Best USB Switch Selector to Share Keyboard Between PCs
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Switching a single keyboard (and often a mouse and other USB peripherals) between two or more computers can be frustrating if you rely on manual unplugging or remote desktop hacks. A USB switch selector — sometimes called a USB sharing switch or USB KVM (if video is included) — solves that by letting you press a button to move control from one machine to another. This guide breaks down why these small boxes are so useful, what to look for, and how five popular models compare for different setups.
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Why read further? If you run a home office with a desktop and laptop, manage two workstations for testing, or keep a separate media PC and gaming rig, a USB switch can save time, reduce desk clutter, and make switching seamless. The models below represent commonly recommended options ranging from simple USB 2.0 switchers to USB 3.0 boxes designed for higher bandwidth devices.
Buying Guide
Key features to consider when choosing a USB switch selector:
– Number of ports: Make sure there are enough downstream USB ports to attach all devices you want to share (keyboard, mouse, external drive, scanner, etc.). Four-port models give flexibility; single-device switches work when you only need to share one peripheral.
– USB version and bandwidth: USB 2.0 is fine for keyboards, mice, printers and many scanners. If you plan to share external SSDs, webcams or other high-bandwidth devices, choose a USB 3.0 switch to avoid bottlenecks.
– Directionality: Some switches are bi-directional (1-in-2-out) while others are multi-host (2-in-1-out or 2-in-4-out). Confirm whether the unit shares one device with two PCs or multiple devices across hosts.
– Power and passthrough: Self-powered switches (with an external adapter) can handle bus-powered devices better. Some compact switches rely solely on bus power and may struggle with power-hungry devices.
– Plug-and-play vs. driver requirements: Most modern switches are plug-and-play for keyboards and mice, but specialized devices or macro keyboards might still require drivers on each machine.
– Physical controls and indicators: A tactile button or remote switch and visible LEDs for active host selection make daily use easier. Think about placement and cable length — included USB-A to A cables vary by model.
– Compatibility: Confirm support for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux). While many switches are OS-agnostic for basic HID devices, printers and scanners sometimes need host-specific drivers.
Typical problems solved:
– Eliminates constant unplugging and re-plugging of keyboards and mice.
– Reduces clutter by consolidating peripherals onto one set of ports.
– Makes multi-computer workflows (coding on one machine, testing on another) smoother.
Who should prioritize which features:
– Office users who only need keyboard/mouse sharing: a basic USB 2.0 2-port switch suffices.
– Content creators and gamers who share webcams or external drives: choose USB 3.0 options.
– Small labs and IT testers: more ports and stable power are helpful to attach several devices at once.
With these criteria in mind, read on for in-depth looks at five popular USB switch selectors that fit common use cases.
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
Best For:
Users who want USB 3.0 speeds when sharing several peripherals (keyboard, mouse, external drive, webcam) between two computers.
If you need a balance between speed and practicality, the BENFEI USB 3.0 Switch is a straightforward 2-computer, 4-port USB 3.0 selector that’s targeted at users who want to share standard peripherals plus a faster device like an external SSD or webcam. The unit supports USB 3.0 bandwidth for downstream ports while keeping a compact footprint, and it’s advertised as compatible across Windows, macOS and Linux — which matters when you run a mixed-platform setup.
What it solves: This switch addresses the common pain point of juggling multiple USB devices between two computers without sacrificing transfer speeds for high-bandwidth peripherals. Compared with a generic USB 2.0 switch, the BENFEI’s USB 3.0 ports reduce delays when you need to move large files or use a high-resolution webcam between hosts.
Practical features: The box includes two host-facing USB 3.0 cables and four downstream ports that you can populate with a keyboard, mouse, external drive and a webcam or printer. A single physical button toggles control between the two computers, and status LEDs show which host is active. The device is bus-powered for convenience but can typically handle a standard keyboard/mouse combo plus one bus-powered external drive. For heavy-duty external drives or multiple bus-powered devices, you’ll want to test power demands or add a powered USB hub.
Real-life usage: Imagine a developer who codes on a MacBook and runs Windows VMs on a separate desktop. With this switch you can pair the same mechanical keyboard and a compact webcam to either machine with one tap — no unplugging. Another use case is a home office where a work laptop and a personal desktop share peripherals; the BENFEI keeps everything responsive when transferring files.
