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:


  • 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?

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

  • 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

---------- new update ----------

I do NOT need/want a display port or any video switch (I use 2 monitors, one for each pc)

  • Avid Amoeba
    link
    fedilink
    22 months ago

    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.

    • @barsquid@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      22 months ago

      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.

      • Avid Amoeba
        link
        fedilink
        2
        edit-2
        2 months ago

        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.

          • Avid Amoeba
            link
            fedilink
            22 months ago

            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. 😅