Best USB Switch Selector for Dual Computer Setups
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Juggling peripherals between two computers — a work laptop and a home desktop, or a gaming PC and a media PC — can be annoying. Instead of plugging and unplugging USB devices constantly or investing in a full KVM setup, a compact USB switch selector can let you share keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, and even external drives with the press of a button. This guide compares reliable models across USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, explains who each one is suited to, and highlights real-world use cases to help you pick the right device for your dual-computer setup.
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Buying Guide
What to look for when choosing a USB switch selector
Purpose and device types: First, identify which devices you plan to share. For keyboards and mice, almost any USB 2.0 switch will work reliably. For printers and scanners, USB 2.0 is usually fine. If you plan to share faster devices — external SSDs, high-bandwidth webcams, or capture cards — prioritize USB 3.0 switches that support higher data rates.
Number of ports and topology: USB switches come in two flavors: single-device sharing (1 device between 2 computers) and multi-device hubs (multiple USB peripherals shared across two hosts). A 4-port switch is convenient for a keyboard, mouse, headset dongle, and an occasional flash drive. If you only need to share one device (like a printer), a 1-in-2-out bi-directional switch is simpler and often cheaper.
Bi-directional vs. hub-style: Bi-directional switches allow one host to access a single USB device at a time and are typically straightforward. Hub-style switches act like a USB hub attached to one host or the other, letting multiple peripherals be available to whichever host is active. Consider whether you need to hot-swap storage devices or only input peripherals.
Compatibility and OS support: Most of these switches are OS-agnostic because they operate at the hardware USB level. However, if you rely on proprietary drivers (specialized USB dongles or certain scanners), check device compatibility notes. Look for mention of Windows, macOS, and Linux support if you use multiple operating systems.
Power and bus-powered limits: Many switches are bus-powered and will work without an external adapter for low-power devices. But power-hungry devices — 3.5" external hard drives, some webcams, or powered USB hubs — may require an externally powered switch or a separate powered hub. Read product specifications and user feedback for power behavior.
Cables and connectors: Some products include USB A-to-A cables, which are required to connect the switch to the computers. Others may provide USB 3.0 cables for higher throughput. Check what is included and whether you’ll need extra cable length or adapters for USB-C laptops.
Switching method and ergonomics: Look for a clearly labeled, tactile switch button or remote switching option. An illuminated indicator can help confirm which computer has control. For frequently toggled setups, the responsiveness and ergonomics of the button matter.
Common trade-offs: USB 2.0 switches are inexpensive and great for peripherals but not suitable for high-speed storage. USB 3.0 switches cost more and may need external power for multiple devices, but they handle high-bandwidth devices effectively. Consider your priorities and choose accordingly.
In the following sections I cover four well-regarded USB switch selectors that span these options — from simple 2.0 hub switches to USB 3.0 multi-port selectors — explaining who each one is best for and practical use scenarios.
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:
Home office users and small offices who want a budget-friendly way to share input devices and printers between two computers without high-speed data needs.
If you need a simple, reliable way to share everyday peripherals between two computers, the UGREEN USB 2.0 Switch Selector is a straightforward option. This model provides four downstream USB A ports so you can attach a keyboard, mouse, printer, and a scanner or flash drive and swap control between two hosts with a single button press. The box is bus-powered and includes two USB A-to-A cables to connect to both computers, which makes setup quick and fuss-free.
Because it uses USB 2.0 signaling, this switch is best suited for low- to moderate-bandwidth devices: input peripherals, printers, scanners, and standard USB flash drives. It won’t deliver the transfer speeds of USB 3.0 for external SSDs or high-frame-rate webcams, but for most office and productivity tasks it’s perfectly adequate. User reports and product specifications indicate solid compatibility with Windows and macOS for keyboard/mouse and printer sharing, and the physical button offers tactile confirmation when you switch hosts.
Practical scenarios where this model shines include a home office where one keyboard and mouse are shared between a Windows desktop and a work laptop, or a small shared workspace where a single scanner/printer combination serves two machines. Because it’s bus-powered, avoid connecting power-hungry devices like large external HDDs directly to the switch; instead, attach those drives to a powered hub or directly to a PC.