Comparisons and considerations: Compared with basic USB 2.0 selectors, the BENFEI improves transfer speeds and reduces camera latency, but it’s not a full KVM (no video switching included). Buyers should note that extremely power-hungry devices like certain external HDD enclosures may draw more current than the unit reliably provides. Also, while most keyboards and mice switch without issue, some advanced gaming keyboards with onboard profiles might need their software installed on both hosts to keep custom settings.
Who should buy it: Choose the BENFEI USB 3.0 Switch if you regularly share a mix of low- and high-bandwidth peripherals between two machines and value fast file transfers and webcam performance. Who might skip it: If you only need to share a keyboard and mouse and want a cheaper, simpler 2.0 switch, or if you need integrated video switching (KVM) instead of just USB, look elsewhere.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Pros
- USB 3.0 ports for higher bandwidth devices
- Four downstream ports for multiple peripherals
- Simple one-button switching with LEDs
Cons
- Bus-powered—may struggle with multiple power-hungry devices
- Not a full KVM (no video switching)
If you want faster transfers and webcam performance while sharing peripherals, check this BENFEI USB 3.0 switch. Check the latest price on Amazon.
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
Best For:
Budget-conscious users who only need to share standard USB peripherals (keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner) across two PCs.
The UGREEN USB 2.0 switch selector is a practical, budget-friendly way to share up to four USB devices between two computers. It focuses on reliability for classic peripherals — keyboards, mice, printers and scanners — where USB 2.0 bandwidth is more than adequate. UGREEN’s reputation for dependable, well-built accessories shows here: the switch is simple, compact and designed for people who want hassle-free, day-to-day sharing.
What it solves: Many users don’t need USB 3.0 speed for peripherals that primarily transmit keystrokes, mouse movements or print data. This model solves the repetitive unplugging problem with a small footprint and an easy-to-press button, making it ideal for traditional workstation setups. Compared to a single-device switch, the 4-port layout lets you keep a keyboard, mouse, printer and scanner connected concurrently.
Practical features: The unit typically ships with two USB A-to-A host cables and has clear LED indicators for active host selection. It’s bus-powered and plug-and-play for Windows, macOS and Linux users. The small enclosure fits neatly behind monitors or under a desk, and the single-button toggle is responsive with minimal lag. For office peripherals that rely on driver support (like certain multi-function printers), the drivers still need to be installed on each machine, but the switch does the physical handoff cleanly.
Real-life usage: A small business owner with two computers — a front-desk PC and a back-office computer — can share a receipt printer and scanner without moving cables. Likewise, a creative who uses a desktop for editing and a laptop for meetings can keep their ergonomic keyboard and mouse paired to both machines, switching with a single press.
Comparisons and considerations: Versus USB 3.0 models, this UGREEN 2.0 selector won’t match modern SSD speeds or high-res webcam bandwidth, but most generic input devices won’t miss the difference. The bus-powered design keeps things simple but can limit the number of power-hungry devices attached simultaneously. For mission-critical setups, consider a powered hub between the switch and devices.
Who should buy it: Choose this UGREEN if you primarily need to share a keyboard, mouse, printer or scanner and prefer a reliable, budget-friendly solution. Who might skip it: If you plan to share external NVMe enclosures, 4K webcams, or other USB 3.0 devices, upgrade to a 3.0 switch.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Pros
- Affordable and dependable
- Four ports for multiple peripherals
- Compact and easy to setup
Cons
- USB 2.0 limits high-bandwidth devices
- Bus-powered—may require powered hub for some setups
If affordability and simplicity are your priorities for sharing classic peripherals, consider the UGREEN USB 2.0 switch. Check the latest price on Amazon.
UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch 2 in 2 Out, USB Switcher 2 Computers Sharing Keyboard and Mouse Printer Scanner Webcam, Printer Splitter for 2 Computers, 2 Port USB Selector Switch with 2 USB3.0 Cables
Best For:
Power users and creators who need USB 3.0 bandwidth and flexible routing between two host computers.
