2 Desktops one Keyboard and Mouse

Irish Gunner

Ok have another Desktop that I have and I want to connect it to existing monitors and keyboard and mouse. So one I can use for work other for personal use

So one Monitor has VGA and second has HDMI and keyboard is wireless same with mouse

Was looking at USB switcher like the below

https://www.amazon.co.uk/IOGEAR-Peripheral-Sharing-Switch-GUS402/dp/B00BD8I2OY

Would this work and with the current set up that I have or do I need more ?

So basically I could switch between the 2 with press of the button

Any suggestions welcome

Squidgy Black

I use this, as I share a keyboard and mouse between my pc and work laptop. Haven't had any issues with it, there's a usb 3.0 version as well too I think if you had usb 3 peripherals.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MNZ1FVS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZCDCFbSGCY8ME

Irish Gunner

Squidgy Black wrote: »

I use this, as I share a keyboard and mouse between my pc and work laptop. Haven't had any issues with it, there's a usb 3.0 version as well too I think if you had usb 3 peripherals.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MNZ1FVS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZCDCFbSGCY8ME

Cheers

Have speakers and woofer also. The mouse and keyboard are wireless working off dongle so take it connect all these to it also should work?

How do you find switching between the 2 any lag or reconnecting to keyboard?

Squidgy Black

Irish Gunner wrote: »

Cheers

Have speakers and woofer also. The mouse and keyboard are wireless working off dongle so take it connect all these to it also should work?

How do you find switching between the 2 any lag or reconnecting to keyboard?

Yeah should be fine with the dongles. Slight lag when initially switching over, like as in a few milliseconds, and the occasional time having to press the button a couple of times to get it to recognise but nothing major. Been using it for about 4 months now and been grand, was a nightmare before manually switching everything

alan4cult

I have a Dell wireless mouse and keyboard with switcher. 1 computer has the dongle the other two work with Bluetooth. You switch the computer with the button on a mouse.
Otherwise try input director to share mouse and keyboard over network.

JoyPad

Just throwing this here, as it has already been discussed elsewhere.

Logitech has a range of products that are ideal for 2-3 computers. Keyboards and mice have 3 buttons for easy switching (you can switch them individually, if you want).
There's also the Options software that you can install on all computers, and then you can switch the control by simply moving your mouse cursor across monitors.

Last but not least, each device comes with a USB receiver that can connect up to 6 devices to one PC. So, if you have a keyboard and mouse, and each came with a receiver, you can connect a receiver to each of your PCs, and have easy switching. Otherwise, they also support Bluetooth connectivity, but I found this to be sometimes problematic, e.g. works perfectly with my Macbook Pro, but has latency issues with a BT dongle on a Windows PC.

Not all Logitech wireless keyboards and mice support this feature, you'd have to look for the ones that come with the Unifying Receiver.

dazberry

Squidgy Black wrote: »

I use this, as I share a keyboard and mouse between my pc and work laptop. Haven't had any issues with it, there's a usb 3.0 version as well too I think if you had usb 3 peripherals.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MNZ1FVS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZCDCFbSGCY8ME

I have the USB 3.0 version - again between pc and work laptop - no issues either.

//edit: I'm wrong, it's the ugreen one I have - looks very similar.

AllForIt

I used to use a windows app called Synergy to share my laptop keyboard and mouse with a desktop what was connected to my TV which worked over wi-fi. Worked very well and preferable to using additional hardware. I think it's obsolete now but there might be a modern alternative.

Cordell

You need a KVM switch if you also need to use one monitor for both.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kvm+switch+hdmi&ref=choice_dp_b

So one Monitor has VGA

Just VGA? No DVI-D?

JoyPad

AllForIt wrote: »

I think it's obsolete now but there might be a modern alternative.

It's called Synergy
It has gone commercial, but there's still an open-source version out there to be found.

Squidgy Black

Cordell wrote: »

You need a KVM switch if you also need to use one monitor for both.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kvm+switch+hdmi&ref=choice_dp_b


Just VGA? No DVI-D?

I might be misinterpreting it but I think he has separate monitors for the two machines

Riesen_Meal

My logitech mouse and keyboard has this function built in...

Irish Gunner

Squidgy Black wrote: »

I might be misinterpreting it but I think he has separate monitors for the two machines

I have 2 monitors that I use on existing desktop that I use for work

So plan is to connect other desktop and be able to switch between the 2 different desktops drives but still have the use of both monitors and mouse,keyboards and speakers?

Both monitors have hdmi and dvi inputs so is a KVM required?

