USB Switch?

holymonk · 18 Jun 2015 at 20:40

Is there a way that I can use one keyboard and mouse to control both my PC and laptop via USB, rather than having to have two sets of each? Thanks in advance.

Hotwired · 18 Jun 2015 at 20:41

KVM switch

holymonk · 18 Jun 2015 at 21:01

But how does that work as it appears to plug into a VGA port?

Rroff · 18 Jun 2015 at 21:03

You can get what is basically a KM switch but also most KVMs work fine without using the video part of it (which also lets you share a display with 2+ devices).

holymonk · 18 Jun 2015 at 21:05

Yes but I have a keyboard one usb and a mouse for the other so I need a total of 4 usb's as I need a usb to run to both the laptop and PC dont I?

TheMorningStar · 18 Jun 2015 at 21:34

I used to have 2 systems on my desk with a wireless kb and mouse so swapping was pretty easy, just move the receiver to the other unit. I sometimes plug the dongle from my g700 into my laptop for a similar effect but have to use the Lappy KB which wasn't actually a problem as it was just there anyway.

Hotwired · 18 Jun 2015 at 23:36

holymonk said:
But how does that work as it appears to plug into a VGA port?

You simply don't plug in the displays.

You plug the keyboard and mouse into the KVM switch then plug the switch into both computers.

You then toggle the KVM switch when you want to change the computer you are controlling with the keyboard and mouse.

Steveocee · 19 Jun 2015 at 00:32

I use an Aten 2 port USB KVM which are available from highstreet electronic stores to switch between my main i7 rig and my thin ubuntu system.

I connect my keyboard and mouse to it, then it connects to both systems. I do not connect the VGA as my monitor has HDMI and DVI input and switches automatically. Nice little remote button does the switching.

Confused Stu · 19 Jun 2015 at 00:54

While KVMs can be a great option (I use a couple myself), if both machines are in use at the same time and connected to the same network, you could use Input Director to control both from the same keyboard & mouse.
http://www.inputdirector.com
You install it on both machines, set the one with the keyboard and mouse attached as Master, the one without as Slave, then simply moving the mouse off the side of your desktop's screen will make it appear on the laptop and the keyboard operates whichever machine the most cursor is on.
Been using the (free) software for a few years now with Windows 7 machines and it's been brilliant.