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Wireless keyboard for multiple computers. Instead of KVM: an overview of three software solutions

Imagine a situation where you have a laptop and a regular desktop. Here they stand side by side, turned on and you need to work on two at once. Every time you need to do something on a laptop, do you have to move your hands to its keyboard and touchpad? no way!

Synergy- a program that makes it possible to control two or more computers using one mouse and one keyboard.

How?

All computers that we will manage must be divided into two groups: clients and server. The server is the computer whose mouse and keyboard we will be using.

For configuration, you can use a configuration file or an add-on with GUI. But first you need to install the program itself (deb).

And yes, Synergy will work for a Win, Lin, and Mac computer.

1. Config

Create a synergy.conf file (no matter where, you can specify the location of the file at startup) with the contents (example for two computers, computer2 is located to the left of computer1)

Section: screens Comp1Name: Comp2Name: end section: links Comp1Name: left = Comp2Name Comp2Name: right = Comp1Name end
In the first section, all computers are configured: a colon at the end of lines is required, options can be specified after it. The second section is setting up the position of computers by specifying a neighbor.

It should be noted that computer_name is the name of the computer, not its IP address (your-desktop instead of 192.168.0.103).

Run the following command on the server computer:
synergys -f --config synergy.conf
The server started working (or gave an error message if something was done wrong).
On client computers, run:
synergyc -f IP_address
Here you must already specify the IP address of the server. An example of a config file and launch commands for two computers can be viewed here.

2. Add-on

Now that you understand how it all works, you can move on to a more “human” setting.

Download and install QSynergy, a graphical configuration utility (deb). We open, we see the main window:

On the server, put the second checkmark (“Use this computer to control others…”). On the clients, set the first checkbox and write the server IP address in the “Name of the server” field (if you don’t know, you can click Help → About in the main window and find out).

Now about configuring the server: you can use an existing config file for configuration (see point 1) or configure everything from scratch. Select the second, click "Configure Server ...".

On the first tab, the location and names of computers are configured. You can add a computer by dragging the icon from the upper right corner to the desired grid cell. To rename, double-click on the icon of the desired computer.

There you can also configure "dead corners" - corners from which it will be impossible to switch to another screen (do not forget to specify the size of the corner). This can be used when you accidentally navigate to another screen because you are trying to close a window.

On the second tab, you can configure keyboard shortcuts. On third - additional settings server.

Click "OK". Then "Start" on the server computer and "Start" on the client computers.

My next offtopic will be about computers again. This time I'll tell you how I screwed one set of mice and keyboards to two computers, plus combined sound. But I won't go into the details of why I did it ...

Until today, I actually already use one keyboard and mouse for two computers. To do this, I used the Synergy software solution, but this method had a place to let me down at the most crucial moments. For example, sometimes, at the time of network rendering, it was impossible to do anything at all with both computers.

In the end, I decided on a hardware method using a KVM switcher. And I also decided to combine the sound of two computers, but first things first...

To implement my plan, I needed the cheapest KVM switcher with two USB ports.

The presence of an audio channel in it does not mean anything, since I was not even going to use it!

To implement the idea with sound, two audio laces were purchased

and the cheapest USB sound card(if it can be called a map at all, of course).

After experimenting with the connections, I found that the switcher I bought works fine with the USB triple, so I also connected the extended Razer Nostromo keyboard here, which is very convenient to use in Final Cut.

After making sure that everything was working correctly, I fixed the resulting garland of wires under the table.

Switching between computers can now be done either through a given key combination or using a small button.

Now it's sound time...

Everything turned out to be not simple, but very simple. My poppy determined the connected sound without any drivers.

All that was left was to connect line out this whistle to the line input of the second computer, and the line output of the latter to the line input of the whistle. I also needed to set up mixing so that all channels work at the same time.

And lo and behold, here it is happiness and expanse! One click of the button and I'm already driving Windows, one more click and I'm back on the poppy.

And yet, you probably noticed that I have a new animal - the mouse CYBORG R.A.T. 7

I'll tell you about it as a bonus.

After this mouse, my favorite Apple mouse became flawed and retired.

The box that comes with this beast contains all sorts of elements for transforming this modest device.

For example, instead of the standard side trim,

you can put one on which you can fold your unused fingers.

The length of the mouse can be adjusted to fit a small hand

and under the big one.

In general, everything is spinning, moving and transforming. Among other things, the weight of this mouse can be adjusted to suit yourself, there are special weights for this.

Well, seven programmable buttons are just a blessing, especially considering that the mouse has several switchable profiles and macro support ..

