USB 3.0 Switch Selector,ABLEWE KVM Switcher Adapter 4 Port USB Peripheral Switcher Box Hub for Mouse, Keyboard, Scanner, Printer, PCs with One-Button Switch and 2 Pack USB Cable

Not OP but I got something like this on amazon and I just have my KB and Mouse hooked up to that and switch it. Its actually pretty smart too, so it autoswitches if my PC or Mac powers on.

OP is using a wireless magic keyboard, so I imagine that they just switch the Bluetooth when needed

That could be a solution.

Also, I was doing a bit of researching, and apparently there are devices that allow me to connect a keyboard to two devices. Example: https://www.amazon.com/Selector-ABLEWE-Switcher-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B07TS5JNT3/

I may end up going this route if I don't find a keyboard that meets my needs. I can just buy a KVM switch instead of needing to get a new keyboard.

USB ports in monitors are just like normal USB hubs, except they're in the same housing. They still require a separate USB uplink from the PC to work, they don't magically work over HDMI. The exception are Thunderbolt monitors, which share video, USB and even power over the same cable.

Anyway, what you're looking for is probably a switchable USB hub with 2 inputs, something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TS5JNT3 You'd still need to switch the speaker cable from PC to the laptop, unless you also get a USB sound card and plug the speakers into this USB hub as well.

You can do that but it's not ideal because most of those switches will only do 60 Hz, and I doubt there are any that will support 5 displays. For KB+M and general USB any USB3 switch will do. I use this one to switch between my work laptop and my personal desktop.

I'll say from experience that display switching in Windows can be a pain in the ass, but I do wish you better luck than I had with it.

My setup is a PC tower and MacBook Pro plugged into a single monitor, with my webcam, keyboard, mouse, microphone, and audio plugged into a USB switch that’s connected to both computers. All I have to do is switch the input on the monitor to the computer I want to use and switch the USB devices to the desired computer. It works very well.

This is the USB switch I use.

I use a 2-in, 2-out USB hub to use my keyboard and mouse with both my computer and my work laptop, but this is a 2-in, 4-out:

https://www.amazon.com/Selector-ABLEWE-Switcher-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B07TS5JNT3/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=USB+KVM+switch&qid=1599069385&s=electronics&sr=1-3

This is the one I bought https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TS5JNT3/ref=cm_sw_r_sm_apa_i_TGFHFb8D4GY05

For USB you'd be looking for a KVM switch.

It's like an USB hub, but you hook up 2 computers and change which of them it sends input to.

https://www.amazon.com/Selector-ABLEWE-Switcher-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B07TS5JNT3?ref_=s9_apbd_otopr_hd_bw_bwfoh&pf_rd_r=ZT24S2RPGFGRKWDPGG6Z&pf_rd_p=c61e2c1f-e858-5af1-9115-2a5aee3cc613&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-10&pf_rd_t=BROWSE&pf_rd_i=13983771

I've never used any of these switches, so also do your own research, but a KVM switch would be the idea solution for USB.

You can do the same with HDMI, but HDMI KVM switches are really expensive. If your monitors support more than one video input, you should be able to hook both laptop and desktop up and switch the device on the monitors themselves.

Great question! I have my peripherals connected to a switch under my desk. I press a button and they go between the Desktop and MacBook.

Here’s the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TS5JNT3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_UdRZFbZ2PSHT2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I’m not OP but I was in a similar situation with a different monitor and ended up just using the input selector on the monitor and this “dumb” USB switch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TS5JNT3

I say dumb because it doesn’t do any sort of input virtualization, it basically just unplugs and plugs are the press of a button. It’s worked great for 3 months now.

I have all my periphs through a USB kvm. Mouse, KB, DAC, and Blue Yeti. They switch seamlessly.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TS5JNT3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JCDiFbFC1WSFW

The charger cable is a dongle. It starts with USB-A and splits into USB-C, microUSB, apple lightning, and apple watch puck.

I think the keyboard uses at least some power to work but at minimum it still needs to be plugged in somewhere. It has a USB-C input so I need to convert it to USB-A no matter what. I have limited available USB-A ports so I'm thinking I can kill two birds with one stone by connecting the keyboard and charging things on the same cord. If I'm asking a dumb question and the answer is there will obviously be enough power then that's great and what I'm looking for.

