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hypothetical: USB mouse into USB hub w/two computers also connected

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80251

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Dec 12, 2020
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This was somewhat inspired by Mussels observation on plugging mice into USB type C docks. If we had a USB hub w/a mouse plugged in and two computers also connected to this hub would both computers be able to see/use the same mouse?
 
If both computers were powered up and running windows would the mouse be controlling both desktops simultaneously?
 
80251 said:
If both computers were powered up and running windows would the mouse be controlling both desktops simultaneously?
Click to expand...

It's usually either one or the other system, not both at the same time. Button or some other method to switch
 
80251 said:
would both computers be able to see/use the same mouse?
Click to expand...
tabascosauz said:
It's usually either one or the other system, not both at the same time.
Click to expand...

I agree it is usually one or the other. But even if mouse activity appeared on both systems, I don't see how that would be of any help, whatsoever. In fact, it would cause mass chaos at best.

It is common when you launch an application for that application to "steal focus" - that is, it assumes control (and the location) for the mouse pointer. Browsers do this all the time. Keyboards, by design, are able to manipulate the pointer's location. Start tapping your Tab key and see what happens. Or the arrow keys.

Since any action you do on Computer 1 is NOT exactly replicated on Computer 2, the mouse pointers on both computers will essentially never be in sync. You might click on Save on Computer 1, but on Computer 2, you just clicked on Delete.
 
80251 said:
This was somewhat inspired by Mussels observation on plugging mice into USB type C docks. If we had a USB hub w/a mouse plugged in and two computers also connected to this hub would both computers be able to see/use the same mouse?
Click to expand...
This is against the USB standard, so no, this wouldn't be allowed in the way you're suggesting.

As pointed out, a KVM only enabled the keyboard and one for one system at a time.
 
If you want to share USB devices (mouse, keyboard, headset, soundcard, ...) between computers or computer/notebook then look for "KVM docking station". More ports (USB-A, USB/C, Thunderbolt), HDMI and DP ports, notebooks power delivery, charging... It is better and more flexible solution to share something than KVM switch only. It is also possible to look for monitors with integrated KVM (and connect USB hub to monitor if more shared USB ports needed).
 
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