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Not necessarily. If you only need one keyboard and mouse to control two networked computers, software input sharing can replace a USB switch. If you also need to switch monitor video or route other USB devices, you may still need a hardware USB switch or KVM.
The title does not identify which app was discovered, so this guide does not attribute it to a particular product. The right option depends on your operating systems, peripherals, network and whether video needs to switch too.
What a software input-sharing app does—and what it does not
Input-sharing software lets you use one keyboard and mouse with multiple computers, typically by moving the pointer to the edge of one screen to reach another computer. The devices communicate over a network rather than physically rerouting USB connections.
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That is different from switching the monitor or other attached hardware. Synergy describes its software KVM as working “without video”; it shares keyboard and mouse input but does not switch display output. A USB switch routes USB peripherals between computers, while a hardware KVM can combine USB switching with monitor switching. Which one fits depends on the specific hardware and connections you need. Synergy TechRadar
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BENFEI USB 3.0 Switch, USB Switch 2 Computers Share 4 USB for PC, Mouse, Keyboard, Printer, Scanner, USB KVM Switch Selector Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux
- Share Multiple USB Devices between 2 Computer : The BENFEI 2 in 4 out USB 3.0 kvm switch supports 2 computers share 4 USB devices like keyboards, mouses, U disk, printers, scanners, USB cameras, headphones, etc. It's convenient for you to switch freely between your work computer and personal computer, driver free and compatible with multiple OS, such as windows 7/10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP and Mac OS, Linux, and Chrome OS.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: With the 4x USB 3.0 ports, BENFEI USB Switcher supports up to 5Gbps data transfer speed. You can easily transfer data from U disk, mobile hard disk to computer. It's backward compatible with USB 2.0, too.
- Switch Easily: With the USB switcher button and LED indicator design, you can freely switch multiple USB devices between two computers with one click and clearly know the working status. Please note: When connected, it could work only when using the BENFEI USB A to USB A cable.
- Multiple USB Devices Support: BENFEI USB Switch provides an extra USB C(5V 3A) power supply slot. If you use some high power consumption devices such as HDD, USB cameras, headphones, etc, please connect extra power for stable performance. (The USB A-USB Charging cable is included, but the power adapter is not)
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY : Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely
Which option fits your setup?
| Option | Best fit | Important checks |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft PowerToys Mouse Without Borders | Windows users who want to control up to four computers with one keyboard and mouse. | Computers must be on the same network. File transfers are limited to 100 MB. Enabling service mode for elevated apps or the lock screen carries an explicit additional security risk. Microsoft Learn |
| Logitech Flow | Windows and macOS users with a supported Logitech mouse, or those willing to choose one. | Logi Options+ must be installed on each computer, and they must share a network. The supported mouse determines whether Flow works across two or three computers. Firewall settings, sleep and login state can interfere. Logitech Logitech Support |
| Synergy | Users looking for vendor-supported keyboard and mouse sharing across Windows, macOS and Linux. | It does not switch video. Check current license and feature details with the vendor before purchasing; no price is established here. Synergy |
| USB switch or hardware KVM | Users who need to route physical USB devices, and possibly switch monitor output. | Match the device to the number of computers and peripherals, display connections, and required resolution and refresh rate. No particular hardware model is established here. TechRadar |
How to decide whether an app is enough
- List what you need to control. If it is only a keyboard and mouse, software may be sufficient. If a webcam, storage device or other USB peripheral must move between computers, check whether the software supports that device or consider physical USB switching.
- Decide whether the monitor must switch too. If you want one button to change which computer appears on the display, keyboard-and-mouse sharing alone will not do it. Look for a KVM that supports your monitor connections and display requirements.
- Check compatibility before installing or buying. Mouse Without Borders is a Windows feature in PowerToys. Flow works with Windows and macOS but requires a supported Logitech mouse and Logi Options+. Synergy lists Windows, macOS and Linux support. Verify details with the relevant vendor because hardware and product requirements can change.
