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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: neverlast74 on Tue, 28 July 2015, 01:25:46

Title: 2 keyboards on 2 PCs but I can use both on both machines?
Post by: neverlast74 on Tue, 28 July 2015, 01:25:46

I have 2 PCs and 2 keyboards - what is needed if I want to use both on both machines - not at the same time but ... is there a "switch" What is it called? Unplugging is not an option. :-*
Thanks....

Title: Re: 2 keyboards on 2 PCs but I can use both on both machines?
Post by: NiV on Tue, 28 July 2015, 01:57:58

Hey

What about something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-4-Port-Individual-Switches-HB-UMLS/dp/B00BWF5U0M/ref=pd_sim_147_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=16ENRYPPM5SBDC1BFCE2 (http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-4-Port-Individual-Switches-HB-UMLS/dp/B00BWF5U0M/ref=pd_sim_147_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=16ENRYPPM5SBDC1BFCE2) + one of these http://www.startech.com/ch/en/Cards-Adapters/USB-2/Hub/4-to-1-USB-Peripheral-Sharing-Switch~USB421HS (http://www.startech.com/ch/en/Cards-Adapters/USB-2/Hub/4-to-1-USB-Peripheral-Sharing-Switch~USB421HS)?

With this setup you'd have to be fancy :P You would need to connect your KBs into the first one and connect this switch into the second adapter, which is connected to both pcs. Never tried something like that but I'm sure that would work!

Title: Re: 2 keyboards on 2 PCs but I can use both on both machines?
Post by: suicidal_orange on Tue, 28 July 2015, 02:04:10

One of these (http://www.ambery.com/2x2usb20rosw.html)?

I wanted one years ago but couldn't find one, today I found it no problem and it seems such device have been around since 2007 :-\

Title: Re: 2 keyboards on 2 PCs but I can use both on both machines?
Post by: OverKill on Tue, 28 July 2015, 05:30:08

What you are  looking for is called a KVM switch. Newegg carries  them as well as pretty much anywhere.

Title: Re: 2 keyboards on 2 PCs but I can use both on both machines?
Post by: SeeThruHead on Tue, 28 July 2015, 12:26:04

http://www.amazon.ca/Plugable-Sharing-One-Button-Swapping-Computers/dp/B00JX3Q28Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1438104341&sr=8-2&keywords=plugable+usb+switch

I've been using this attached to a hub without issues.

Title: Re: 2 keyboards on 2 PCs but I can use both on both machines?
Post by: suicidal_orange on Tue, 28 July 2015, 13:09:45

Quote from: OverKill on Tue, 28 July 2015, 05:30:08

What you are  looking for is called a KVM switch. Newegg carries  them as well as pretty much anywhere.

You need to be careful if they create virtual devices though - I tried a couple but they were designed for a keyboard and a mouse so my USB stick wasn't recognised, but the computer did see an invisible mouse!  Plus both keyboards would be connected to the same computer at the same time which doesn't sound too helpful (but maybe that is what the OP wants :) )

Title: Re: 2 keyboards on 2 PCs but I can use both on both machines?
Post by: cutterline on Wed, 29 July 2015, 02:01:49

Filco Majestouch 2 Convertible might be the answer.
The downside both PC needs to have Bluetooth.