Compared with USB 3.0 alternatives, the UGREEN 2.0 switch is a cost-efficient, no-frills solution that trades high data throughput for simplicity and lower price. Buyers who want occasional file transfers and solid peripheral sharing without the need for super-fast throughput will appreciate this model. However, if your use case involves frequent large file transfers or high-bandwidth peripherals, a USB 3.0 switch or powered solution is a better fit.
Who should buy it: People sharing a keyboard, mouse, and office peripherals between two computers who want an inexpensive, plug-and-play solution.
Who may skip it: Users who need high-speed transfers for external SSDs, capture devices, or high-resolution webcams should opt for a USB 3.0 model.
Pros: bus-powered and compact; includes two USB A-to-A cables; easy one-button switching.
Cons: limited to USB 2.0 speeds; not ideal for power-hungry devices.
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Pros
- Simple, reliable one-button switching
- Includes two USB A-to-A cables for immediate setup
- Compact and bus-powered—no external adapter required
Cons
- USB 2.0 limited bandwidth—slow for large file transfers
- May not supply enough power for large external drives
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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—like an external SSD or scanner—between two computers with USB 3.0 speeds.
The iDsonix USB 3.0 bi-directional switch is tailored for a different but common need: sharing a single USB device between two computers. Unlike multi-port hub switches, its 1-in-2-out (sometimes marketed as 2-in-1-out) design is perfect for a shared printer, a single external SSD, or a scanner that only needs to be accessed by one machine at a time. Supporting USB 3.0 speeds, it enables much faster transfers than a USB 2.0 switch, making it suitable for storage devices and bandwidth-sensitive peripherals.
This model includes two USB 3.0 A-to-A cables and a straightforward physical switch that flips the active host. It’s bi-directional, meaning either computer can take control of the connected device without software. If your workflow involves moving large files to a central drive from two different systems or sharing a high-resolution webcam for occasional streaming between machines, the iDsonix switch gives you the necessary throughput.
Real-world examples: a creative professional who alternates between a desktop workstation and a laptop and needs to access the same external SSD; a small office with a single high-speed scanner shared between a billing machine and an administrative computer. Because it handles USB 3.0 bandwidth, it’s also useful for sharing low-latency peripherals like capture devices — as long as only one computer uses the device at a time.
Compared to hub-style 4-port switches, this iDsonix product is simpler and more focused: it doesn’t act as a multi-device hub, but it gives superior performance for one shared device. Buyers should note that some very power-hungry devices may still need external power or a powered hub to operate reliably.
Who should buy it: Users who need to share a high-speed single device (external SSD, high-speed scanner) between two computers.
Who may skip it: People who want to share multiple peripherals simultaneously (keyboard, mouse, headset) should consider a multi-port hub switch instead.
Pros: USB 3.0 speeds for fast file transfers; compact and focused on a single device; includes cables.
Cons: only shares one device at a time; some high-power devices may need external power.
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Pros
- Supports USB 3.0 for fast transfers
- Compact and simple bi-directional operation
- Includes two USB 3.0 A-to-A cables
Cons
- Only supports a single device at a time
- High-power devices may require external power
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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 need to share multiple peripherals at USB 3.0 speeds—photographers, video editors, and power users who swap large files.
The BENFEI USB 3.0 Switch is a good middle ground for users who want the speed benefits of USB 3.0 along with multi-device sharing. With four downstream ports, this selector lets you attach a keyboard, mouse, headset dongle, and an external drive and switch which computer has control. Its USB 3.0 data paths mean faster file transfers and better performance for bandwidth-hungry peripherals than USB 2.0 hubs.
Compatibility is a strong point—this switch is built to work across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems because it functions at the USB hardware layer rather than relying on OS-specific drivers. Included cables and a clear switching button simplify setup. Customers who use a KVM for video switching but need a separate USB switch for peripherals can integrate this unit alongside their display switch for a more complete dual-computer workflow.
In practice, the BENFEI model is ideal for content creators who move large media files to a shared drive, or for home offices where multiple devices need to be shared without sacrificing speed. If you often transfer large photo or video files between two computers or share an external SSD, a USB 3.0 hub-style switch like this reduces wait time significantly compared with USB 2.0 alternatives.
