Windows and Mac USB switcher

Trojan Horse · 28 Jul 2016 at 19:52

Are there any USB hub-type devices that can plug into my Windows or my Mac so that I can keep my keyboard and mouse on my desktop and be able to seemlessly switch from using it for my PC to my Mac whenever I turn on my Macbook Pro?

Cheers

Trojan Horse · 28 Jul 2016 at 20:13

Rroff said:
Not sure if it was you are looking for but I find the Aten US224 pretty good.

It shares a keyboard and mouse to two computers using 2 male USB cables?

Exactly what I was looking for! Just bought one. Does it work well?

Trojan Horse · 29 Jul 2016 at 11:37

Rroff said:
Yup - I've found it works well - the best out of any cheaper options I've tried for compatibility with a wide range of keyboards/mice and different OSes.

Doesn't switch quite as fast as my more expensive 4 port KVM which is instant - but it switches the devices between the machines in less than 2 seconds when pressing the button and so far it has just worked seamlessly for me.

Is there any lag once it has switched?

Trojan Horse · 30 Jul 2016 at 17:44

GeX said:
Software solution instead - http://symless.com/synergy/ ?

This looks good. Any videos on the installation before I purchase? I can't find a trial anywhere.

If synergy has no lag then I think I might just refund the 2 port USB kvm and go with the software as it means less plugging in etc.

Trojan Horse · 31 Jul 2016 at 20:47

Rroff said:
Personally I had 1-2 minor compatibility issues when gaming with synergy and you have the downsides that the host PC needs to be on to use the input with the 2nd PC and if the main PC crashes or is very busy, etc. then you are down until it is back up as well.

Synergy has too many issues. USB is the only way! It still has one slight set back which is that when my PC is in sleep if I switch to my Mac then switch back, my PC wont recognize that as the software needs to activate the KVM. It means I cant wake my PC using KB/M and that it takes about 10s to register my input first.