One Set of Peripherals. 2 Computers. Question

[bdubbin]

Problem: I have 1 set of peripherals and 2 computers.

Peripherals are comprised of one keyboard, one mouse, 2 Dell U2415 monitors, and 1 Sony bluetooth speaker.

Computer 1 is a desktop computer running windows 10 with ASUS P8Z77-V Pro motherboard that supports
HDMI and DVI (also RGB and Thunderbolt but I'm not using those).

Computer 2 is a Microsoft Surface Pro 4.

My standard set-up is my peripherals and desktop are connected.

I want to be able to use my Surface Pro 4 with my peripherals. On a regular basis I want to be able to quickly connect my Surface Pro 4 to my peripherals without disconnecting my desktop (i.e. I want to avoid rummaging about plugging and unplugging stuff every time I want to use my Surface Pro 4).

What solutions are out there that would allow me to do this while
- keeping the display resolution as high quality as possible
- avoiding as much clutter as possible
- avoiding having to alter my desktop/peripheral configuration every time I want to add my Surface Pro 4

Thanks.

 

[pentium4inside]

Not possible until you have a wireless set.

 

[boosted1g]

Not possible until you have a wireless set.

??????????????? Wireless or wired USB changes this in zero way.

 

[bdubbin]

Not possible until you have a wireless set.

That's not the solution I was looking for 🙁 but thanks for the reply.

My monitors do not support Miracast. My Corsair K70 keyboard is wired and so is my G3 Logitech mouse. I find it hard to believe there isn't a good solution out there! I guess I'll have to start thinking about compromises...

 

[TJ Hooker]

KVM switch, e.g. https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817399101
Given that the Surface Pro only has mini displayport and one USB port, would probably need an HDMI to mini-DP adaptor and a USB hub. You'd still need to manually manage the bluetooth speaker, but at least that doesn't involve moving cables around. Not perfect, but should work.

Edit: if you get a mouse/keyboard combo that only uses a single USB connection/receiver (wired/wireless), could probably avoid using the USB hub.

Edit 2: it looks like you can get (mini) DP KVM switches which would eliminate the need for the adaptor, but they cost a fair bit more.

 

[boosted1g]

Problem: I have 1 set of peripherals and 2 computers.

Peripherals are comprised of one keyboard, one mouse, 2 Dell U2415 monitors, and 1 Sony bluetooth speaker.

Computer 1 is a desktop computer running windows 10 with ASUS P8Z77-V Pro motherboard that supports
HDMI and DVI (also RGB and Thunderbolt but I'm not using those).

Computer 2 is a Microsoft Surface Pro 4.

My standard set-up is my peripherals and desktop are connected.

I want to be able to use my Surface Pro 4 with my peripherals. On a regular basis I want to be able to quickly connect my Surface Pro 4 to my peripherals without disconnecting my desktop (i.e. I want to avoid rummaging about plugging and unplugging stuff every time I want to use my Surface Pro 4).

What solutions are out there that would allow me to do this while
- keeping the display resolution as high quality as possible
- avoiding as much clutter as possible
- avoiding having to alter my desktop/peripheral configuration every time I want to add my Surface Pro 4

Thanks.

If you are just wanting keyboard/mouse only (so you will only view surface pro from its own screen, and not one of your monitors):
For this you can use any basic KVM (I recommend IOGEAR ones) and just not hook up the VGA portion
Another option is a software called synergy. Have desktop run the software as the "server" and when you want to use your surface pro at home start the application as client and then you can drag your mouse to the laptop screen and use the 1 keyboard/mouse on both.

If you are wanting to display the surface pro on your monitors:
For this you will need a dual monitor DVI switch, you will be looking at a couple hundred bucks for the hardware. As soon as you go to digital display it gets much more expensive due to EDID and all the HDCP protections.
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Port-Monitor-Switch-Audio/dp/B002VY8T2Y?th=1 (the DUAL DVI one)
And then you will just need an HDMI to DVI cable.

In regards to audio if your speakers have 3.5mm jack then you can switch it that way with the KVM switch. Otherwise if you want to use bluetooth you will need to toggle this manually at the computers.

 

[Scottray]

All you need is a KVM switch, something like this: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817399173. The limitation you may run into is the number of monitors you can use with a KVM Switch and HDMI. You may be able to get around this using a KVM Switch that supports a DisplayPort connector and daisy chaining your monitors using a DisplayPort cable.