Like many USB 3.0 multi-port switches, power can be a consideration. While many peripherals run fine bus-powered, combining multiple power-hungry devices may approach the switch’s limits; pairing the switch with a powered USB hub or plugging devices directly into a computer can be a workaround.
Who should buy it: Creative professionals and advanced home-office users who need multi-device sharing with USB 3.0 speeds.
Who may skip it: Casual users who only share input devices and don’t need high transfer speeds may prefer a cheaper USB 2.0 model.
Pros: USB 3.0 performance for multiple devices; broad OS compatibility; convenient multi-port design.
Cons: may require powered hub for several high-draw devices; slightly larger and pricier than 2.0 switches.
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Pros
- USB 3.0 data rates for faster transfers
- Four ports to share multiple peripherals
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
Cons
- May need external power for several high-draw devices
- Bulkier than simple 2.0 switches
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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:
Power users, streamers, and creative professionals who need USB 3.0 bandwidth across multiple shared peripherals.
UGREEN’s USB 3.0 Switch Selector brings the maker’s familiar reliability to a faster multi-port design. With four USB 3.0 downstream ports and two included USB 3.0 A-to-A cables, it lets two computers share a cluster of peripherals without bottlenecking faster devices. The higher throughput makes this model a clear choice for users who want to share an external SSD, backup drive, or higher-resolution webcam while still keeping their keyboard and mouse connected.
The UGREEN 3.0 switch is designed for quick setup and predictable behavior: plug the peripherals into the switch, use the included cables to connect both computers, and press the large physical button to change the active host. A set of LEDs indicates which computer currently has control, reducing confusion in busy desks. As with most USB 3.0 multi-port devices, some users report improved performance when pairing with a powered hub for especially power-hungry devices or when running many peripherals simultaneously.
Use-case scenarios for this switch include a video editor who needs to move large footage between a workstation and a laptop, a streamer who alternates peripherals between a gaming PC and a dedicated streaming rig, or a shared workstation where several USB accessories are required by multiple users. Compared with the UGREEN USB 2.0 model, this 3.0 version future-proofs your setup for faster storage and peripherals but at a slightly higher cost and potential need for additional power in heavy-use setups.
Who should buy it: Professionals and enthusiasts who need multi-device sharing at USB 3.0 speeds and want a dependable manufacturer with included cables.
Who may skip it: If you only share a keyboard and mouse and don’t transfer large files, a cheaper USB 2.0 switch could suffice.
Pros: Four USB 3.0 ports for high-speed sharing; includes two USB 3.0 cables; clear LED indicators and one-button switching.
Cons: may need an external power source with multiple high-draw devices; higher cost than 2.0 switches.
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Pros
- High-speed USB 3.0 ports for fast transfers
- Includes two USB 3.0 A-to-A cables
- LED indicators and tactile one-button switching
Cons
- Potential need for external power with multiple high-draw devices
- More expensive than basic USB 2.0 switches
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Final Verdict
Choosing the right USB switch selector comes down to matching your devices and workflow. If you primarily share keyboards and mice, the UGREEN USB 2.0 switch is a compact, affordable pick. For a single high-speed device shared between two machines, a bi-directional USB 3.0 switch like the iDsonix model is a focused, high-performance choice. If you need both speed and the ability to share multiple peripherals, the BENFEI USB 3.0 switch or the UGREEN USB 3.0 selector offers a balanced mix of throughput and convenience. Keep power requirements and cable compatibility in mind: bus-powered switches are convenient but may not support several power-hungry devices at once.
Think about your common use cases (keyboard/mouse only, multi-peripheral sharing, or high-bandwidth single device) and choose the model that aligns with those needs. All four options covered here have distinct strengths depending on whether you value simplicity or speed. If you’re unsure, opt for a USB 3.0 multi-port switch for the best future-proofing; if cost and simplicity are paramount, a USB 2.0 unit will reliably cover basic peripheral sharing.
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Conclusion
These USB switch selector for dual computer setups 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, USB switch selector, dual computer USB, USB 3.0 switch, share USB devices, KVM alternative, USB A to A cable