Squidgy Black

Irish Gunner wrote: »

I have 2 monitors that I use on existing desktop that I use for work

So plan is to connect other desktop and be able to switch between the 2 different desktops drives but still have the use of both monitors and mouse,keyboards and speakers?

Both monitors have hdmi and dvi inputs so is a KVM required?

Unless you have multiple inputs on the monitors to be able to connect both desktops directly and change inputs then yeah you'll need a kvm.

Irish Gunner

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Unless you have multiple inputs on the monitors to be able to connect both desktops directly and change inputs then yeah you'll need a kvm.

Cheers

Any suggestionsare they all around price £30+

How about the below?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Sharing-Keyboard-Scanner-Printer-Black/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=kvm+switch&pd_rd_r=497faf5b-42f9-44ea-9da9-9aa6e43a27eb&pd_rd_w=dwSIc&pd_rd_wg=PsGyd&pf_rd_p=5f50c5c7-54ba-45ff-a0c8-f07a51775ead&pf_rd_r=X58188DXZ62YFT9SDANP&qid=1601307494&sr=8-3

Squidgy Black

Irish Gunner wrote: »

Cheers

Any suggestionsare they all around price £30+

How about the below?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Sharing-Keyboard-Scanner-Printer-Black/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=kvm+switch&pd_rd_r=497faf5b-42f9-44ea-9da9-9aa6e43a27eb&pd_rd_w=dwSIc&pd_rd_wg=PsGyd&pf_rd_p=5f50c5c7-54ba-45ff-a0c8-f07a51775ead&pf_rd_r=X58188DXZ62YFT9SDANP&qid=1601307494&sr=8-3

That's a KM switch so will only do USB, you need KVM, more like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B089K3LS9K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ysGCFbR6JKBH5

Irish Gunner

Squidgy Black wrote: »

That's a KM switch so will only do USB, you need KVM, more like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B089K3LS9K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ysGCFbR6JKBH5

Wow that expensive are all the good ones that price?

Cordell

The dual monitor ones are expensive. But they are more than twice the price of the single monitor ones, which makes no sense.
Just buy 2 of those and you'll have to press an extra button but you'll save 100 quids.

Irish Gunner

Cordell wrote: »

The dual monitor ones are expensive. But they are more than twice the price of the single monitor ones, which makes no sense.
Just buy 2 of those and you'll have to press an extra button but you'll save 100 quids.

So with the single ones like the one below

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083TC68VQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_uLICFb7ZFX4MC

I would need to get 2 one for each monitor? Then how would it work re keyboard, mouse speakers and webcam where would they connect to

Confused...

Cordell

Yes, 2 of thiose, KVM1 will switch the mouse, keyboard and monitor 1, KVM2 will just switch monitor 2 (you can also use a simple HDMI switch instead of KVM2).

Webcam and audio complicates things. The expensive ones seems to have an integrated audio interface, I don't know how good they are.
Maybe KVM2 can switch the webcam, I don't know if it work, I never tried such thing, it may be easier to just have 2 webcams.

dazberry

I have a cheap toshiba dynadock u3.0 sitting after my ugreen 3.0 switch...

So desktop and work laptop plug into the ugreen switch
ugreen switch plugs into the dynadock
dynadock has keyboard, mouse, usb speakers, webcam, jabra and hdmi and dvi-d plugged in.

Laptop runs 100% off this setup using middle and right monitors.
Desktop can run this way (+ left monitor direct for 3x setup), but I now run the middle direct and not off the dynadock as it's laggy when gaming. Middle monitor is dual input and desktop thinks it has 4 monitors but dynadock middle on desktop is disabled in display manager.

Sorry if this sounds convoluted as the dynadock is really a docking station for laptops, but you can pick them up really cheap on ebay (make sure it's a u3.0 and includes psu ~ 20-25 uk £ all in) and it works really well.

But as the dynadock uses display link, it won't be as good as a proper kvm across different OSes, works great in Windows 10 but won't work with a lot of older OSes.

Irish Gunner

Asked seller about Kvm and they came back with below

"Yes. But it require your 2 desktops installation dual graphic-card, and your bluetooth keyboard and mouse should with a receiver. You could plug webcam into HUB port on the front of KVM switch. If your computers is not dual HDMI + VGA inverface, we suggest you buy the converter/adapter with chip. The quality of converter/adapter will affect the function of KVM switch.

So I need to determine what graphics card card is installed in each desktop??
So one desktop is hdmi input other is vga so not sure what they are referring to converter /adapter with chip?

Cordell

Probably because that KVM is a dual monitor with HDMI + VGA connectors. So in this case both computers must be able to output HDMI and VGA at the same time and one monitor must accept VGA and the other must accept HDMI.