True, I will not tell anyone that after I connected it, it did not work for me at first. As it turned out later, it was necessary to rip off the red sticker.

That's all for today, now to sleep, but in four hours you will have to wake up for work ...

Logitech Flow technology appeared a year and a half ago. The manufacturer came up with a universal means of interaction of several computers with the same manipulators. the site got acquainted with the performance of the macOS, Windows bundle, the MX Master 2S mouse and the K780 keyboard.

Logitech Flow

The Logitech Flow feature is a suite of multi-computer connectivity features. The most frequent action is the use of a single mouse, which can be moved between different computers as if they were multiple monitors in the same workspace.

To further eliminate isolation, the developers have added cross-platform copy and paste of text and files. The set of these features is sufficient to comfortably use two operating systems. The only thing missing is impossible things, like moving program windows between systems.

The mouse acts as the master device, but the keyboard also switches with it. Accessories must first be connected manually to all computers.

The link will only work for PCs used in the same local network. Connect to the same WiFi networks won't be a problem since the computers are nearby.

Switching between different computers

The cursor is transferred between several computers (two or three), and without reference to the OS. But for Flow to work, you need to install Logitech Options proprietary software, so there is an actual limitation on macOS and Windows.

To move, you need to move the cursor to one of the edges of the screen. To which one, it is configured in the software:

Switching is immediately available only in cases when you touch the face with Ctrl pressed. The latter will exclude random movements, but violates the perception of space as a single one.

Switching from Windows 10 to macOS occurs with a barely noticeable delay. Almost the same as moving the cursor from a connected additional monitor on a laptop. Only it can be two different laptops.

The reverse process was not so "seamless": you have to wait a second and a half until the pointer moves from macOS to Windows. Initially, it may seem that the function works only in one direction, but if you do not pull the mouse, but leave it motionless at the edge, everything will work out.

Copy and paste

Heavy objects are not copied as fast as we would like. But the process does not distract the user: he moved the cursor, clicked "Paste" and then you go about your business.

The copying process does not interfere with moving the cursor back and forth and inserting new folders or files. The system does not use a queue, but transmits all inserts at the same time. Therefore, forced copying of a huge project will not interfere with the transfer of small documents.

Pasting text is perfect, this is the best universal clipboard..

Disadvantages and features

It's possible to wake up macOS by dragging the mouse from an active Windows machine, but it won't go back until you enter your password. If you place the cursor on a Windows laptop and then close it, you won't be able to drag the pointer to macOS.

The process of switching between devices in the case of a mouse and keyboard gives a different delay. The keyboard follows the mouse, which creates additional micro-lag.

The pause is enough to place the cursor in an input field on another computer and start typing, but never see the text. Or see, but on the previous computer, if there the cursor just stood in the text input field.

Dragging (Drag'n'Drop) does not work in principle. It does not pull on a big inconvenience, but if it is more customary to work with a graphical interface, it will be annoying.

Alternatives

You can replace Flow by manual switching. Individual manipulators offer a quick source change function. But every time you change from one PC to another, you will have to press an additional key. Also, copying will not work.

Software replacements exist, but they work with varying degrees of stability. Not surprising, considering that you have to work with different generations manipulators and communication protocols.

A popular alternative at the software level is Synergy with a similar feature set to Flow. Functionality is not tied to specific device, switching between systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) works instantly. The software costs from $30, while a second version is being created, which was first released and then returned to beta testing due to bugs. the site does not recommend spending money until the developers bring Synergy 2.0 to mind.

The best example was the free Microsoft without Borders with a huge difference - it only works on Windows. And you can’t copy and paste many files at a time, there is a limitation maximum size file (100 MB), but the switching speed is a little higher. The manufacturer does not guarantee operation with any manipulators, but modern devices usually function without problems.

Support

If you need to interact with different operating systems or don’t want to put up with copying restrictions, but you also don’t want old software that is about to retire, you will have to fork out for Flow-enabled Logitech devices. The official list includes seven mice and five keyboards:

MX Master 2S - 3999 UAH
- 3799 UAH
MX Anywhwere 2S - 2899 UAH
M585/M590 Multi-Device Silent - 1199 UAH
M720 Triathlon - 1999 UAH
Craft-3999
K780 Multi-Device - 3599 UAH
K375s/K380 Multi-Device - 1399 UAH
MK850 Performance (mouse and keyboard) - 3699 UAH

In reality, almost all new manipulators support the technology. Including unusual.

The principle of operation is the same in all cases, it is worth choosing based on which controller you liked. The manufacturer does not limit specific pairs - any mouse works with any keyboard and vice versa. Of course, if you choose from the list above.

