Reddit reviews UGREEN USB 3.0 Sharing Switch Selector 4 Port 2 Computers Peripheral Switcher Adapter Hub for PC, Printer, Scanner, Mouse, Keyboard with One Button Swapping and 2 Pack USB Male Cable

The screen is switch per display and I use a USB switch to switch the USB inputs.

Switch: https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Sharing-Keyboard-Scanner-Printer/dp/B01N6GD9JO

Not the poster, but I use this one on my passthrough setup: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6GD9JO

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ae6LBb0NK025S

This is what you need:

UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch, 2 Computers Sharing 4 USB Devices USB Sharing Switch Box for Mouse, Keyboard, Scanner, Printer with 2 pcs of 4.9ft USB 3.0 A to A Cable https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_A6GOAbFKVM0AX

You can get USB switch ICs that will switch the data lines

https://www.mouser.co.uk/Semiconductors/Integrated-Circuits-ICs/Switch-ICs/USB-Switch-ICs/_/N-7591u

Or products like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Sharing-Keyboard-Scanner-Printer-Black/dp/B01N6GD9JO
Search for: usb switch box

The products are designed to switch devices between different hosts, not different devices per host, so I assume they just switch a USB hub between each PC. I doubt they make one to switch the output as it's USB - everything shades the bus.

Put physical switch on the power lines to the drives is probably the simplest way. Or use a microcontroller + MOSFET

You could wrangle this somehow: https://github.com/mvp/uhubctl

Or get a USB RAID enclosure

I bought an adjustable standing desk base from Amazon or Wayfair, you want something electric like this.

A standing desk mat is also a must-have. Spend the extra money and get a higher quality one than the Amazon basics. Those flake apart and break down fast. I have been using this one for about 2 years now and it's holding up great.

After a week or two you can stand all the time at your desk, no issues. I find it much more enjoyable than sitting. I stand 99% of the time now.

If you're like me and your job is more about getting your work done than making sure you stare at a screen for 8 hours a day, then I would also suggest a switchable USB hub that lets you change your mouse/keyboard between your personal PC and work PC easily. This also helps save a ton of space. Something like this.

As far as monitors, I just use different inputs and use the same monitors between work/personal PCs. Work on inputs 2, personal on input 1.

If you find you can't focus when you need to then you might need to separate work and personal computers/setups more.

Get a Pluggable USB-3 dock, a male DVI to female VGA adapter, a USB 3 sharing switcher, and a female USB 3 to male USB-C OTG cable. I promise absolutely nothing

• Install the appropriate DisplayLink drivers on each computer
  
  
• Plug the computers into the host USB ports of the USB sharing switch (use the USB OTG cable to connect the Mac)
  
  
• Plug the Pluggable dock's host USB cable into a peripheral port of the sharing switch
  
  
• Plug the DVI to VGA adapter into the DVI port of the Pluggable dock
  
  
• Cable up the monitors
  
  
• Pray
  
  Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station for Windows (Dual Video HDMI & DVI / VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio, 6 USB Ports) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_30Q1Ab3BX3P9J
  
  UGREEN USB 3.0 Sharing Switch Selector 4 Port 2 Computers Peripheral Switcher Adapter Hub for PC, Printer, Scanner, Mouse, Keyboard with One Button Swapping and 2 Pack USB Male Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_53Q1AbPGC4FS6
  

I have a two Mac setup (one for work, one that’s mine) connected to a wireless mouse and keyboard running through one of these switches and it works flawlessly. It could easily work with a Mac/pc setup. I actually had it working that way before swapping my work windows machine for a Mac.

Edit: because I left out “mouse”

Get a cheap usb switch, like this, you plug one input into host, one input into passed through (physical) guest usb controller, and you have 100% reliable switching between host and guest.

Here's one I've seen someone use, I learned about them from my in-laws, but don't know which one he uses currently.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?psc=1

Sort of. I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6GD9JO?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

/u/_Asthenos

Actually there are some ways you can do this. A KVM would be best (not sure how you can afford an alienware tower and a macbook pro, but not a simple peripheral device...)

These are just examples of the device types im talking about, i have not used these and will not suggest using them. Do your own research before buying stuff:


https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Selector-Computers-Peripheral-Switcher/dp/B01N6GD9JO


and


https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Switch-4K-Splitter-Bi-Directional/dp/B079JQ9XXV/

The PC and Laptop use HDMI (laptop) and Display Port (PC) and the input set to Auto (only have one on at a time).

