techsupport @lemmy.world w3dd1e @lemm.ee 1y ago

KVM Switch Help/Recommendations

I need a KVM switch or some kind of USB hub that allows me to share a single keyboard and mouse between two computers. The problem is, one of those computers is for work and I have very limited access to the system settings, and I can't install software. The problem is that it causes the keyboard to constantly disconnect and reconnect every few seconds.

I don't have access to the power settings in device manager. Is there something else I can do?

This Insignia USB HUB is what I have now. It works fine on my home computer with no adjustments, but it makes the keyboard disconnect on my laptop. All other USB inputs work fine.

Any suggestions are appreciated! I'm willing to buy a new KVM switch, if needed.

Thanks in advance!

3 comments

Something like level1 tech's kvm might be what you are looking for https://store.level1techs.com/products/14-kvm-switch-single-monitor-2computer

The kvm switches aren't cheap but they properly support displayport 1.4 which is quite nice.
- Thanks for the tip. I don’t mind paying for a quality product. I work from home so this kind of thing saves me a ton of effort and time.
  
  I’ll research the level1 kvm. I don’t know that brand!
The best solution for me is no hardware at all. Synergy is a software solution to this problem. Install the client on each PC you want to share between and you can share one PC's keyboard / mouse to seamlessly mouse / type / copy / paste between adjacent PCs and laptops.

EDIT: I just noticed that you cant install custom software on your work laptop. You will likely have a problem there as a custom USB solution is also likely to have a problem. You might talk to your IT department to ask if you can use Synergy or something equivalent in your home office. If not, that kinda sucks on their part but not much you can do.

EDIT2: Now that I think about it, I have a co-worker that uses one of these mini USB hubs clamped to the front of his monitor pedestal and he swaps a single USB cable between his home and work laptop. That might be reasonable?