Single keyboard - multiple machines --any such animal

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  1. Posts : 19,511
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #11

    With WiFi and network protocol it shouldn't be a big deal to enact multiple input/output to anything. Look at IP cameras you can have dozens of them and control them too. Maybe there's just no much interest in doing it for KB/mice ?
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 1,366
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #12

    You are basically describing a KVM switch with what you want. Cable clutter is only a problem if you allow it to be a problem. Most good KVMs allow switch from the keyboard, so the actual device and connections to the computers can easily be kept out of site.

    No need to reinvent the wheel when the current wheel accomplishes everything you want. I believe most new(ish) KVMs will work perfectly fine with wireless keyboards and mice, too.
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  3. Posts : 505
    Windows 10 Pro (Mix of Builds) / Linux Mint
       #13

    Ideally you want a server console incorporating a KVM ...

    However most will not have the outputs you are looking for, plus most are not standalone, but rack mounted to go with the servers themselves... Plus their cost.

    Yes, most newer KVM's work with USB wireless input sets.
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  4. Posts : 13,848
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #14

    I use a KVM with my USB mouse and keyboard and VGA monitor between 3 Windows computers [different versions] and a Linux Mint computer. If I were to go with a DVI monitor I could use a VGA to DVI adapter plug. It does not include the audio but I only need small sets, don't take up much room on top of the desk I can't reach anyway when sitting. If needed I do have a 27" ASUS monitor that has VGA, DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI inputs.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 50
    Windows 10
       #15

    CountMike said:
    First one is VGA with manual switching but second one looks good although sound is not normally needed and adds to cable clutter.
    The first one has VGA and DVI. Look at it.
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  6. Posts : 30,502
    Windows 10 (Pro and Insider Pro)
       #16

    jimbo45 said:
    Hi there

    I'd really love a keyboard that had say 4 buttons on it --like Fn buttons that would switch output to any one of 4 machines -- such a simple idea but why nobody hasn't yet got one out on the market I can't understand it

    I'm really FED up with messing around with two / 3 physical keyboards and I don't want a USB switch box on my desk.

    All the keyboard would need is 4 USB outs (or 4 receivers for wireless) the active connection being made by a key press on the keyboard. In fact the only difficulty would be the right receiver for the wireless transmitter but that is easily solved by say a different colour key on the keyboard and an id (same colour) on the receiver.

    I'm sure some of you testing several machines on a workbench have faced similar problems of multiple keyboards.

    Any budding entrepreneurs out there --I'm sure loads of you have felt a need for this type of keyboard. Maybe there is one - but not seen at all !!.

    Any engineers -- any idea how I could even consruct one --I'm quite handy with a Soldering Iron etc.

    Cheers
    jimbo
    So, you want something like this? Logitech K380. But more PC oriented? Or would this one suit you?
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  7. Posts : 19,511
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #17

    Hey, that one even looks good !!
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  8. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
    Thread Starter
       #18

    AndreTen said:
    So, you want something like this? Logitech K380. But more PC oriented? Or would this one suit you?

    Hi there

    The Desktops don't have Blue Tooth so that's out (I know you can get usb-->blue tooth adaptors but that's just adding to nr of dongles etc).

    Monitors aren't a problem I can stack up the Laptops within easy visible view on the bench - I can have up to 3 vertically stacked up on top of each other at a time.

    Looks like a 4 port KVM wireless switch might be the answer. I've seen a few decently reviewed ones for around 70 EUR, The cheap ones apparently have too much problem with response times witk keyboards and mice. The Rack mounted ones are a bit overkill for what I want -- this one looks as if it might do the trick though. I'll just have to put up with the KVM cable though looks like it can be reasonably hidden and this unit performs properly. The switch by "fast key" on the main computer is worth it rather than mechanical switch on the box which is what the older ones used to have.

    TRENDnet | Products | TK-407K | 4-Port USB KVM Switch Kit


    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 30,502
    Windows 10 (Pro and Insider Pro)
       #19

    Software solution would be cheaper than that. Synergy is one of them. You can get some for free too.

    I have some colleges, that use some kind of this - some free variants.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
    Thread Starter
       #20

    AndreTen said:
    Software solution would be cheaper than that. Synergy is one of them. You can get some for free too.

    I have some colleges, that use some kind of this - some free variants.
    Hi there

    Appreciate the suggestion - but Software solutions aren't always the answer especially if your Main console is a Linux server !!!. Hardware works quicker too !!!.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


 

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