If you can connect both monitors to both computers using only HDMI cables it's better to get the dual HDMI version. VGA-HDMI converters are generally not a good idea.

Irish Gunner

Cordell wrote: »

Probably because that KVM is a dual monitor with HDMI + VGA connectors. So in this case both computers must be able to output HDMI and VGA at the same time and one monitor must accept VGA and the other must accept HDMI.

If you can connect both monitors to both computers using only HDMI cables it's better to get the dual HDMI version. VGA-HDMI converters are generally not a good idea.

Seller said that I would need a USB to HDMI graphic card for this computer with the VGA port only

Is this what you are suggestion just not sure, thanks

Cordell

So, at this point, can you connect both monitors to each of your computers? If yes, how? i.e.
Computer 1: monitor 1 on VGA, monitor 2 on HDMI
Computer 2: monitor 1 on HDMI, monitor 2 on HDMI

Irish Gunner

Cordell wrote: »

So, at this point, can you connect both monitors to each of your computers? If yes, how? i.e.
Computer 1: monitor 1 on VGA, monitor 2 on HDMI
Computer 2: monitor 1 on HDMI, monitor 2 on HDMI

Computer 1: monitor 1 on VGA, monitor 2 on HDMI
Computer 2: monitor 1 on HDMI, monitor 2 on HDMI

Ok have to check second desktop but from memory it only has VGA no HDMI

So Computer one(current set up) would have 2 monitors on HDMI connections to desktop

Second computer would have HDMI on both monitors connection but would need some adapter to connect the hdmi to Desktop via VGA

Think I am explaining that correctly?

Both monitors have VGA DVI and VGA connections

Cordell

Check on computer 2, it can't be right that "it only has VGA no HDMI".

Irish Gunner

Cordell wrote: »

Check on computer 2, it can't be right that "it only has VGA no HDMI".

Need to check as not in house but think its old desktop so not sure what it has

Irish Gunner

Okay picked up desktop from parents

Below is pic no hdmi input

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Vn4ZVgMR2GaUnMfr9

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yL1SJhPqYkFDZQCt9

So anyway of connecting 2 desktop to monitor and be able to switch between the two

I use 2 monitors as one screen

All suggestions welcome

Squidgy Black

There's only one display output on that, without a cheap graphics card you won't be able to connect it to more than one screen anyways.

Irish Gunner

Squidgy Black wrote: »

There's only one display output on that, without a cheap graphics card you won't be able to connect it to more than one screen anyways.

Thanks

So what's my options I would need to install a graphics card, would it be worth it

Otherwise just connect it up to old dell monitor

All suggestions welcome as don't want to take HD out and use for enclosure

minitrue

I guess Squidgy only looked at the first picture and thought the serial port was a VGA port? There is a graphics card in the second picture and it has dual DVI outputs (and s-video, how old is this machine, are you sure it's worth using at all). DVI to hdmi adapters or cables (for video only) are cheap and simple so I think your only real "problem" is audio if you want to go ahead with this.

Cordell

There's 2 display outputs, 2x DVI.
The small 9 pin male connector is a serial port, VGA is 15 pin female.
So you should be able to connect it using 2 DVI-D to HDMI adapters
https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-HDMI-DVI-D-Adapter-2-Pack-Black/dp/B06WVSLSP3/ref=sr_1_5?adgrpid=107675026756&dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwuD7BRDBARIsAK_5YhVN3XPCdsFejHoBKnsnX_PnNRRqzThbtKEVmkXLeby2t-l_WeAu8IEaAtD5EALw_wcB&hvadid=459731313318&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1007880&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8415066115039482568&hvtargid=kwd-969795681772&hydadcr=7240_1780259&keywords=dvi%2Fd+to+hdmi&qid=1601733306&sr=8-5&tag=googiehydra-21

I would recommend to buy the adapters first and see how they work, before spending 150 on the dual HDMI KVM https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extended-DEPZOL-Keyboard-Microphone-Computers-Dual-HDMI-KVM-2-Port/dp/B07T3R92F3/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=dual+hdmi+kvm&qid=1601733484&sr=8-3

Irish Gunner

minitrue wrote: »

I guess Squidgy only looked at the first picture and thought the serial port was a VGA port? There is a graphics card in the second picture and it has dual DVI outputs (and s-video, how old is this machine, are you sure it's worth using at all). DVI to hdmi adapters or cables (for video only) are cheap and simple so I think your only real "problem" is audio if you want to go ahead with this.