Formally speaking, you can do without a special keyboard, and switch only the mouse. It will be appropriate for a bunch of a computer and a laptop. The keyboard is usually already connected to the first one, while the second one has it built in.

Ordering in an American store, especially during the discount season, will save you a lot. And if for the mouse it is a good option, about the keyboard, you should not forget that the buttons will almost certainly not have a local layout. On the other hand, this is a good reason to master touch typing.

conclusions

Logitech Flow was accompanied by various program issues. A small selection of devices and their high cost only exacerbated the situation.

Now the technology hardly fails, it is really convenient and does not require complicated settings. The range of supported devices would like to be wider, but almost any consumer will find an option for themselves. You just have to deal with the prices.

It is unlikely that many people need to work on several computers at the same time. But if you're one of them and ready to use Logitech accessories, Flow seems like the best option.

Software alternatives are good too, but only Synergy will pose a real threat when it deals with new version. Until then, anyone looking for convenience should go to Logitech. They were able to implement efficient work with two operating systems at the same time.

Professionals, and not only, often need to work with several computers at the same time. I don't mean managing a regularly deployed server, I'm talking about situations where the second, third, etc. computers are located locally (perhaps spontaneously) and for some reason it is impossible or inconvenient to use remote access / management tools, like RDP or SSH. At the same time, sometimes it is simply physically impossible to place the required number of keyboards and mice on the table (not to mention not to get confused afterwards), different sizes and layouts will invariably lead to errors, take time and nerves. In a word, the problem is known. Accordingly, there are solutions that have already become traditional. The most famous is KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse): a device capable of switching one single set of keyboard, monitor and mouse between several computers at the user's command.

However, for all its obvious this decision also not a panacea. Sometimes, for example, you still need to see several monitors at the same time, moreover, any hardware solution has natural limitations, in this case - the number and types of ports (on which the price can also depend very significantly). RDP also has its limitations, so today we will consider another way to solve the described problem - software analogues of KVM, although it is more correct to speak only about KM, since it is assumed that computers managed with their help are still equipped with their own monitors. In many (but, of course, not in all) cases, they turn out to be the most versatile and effective solution, devoid of hardware limitations and requiring the fulfillment of a single condition for their work: computers must be connected to a local network.

input director

Of all the programs considered in this material, designed to work in Windows environment, the most saturated with all sorts of settings and auxiliary functions. On the one hand, this gives additional freedom to the user, on the other hand, at first it will certainly lead to some confusion and search for the necessary parameters on numerous tabs, especially since the interface is in English (however, like other participants this review). But for the most simple and typical situations, like, say, connecting a second computer for simultaneous use with the main one (permanently for work or quickly for the purpose of setting up, debugging), everything looks quite simple. The main thing is to understand that the Input Director operates with the concepts of master (master) and slave (slave) computers. The slaves are controlled using the keyboard and mouse on the master, which is actually the only difference, except that it also issues most of the system alerts.

So, Input Director must be installed on the master and slave computers. The size of the distribution package is about 3 MB, the latest beta version 1.3 build 98 was used for the review, since it contains a number of really useful features(although some of them are still unstable). There is no need to reboot, so you can connect a new slave computer very quickly. The program is essentially a window with settings (except for the icons in system area taskbar) and all subsequent work is done in it.

Rice. 1. Each computer with an Input Director must be set to master or slave mode, and in some cases even both.

The developers recommend setting up the slave computer first, although the order doesn't really matter. You need to go to the Slave Configuration tab and describe the computers that can act as masters. There are three possibilities for this:

all computers;
only from a specific subnet (determined by base address and mask);
only specific computers (with specified network names).

Rice. 2. Slave mode setup: The easiest way is to specify the exact network name of the control computer, although in some cases you can describe the entire subnet.

In a secure environment, such as at home, either option is fine. The first two are also convenient when using the auto-switch master/slave mode option (Global Preferences tab) - its meaning is that after proper configuration, the role of the master will automatically switch to the computer on which this moment controls (mouse and keyboard) are used.

On the Slave Configuration tab, you can also immediately enable or disable the synchronization of the screen saver and system lock, and, if necessary, enable encryption (AES 128/192/256) of traffic.

These settings are enough for the system to work. Now you need to return to the Main tab and click the Enable as Slave button.

Host preparation is generally "symmetrical" on the Master Configuration tab. You must specify all slave computers, and individually. At the bottom of the screen, click on the Add button and in the Slave Configuration window that opens, enter the network name (or IP address) - this is already enough and you can click the OK button. However, if necessary, you can immediately select a “hot” key here, by which the input will switch to this computer; specify the number of monitors and their relative position (simply by dragging with the mouse); enable traffic encryption. Later, you can also return to this window and make the necessary adjustments.