As for the keyboard and mouse, I bought this on Amazon.


UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch, 2 in 4 Out... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N6GD9JO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Works great, would recommend.

Does your display have multiple inputs? If so you can take advantage of that and switch inputs directly from the display.

As for the USB side of things, try one of these: https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Selector-Computers-Peripheral-Switcher/dp/B01N6GD9JO/

You may need an adapter to go from USB C to the USB A port of that hub/switcher, but I have the USB 2 version of that and it works just fine for switching peripherals between my two computers.

Reposting without referral thing in URL. Apparently I can't be lazy w/ copy and paste around these parts.

Yeah sorry I realised it wasn’t the easiest to follow when I read it back! Nope nothing special about them but they don’t appear to support Remote wake for USB so I can’t get my setup to wake either laptop by moving the mouse unfortunately which would have been a nice to have and to save from opening the lids of the laptops should either be powered down.

Here is an Amazon UK link to the USB 3.0 UGreen switch, the other is the same but only USB 2.0:

UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch, 2 in 4 Out Put USB 3.0 Sharing Switch Box Box for Mouse,Keyboard,Scanner, Printer with 2 pcs of 1.5m USB 3.0 A to A Cable https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Zmj0Bb2MCNZXR

Sure: ugreen usb3 hub

For a cheaper solution, use something like this for your usb devices on 2 PCs. https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Selector-Computers-Peripheral-Switcher/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=ugreen+switch+hub&qid=1562308220&s=gateway&sr=8-3

But u still gotta switch monitors separately.

Nope, not at all. Everything works exactly the same as if it were connected directly.

This is the specific switch I'm using: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01N6GD9JO - there is a cheaper USB 2.0 version as well.

EDIT: Forgot to specify, this is not actually a true KVM switch as it doesn't do video, just USB. For me, that's all I needed, as my monitor auto-switches inputs.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6GD9JO

I have a Windows desktop and MacBook that share a monitor using an [HDMI switcher] (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01EFQWP0C/) and a keyboard and mouse using a [USB 3.0 switch] (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01N6GD9JO/).

I picked one up on prime day with 4 usb 3.0 inputs for $24 and change. Not discredting OP, just another option with more ports.

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6GD9JO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use the new Sony GOLD Wireless Headset, which is made for the PS4 for sure (with 7.1 spatialization) but it works perfectly wirelessly as well with the USB dongle (included with the headset) on the Shield... and even on pc/mac, smartphone and Switch if you have a USB-to USB C adapter, which is pretty cool !

I don't know if the Shield could work with 2 Sony Gold headsets. (1 dongle 2 headsets ? But i guess 2 dongles and 2 headsets should work, after all they are 2 USB ports on the Shield. )

Concerning your question "Will the Shield transform the DTS audio into PCM?" Yes it's not a problem, the Shield "adapts" the sound with the codecs your headphones can decode. I use Kodi with 4K DTS/AAC/PCM videos without a problem. The only codec problem i've got is with 4K shows on Netflix (can't launch the show with my headphones plugged) and HBO app is not supported as well :/

Also, i bought a usb switch. I plugged the headset USB dongle on one end and connect my PS4, my Shield TV and my Switch on the other end, you have to tap on a button to switch between devices though https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Selector-Computers-Peripheral-Switcher/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=UGREEN+USB+Switch&qid=1556409282&s=gateway&sr=8-3

So when i want to listen my shield TV with my headset, i simply press the button swapping. I don't find any seemless USB switch though.

TL:DR 2 Sony Gold Wireless Headset + One USB switch with 2 commutators should do the trick most of the time and you still can have your soundbar or any other added sound systems.

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Selector-Computers-Peripheral-Switcher/dp/B01N6GD9JO/

I only have one more laptop for work, but had the same problem otherwise. I have been looking around, but could not find a KVM or streaming solution that could cope with the 3440x1440 resolution and refresh rate (they all top out at 4k 30Hz) and wouldn't stress my poor Lenovo work laptop (copious amounts of corporate bloatware) to the point that everything was just slow and unstable. Instead, I now have my Desktop plugged into the Display Port and my Laptop into HDMI, each with their dedicated USB 3 cable to the Hub.

That means I need to connect/disconnect only 2 cables when and if I move the laptop, and otherwise it's only two buttons to switch both display and USB inputs for up to 4 USB devices (mainly my mouse and keyboard). This was the best compromise for me that doesn't sacrifice on input lag or display quality.

