HOW? : 2 Computers, 2 displays using 1 keyboard and mouse

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css_jay99 replied

9 March 2018, 16:47
I got the one suggested by wtfh from amazon.

Works great connecting a laptop and Surface pro to use 1 external keyboard an mouse. However forgot to order a mini display port to dvi to connect the Surface to a monitor. happy days
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Jaws replied

8 March 2018, 18:24
Not that I use the surface much these days (it's the first edition surface pro) but I've got the following set up to switch between a desktop PC + surface pro with multiple monitors:

USB 3.0 hub connected to 2x USB display adapters and a 2 port USB switch (konig brand). I imagine the display adapters may be optional if you can take advantage of the display port output.

The USB switch is connected to a USB 2.0 hub which has the mouse and keyboard attached (other end of switch is attached to main PC).

To swap between the two I just change the inputs with one of the buttons on the monitors and press the button on the USB switch.

I think it cost somewhere between £100 and £150 to accomplish. RDP is no doubt simpler.
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d000hg replied

8 March 2018, 16:22
I've always heard KVMs are error-prone though I don't know why they would be. When I looked, 2-monitor ones were expensive.

You could get creative and have a USB hub with things plugged in, and two USB leads to swap it between. Same for HDMI but this seems a PITA. RDP seems a good call if you're not using one system for gaming.
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BoredBloke replied

8 March 2018, 14:32
This is supposed to do 2 monitors

But it's expensive.
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WTFH replied

8 March 2018, 08:22
Originally posted by css_jay99 View Post

Thanks. looks like I can order that same one from amazon or maplin

Yes you can, for 2-3x the price, and be careful with Maplin.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43223175
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NotAllThere replied

8 March 2018, 06:18
I have a bluetooth keyboard that can switch between four devices (sold for use with Macs, but works fine with wintel laptop and linux). I guess there's probably a mouse available that allows the same.

Try googling "Bluetooth switchable keyboard".
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grabri replied

7 March 2018, 20:20
Originally posted by css_jay99 View Post

I have a desktop PC with 2 monitors connected.

It is hassle using my Surface pro and its own keyboard at the same time too.

I was wondering what I need to use to allow me to use a single keyboard & mouse on both devices while pc uses 1 display and Surface pro uses the other display?

Thanks

If computers are on the same network then have a look at Synergy https://symless.com/synergy

Also supports copy/paste between the computers.
Leave a comment:
css_jay99 replied

7 March 2018, 18:52
Originally posted by WTFH View Post

https://www.reichelt.com/gb/en/?LANG...UaAqkpEALw_wcB

Thanks. looks like I can order that same one from amazon or maplin
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WTFH replied

7 March 2018, 18:15
https://www.reichelt.com/gb/en/?LANG...UaAqkpEALw_wcB
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css_jay99 replied

7 March 2018, 17:43
Originally posted by WTFH View Post

It used to be called a KVM switch (20 years ago), maybe search for that and see if something comes up.

it does seem to be called a KVM switch but there just seems to be multiple variations

Originally posted by woohoo View Post

Why not just RDC from main computer to other computer. If you are using windows 10 you could dedicate a desktop to the RDC session.

Separate networks. and I can't RD between the 2
Leave a comment:
woohoo replied

7 March 2018, 17:30
Originally posted by css_jay99 View Post

I have a desktop PC with 2 monitors connected.

It is hassle using my Surface pro and its own keyboard at the same time too.

I was wondering what I need to use to allow me to use a single keyboard & mouse on both devices while pc uses 1 display and Surface pro uses the other display?

Thanks

Why not just RDC from main computer to other computer. If you are using windows 10 you could dedicate a desktop to the RDC session.
Leave a comment:
WTFH replied

7 March 2018, 17:14
It used to be called a KVM switch (20 years ago), maybe search for that and see if something comes up.
Leave a comment:
css_jay99 started a topic HOW? : 2 Computers, 2 displays using 1 keyboard and mouse

7 March 2018, 17:11
HOW? : 2 Computers, 2 displays using 1 keyboard and mouse

I have a desktop PC with 2 monitors connected.

It is hassle using my Surface pro and its own keyboard at the same time too.

I was wondering what I need to use to allow me to use a single keyboard & mouse on both devices while pc uses 1 display and Surface pro uses the other display?

Thanks
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