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One Desk, Two Computers: KVM Switches, USB Switches and Multi-Device Keyboards
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items #ad 11 picks for sharing one desk between two computers from Lemorele, UGREEN, BENFEI, Cable Matters and ProtoArc, plus two ergocrew guides and a Wikipedia explainer. At ergocrew.com we compare the published specs of docks and switches side by side; ...
Sections
4
Share Monitor + USB
Share USB Only
No Switch Box
Before You Buy
Share Monitor + USB
Pick one: KVM switches that share a screen, keyboard and mouse between two computers (5 picks)
The listing describes a 2-in-1-out HDMI KVM switch for one monitor and two computers at 4K@60Hz, switched with a button. It notes that each computer and the monitor need an HDMI port. My pick if you have two HDMI-equipped computers and one screen.
HDMI KVM Switch, 1 Monitor, 2 Computers, 4K@60Hz
Lemorele lists the G98 as a dual-computer KVM switch with 4K@30Hz HDMI output and USB 3.0 ports at up to 5Gbps, with no drivers needed. My pick if you share one screen between two computers and 30Hz suits your work.
Lemorele G98 HDMI & USB KVM Switch, 4K@30Hz
The Lemorele H200 comes with two USB-C inputs, three USB-A ports, one 4K@60Hz HDMI output and a PD charging port rated up to 100W. My pick if both computers are USB-C laptops.
Lemorele H200 USB-C KVM Switch, 4K@60Hz
UGREEN's listing covers two monitors and two computers at 4K@60Hz with four USB 3.0 ports, in extend or mirror mode. My pick if you run a two-screen desk and want both screens to follow one keyboard and mouse.
UGREEN HDMI KVM Switch 2 Monitors 2 PCs 4K60Hz
The listing says it connects a compatible USB-C, USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 dock through a detachable host cable; an 80Gbps dock is limited to 40Gbps through the switch. My pick if you already own a dock and want to share it between two laptops.
Cable Matters 40Gbps USB C KVM Switch 2 Laptops
Share USB Only
Pick one: USB switches for when each computer keeps its own monitor cable (3 picks)
Lemorele's H5 is a USB 3.0 switch that shares four USB 3.0 ports between two computers. My pick if each computer already has its own monitor cable and you only need to share a keyboard, mouse or printer.
Lemorele H5 USB 3.0 Switch – Dual-PC Sharing Hub for Peripherals
The listing describes a 2-in-4-out USB 3.0 switch that lets two computers share four USB devices such as keyboards, mice, printers and scanners. My pick for a simple, video-free way to share peripherals.
BENFEI USB 3.0 Switch, 2 Computers, 4 USB Ports
UGREEN's listing describes a 2-in-4-out USB 3.0 switcher with one USB-C and three USB-A ports, and notes that it is not a KVM switch and carries no video. My pick if you need a USB-C port among the shared devices.
UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch, 2 PCs, 4 Ports
No Switch Box
Pick one keyboard or combo, plus an optional trackball: all pair with several devices (3 picks)
This ProtoArc XK01 is listed as a full-size tri-fold keyboard that switches between up to three devices. My pick if you move between two laptops and would rather skip a switch box.
ProtoArc XK01 Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard
The XKM01 is a ProtoArc tri-fold keyboard and mouse combo, listed with switching between up to three devices. My pick if you want a matching keyboard and mouse that travel with your laptops.
XKM01 Foldable Keyboard & Mouse Combo
ProtoArc's EM01 NL trackball mouse is listed with Bluetooth and USB 2.4G connections and a multi-device workflow. My pick if you want a trackball alongside a multi-device keyboard.
EM01 NL Trackball Ergonomic Mouse
Before You Buy
Two ergocrew guides and a Wikipedia explainer on KVM switches
Our guide to using a KVM docking station with two laptops.
What Does a KVM Docking Station Switch Between Two Laptops?
Our checklist for choosing a laptop docking station.
Will This Docking Station Work With Your Laptop?
Wikipedia's overview of KVM switches.
KVM switch