This is TMI but here's my full plan if you're interested. I'm trying to combine gaming PC and work laptop in one office space:

-Gaming PC hooks to monitor via DisplayPort, work laptop via HDMI

-PC and laptop both connect to KM switch

-KM switch connects to flash drive, headphones, mouse, and keyboard

-Keyboard portion splits into keyboard (C), phone (lightning), watch (puck), and vapes (micro)

-In the end I can switch machines and charge everything with barely moving

if it sounds good you're fine to do that, but it seems a lot of steps. I was meaning just plugging the Fulla 2 into the PS4 via USB. if it works, you can get a USB switch

This one does the trick mostly: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TS5JNT3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yup! same peripherals for both the PC and my work laptop. My roommate and I both are using this USB switch, 4 inputs into 2 different devices. Works well, there is no remote for it though so you need it in a place that is accessible to press the switch.

USB 3.0

And cheaper!

Edit:

$17 with prime

I wish I knew about this. I bought hdmi and usb switches the other week.

USB KVM switcher

I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TS5JNT3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and I've had no problems with anything you've described.

USB 3.0 Switch Selector,ABLEWE... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TS5JNT3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You could also try something like -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TS5JNT3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I do this for my work laptop and home PC. Can easily switch my keyboard/mouse back and forth.

https://www.amazon.com/Selector-ABLEWE-Switcher-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B07TS5JNT3/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=usb+3.0+switch&qid=1604098760&sr=8-3

The blue light is super bright.. and it's a mess with all the cables. i would like one with a remote switch, so i could mount the hub under the desk with all the wires, and then have a single button to switch. but beggars can't be chooses.

i have mine velcroed to the back of the monitor, and it's working well.

Do your monitors have multiple inputs? Mine do, and have an app to allow switching from my keyboard.

For my case I went with a dock plus a USB switch: https://www.amazon.com/Selector-ABLEWE-Switcher-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B07TS5JNT3

L

I have a similar requirement for 2 Mac mini. What I found works best for me is just get a cheap usb matrix. This way I can switch by click a button and works with any DAC. It also switch my music libs in portable heat too which is nice.

There are many out there and here is an example. I went with USB 3.0 due to the hard drives.

USB 3.0 Switch Selector,ABLEWE KVM Switcher Adapter 4 Port USB Peripheral Switcher Box Hub for Mouse, Keyboard, Scanner, Printer, PCs with One-Button Switch and 2 Pack USB Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TS5JNT3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YSQvFbW1SGHXW

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TS5JNT3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_y8oFrhVZhAQwa

Simple, works great

I have this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TS5JNT3/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdo_btf_t1_.YkEFbNVGDB30

I've had it since May, and it's been working pretty flawlessly for my use.

You can use a USB Switch to switch between which computer your keyboard and mouse is connected to. Though, you'd still have to switch between the video source on your monitor.

This is what I'm using right now for my PC and 2018 MacBook Pro 15:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TS5JNT3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can also use a KVM switch to switch the keyboard, mouse, and video source in one click. I've never used a KVM switch, but I think you might not be able to split screen your monitor using this method though.

As for your monitor, what exactly are you looking for in price, use case, needs, etc?

This one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TS5JNT3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you had a bluetooth adapter plugged into the switch that you used to connect things, then probably yes. Or if you have those little wireless receiver usb dongles you could just plug them into the switch.

It's called a "KVM switch". For that basic of a requirement you can get one pretty cheap:

https://www.amazon.com/Selector-ABLEWE-Switcher-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B07TS5JNT3

For an external USB drive you could get a USB switch like this. They are normally used when you want 1 keyboard and 1 mouse connected to 2 computers and switch between them.

https://www.amazon.com/Selector-ABLEWE-Switcher-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B07TS5JNT3

You could build your own SATA switch.

https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/82086-build-your-own-sata-hard-drive-switch

But honestly it is so trivial to just share a drive and turn into computer into a NAS.

You can get either a switching hub or you can make a setup where you pass the output of one to the input of the other and then run some software that plays that input.

Here are hubs that can switch:

https://www.amazon.com/Selector-ABLEWE-Switcher-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B07TS5JNT3

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Computers-Peripherals-Indicators-USB-SW30/dp/B074TYDJK2

Keep in mind it doesn't work simultaneously. For that you need a different kind of setup using 3.5mm jack audio jacks, probably.

