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Why didnt I think of keyboard (and mouse) sharing earlier?
I have two computers, one desktop, and one laptop.
They have slightly different use cases, but sometimes I need them both.
As a matter of fact,48%of the US and Canada residents have multiple PCs.
And that was in 2010, so the number at present would be much higher.
Generally, one can go for separate peripherals for each PC.
Keyboard & Mouse Sharing
Though it seems complicated, keyboard and mouse sharing is actually very straightforward.
And there are hardware and software-based solutions to do it.
Generally, the hardware way to do it is by using KVM switches.
These handy devices have multiple ports and a switch to assign the connecting peripherals to a specific computer.
The software solutions are much easier to implement if multiple computers are on the same internet.
Further sections list some software and KVM switches thatll serve this purpose.
Mouse Without Borders
Straight from the Microsoft Garage,Mouse Without Bordersis exactly what it says.
It lets you use a single set of keyboard and mouse for up to four computers.
How does it work?
Well, simply drag the mouse from one monitor to another as if they were one.
The screen having the mouse pointer will be the one the keyboard functions with.
To get started, you better download the same version of Mouse Without Borders on the subject PCs.
Importantly, the Windows computers need to connect through the same data pipe for this to work.
The installation and setup are similar, which is primarily downloading and pairing computers on the same web link.
In addition, Input Director provides a shared clipboard for copying files across the connected PCs.
What makes this tool special is the administrative controls.
For instance, there will be a master computer in the web connection.
Additionally, this sharing will work even if any Windows user is not logged in yet.
It also allows synchronizing (or separately configuring) screensavers, shutdowns, sleep, wake-ups, etc.
On the security front, it supports encrypting connection data and restricting configuration changes to the sysadmin.
Share Mouse
Share Mouseis a premium software that comes as a limited-features freeware for personal use.
Getting started is simple.
The first 30 minutes offer all features without any paid license.
Additionally, one can restart Share Mouse instances to renew the trial period.
), transition prevention, etc.
Lastly, there is no subscription, and the paid version is a one-time purchase.
Options +
This tool works between a Windows PC and macOS, but only with Logitech devices.
Options +is much more than just a mouse and keyboard-sharing utility.
The keyboard and mouse sharing is powered withLogitech Flow.
This permits smooth transitions between monitors and a shared clipboard for cross-computer copy/paste.
One can also enable/disable screen corners to prevent accidental transitions.
Finally,keyboardsfollow the mouse and work with the active display.
Importantly, this works on selected Logitech devices, and the features differ among Windows and macOS computers.
The base tier offers controlling multiple devices with a single set of mouse and keyboard.
Specifically, it secures all the transferred data with AES-256-bit encryption which is a bank-grade security protocol.
In addition, the remote connection works over a local or virtual private web link.
The security options also allow limited access to a particular PC based on an IP address or connection subnet.
Multiplicity is compatible with Windows operating systems and offers a 30-day free trial for its top-of-the-line subscription.
In addition to moving the mouse in-between devices, this features cross-equipment copy and paste.
It works for Apple devices on the same connection.
Besides, they should be awake and unlocked for the switching to work.
Importantly, each unit must be signed in with the same Apple ID.
To get started, one has to turn on Universal Control in respective devices.
Notably, Universal Control is available for macOS Monterey 12.4 or later and iPadOS 15.4 or later.
How About a Bidirectional USB Switch?
Software utilities are great.
But the listed solutions have their own limitations.
The major one being your devices need to share the same data pipe.
In that case, a Bi-directional USB switch acts as a lifesaver.
It supports up to 5 Gbps data transfer speeds and is compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1.
It comes with a central button to assign the peripherals to either computer.
In addition, this is also plug-and-play without any complicated software setup or web connection restriction.
I mean, why not?
Its not only convenient but environmentally friendly (e-waste, remember?)
if we stop purchasing a new set of peripherals for every computer we own.
You will save space, and productivity will get a massive boost, avoiding constant switching.
Plus, its super flexible to choose between the software and hardware sharing options.
Especially the software ones dont even cost you a penny for personal use.
