2 computers with 1 keyboard/mouse?

Hardware Hub
1

Looking for a simple (and preferrably cheap) way of doing this.

I have a desktop pc that I use with a monitor, and usb keyboard and mouse. I also have a 2020 macbook pro that i use for work. What I want to do is easily and simply connect the same monitor keyboard and mouse to my laptop so that when i am at home I can use a bigger screen. i dont want to have to plug and unplug all my peripherals each time. The monitor should be straighforward - i use the Displayport connection for my desktop and will use the hdmi port for the laptop.

Im sure there is an easy way to do this but im drawing a blank.

2

Basically you Need a KVM switch, they have some cheap, but decent KVM switch’s on Amazon or NewEgg.

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3

Synergy, I guess

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4

Most KVM switches use the same monitor connector for all sources, but there are DP>HDMI, DP>HDMI adapters.

Maybe you can support level1techs by getting a KVM switch from their store, some are on sale right now:

5

Most cheap KVM switches only support VGA connections - if you want one with HDMI or DisplayPort to drive a 1440p or better resolution, expect $150+. VGA works up to 1080p, but it’s at the limit of that connector.

Macbooks are also unfortunately incompatible with much PC tech (but adapters exist). I would connect like this:

   [Mac]       +----- Keyboard
     |         | +--- Mouse
[AppleDock]---[KVM]-- Monitor
                |
 [PC]-----------+

Unfortunately I doubt it’s possible to go under $300 for both dock and KVM. Maybe $200 is possible if you find a good deal, but…

6

If you are Ok with switching inputs on monitor, then a cheap usb only/usb with vga KVM will suffice.

Those can be had for 25 USD.

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7

Maybe this? I didn’t try it out yet, but I’m going to:

8

Is that not synergy?

It is the same UI as synergy

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ahh

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9

Oh hm, IDK? I never used it. My dad just runs X over ssh if he wants any GUI apps.

EDIT: Yeah, that barrier is in the Mint repos, and I guess most others too.

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10

So synergy started out open source, barrier is a spork of it. But you can buy the pro version for 20 dollars to get tls encryption built in.

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11

I know of synergy because of multiple tech tubers. Synergy sponsored them for a while.

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