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Wondering if there is such a device similar to KVM, but which will give me opportunity to share only my USB keyboard and mouse with 3 computers. I would like to manually switch to certain computer.

Pablo
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    So you're asking if there's a KM with no V? Why not just use a KVM switch? – goblinbox Mar 11 '11 at 02:00
  • Usually KVM switches doesn't have enough USB ports for 3 computers, that is 3x2 ports. Also I don't want to pay extra money for the functionality that I'm not going to use. – Pablo Mar 11 '11 at 02:04

6 Answers6

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There are USB multi-port KVM switches that will allow you to manage 3 (or more) computers, but I don't believe I've ever seen one without video.

goblinbox
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I know you asked specifically for a hardware solution, however is the situation you have 3 computers with 3 monitors on your desk and you want to remove the 3 sets of keyboard/mouse?

If so what about a software solution?

I've used http://synergy-foss.org/ previously to get between windows2003 server, windowsVista laptop, linux desktop. It worked pretty well

SoreGums
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    Actually I have 1 monitor, but I can switch computers right from monitor, as each computer connects to monitor using different connector(VGA,DVI,HDMI). So it's just about mouse and keyboard. – Pablo Mar 11 '11 at 02:45
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I found another software that seems to be somewhat easier to configure than Synergy, much better instructions, Synergy seems to be completely lacking in instructions.

http://www.inputdirector.com/index.html#about

Another article about it http://www.labnol.org/software/share-keyboard-mouse-with-two-computers/18470/

Moab
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  • Actually I just bought a good USB KVM switch, since there is no solution for Mac-Windows. – Pablo Aug 07 '11 at 13:23
  • I don't need video switching, can you use that kvm for just the usb portion of switching? – Moab Aug 07 '11 at 15:38
  • yeah, that's what I'm doing. Just switching USB Keyboard/Mouse and audio. – Pablo Aug 07 '11 at 15:45
  • I've tried number of KVM switches and only this one works with both my Desktop computers and Macbook Pro: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aten-CS64U-4-Port-USB-Switch/dp/B000WKXFX2 – Pablo Aug 07 '11 at 16:20
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I searched for the same solution for me. Here's what I've found:

YouTube — Switching a USB display, keyboard, and mouse between a Mac and a PC (USB KVM)

Plugable USB 2.0 Switch

Want to share USB devices between 2 computers with the press of a button? The Plugable USB 2.0 Sharing Switch is the ideal soulution for sharing a printer or and USB device such as pen drive, scanner, USB hub… etc. (one computer has access to the shared device at a time). Requires no drivers and works with any USB-enabled computer or host, including Windows, Mac or Linux.

slhck
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demosthenes
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take a look at adder - they do a 4 port USB key/ mouse switch

http://www.adder.com/products/categories/keymouse-switch

Tim
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Just been looking for a similar thing myself. Don't really want a full blown KVM as the low end ones include built in VGA cables which would create clutter. I've found that ATEN have a selection of "USB Peripheral Switches" which sound like they should do the job such as the US424 "4-Port USB Peripheral Sharing Device".

Lenny
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