2PCs with a single keyboard, mouse, I wish there’s something that works, I want to control 2 PC’s with one keyboard, no need to switch monitors I have a dedicated monitor for each PC (Windows 10, 11).
Any recommendations? I’ve already tried these options:
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Bluetooth/Dongle
All of them have a rare error called “ghost/sticky keys” and is not a mechanical error, because when connected through USB it stops happening, the only keyboard that didn’t do that was the Logitech MX KEYS S but rubber-dome KB 😔 and I really don’t like it specially their bottom keys, I know that there is a Logitech MX MECHANICAL does anyone know how fast is while switching from Bluetooth devices?
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MVK Switches/HUBs
Same “sticky keys” and it takes more than 2 seconds to switch between devices
I don’t like the idea of them sharing the devices through the same network LAN/VPN it defeats my purpose of using 2 PC’s it may work for people with two OS, but not for me, I want to use 2 different networks on each PC so they won’t able to see each other
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Build one
I even tried making my own one by soldering 2 USB cables into a single keyboard with a switch to control to which PC should the data be send while typing the keys… but you needed a controller actively connected to the windows devices so… it didn’t work as planned
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I do NOT need/want a display port or any video switch (I use 2 monitors, one for each pc)
I have a 2 out, 4 in usb hub with a button to switch. I press a button and my mouse, keyboard, webcam are available on my other system. I can not use them simultaneously though.
I use a Level1Techs KVM, I’m pretty sure it meets all your requirements. I’ve used multiple brands of mechanical keyboards with it and never had a ghosting/sticky key issue.
If you’re just using a mouse and keyboard, how fast does the level 1 techs KVM switch?
It’s pretty instant. I have all my monitors running through it, but I can test when I get off work tomorrow.
Personally, I have ditched kvms and physical machines in favour of virtual machines everywhere. One set of input devices, three monitors, seamless control of each machine.
Works great in some situations (I run two dev environments and a couple of test machines as VMs), but not always. I need a physical Mac to do iOS development / builds, so need a USB switch to switch my keyboard and mouse to it when working.
Do you really need video?
My monitors have multiple inputs, so I just use a USB switch for my mouse and keyboard, and then switch the monitors between devices as needed.
Aten/IO Gear work well. There’s rarely any problems. If something goes wrong, a power cycle fixes it. If I’m buying again, I might go for the Level1Techs.
Slow switching is normal. In my case it takes 3-4 seconds for all the USB devices to get reconnected to the other machine.
If the keyboard or mouse doesn’t work in the dedicated ports, you can use the general USB port with a hub. I had a keyboard that wouldn’t work using the built-in port.
If you have particular problems with Bluetooth it might be EMI noise. Put the receiver on an extension cable.
Aten has some cool looking equipment, but then wants me to “add to quote cart” no thanks. Might see if I can find it used.
IO Gear is also Aten and is available retail. I have the GCS1934 which I use daily. Came with nice cables and all. Unfortunately all DisplayPort KVMs are super expensive.
That’s what I’m discovering right now, VGA or a fistful of money.
DVI is cheap, HDMI is reasonable, then there’s DP. If you can get away with DVI or HDMI you could save some money. Personally I didn’t want HDMI for the future proofing as well as the DP version I got supports multiple monitors per port allowing to bug a smaller KVM for multi monitor use. I haven’t tested the multi monitor functionality yet. 😅
Since both PCs are running windows just install powertoys and use mouse without borders
Of course that means can only be controlled after booting, no Bios control.
I did this after struggling with a tecsmart KVM.
Mouse without borders works really well for Windows devices.
Here’s a recommendations for what I use in my three node Proxmox homelab:
TCNEWCL KVM Switch 4 Port, HDMI KVM Switcher https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089ZW5PW5
It would give you some room to grow, supports HDMI for video, and comes with a fancy remote clicker to swap between PCs. I have a mech keyboard plugged in along with a mouse (although the mouse isn’t super useful for my applications.