It's quite old so as you say not sure if worth it. So something like the below for dvi to hdmi

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LRSCPMO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_DJiEFbYX5F5ZV

When you say audio would be problem would it be that there would be none

minitrue

DVI doesn't carry audio while hdmi can so if you want the audio routed from that PC through the KVM to the monitors I'm not sure what options you would have (if there is even a sane option) without changing the graphics card.

Yes, those adapters would work to convert the DVI video signal to a hdmi video signal.

Luck100

Why don't you just use remote desktop? Connect keyboard/mouse to gaming PC, and use remote desktop to connect to work PC when working.

Irish Gunner

With network

So I have to connect desktop up to a monitor first to set up connection to the Internet. Once this is done then I follow procedures for connecting if both on Windows 10.

I've spare dell monitor i can connect it up to

Then is it simple after this or is it better to try with initial way of trying to connect using dvi to hdmi cable. If I go this way what else would I need to test before splashing out on a kvm

Irish Gunner

These getting delivered on Monday Hdmi to Dvi

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06WVSLSP3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_MTEGFbE7H91X7

So where do I start to see if it works

Cordell

Just use them to connect your 2 monitors using the existing HDMI cables that are now connected to the other computer.

TrueDub

I've been looking at these sort of switches recently.

My setup:

Dual monitors (one HDMI, one Displayport/VGA), wired keyboard & mouse

Work laptop is a Mac, home gaming laptop is a PC

Currently using a Dell Displaylink for work to allow me use both monitors (plus the built-in screen), plus a USB hub which has mouse & keyboard.

When I want to use PC, I move the HDMI input for 1 of the monitors to the PC, and the USB Hub input to the PC also. It's not that much of a PITA, but it's a bit messy.

I'd like to use a switch to save me swapping cables. I was looking at something like https://www.amazon.co.uk/DEPZOL-Monitor-Dual-View-Keyboard-Switcher/dp/B07T3R92F3

I can't understand why it asks for 2 HDMI connections to each specific PC - can anyone clarify? And would anyone have any advice on the best switch for my setup?

TIA.

Cordell

why it asks for 2 HDMI connections to each specific PC

Because the PC will always see the monitors as active, and they won't revert to single desktop as they will do when you're pulling the cables. This will allow you to have both computers turned on at the same time, and switch seamlessly between them.

TrueDub

Cordell wrote: »

Because the PC will always see the monitors as active, and they won't revert to single desktop as they will do when you're pulling the cables. This will allow you to have both computers turned on at the same time, and switch seamlessly between them.

Makes sense, thanks. So if my PC/mac only has one HDMI out, do I then need a splitter or adapter?

Cordell

You can't split a HDMI connection, so you will need some sort of adapter.

Irish Gunner

Cordell wrote: »

Just use them to connect your 2 monitors using the existing HDMI cables that are now connected to the other computer.

Ok did not realise that desktop was older than me well not as:D

Has not been booted up since dont know when as sitting in parents attic. So managed to boot it up and its so old does not have wifi card yeah that old
Thought it had wifi as it has aerial at the back but could not see any options, see below piv

Back of PC


So got it booted up after some issues and text on monitor very blurry. I exported the settings in system summary and wondering if worth salvaging or just take the drive out and get an enclosure. Nothing on it

Any other system settings that would be useful ?

Item Value
OS Name Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
Version 10.0.10240 Build 10240
Other OS Description Not Available
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Manufacturer System manufacturer
System Model System Product Name
System Type x64-based PC
System SKU To Be Filled By O.E.M.
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8400 @ 3.00GHz, 2997 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 2 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date American Megatrends Inc. 0603, 29-Feb-08
SMBIOS Version 2.5
Embedded Controller Version 255.255
BIOS Mode Legacy
BaseBoard Manufacturer ASUSTeK Computer INC.
BaseBoard Model Not Available
BaseBoard Name Base Board
Platform Role Desktop
Secure Boot State Unsupported
PCR7 Configuration Binding Not Possible
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "10.0.10240.16392"
Time Zone GMT Standard Time
Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB
Total Physical Memory 3.50 GB
Available Physical Memory 2.53 GB
Total Virtual Memory 7.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 5.93 GB
Page File Space 3.50 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys
Hyper-V - VM Monitor Mode Extensions Yes
Hyper-V - Second Level Address Translation Extensions No
Hyper-V - Virtualization Enabled in Firmware Yes
Hyper-V - Data Execution Protection Yes

Cordell

It's not worth the trouble, especially not worth the expense to buy that KVM.
Maybe the case and the power supply can be used to house a new system, but everything else is worthless, including the drive.