Sure, there are multi-device wireless keyboards and mice out there. Take a look at some of the Logitech options.
I have an iMac and a MacMini in the same room and i want to use the same wireless mouse and keyboard for both... is it possible?
Wow, you just gave me a great idea! I could put my iMac with one external monitor next to my M1 Mac Mini that also runs and external monitor. I could have 4 screens!Synergy - Share one mouse & keyboard across computers
Synergy is an app that shares one mouse and one keyboard across multiple computers and monitors. Instant download, easy to setup in minutes.symless.com
...although I think a similar feature is coming in MacOS Monterey (but that will need everything running the bleeding edge Mac os/iOs, whereas Synergy runs on pretty much anything, including Windows and Linux).
Apple magic mouse or keyboard can’t be used for what I want to do?
Not on their own (until, maybe, you've got everything running Monterey), but they'll work with the Synergy software.Apple magic mouse or keyboard can’t be used for what I want to do?
It's really not that complicated.Sounds like a complex set up though.
You install and run the Synergy software on both machines. On one you choose the "Use this computer's keyboard and mouse" option, on the other choose "Use another computer's mouse and keyboard". They connect over the network. With a Mac-to-mac connection both running the latest version it should all "just work" using computer names - if not it tells you the IP addresses to use.What do u mean not on their own? And how do they work with the Synergy software?
Sounds like a complex set up though.
Does Synergy require the keyboard and mouse to be wireless, or does it work with wired devices?
Okay, sounds like what I need! I have a MBA and a PC desktop, and I've been physically unplugging the keyboard and mouse when I want to change. However, I am sharing the display - I just toggle the input on the monitor when I want to change, and the MBA is in clamshell mode most of the time. Would Synergy still work? Or would I need to open the MBA to switch the peripherals, then close it up again?They do not need to be wireless. The keyboard and mouse only connects to one of the computers. The other computer's mouse and keyboard input are delivered via the Synergy software running on that computer. No keyboard needs to be connected to that machine at all, wireless or wired.
Okay, sounds like what I need! I have a MBA and a PC desktop, and I've been physically unplugging the keyboard and mouse when I want to change. However, I am sharing the display - I just toggle the input on the monitor when I want to change, and the MBA is in clamshell mode most of the time. Would Synergy still work? Or would I need to open the MBA to switch the peripherals, then close it up again?
That sounds fine! My MBA sits on a stand to the left of my Windows machine. So moving the mouse to the left puts it on my Mac, to the right puts it on my PC. I assume by moving the mouse across displays, this also switches the keyboard?Does it make sense that this could be awkward if you are sharing a monitor? You might be looking at your Windows machine (because you've toggled your monitor to the computer) and not see your mouse. You'd then have to remember that it's probably positioned on your Mac screen and that you should drag the mouse to the right till it appears. As a user, I would be fine with that, but I just wanted you to be aware of that situation.
That sounds fine! My MBA sits on a stand to the left of my Windows machine. So moving the mouse to the left puts it on my Mac, to the right puts it on my PC. I assume by moving the mouse across displays, this also switches the keyboard?
Okay... although, will it switch if the Windows machine is on the login screen? Like, I'm on the MBA, then need to switch to the PC. I boot the PC, switch the monitor input, then drag the mouse over so I can log into the PC?It absolutely does switch the keyboard. Moving the mouse past the edge of the current computer's screen is exactly the event that triggers BOTH the mouse and keyboard into controlling the other computer.
Okay... although, will it switch if the Windows machine is on the login screen? Like, I'm on the MBA, then need to switch to the PC. I boot the PC, switch the monitor input, then drag the mouse over so I can log into the PC?
Thanks for the info! I guess it HAS to work on a login window/boot up, otherwise... how would you ever log into the machine without physically plugging everything in? I was looking at Synergy's instagram, and they show setups with multiple computers, so it would just be impossible.That does work for me. I've always wondered why Microsoft allows that since it seems insecure.
There is a little hiccup at times related to security. I don't know much about this. But, certain events cause Windows to shift gears (security context of the UI?) and that will place the cursor right back on the Mac's screen. No problem; I just slide it back to the Windows machine to continue. (Sometimes you have to give it a few seconds for Synergy to reconnect).
This does happen just after booting up and clicking on the Windows screen to login. It also seems to happen when you get the security prompt when installing new software. I've not seen it happen any other time.
Worth mentioning ... VPN software, if you run it, will likely not interfere with Synergy's functioning. Assuming your machines are on the same LAN subnet and your VPN software ignores local traffic, you'll not have any problem. I run Private Internet Access on both my machines and still connect seamlessly.
Thanks for the info! I guess it HAS to work on a login window/boot up, otherwise... how would you ever log into the machine without physically plugging everything in? I was looking at Synergy's instagram, and they show setups with multiple computers, so it would just be impossible.
I'll give it a go! I think I'll use my MBA as the server, because if I'm at my desk it's always there and connected. It's my PC that is only on sometimes, so that'll be the client.
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I'm using MX Keys and MX Master 3 myself. It can support up to three devices which are my iMAC, a windows laptop and a Surface Pro.