- Confirm the network is suitable. Microsoft says the computers need to be on the same network for Mouse Without Borders. Flow also requires a shared network. Restricted or public networks may block communication, so software input sharing may be a poor fit where you cannot control network or firewall policy.
- Consider file transfer separately. Mouse Without Borders documents a 100 MB transfer limit and single-file constraints for some copy, paste and drag operations. Logitech Flow transfers files through copy and paste, not cross-computer drag and drop, and transfer time depends on the network. Do not assume file sharing works like a local USB drive.
Network, firewall and sleep problems to check
When computers do not connect or input sharing stops, first check that both machines are awake and connected to the same network. Then review firewall rules and any network restrictions that could block communication. Logitech also notes that sleep and login conditions can affect Flow; consult its setup and troubleshooting guidance for the current product-specific steps. Logitech Flow setup and troubleshooting
Security considerations for Mouse Without Borders
Microsoft documents a service mode that lets Mouse Without Borders work with elevated applications or the lock screen, but flags an added security risk. Enable it only if that capability is necessary and appropriate for your environment; do not treat it as a routine setup step. Microsoft Learn: Mouse Without Borders
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UGREEN USB Switch Selector 2 Computers Sharing 4 USB Devices USB 2.0 Peripheral Switcher Box Hub for Mouse Keyboard Scanner Printer PCs with One-Button Swapping and 2 Pack USB A to A Cable
- 2 in 4 Out USB Switch Box: UGREEN 4 port USB sharing switch allows one button swapping between 2 computers to share 4 USB 2.0 peripheral devices without constantly swapping cables or setting up complicated network sharing software. (*Not a KVM switch and does not support a monitor or video transmission.*)
- Ideal for Sharing Multiple Devices: This USB Switch can share USB devices such as printers, scanners, mouse, keyboards, card readers, flash drives, etc. between 2 computers.(*It is recommended to power supply when using multiple devices simultaneously to avoid disconnection due to insufficient power.*)
- Wide Compatible System: 4 port USB switch works flawlessly with Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X, Linux, and Chrome OS. Driver-free, simply plug and play. (If the input PC only has a USB C port, please use a USB C to A adapter instead of a USB C to A cable, directly using the cable may not work.)
- One-Botton Switch & LED Light Indicator: You can easily switch between 2 computers with a single click on the button with LED indicating the active computer. UGREEN USB Switcher make switch effortless.
- Stable Connection: USB 2.0 sharing switch with a separate micro USB female port for option power, which optimizes its compatibility with more devices, such as HDD, Digital Video Cameras, SSD, etc. (The device doesn't include a charging cable and charger. Please use a Standard 5V charger, too high voltage output is not allowed.)
Bottom line for choosing between software and hardware
Use software input sharing when the goal is simply to control networked computers with one keyboard and mouse and your operating systems and network are supported. Choose a USB switch or KVM when you need physical USB routing or monitor switching. If both are needed, verify exactly which devices and displays the hardware will switch before buying.
