In this article, we will explain how to synchronize a mouse between two computers using three different methods. I hope one of the methods works for you.
Before we get started, let’s take a look at why syncing peripherals with two computers at the same time can be beneficial for work, productivity, or even just for leisure.
Why synchronize the mouse between computers?
Synchronizing two computers has a surprising number of benefits. With synchronization, you can open one program on one computer and another on another. Let’s say you want to watch a movie on Netflix, but you also want to be able to reply to Facebook messages.
By syncing your mouse between two computers, you can relax comfortably and easily switch to the second device whenever you receive a message.
Or what if you’re rendering video on one computer, but don’t want to slow down your computer in the meantime by running other programs?
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By syncing your mouse between two computers, you can switch to an additional computer or laptop and browse the web or perform other tasks while you wait.
Multiple monitors on a single computer can of course provide similar functionality, but you are limiting your processing power to one computer, which can be a problem if your computer is not very fast.
If you don’t have a second monitor, but do have a laptop and PC, this option can also be a temporary solution.
With that out of the way, let’s now look at the various options available.
Use the software to synchronize the mouse
- Pros – Convenient, immediately available, easy to set up, refund if you don’t like synchronization between more than two computers.
- Cons – possible latency issues, prepayment required.
The most immediate suggestion would be to use software to sync the mouse between the two devices. Now one of the most popular programs for this is called Synergy There are pros and cons to using software like Synergy, which we will explain below.
First, Synergy has a one-time purchase price. I’ve looked into other options as well, like ShareMouse, but this looks like a purchase if you don’t want to use the hard-to-use free version.
Synergy costs $ 29 for the basic version or $ 39 for the Pro version. Both offer the same features, but the Pro version adds a layer of SSL encryption. Synergy offers refunds to those who don’t like either version.
Once you’ve installed Synergy on all of your PCs, it’s very easy to quickly move your mouse and even keyboard between devices. The setup is pretty straightforward, but their forum has a video if you need help.
Synergy also lets you share your clipboard between PCs, and you can even mix Mac, Windows and Linux together. The functionality is great overall, but the sync issue is part of the concern.
Synergy syncs over the Internet, so there is a lag from time to time. When switching to a second computer, you may notice a slight delay in typing or a delay in the cursor.
For general viewing, video editing, or office work, this is perfectly fine, but Synergy won’t work for video games, graphic design, or more complex video or image editing.
Use devices to synchronize the mouse
- Pros – No latency, fairly easy to set up, allows fast switching.
- Cons – No immediate access, hardware must be purchased, number of computers is limited by hardware
If you need to run smoothly, your best bet is to buy a hardware switch and not use software like the one suggested above.
Again, this option will give you some money back, but if you make your purchase through Amazon, a refund may be possible if the experience is not what you expected.
A reliable hardware switch can be purchased on Amazon for $ 20-30. Once it is delivered, you can connect the switch to two computers and then plug the peripherals into the hardware switch.
After that, you can simply press a button on the hardware switch and your peripherals will quickly switch from one PC to another. The whole process is simple and does not require software.
One drawback is that if you want to sync your mouse and keyboard across multiple computers, you will need a larger hardware switch that supports more outputs.
You will also miss out on some software features like shared clipboard and hotkeys. If you’re willing to wait for delivery, this option is by far the best for anyone looking for the smoothest experience possible.
Buy a mouse with support for multiple computers
- Pros: Easy to customize, software adds more features.
- Cons: more expensive, if you want to sync the keyboard, you may need a bluetooth receiver, only supports two PCs
The last option is to buy a standalone mouse with a built-in switch. For example, the Logitech M720 Triathlon can be purchased on Amazon for $ 26 – this mouse has physical buttons that let you switch between two different computers.
This option is actually a combination of software and hardware. The above suggested mouse will connect to both computers wirelessly via one dongle and via bluetooth, and you can easily switch with one click. You can also download software from Logitech to add additional features such as clipboard sharing and easy file sharing.
The downside of using a mouse is that you also need to find a suitable keyboard with the same functionality.
The Logitech K780 is an option, but it will set you back $ 60, so the total cost is $ 80, which is much more than the other options in this article.
Also, since the M720 switches between a wireless dongle and Bluetooth connectivity, your second computer must have Bluetooth. If it doesn’t, you will need to purchase a Bluetooth receiver.
Summary
So we have three very different solutions to the same problem. Hope the information in this article was helpful.
Which of these three options is best for you? Let us know. Also, don’t forget to read our article on how to connect two computers to one monitor Enjoy!
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