thanks

Kimbie

TrojanWhore · 12 Jun 2018 at 22:29

As a software option:
https://symless.com/synergy/

I've not used it but heard it mentioned lots of places, mainly on Linus tech tips because he advertises it

Nikumba · 13 Jun 2018 at 14:52

TrojanWhore said:
As a software option:
https://symless.com/synergy/

I've not used it but heard it mentioned lots of places, mainly on Linus tech tips because he advertises it

Only issue with that is won't work if the server PC is turned off I am guessing?

Rroff · 14 Jun 2018 at 04:25

Not sure you'll find that functionality on (cheap) USB switcher type KVMs - one of the better ones I've found is the Aten US224 (also has a 4 PC version) but you have to press a separate button wired to the unit to switch.

For the kind of functionality you are looking for you will need a proper KVM with keyboard emulation, etc.

Hotwired · 14 Jun 2018 at 06:20

Does it have to be USB?

e.g. this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veKYkc_u7hc

TrojanWhore · 15 Jun 2018 at 20:10

Nikumba said:
Only issue with that is won't work if the server PC is turned off I am guessing?

I think it just runs as a service on each pc, rather than one acting as a server.

Also, not sure whether it has a hot key mode, I think it just controls whichever machine the mouse is present on.... Tbh now I'm thinking about it, using TeamViewer/RDP to remote control the 2nd computer would be functionally the same thing!