Same keyboard, mouse for two laptops

Tim Robbins

Hi,

On my set up I have two laptops. One personal use and one for work.

I want to connect the same keyboard and same mouse to both. The keyboard is USB - C to USB and the mouse is just a USE connection straight from the mouse. What do I need to get to get to do this?

Thanks

FishOnABike

An index finger and opposable thumb work fairly well but there are a number of more elegant hardware or software solutions that might suit depending on what rights you have to install software on a work laptop.

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/why-you-no-longer-need-a-kvm-switch-for-your-multi-pc-setup/

If installing software on a work laptop is an issue then you're left with the choice of using a USB or KVM switch.

ablelocks

i have a logitech keyboard and mouse that both work on a surface pro and a hp laptop - seamless switching between both.

if you don't have logitech devices, then try Download Microsoft Garage Mouse without Borders from Official Microsoft Download Center - i used this a couple of years ago and it worked perfectly too

Tim Robbins

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118931305#Comment_118931305

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118932559#Comment_118932559

Thanks guys but if I need to install anything on the work laptop, it can be hassle. So I am looking for a physical solution here.

Lu Tze

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118932676#Comment_118932676

I'm using this a few weeks, working grand so far for switching keyboard and mouse with a single button click.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07RC8F2L3?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

dubrov

Get a KVM switch if you need to share montiors and USB peripherals.

Otherwise, get a USB switch for USB peripherals only.

Another option is to get a bluetooth keyboard/mouse that can switch between 2 devices.

FishOnABike

External USB switch is your only option if installing software on your work laptop is a problem. https://uk.bestreviews.guide/4-port-usb-switchs reviews a selection. Keyboard and mouse are most likely both USB2. It's probably a question of what USB switch is available in a local computer shop or online.

Tim Robbins

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118933538#Comment_118933538

Thanks for the advice. Ended up going for this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09DFYZY74/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tim Robbins

pah

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118934796#Comment_118934796

Are you using external monitors also? That product is overkill if its just to switch between two laptops

Tim Robbins

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118944144#Comment_118944144

Yes, external monitors.

nelly17

I used to usee an app called Synergy it worked great - but if you work on the office VPN and home network on the second machine it might not be use much use - you can get it to work with ssh port forwarding but its a bit of a faff.