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SaleBestseller No. 2
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THXCDBID USB 3.0 Switch 3 Computers Sharing 4 USB-A Port USB Switch Selector 5Gbps Sharing Keyboard Mouse Printer Scanner Includes 3 USB 3.0 Input Cables and IR Remote Control
- 【USB 3.0 Switch for 3 Computers】This USB switch enables sharing 4 USB-A ports among 3 computers. It connects USB peripherals like keyboard, mouse, and printer, eliminating the hassle of constantly swapping cables between devices. Enjoy a tidier workspace and enhanced productivity. Note: This is not a KVM switch and does not support monitor connections
- 【5Gbps High-Speed Data Transfer】This usb switch for 3 computers features USB ports supporting file transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. USB 3.0 delivers five times faster transfer speeds than USB 2.0 ports, enabling instant file transfers without lengthy waits and significantly boosting productivity. Note: When connecting high-power USB devices, provide separate power for the USB peripherals. Otherwise, the switch will not function
- 【Two Switching Methods】This usb 3.0 switch offers two switching methods: Button switching and IR remote switching. You can switch between Triple computers by pressing the button on the device. Alternatively, you can use the included IR remote control to switch remotely. Note: Hotkey switching is not supported. Batteries are not included in the remote control
- 【Stable Operation & Broad Compatibility】This usb switch selector comes equipped with a Micro USB power cable. Connecting the switch with a 5V power source during use ensures stable operation and prevents interruptions caused by voltage fluctuations. This plug-and-play device offers broad compatibility across multiple systems, supporting Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10/11, Linux, and Mac operating systems
- 【Package & Service】Package Contents: 1x USB Switch 3.0, 3x USB A-A input Cables, 1x IR Remote Control, 1x Micro USB Power Cable, 1x User Manual. Should you encounter any issues during use, please feel free to contact us. Our professional after-sales team will provide you with support
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USB 3.0 Switch, Bi-Directional USB Switch 1 in 2 Out/ 2 in 1 Out, Aluminum
- 【Aluminum Bi-Directional USB 3.0 Switch】The USB switch allows one-click switching of two computers to share 1 USB 3.0 peripheral, or switch between 2 USB devices on 1 computer. This Switch USB 3.0 switch also shares other USB devices such as printers, scanners, card readers, mice, keyboards, flash drives and other USB devices.
- 【5Gbps Data Transfer】The USB Switch supports data transfers up to 5Gbps and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices.USB 3.0 is more than ten times faster than the previous USB 2.0 standard. This means you can transfer a large HD movie in just a few seconds. The blue LED will indicate a running computer.
- 【Widely Compatible and】The USB splitter 1 in 2 out is Compatible with Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS, Linux, and Chrome OS. USB KVM switcher Ideal for sharing one USB device in Offices, Multimedia Teaching, Conference Rooms, Schools, Meeting Room and Training Facilities.
- 【Easy to Use】The USB switcher 2 computers only need plug and play, No extra power supply is required, no need to install drivers. (NOT included USB 3.0 Cable)
- 【No Worry to Buy】 The USB switch comes with 12 months after-sales service and 24 hour online technical support. If the USB switcher does not work properly for you, please feel free to contact us.
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UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch 2 Computers Sharing USB C & A Devices, 4 Port USB Switcher Sharing Keyboard and Mouse, Printer/Scanner USB Switch Hub for Two Computers with 2 USB3.0 Cables and Controller
- 2 PCs Share Multiple Devices: UGREEN 2-In 4-Out USB switcher supports 2 computers sharing 4 USB devices like keyboards, mouses, printers, headphones, and USB cameras. Switch freely between your work computer and personal computer and boost your work efficiency. (NOTE: This USB Switcher is NOT a KVM switch and does not support connecting a monitor or video transmission)
- Connect USB C & USB A Devices: The USB 3.0 switch provides 1 USB C port and 3 USB A ports to support connecting various USB devices, extending more ports for two computers. (*It is recommended to power supply when using multiple devices simultaneously to avoid disconnection due to insufficient power.*)
- 5Gbps Data Transfer / Plug & Play: With 4 USB 3.0 ports, the USB 3.0 switcher supports data transfer up to 5Gbps and is backward compatible with USB 2.0; Simple plug and play for any modern operating system: Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux computers. (*The USB ports are primarily for data transfer and are not recommended for charging devices.*)
- Note: 1. If your input device uses a USB-C port, please purchase a USB-C to USB adapter before use. 2. When using a camera through the switcher, if your computer has a built-in camera, please select the UGREEN camera in the camera settings to ensure proper use. 3.The USB-C port on the product does not support video output and cannot be used with a dock to connect a display
- USB-C Power Supply: The USB switch is designed with a optional power supply for high-power devices like Hard Disk Drives, headsets, and other USB devices to work more stably; The upgraded USB-C Power port avoids the trouble of not finding a micro cable.
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