Want to connect two PC's to one keyboard

**saszeus** · 02-15-10, 07:25 PM

Does anybody have any experience with KVM switches?
I want to use two pc's here at my desk but don't want two keyboards and mice.
How would I do that?
Thanks

**CivilWars** · 02-15-10, 07:36 PM

I used t useone to use one kb, mouse, and monitor for my desktop and laptop. Works great, you just hit scroll lock twice to swap between machines.

**duckg** · 02-15-10, 07:37 PM

Depends on your hardware, but if you have usb keyboard and mouse then get something like this

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/def...spx?EDC=575404

That is just an example. But basically it comes with all the cables to hook to your computers and then you just plug in your keyboard, mouse and monitor. Then there is a button on the box to switch between computers or usually a hot key to switch using your keyboard.

**saszeus** · 02-15-10, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by CivilWars

I used t useone to use one kb, mouse, and monitor for my desktop and laptop. Works great, you just hit scroll lock twice to swap between machines.

Civil, I don't really understand which one you are talking about

**saszeus** · 02-15-10, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by duckg

Depends on your hardware, but if you have usb keyboard and mouse then get something like this

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/def...spx?EDC=575404

That is just an example. But basically it comes with all the cables to hook to your computers and then you just plug in your keyboard, mouse and monitor. Then there is a button on the box to switch between computers or usually a hot key to switch using your keyboard.

You don't have to use the monitor part do you?
Also is there a switch on the actual unit or do you hit something on your keyboard to switch?

**CivilWars** · 02-15-10, 07:53 PM

Sorry, on my phone. I have used a usb KVM switch, dont remember the brand but I will get a link when I get home, and I got it at frys for about 20 bucks. It allowed me to share one kb, monitor, and mouse between 2 computers.

**CivilWars** · 02-15-10, 07:55 PM

The one I have supports kvm, and sound. You could do any or all independently. It had no physical switch, you just pressed scroll lock twice to change pcs.

**saszeus** · 02-15-10, 07:57 PM

Thanks Civil
I think I will go to microcenter right now to look at them.
I live 5 blocks from that place

**CivilWars** · 02-15-10, 08:02 PM

I think the one I had was Iomega brand, or something similar, but just make sure it has the correct connections, ie usb.

**GReYVee** · 02-15-10, 08:07 PM

If you are not doing anything too sound/video intensive on one of the PCs you could also consider using remote management. Just requires the computers are both networked together. I find on LAN that remote desktop is responsive enough to use for browsing, typing up stuff, doing research etc. (Often do this when I am working on application developement or networking stuff).