This would be amazing for QoL. I can't find any good fits though, suggestions please?

I have the 2014 MBP plugged in with HDMI and the 2019 one usb-c I think for connecting to the monitor.

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something like this? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TS5JNT3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

No, a hub has only one spot to connect to the computer.

USB hub - see how it has only one male port - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L32B9C2.

USB switch - this one has two inputs for two computers - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TS5JNT3

Yes 1440p 144hz.

Look into one of these to switch your peripherals between PC and laptop https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TS5JNT3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I don't mean to split hairs but... since /u/CyrexStorm says they switch the input of the monitor when switching computers, I'm guessing it's just a USB switch-- I'm using one of these too, and they're much cheaper than KVMs. This is the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TS5JNT3

I got it from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TS5JNT3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Piggybacking:

If you’re using multiple inputs on your monitor and only need to switch USB devices, this is the first thing that came up on Amazon.

If you want HDMI switching as well, this looks reasonable.

Thanks! A quick lookup on amazon showed a perfect one for me!

https://www.amazon.com/Selector-ABLEWE-Switcher-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B07TS5JNT3/ref=sr_1_3?_encoding=UTF8&c=ts&dchild=1&keywords=KVM+Switches&qid=1599155658&s=pc&sr=1-3&ts_id=13983771

I use a kvm switch, which basically is a beefed up usb switch. It includes displayport and usb so its all in one. Here is the amazon page. It is pricey but works flawlessly. If that doesnt fit your budget, you can probably get a usb switch and an hdmi switch. (I dont know if they make only display port switches)

The PC with the custom water loop is my main one and is used for gaming and recording/streaming whenever im playing with friends. The other one is just for hosting MC, rust, and gmod servers.

Here is a HDMI switch

Here is a USB switch

KVM switch

https://www.amazon.com/Computers-Keyboard-Connections-3840x2160-Supported/dp/B07SX1BZGT/

https://www.amazon.com/Selector-ABLEWE-Switcher-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B07TS5JNT3/

USB-C port doesn't mean that the laptop has Thunderbolt 3. Some don't even have DisplayPort over USB-C. Background on Thinkpad docks, USB-C docks in general, blog with TB3 and USB-C overview.

Lenovo 40AN dock will provide up to dual DisplayPort 1.2 bandwidth with some TB3 laptops, but not all of them. Bandwidth (affected by refresh rate and resolution) defines what can work via TB3 or USB-C with DisplayPort. Among the 14" Thinkpad laptops, only recent X1 Carbon and X1 Yoga will work with dual DP1.2 bandwidth over 1 cable necessary to drive dual 2560x1440 144Hz - calculator shows slightly over 30Gbps: more than even one DP1.4, let alone one DP1.2.

Thinkpad L14 Intel that you linked doesn't have Thunderbolt 3 at all - only dual USB-C with DP1.2 ports. Thinkpad L14 AMD would have two USB-C ports with DisplayPort 1.4 instead. Still no Thunderbolt 3, Lenovo 40AN is not a great choice with these laptops (40AN will degrade to USB-C dock, but provide USB3 and half of DP bandwidth - enough for one 2560x1440 60Hz only on L14 Intel). A good starting point is to enter the Lenovo laptop name in a web search engine and add "Platform Specifications" - it will show you the exact ports that the machine is supposed to have (e.g., for L14 Intel - no Thunderbolt mentioned but two USB-C with DisplayPort). L14 Intel can drive 2560x1440 144Hz via two USB-C ports separately, though it will leave only USB2 for docks (so you can add USB-C -> DP dongle for one monitor and DP+USB2 dock for another). Lowering refresh rate to ~60Hz will let you squeeze into 1 DP1.2 bandwidth (and then USB2+dual DP will work over USB-C, or Thunderbolt 3 on any T-series Thinkpad can handle USB3+DP).

I would suggest not involving Thunderbolt 3 on a desktop PC, which needs a special motherboard and TB3 card. Connect desktop GPU through other inputs on your monitors and switch between inputs. If you want to switch mouse/keyboard easily - ~30$ KVM (without display support, a random example in US Amazon) would do it. If you want to automate switching between display inputs - there are software solutions like this. Full display + USB KVMs are going to cost significantly more.