Mechanical Keyboards @lemmy.ml noonlife @sh.itjust.works 6 mo. ago

KVM switch - Any recommendations?

2PCs with a single keyboard, mouse, I wish there's something that works, I want to control 2 PC's with one keyboard, no need to switch monitors I have a dedicated monitor for each PC (Windows 10, 11).

Any recommendations? I've already tried these options:

Bluetooth/Dongle

All of them have a rare error called "ghost/sticky keys" and is not a mechanical error, because when connected through USB it stops happening, the only keyboard that didn't do that was the Logitech MX KEYS S but rubber-dome KB 😔 and I really don't like it specially their bottom keys, I know that there is a Logitech MX MECHANICAL does anyone know how fast is while switching from Bluetooth devices?

MVK Switches/HUBs

Same "sticky keys" and it takes more than 2 seconds to switch between devices

Synergy

I don't like the idea of them sharing the devices through the same network LAN/VPN it defeats my purpose of using 2 PC's it may work for people with two OS, but not for me, I want to use 2 different networks on each PC so they won't able to see each other

Build one

I even tried making my own one by soldering 2 USB cables into a single keyboard with a switch to control to which PC should the data be send while typing the keys... but you needed a controller actively connected to the windows devices so... it didn't work as planned

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I do NOT need/want a display port or any video switch (I use 2 monitors, one for each pc)

18 comments

I use a Level1Techs KVM, I’m pretty sure it meets all your requirements. I’ve used multiple brands of mechanical keyboards with it and never had a ghosting/sticky key issue.
- If you're just using a mouse and keyboard, how fast does the level 1 techs KVM switch?
  
  It’s pretty instant. I have all my monitors running through it, but I can test when I get off work tomorrow.
I have a 2 out, 4 in usb hub with a button to switch. I press a button and my mouse, keyboard, webcam are available on my other system. I can not use them simultaneously though.
Do you really need video?

My monitors have multiple inputs, so I just use a USB switch for my mouse and keyboard, and then switch the monitors between devices as needed.
Here's a recommendations for what I use in my three node Proxmox homelab:

TCNEWCL KVM Switch 4 Port, HDMI KVM Switcher https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089ZW5PW5

It would give you some room to grow, supports HDMI for video, and comes with a fancy remote clicker to swap between PCs. I have a mech keyboard plugged in along with a mouse (although the mouse isn't super useful for my applications.
Since both PCs are running windows just install powertoys and use mouse without borders

Of course that means can only be controlled after booting, no Bios control.
- I did this after struggling with a tecsmart KVM.
  
  Mouse without borders works really well for Windows devices.
Aten/IO Gear work well. There's rarely any problems. If something goes wrong, a power cycle fixes it. If I'm buying again, I might go for the Level1Techs.

Slow switching is normal. In my case it takes 3-4 seconds for all the USB devices to get reconnected to the other machine.

If the keyboard or mouse doesn't work in the dedicated ports, you can use the general USB port with a hub. I had a keyboard that wouldn't work using the built-in port.

If you have particular problems with Bluetooth it might be EMI noise. Put the receiver on an extension cable.
- Aten has some cool looking equipment, but then wants me to "add to quote cart" no thanks. Might see if I can find it used.
  
  IO Gear is also Aten and is available retail. I have the GCS1934 which I use daily. Came with nice cables and all. Unfortunately all DisplayPort KVMs are super expensive.
Personally, I have ditched kvms and physical machines in favour of virtual machines everywhere. One set of input devices, three monitors, seamless control of each machine.
- Works great in some situations (I run two dev environments and a couple of test machines as VMs), but not always. I need a physical Mac to do iOS development / builds, so need a USB switch to switch my keyboard and mouse to it when working.
I use one of these to control 2 PCs and one laptop with a single keyboard and mouse. It could actually run a 4th machine off the same keyboard and mouse if I wanted to cram another into my workspace.

Sharing two 4k monitors between the three as well, though the screens have nothing to do with the switch controlling keyboard and mouse.

Used some double sided tape to attach the little controller switch to the top of the docking station connecting my laptop to the displays and network as it's a light little thing that would fly all over the place otherwise. Been using the same one for over 2 years now and it's been working great!

Tried some more expensive solutions in an attempt to tie my monitors and network together along with the kbm and everything I tried had some kind of unacceptable compromise, like bad video quality.
If it's just two PC's and no video, it's easy. There are plenty of cheap USB hubs in the €20-€30 range with a toggle switch.

I have a good experience with a ugreen branded switch that I got from Amazon. I bought it to toggle between my PC and work laptop when I started to work from home during covid.