This UGREEN USB 3.0 2-in-2-out switcher targets users who need both performance and flexibility: two upstream host connections and two downstream ports let you route devices in more combinations while keeping USB 3.0 throughput. It’s a solid middle-ground for people with moderate peripheral needs who also want to ensure that webcams, capture devices or fast external drives remain responsive when switched.
What it solves: In workflows where you alternate between two computers frequently and need high-quality video capture or fast file transfers, this unit prevents the bottlenecks you’d hit with USB 2.0 switchers. The 2-in-2-out design is useful if you want dedicated ports mapped in a predictable way (for example, keeping a webcam and a keyboard on separate downstream ports so they can be shared independently).
Practical features: The package typically includes two USB 3.0 host cables for easy setup, LEDs for active host feedback, and a tactile switch button. It supports common OS environments and is plug-and-play for HID devices. The small enclosure is well-suited to desktop setups; cable management is simplified by the included short USB 3.0 leads. Note that for some multi-function devices, drivers must remain installed on each host.
Real-life usage: A content creator who records on a desktop but edits on a laptop can keep the same high-quality webcam and an external SSD attached and switch them between machines when needed. Another example is a developer who runs test rigs on two separate PCs and needs to quickly move a USB logic analyzer or external drive between them without losing throughput.
Comparisons and considerations: Compared with 1-in-2-out single device switches, the 2-in-2-out design offers mapping flexibility but may be overkill if you only ever share a single keyboard. Also, while USB 3.0 handles most high-bandwidth devices, extremely power-hungry peripherals may still benefit from a powered hub.
Who should buy it: Ideal for users who need USB 3.0 speed and a bit more routing flexibility between two machines. Who might skip it: If you only share basic HID peripherals, a simpler and cheaper 2.0 switch may suffice.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Pros
- USB 3.0 throughput for webcams and drives
- 2-in-2-out topology for flexible mapping
- Includes USB 3.0 cables
Cons
- May exceed needs for simple keyboard/mouse sharing
- Bus-powered limitations for some devices
For creators and power users who need bandwidth and flexible connectivity, this UGREEN USB 3.0 switch is worth a look. Check the latest price on Amazon.
iDsonix USB 3.0 Switch 1 in 2 Out(2 in 1 Out) Bi-Directional, USB Switch 2 Computers Share 1 Device for Printer,Scanner,Keyboard, USB Sharing Switch with 2pcs A to A 3.3ft Cables
Best For:
Users who need to share one high-bandwidth device (external SSD, capture card, high-res webcam) between two computers.
The iDsonix USB 3.0 bi-directional switch is built around a simpler premise: share a single USB device between two computers with USB 3.0 speeds. It supports both 1-in-2-out and 2-in-1-out configurations, which is handy if your main goal is to shuttle one high-performance peripheral — like an external NVMe enclosure or a high-res webcam — between two hosts without losing bandwidth.
What it solves: If your primary need is moving one device quickly and reliably between two machines, this model minimizes complexity. It’s especially useful when that device requires full USB 3.0 throughput. Compared to multi-port hub-style switches, the iDsonix keeps signal paths simple and focused on a single device, reducing the chance of bandwidth sharing throttling performance.
Practical features: The unit typically includes two USB-A to A cables and an easy-to-press physical toggle. LEDs indicate the active host. The bi-directional capability means you can use it to share a printer between two workstations or to connect a single external SSD to whichever host needs it at the moment. It’s plug-and-play for most operating systems but, as always, printers and scanners may require drivers on each machine.
Real-life usage: Imagine a photographer who edits on a desktop but occasionally needs to offload images from a laptop in the field; the iDsonix lets them swap a single external SSD between machines without delay. Or a small office setup where a single label printer needs to be available to both a front terminal and a back office computer.
Comparisons and considerations: Versus 4-port switches, this device offers fewer ports but more consistent single-device performance. It’s a good fit where bandwidth matters for one device. If you need to share multiple devices simultaneously, a multi-port switch is a better fit.
Who should buy it: Choose the iDsonix if you regularly need to share one high-bandwidth device between two computers. Who might skip it: If you want to keep a set of peripherals attached and switch them together, opt for a multi-port switch.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Pros
- Bi-directional design for single-device focus
- USB 3.0 for full-speed transfers
- Simple, minimal setup
Cons
- Only meant for one primary device
- Not ideal for sharing multiple peripherals at once
If your priority is switching one high-speed peripheral between computers, the iDsonix is a sensible choice. Check the latest price on Amazon.
UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch Selector 2 Computers Share 4 USB Ports USB Switcher USB for PC Laptop Keyboard Mouse Printer Scanner One Button Switch Adapter with 2 Pack USB 3.0 Cables
Best For:
Users who want multiple USB 3.0 ports to share a keyboard, mouse, webcam and drive between two computers simultaneously.
This UGREEN USB 3.0 multi-port selector builds on the idea that many users want both plenty of downstream ports and USB 3.0 performance. With four USB 3.0 ports shareable between two computers, it’s positioned for users who keep a compact set of peripherals but also want to ensure a high-performance device — like an external drive or webcam — operates at full speed when switched.
What it solves: For home offices that mix productivity and media tasks, this switch stops the friction of moving devices physically. It’s a solid step up from 2.0 models for anyone who occasionally moves large files or uses higher-resolution streaming hardware. The included USB 3.0 cables and straightforward button switching make day-to-day use predictable and easy.
Practical features: The compact enclosure includes status LEDs and comes with two USB 3.0 host cables. Four downstream ports allow a keyboard, mouse, webcam and external drive to stay connected simultaneously; toggling control switches all attached devices to the chosen host. The device is plug-and-play for most operating systems, though advanced peripherals that rely on host-side software may require matching drivers on both computers.
Real-life usage: A remote worker who uses a desktop for heavy file work and a laptop for meetings can keep the same keyboard and webcam available to both machines. A hobbyist who records video on one PC and edits on another can move their capture device and storage between hosts without unplugging.
Comparisons and considerations: Compared with its USB 2.0 counterparts, this unit prevents transfer slowdowns for large file workflows. It’s not a replacement for a full KVM if you need to move video signals as well. Also, because it’s bus-powered, the practical limit of attached bus-powered devices should be observed.
Who should buy it: Ideal for users who want multi-device sharing with USB 3.0 speeds and prefer keeping several peripherals attached at once. Who might skip it: If you only ever share a keyboard and mouse with no high-bandwidth needs, a USB 2.0 alternative will be cheaper and completely adequate.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Pros
- Four USB 3.0 ports for diverse peripherals
- Includes USB 3.0 cables and clear LEDs
- Good balance of ports and bandwidth
Cons
- Bus-powered—watch out for power-hungry devices
- No video switching (not a full KVM)
For multi-device setups that need USB 3.0 bandwidth, this UGREEN 4-port switch covers the bases. Check the latest price on Amazon.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right USB switch selector depends on how many devices you want to share and whether bandwidth matters. For simple keyboard and mouse sharing, a USB 2.0 4-port switch like the UGREEN USB 2.0 model is a reliable and affordable pick. If you routinely move large files, use high-res webcams or share external SSDs, the USB 3.0 models from BENFEI, UGREEN and iDsonix provide the throughput you’ll need.
If your workflow demands multiple devices remain connected and you want to avoid repeated driver installs, prioritize models that include multiple downstream ports and come with quality cables. If you have power-hungry devices, consider adding a powered hub so the switch doesn’t become a current bottleneck. Also remember that none of these devices replace a true KVM if you need to switch video output along with USB peripherals.
My recommendation: For most home-office users who occasionally need higher bandwidth, a 4-port USB 3.0 selector (like the BENFEI or UGREEN 4-port) offers the best balance of flexibility and speed. For single-device performance needs, the iDsonix bi-directional switch is a focused, efficient choice. For the budget-conscious who only need classic peripheral sharing, the UGREEN USB 2.0 remains a dependable option.
Whichever model you choose, verify cable lengths and power needs against your desk layout to ensure a smooth experience. These small boxes save time and hassle — and once you get used to one-button switching, you’ll wonder why you ever unplugged devices manually.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Conclusion
These USB switch selector for sharing one keyboard between PCs picks are trending now and offer great value and variety. Check the links above for latest prices and reviews.
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Tags:
USB switch, keyboard switch, USB selector, share keyboard between PCs, USB 3.0 switch, USB KVM alternative, UGREEN, BENFEI