Thanks for the reply! No, I don't really have a need to display both laptops at the same time though I think this monitor does have some feature to do that. I was doing a little more digging and found someone on YouTube with this in his setup-- is it what I need?

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_pyBZDbNH7ZBCX

I use this to switch all is devices between Laptop and Desktop and the nornal Display integrated input switcher for the display signal. Additional wires for the specific devices, such as Ethernet are plugged into their own docks for the laptop.

A slightly less janky set up is to have a USB 3 switch (which you can use with an ethernet to USB 3 adapter) combined with a KVM switch. That would give you everything but charging. Example of USB switch: https://www.amazon.com.au/UGREEN-Computers-Peripheral-Switcher-One-Button/dp/B01N6GD9JO

I have the exact same setup at home!

I tried sharing the kb and mouse for a while, but in my stubbornness to not buy a USB switch to do that properly I ended up instead with a somewhat low-tech solution of putting my dock right against the front of the desk so that I just use my trackpoint + thinkpad keyboard when it is docked. When I want to use my desktop the kb tucked away in the back swaps places with the ultra dock / thinkpad.

If I wanted to do this more properly, I think I could achieve it by buying a USB switch like this one and keeping the dock permanently in the back. What I like about my current setup is that I can continue to use the Thinkpad's screen while it is docked for a terminal screen right above the kb, while the main screens are used for productivity.

As for how I switch the monitors, I have a pretty low-tech solution: suspend/sleep the computer I'm not using and let the monitors automatically resolve the active input port.

Personally I have a USB switch and two monitor cables in my monitor. Whenever I have to work, I simply press the button of the switch and change the monitor input from the monitor menu.

For me this works quite well. I just have to plug four plugs into the laptop, and switching between the systems is a matter of ~4 button clicks.

(You could also look into using VNC, if that would suit you better. For example RealVNC, to control your laptop from your desktop PC.)

Link to the USB switch: https://www.amazon.ca/UGREEN-Computers-Peripheral-Switcher-One-Button/dp/B01N6GD9JO

I’m using this to split peripherals between my Mac and PC.

As for the displays, I just swap between HDMI 1 and 2. I plug one HDMI to USB C into the Mac directly, and I have this dongle to plug my power, second display and USB splitter into.

It’s not an elegant solution, but it’s $300+ to get s decent KVM switch. And the last one I tried didn’t work with the Macbook.

The dongle is kind of shit. The power chime tends to go off every 5 min or so while MacBook is sleeping when powered through this dongle.

Replying to you directly in case you've abandoned the thread

Depending the performance you're looking for, what about something like this:

• One of these as the "switch"
  
• One of these as the "output"
  
• One of these for the VGA monitor cable
  
• One of these for the Mac
  
  Basically, using an external USB graphics adapter attached to 2 monitors, then switching the USB adapter between the 2 machines.

Buy a USB switch and press 2 buttons when you switch, it’s what I do and it makes it easier to switch when I’m PBP mode. Dirt cheap too:

UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch, 2 in 4 Out Put USB 3.0 Sharing Switch Box for Mouse,Keyboard,Scanner, Printer with 2 pcs of 1.5m USB 3.0 A to A Cable https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kFGmDbFV5FWYA

OK - so since I use two computers here, I plug my KB, Mouse, microphone, and a USB 2.0 Hub into this USB Switcher: https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Selector-Computers-Peripheral-Switcher/dp/B01N6GD9JO/

I mounted that on the back of the monitor with some double-sided 3M thing.

I have my MacBook charger plugged into a power outlet, and that goes into a Satechi USB C Hub: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FWT7MEA/ref=psdc_281413_t3_B07B87BN1M

HDMI from my monitor goes into the USB C Hub for the Mac, and DisplayPort goes into the PC.

The USB Switcher's output goes into my PC and the Satechi USB C Hub for the Mac. I also use a 1.0 ft CableCreations extension cable to extend the USB-C hub's cable and make the connection stronger as the hub's cable is very loose.

With one button, I can switch computers.

Here's what my cable management looks like with the majority of cables being mounted on the back of the monitor.

https://imgur.com/a/6IvJ1TJ

Since your monitor has multiple inputs, the least expensive solution would be a USB 3.0 switch for your mouse, keyboard, sound, and external hard drive. Something like this: http://amzn.com/B01N6GD9JO

The downside is you'll have to change input both on your monitor and on the USB switch when you want to switch between laptop and desktop. If you want a single button to toggle, then you will need a KVM switch which handles both HDMI/DP and USB 3.0, and that will be significantly more expensive.