Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Dual-mode Keyboard and Mouse
- How It Works
- Pros and Cons
- USB Switch for Keyboard and Mouse
- How It Works
- Pros and Cons
- One-stop Solution: KVM Switch
- How It Works
- Pros and Cons
- Why Choose a KVM Switch?
- Conclusion
Introduction
How to share one monitor, keyboard, and mouse with more than one computer and still have everything in order and efficient? The answer is to use a KVM switch!
Whether you’re a programmer multitasking with 2 computers, or a freelancer working from home, having a work computer and home PC at one table, a solution to share between them a monitor, keyboard, and mouse will help streamline your workflow.
Besides using a KVM switch, I also introduce 2 methods to achieve this dual-PC setup. Let’s dive right in!
Dual-mode Keyboard and Mouse
How It Works
This setup involves a monitor with multiple input ports and a keyboard & mouse that can connect to two devices simultaneously. A dual-mode keyboard or mouse will support both Bluetooth and 2.4G wireless connection and some will support connection to 2 devices.
With this setup, you can connect 2 computers to the monitor switch the input to toggle between them, and use the built-in keyboard/mouse functionality to switch control between them.
Pros and Cons
The good part is that the setup is simple. Just connect to the monitor, keyboard, and mouse like usual and no need for additional hardware makes it cost-effective. The disadvantage is that the manual switching process will be cumbersome and connectors on your monitor and PCs may not match. Another thing is that the multi-mode mouse and keyboard are not designed for frequent switching and when you use them for it, they may wear down easily.
USB Switch for Keyboard and Mouse
How It Works
Compared to the solution above, this method does not rely on the multi-device functionality of a keyboard and mouse but uses a USB switch to connect the peripherals to two computers.
A USB switch allows you to connect USB devices, like a keyboard, mouse, and hard drive to two computers. With the press of a button, you can switch control between the two systems.
Pros and Cons
With a USB switch, you can easily switch USB devices from one computer to another, not limited to a keyboard and mouse. It’s more convenient to switch with a press button and it also helps extend more ports for your setup. The shortcoming is that this setup still requires manually switching input sources of the monitor.
One-stop Solution: KVM Switch
How It Works
A KVM switch is the most streamlined solution. It connects two computers to one monitor, keyboard, and mouse. In fact, for most KVM switches, there will be more than 2 USB ports. Hence, you can share more USB devices between the two computers, such as a printer, hard drive, webcam, etc. With a simple button press, you will switch all devices from one PC to another.
Pros and Cons
This is the most hassle-free solution to seamlessly switch your devices between two computers. A KVM switch also helps with cable decluttering, always presents more features, and can be multi-functional.
For example, you will find more complex applications with these KVM switches:
- KVM switch for a dual monitor setup
- KVM switch with a docking station
- KVM switch to connect 3 computers
Since it is more functional and reliable, you may find this solution a bit more expensive than the two above.
Why Choose a KVM Switch?
When it comes to managing two computers with one set of peripherals, the KVM switch stands out for its convenience and efficiency. It’s particularly useful when you crave more desk space, or where rapid switching between multiple computers is essential.
AV Access, a leader in audio-visual solutions, offers a range of KVM switches that exemplify ease of use and reliability. Their products are designed for both professional and personal applications, ensuring seamless integration into any setup.
It’s worthwhile to spice up your office and enhance your productivity and workspace efficiency.
Conclusion
Sometimes cheap solutions can be a helpful contingent plan and be applied for short-term use. However, the inconvenience and how it is flimsy may cause problems in the long run. A KVM switch could be the one-stop, stable solution for multi-computer setups.
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