KVM Switch (1 Viewer)

[rettucs]

Anyone here use one of these?

I never bothered as I was always able to do personal stuff on the work laptop. That is about to change with my company's new overlords, so I'm looking to get a switch so I can use headphones, keyboard, mouse, etc, on either my personal or work, at the same time.

Basically, looking for recommendations. They seem pricey enough.

 

[rettucs]

both company and personal laptops are macbooks.

 

[egg_]

I toyed with the idea of getting one but never did. My screens take DVI and VGA, so they're plugged into both computers, and I just switch keyboard/mouse/headphones by pulling out and plugging in the cables. Only takes 10 seconds

 

[pete]

the first thing that comes to mind would be just using a USB-C/thunderbolt hub (sorry - "DOCKING STATION") with the keyboard mouse & display connected to it. Then just swap the one cable between the two laptops.

 

[magicbastarder]

I toyed with the idea of getting one but never did. My screens take DVI and VGA, so they're plugged into both computers, and I just switch keyboard/mouse/headphones by pulling out and plugging in the cables. Only takes 10 seconds

similar - i have one keyboard, one monitor, and two mice. i physically swap the keyboard over and just select which input on the monitor i want to use (if necessary - it automatically selects the correct one if only one system is powered on.

 

[ann post]

If the monitors are the same size / shape and you are on broadband a lot, remote access like zoho could be a workaround. But maybe not too.

 

[Denny Oubidoux]

I recently got a keyboard and mouse that can connect to three things, but I have typed stuff into the work teams and hit enter thinking that I was typing on a different device - unexpected dangers.

 

[rettucs]

the first thing that comes to mind would be just using a USB-C/thunderbolt hub (sorry - "DOCKING STATION") with the keyboard mouse & display connected to it. Then just swap the one cable between the two laptops.

actually this same thing occurred to me after I started the thread. I use a USB-C dongle/hub/whateveryoucallthem and can just switch between the 2. But I use a bluetooth keyboard so that part won't work. The monitor HDMI cable is plugged into it too, and I just checked, it only has 1 input (fuckin cheapo yoke).

Thanks for the responses all. Loads of options and now I'm more confused than before, just in a different/better way.

 

[pete]

actually this same thing occurred to me after I started the thread. I use a USB-C dongle/hub/whateveryoucallthem and can just switch between the 2. But I use a bluetooth keyboard so that part won't work. The monitor HDMI cable is plugged into it too, and I just checked, it only has 1 input (fuckin cheapo yoke).

Thanks for the responses all. Loads of options and now I'm more confused than before, just in a different/better way.

buy a €5 usb bluetooth receiver and plug that into the dock, then pair your bluetooth keyboard with that on both laptops.

A decent dock should have a couple of USB ports, HDMI, Display Port (and possibly mini display port too), and a network port too if that's your thing.

something like this or this

 

[MacDara]

Actual KVM switches are ridiculously expensive. For a one-monitor set-up, a HDMI switcher should do it for the video, and a USB switcher for the peripherals. That’s my set-up (MacBook, PC and PS3 in the HDMI switcher, wireless mouse dongle in the keyboard and keyboard in the USB switcher).

 

[Anthony]

I need diagrams.

Sounds interesting, I'm currently using two keyboards, two monitors and two mice. Physically moving between them. oh and they all have cables.

 

[magicbastarder]

what inputs are there on the monitor? unless you need to use both systems simultaneously, you could consolidate on one.

 

[shidheat]

Synergy - Share one mouse & keyboard across computers

Synergy is an app that shares one mouse and one keyboard across multiple computers and monitors. Instant download, easy to setup in minutes.

symless.com

 

[Cornu Ammonis]

I use my son’s Nintendo Switch

 

[rettucs]

buy a €5 usb bluetooth receiver and plug that into the dock, then pair your bluetooth keyboard with that on both laptops.

A decent dock should have a couple of USB ports, HDMI, Display Port (and possibly mini display port too), and a network port too if that's your thing.

something like this or this

I have those but with less ports. will look into that receiver for the keyboard. Curious how, if paired to both, what you type only appears on one or the other.

 

[pete]

I have those but with less ports. will look into that receiver for the keyboard. Curious how, if paired to both, what you type only appears on one or the other.

Because the Bluetooth adapter is connected to the dock the keyboard will only ever be connected to one of the laptops at any given time.

Alternatively, lots of Bluetooth keyboards can be paired with and then switched between multiple devices. The two that I have can be anyway (a Logitech k780 & a Dierya 60% mechanical keyboard)

 

[JohnnyRaz]

'KVM switch' sound way more manly than it is in reality.

I envisaged something like this from the title

British General CPRSD432 32A 4-Pole Rotary Isolator Switch NO - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.ie. 4-pole rotary isolator switch disconnector used to switch power to commercial / light industrial applications. Can be used as an emergency stop and can be locked in the off position using a padlock (not supplied). Switch is interlocked with the lid to prevent opening...

www.screwfix.ie

 

[GO]

k

Actual KVM switches are ridiculously expensive. For a one-monitor set-up, a HDMI switcher should do it for the video, and a USB switcher for the peripherals. That’s my set-up (MacBook, PC and PS3 in the HDMI switcher, wireless mouse dongle in the keyboard and keyboard in the USB switcher).

they're only €30 on ebay

 

[MacDara]

k

they're only €30 on ebay

The ones at that price are all “from China” so that’s basically like AliExpress, right?

 

[GO]

The ones at that price are all “from China” so that’s basically like AliExpress, right?

they do seem to be from china. I imagine his computers are probably from there also. perfect match

heres one on amazon
Amazon product ASIN B083TC68VQ