wanted: convenient USB switch for M/K combo

  • Thread starter Thread starter sobriquet
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sobriquet

Hello.
On my desk I have a couple of computers and I'm looking for a
convenient USB switch that allows me to use a single wireless USB
keyboard/mouse combination to operate both computers.
I currently have a 'Belkin 2x1 USB Peripheral Switch', which works
fine except for one issue. If you want to switch from computer A to
computer B, you need to give a command via an icon in the systemtray
on computer B.
When the keyboard and mouse are connected to computer A and you want
to switch to computer B, you can't access that icon while the keyboard
and mouse are connected to the other computer.
I've solved this by connecting an additional mouse/tablet to both
computers so I can use that to access the icon in the systemtray to
switch between the two computers. Does anyone know of a USB switch for
2 or more computers that doesn't suffer from this obvious drawback
that precludes convenient usage of that USB switch with a (wireless)
USB mouse/keyboard combination.
So I'm looking for a similar USB switch that either has a button on
the switch to alternate between 2 or more USB Peripheral Devices or it
should somehow be able to switch from both computers, instead of
having to use the unconnected computer to alternate the switch. The
mouse and keyboard employ the same USB port (via a wireless USB
stick).
Does anyone know of any brand/model USB switch that can be used
conveniently to operate multiple computers via a single (wireless) USB
mouse/keyboard combination?

tia&grtz
 
sobriquet said:
Hello.
On my desk I have a couple of computers and I'm looking for a
convenient USB switch that allows me to use a single wireless USB
keyboard/mouse combination to operate both computers.
I currently have a 'Belkin 2x1 USB Peripheral Switch', which works
fine except for one issue. If you want to switch from computer A to
computer B, you need to give a command via an icon in the systemtray
on computer B.
When the keyboard and mouse are connected to computer A and you want
to switch to computer B, you can't access that icon while the keyboard
and mouse are connected to the other computer.
I've solved this by connecting an additional mouse/tablet to both
computers so I can use that to access the icon in the systemtray to
switch between the two computers. Does anyone know of a USB switch for
2 or more computers that doesn't suffer from this obvious drawback
that precludes convenient usage of that USB switch with a (wireless)
USB mouse/keyboard combination.
So I'm looking for a similar USB switch that either has a button on
the switch to alternate between 2 or more USB Peripheral Devices or it
should somehow be able to switch from both computers, instead of
having to use the unconnected computer to alternate the switch. The
mouse and keyboard employ the same USB port (via a wireless USB
stick).
Does anyone know of any brand/model USB switch that can be used
conveniently to operate multiple computers via a single (wireless) USB
mouse/keyboard combination?

tia&grtz
Click to expand...
I'm really surprised as the 3 I've got/had use a keystroke like
shift,up,up to change from PC to PC. Has nothing to do with which PC,
as the keystroke is going to the KVM switch not the PC. I'd look at
Newegg.com and search 'KVM'. The only issue with my KVM's is they use
PS2 mice/keyboard and you say USB.
 
I'm really surprised as the 3 I've got/had use a keystroke like
shift,up,up to change from PC to PC.   Has nothing to do with which PC,
as the keystroke is going to the KVM switch not the PC.   I'd look at
Newegg.com and search 'KVM'.   The only issue with my KVM's is they use
PS2 mice/keyboard and you say USB.
Click to expand...

Yep, for a KVM switch that typically makes sense. But a USB switch is
different and I guess most people tend to use it to be able to switch
between two computers with a printer or some other usb device.
 
sobriquet said:
Yep, for a KVM switch that typically makes sense. But a USB switch is
different and I guess most people tend to use it to be able to switch
between two computers with a printer or some other usb device.
Click to expand...

This is really an odd workaround, but my friend has old KVM's but has
upgraded the hardware for mouse or keyboard to USB (can't remember
which). And of course its a nogo now. So he bought a PS2->USB adapter
and just plugged it in to make the item work. Yes its more hardware and
not a direct approach, but it still flies.
 
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