Linux: Unmount the device by ejecting it through your graphical environment, or by using the umount command. Importantly, this works on selected Logitech devices, and the features differ among Windows and macOS computers. Multiplicity When the button on the switch is pressed, the net effect is essentially the same as if you were to unplug the storage device from one system, and then plug it into the other. As such, the same same storage removal precautions and “best practices” must be followed to minimize the risk of data loss or corruption. However, if you still wish to use a storage device with the switch, there are two potential methods of doing so while drastically reducing the risk of data corruption: You will save space, and productivity will get a massive boost, avoiding constant switching. Plus, it’s super flexible to choose between the software and hardware sharing options. Especially the software ones don’t even cost you a penny for personal use.

The keyboard and mouse sharing is powered with Logitech Flow. This permits smooth transitions between monitors and a shared clipboard for cross-computer copy/paste. The requirements for this to work are typical of any such utility, including the computers being on the same local network and installing the Logitech Option or Option+ on all devices. A USB switch selector, also known more simply as a USB switch, is a small hub device that has multiple USB ports for other gadgets. For example, a USB switch can connect a webcam, a keyboard and mouse, monitor, and printer together. This KVM from IOGear has the same core features as the previous one: wired remote, two USB ports, and permanently attached input cables. Beyond that, the standout feature is superior video and sound quality, hence the higher price. For video, it provides support for up to 4,096 by 2,160 at 60Hz, whereas the previous IOGear KVM supports 1,920 by 1,080 at 60Hz.

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And the final entry for the best USB switchers has to go to StarTech’s USB 3.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch. When it comes to a pure USB switch, this is one of the best. Be aware it’s not a KVM switch so it doesn’t work with video games, TVs, or the like. Questo piccolo dispositivo ha risolto un grosso problema che avevo: gestire facilmente le periferiche USB tra due computer diversi. Each here works with one monitor (see below for some dual-monitor suggestions) and allows you to switch among two or four PCs using one set of peripherals. They all use HDMI cables (instead of VGA or DisplayPort, although you can definitely find KVM switches that use those). Most newer computers and monitors connect via HDMI for superior sound and image quality. For the least hassle, you'll want to choose a KVM that works natively with the video outputs of all connected PCs (assuming they all support one in common!) to avoid having to deal with clumsy adapters. Besides, the features include drag-and-drop files across the network, encrypted network traffic, sync events (logouts, shutdowns, etc.), transition prevention, etc. Specifically, Share Mouse can create a wrap-around setup where one can jump from the rightmost computer to the leftmost in a single switch. This is useful in reducing the number of hops in (a rare) case of having more than a few connected PCs.

La configurazione è stata estremamente semplice e intuitiva. Basta collegare i due PC alle porte USB designate sullo switch e poi collegare le periferiche USB (come stampanti, tastiere, mouse, hard disk esterni, ecc.) alle porte rimanenti dello switch. Il passaggio da un computer all'altro è rapido e senza intoppi. Premendo un pulsante sullo switch, posso facilmente commutare tra i due PC e utilizzare le periferiche come se fossero direttamente collegate al computer attivo. If you're looking for a four-PC-capable KVM switch and choosing between this one and the Tcnewcl, the biggest difference is that this one has four USB ports for peripherals instead of the Tcnewcl's three. That's a lot of additional value for only a few extra dollars.

How we test, review and rate?

Though it seems complicated, keyboard and mouse sharing is actually very straightforward. And there are hardware and software-based solutions to do it. USB switches are another KVM alternative, of sorts. They look just like KVMs, and will likely show up in the search results if you're hunting for a KVM from a retailer. But they have one critical difference: no video support. They will only allow for switching of a keyboard and mouse. That means you can switch between computers with a keyboard and mouse, but a standard, inexpensive USB switch will not pass through a video signal. If your monitor has dual video inputs (most do), and you can attach a system to each, that arrangement can work as a KVM surrogate along with a USB switch, but you'll have to switch the display input via the monitor OSD and the peripherals via the USB switch separately. That's a much less elegant solution than a "true" KVM. I have two computers, one desktop, and one laptop. They have slightly different use cases, but sometimes I need them both. Also, this model has a wireless remote compared to the Tcnewcl's wired remote, meaning more flexibility and one less cable to fuss with. Your desk could be completely de-cluttered (KVM out of sight, out of mind) with only the wireless remote in view. Given the price, the remote, the number of supported PCs, and the number of peripheral USB ports, this is the highest-instrinic-value KVM we tested. It comes with a central button to assign the peripherals to either computer. In addition, this is also plug-and-play without any complicated software setup or network restriction. I mean, why not?

Like the utilities we have seen so far, Share Mouse also allows seamless mouse transition with the connected monitors, with the active screen hosting the keyboard. In addition, there are animations pointing to the transition, and the settings section allows virtual positioning for better switching. The first step to finding the right KVM switch is taking inventory of what you'll use it with: specifically, the number of computers, monitors, and additional peripherals, such as a keyboard and mouse. You may also want to hook up a direct-connected printer, webcam, speakers, or external microphone (for all the streamers and podcasters out there).Most mainstream KVM switches support between two to four computers, one to three monitors, and two to four peripherals. La costruzione dello switch è solida e resistente, con un design compatto che si adatta facilmente alla scrivania senza occupare troppo spazio. La presenza di indicatori LED per mostrare quale computer è attivo è un tocco utile e intuitivo. It’s not only convenient but environmentally friendly (e-waste, remember?) if we stop purchasing a new set of peripherals for every computer we own.

My Experience

The switching can be done by dragging the mouse pointers across the monitor edge or pressing ctrl+ mouse drag, as per the configuration. One can also enable/disable screen corners to prevent accidental transitions. Finally, keyboards follow the mouse and work with the active display. There are many different reasons why you would want a USB switch. Now the question is what should you look for while shopping for one? What should I look for in a USB switch? Method 1: “Eject” the device from within your Operating System prior to switching control of the device. This is the suggested procedure to perform prior to removing/switching any storage device from your system. The process for doing so varies depending which OS you are using. This two-PC-capable KVM switch uses HDMI for the connection to the primary monitor's input, as well as to the outputs from your connected systems. (Credit: Kyle Cobian)