Rice. 3. Setting up the master mode: by pressing the Add button, you need to add slave computers and correctly describe their placement relative to each other.

After configuring all slave computers on the Master Configuration tab, it is recommended that all the described computers be correctly positioned so that the figure reflects their physical location. Thanks to this, it will be possible to naturally “drag” the mouse to the desired computer over the corresponding edge of the current monitor. However, this mode is disabled - if you plan to use only "hot" keys to redirect input, then there is no need to describe the location of the monitors.

Rice. 4. Input Director has the most convenient support for multi-monitor configurations.

Finally, you also need to go to the Main tab and click the Enable as Master button. Now everything is ready to use the Input Director. The program is very well implemented visualization of the intersection of the edge of the monitor screen, adjacent to another computer. Switching input will be accompanied by diverging "circles on the water" around the mouse cursor, so it's almost impossible to "get lost". The same effect will be observed when the master/slave mode is automatically changed (plus a pop-up notification in the system area).

Rice. 5. Such visual effect accompanies input switching.

In addition to actually managing multiple computers, Input Director also provides a "shared" clipboard. Thanks to this function, you can easily transfer any information from one computer to another, the developers also declare the possibility of file sharing via copy / paste, but in my case (Windows 7) it did not work, despite the fact that in the description latest versions bug fixes are reported.

As mentioned, the abundance of additional parameters has to fine tuning programs. I do not undertake to describe all the possibilities, I will focus only on those that seemed to me the most interesting.

Rice. 6. The Master Preferences tab contains a huge number of settings that affect the operation of the entire system - they do not even fit in the window, pay attention to the scroll bar. This illustration shows a group of options that control mouse input switching.

On the Master Preferences tab (on the host computer), you can choose the most convenient way for the mouse to move over the edge of the screen - the Transition Options group of parameters is intended for this. By default, the mouse simply crosses the edge of the screen, behind which the next computer is located, this may not always be convenient. Therefore, this operation can be performed either with an additional pressed key, or after holding the cursor in the extreme position for some (adjustable) time, or by double “tapping” the cursor on the edge. You can also disable the transition in the corners of the screen (for example, so as not to aim too hard at the Start button).

On the Global Preferences tab on each computer, you can enable automatic activation desired mode(master or slave) when the program starts (by default it remains inactive), if necessary, disable the shared clipboard and water circles, enable an information window above the taskbar system area, which will display the current input destination, and also activate the already mentioned auto-switching of master / slave modes. The last option requires that all computers marked with it have both modes configured (it doesn't matter which one is active), which will require some work. But in general, the opportunity can be quite useful.

Fig.7. Convenient feature - automatic switching master/slave modes - requires presetting all computers.

Finally, the Input Director has the ability to record and execute keyboard macros (mouse functions are not supported). Of course, there are much more powerful specialized programs for this, but it will probably be convenient for someone to have basic capabilities at hand just in case.

Mouse without Borders

This program is also designed for use only in a Windows environment, but it is actually the complete opposite of Input Director in terms of ease of setup and use. It is also curious that it was created by Microsoft employees, although it is not an official product. Inside the corporation there are many informal associations of programmers (not counting the full-fledged research unit), which from time to time give out all sorts of interesting utilities. So Mouse without Borders was created literally in a garage - only not in a physical room, but in the community of The Garage. Its main developer, Truong Do, is actually working on the Microsoft Dynamics project, apparently he needed such a utility for some personal purposes, although developers are one of the obvious target groups for various management tools.

The general concept of Mouse without Borders is much simpler than that of Input Director - the program initially runs in auto-switching mode, i.e. at any time, you can use the most suitable keyboard and mouse to control all connected computers.

Rice. 8. When installing Mouse without Borders on the first computer, answer no to generate an access code immediately.

Rice. 9. The received code will be needed to connect other computers.

Rice. 10. On each, you will need to specify the code and name of the computer with Mouse without Borders installed.

During installation, Mouse without Borders asks if it is already present on other computers. If you are installing it for the first time, you need to answer "no", as a result of which a special code, which plays the role of a password for connecting computers. Accordingly, on the second (and subsequent) computer, you need to answer “yes” and enter the name of the first and the code. After clicking on Link, the computers will be connected and the whole system will work.

Rice. 11. Mouse without Borders is ready to use immediately after installation.

