How to control multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse
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In my last column, I described how to control two or more PCs with a single set of input devices using software. While these applications can work over wired Ethernet, they typically use Wi-Fi and may fail in environments with public Wi-Fi such as many offices.
Fortunately, several USB-based devices can provide a reliable alternative. Some can also work on devices like Chromebooks, preventing the installation of low-level drivers and allowing you to control a computer before it’s past the login screen and the software has loaded. However, some still require software installation.
First, many vendors offer simple keyboard and mouse switches that can instantly switch control between multiple PCs using USB connections. KVM switches can also work; just don’t connect other monitors to the switch if they are connected to other PCs.
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The downside is that these basic devices cannot perform seamless mouse transfers between computers. On most switches, you must press a button on the device or a remote control. (Some use wired remote controls while others use infrared.) Some high-end KVM switches allow you to assign a hotkey on a keyboard to switch between the PCs being controlled.
Going through a wormhole
As for more specialized hardware, perhaps the company with the widest range of products for traversing multiple PCs is J5Create, which has trademarked the feature as Wormhole on nine products, including two docking stations and two hubs.
But the heart of the line is four simple cables with USB-A connectors on each end. They range from the $15 JUC100 to the $80 JUC700 which, like Stardock’s Multiplicity software, can also commission one of the PCs as a second screen.
Interestingly, the low-end and high-end product only works with Windows, but the two mid-level variants can work with MacOS. Either way, both computers must run the software that is installed from a built-in volume inside the cable. The software allows sharing content from the Clipboard.
The company’s newest and newest Wormhole product is the Aero Drop CrossLink, a small USB-A device that comes packaged in a small astronaut figurine. Once freed from its plastic spacesuit, it allows a PC-connected keyboard and mouse to control an iPhone, iPad, or Android device via a Bluetooth connection. However, unlike the company’s wired products, connections to a Mac or even another PC are not supported.
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Perfect pairings
The following two products came to market through Kickstarter campaigns. Asuizo Crossys is a bit like generic keyboard and mouse switching products, but with a few changes.
First, your cables for connecting two computers are permanently connected. Second, like J5Create products, the device includes software that must be installed on the connecting Mac or PC. However, the Mac version is a faceless app that requires access to Mac accessibility features.
Finally, the LoopMotion device is the only smart switch of the lot that requires no software installation, and bills itself as the only “location-aware” KM switch. Simply plug a cable into each of your USB ports (labeled L and R) and start controlling one seamlessly with the keyboard of the other.
However, the device is not without options. Pressing a key combination mounts a drive with an HTML page that lists more key combinations for modes optimized for gaming and other tasks, as well as one that will keep the awake PC awake.
LoopMotion is one of the few options in the class that works out of the box with Linux. However, Chrome OS is not possible as mechanical switches are the only option. Another limitation is that, unlike products that use software, Loopsmart will not allow the laptops’ built-in touch panels to move the cursor between PCs. However, this isn’t all bad, at least as an option, as it can be useful to keep the cursor contained for some tasks even when two laptops are connected.
A majority interest
If you’re looking for the simplest free option, Microsoft’s Mouse Without Borders is still the best option. Although its initial codes are cumbersome and it is limited to four Windows PCs, the software avoids having to enter IP addresses but still provides some useful additional features, such as clipboard sharing and file transfer. Plus, it accompanies you if you like the PowerToys collection.
From there, Synergy and its open source cousin DeskFlow can also bridge Mac and Linux machines. Meanwhile, Multiplicity has the highest degree of customization and a unique audio sharing feature if a network-based solution doesn’t work in your environment.
Synergy and Multiplicity offer enterprise management and configuration support, which is especially attractive for software that spans the network. If that’s not an option in your environment, it’s hard to beat the simplicity of Loopmotion. However, opt for a solution like Crossys if your application requires clipboard sharing or if you’re connecting laptops and don’t want to connect a separate keyboard or mouse.
Read more: We find the best KVM switch deals you can get it right now and the The best monitors for a dual screen setup.
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