Mouse without Borders allows you to connect up to four computers, the order of which can be changed in the settings window by simply dragging and dropping the corresponding images with the mouse. Multi-monitor configurations are not specifically supported in any way. The basic features of the program include sharing clipboard, as well as the ability to copy files by dragging them with the mouse to desired computer. The last operation can only be performed on single files, groups and folders are not supported. The copying process is accompanied by a pop-up notification, all files are placed in a special MouseWithoutBorders folder, which is automatically created on the desktop. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that no warnings are issued when copying files with the same names, new ones simply overwrite the old ones.

Rice. 12. Computer placement settings are quite simple, but in most cases they will be enough.

The minimalist settings of Mouse without Borders seem to reflect its most typical use. You can configure hotkeys, disable screen savers on managed computers, and the need to pre-press Ctrl-Alt-Del (which is always handled local system) to unlock the computer. It is also possible to synchronously control all PCs, for example, to execute the same commands or programs - naturally, a mouse can only be used for these purposes if the monitors have the same resolution. Finally, through the Mouse without Border icon in the system tray of the taskbar, you can quickly take and transfer screenshots of managed computers.

Rice. 13. In Mouse without Borders, the most necessary "hot" keys are initially configured, which makes using the program even easier.

Thus, Mouse without Borders really does not go too far beyond its main tasks, which in many cases is even good. The result is the most compact distribution, easy setup, minimum problems.

Synergy

The main difference and advantage from the previous participants in the review is cross-platform. The program works on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X, you can use ready-made binaries or compile them yourself. Natural costs - the use of cross-platform libraries (Qt) and, accordingly, a rather bulky distribution kit (about 11 MB). At the same time, however, the principles of setting up and using Synergy on different platforms may differ, due to the presence or absence of a GUI and some other features. V currently version 1.4 is being developed, where this problem should be, if not resolved, then mitigated. In the meantime, on Linux and Mac OS X, you need to be ready to work directly with configuration file, however, and in Windows only with its help it is possible, for example, to describe the configuration of a computer with multiple monitors. However, in the most typical cases, setting up Synergy is relatively easy (for example, beta version 1.4.5).

Rice. 14. On managed computers, you only need to enter the server name.

Rice. 15. Server - a computer whose keyboard and mouse will be used to control the entire system. On Windows, it's easiest to set up interactively.

Rice. 16. You need to drag the monitor icon to the cells and double click on them to complete the adjustment.

Synergy operates with the concepts of a server and a client - in fact, these are analogues of the main and slave computers of the Input Director. Accordingly, you must configure the server whose keyboard and mouse you intend to use, and the required number of clients. On clients, just specify the network name of the server and click the Start button. Server configuration is a little more complicated: you need to select the interactive configuration mode (Configure interactively), click on the button Configure server and in the window that opens, describe the placement of monitors. To do this, drag the monitor icon to free cells, then double-click on it and enter the network name of the corresponding client in the Screen name field. After that, the system is completely ready for work, it remains only to return to the main Synergy window and click the Start button.

Rice. 18. Synergy does not shine with an abundance of settings, but it allows you to choose various ways switching input with the mouse.

You can also take your time and adjust some settings right away (or return to them after your preferences are more precisely defined). For example, for each monitor, you can specify "dead" corners in which the transition to the next screen will not occur. Although they can be defined globally - in the Advanced Server Configuration tab of the Server Configuration window. Here, the very method of switching to another screen with the mouse is corrected. By default, the cursor just immediately crosses the edge of the screen, but you can do this after some delay (Switch after waiting) or by double tapping on the edge (Switch on double tap within). But the hotkeys will have to be configured on your own - for this, the Hotkeys tab is intended in the Server Configuration window. However, in the current beta version, there is clearly some confusion here. So, the key combination must be specified twice - both when it is initialized and when assigning a specific action.

Rice. 19. Synergy can be attributed to a special class of KMG (G - gamepad), because it has support for game pads.

Synergy supports a shared clipboard, which is actually a standard for this class of programs, and also has one unique feature - under Windows, it can redirect commands not only from the keyboard and mouse, but also from the gamepad.

Summary

There are other KM programs, for example, commercial. I am ready to assume that it is debugged better than its own free analogues; Besides, in Pro versions Declared the ability to copy files and folders. Even so, the $50 price tag seems excessive.

In turn, the three programs described cover most of the possible situations and you can choose the most suitable one from them. Mouse without Borders captivates with its simplicity and, perhaps, is ideal for a first acquaintance. Input Director, on the contrary, will offer maximum settings and additional features, up to keyboard macros. Synergy has no alternative when it comes to operating systems, other than Windows. In any case, each of them is able to make simultaneous work with several computers more comfortable.

Mouse without Borders is not only about managing multiple computers with a single mouse and keyboard. And so, what can we do with Mouse without Borders: