What is Reddit's opinion of
Multiplicity?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
18 reviews of this app found across Reddit:
Windows key to free the mouse, game runs in borderless window.
> it's a pain to move my hands to a different keyboard and mouse
Use multiplicity.
I am not 100% sure it would work with your set up, but it is worth a try.
I have used it for years and would never go back to a physical switch again.
I've got the same keyboard. There's a shortcut (FN2 + F1 through F4) that allows you to cycle through up to 4 Bluetooth-enabled devices.
That said, if you're using multiple systems, I would recommend using a KVM switch instead. Personally I prefer software KVMs over physical:
Why not use a software kvm like https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/ http://okvm.sourceforge.net/virtualkvm.html https://symless.com/synergy
I've never used these but seems like a better solution.
>Multiplicity is amazing if you are using multiple pcs.
Carefull, on steam you get the KM version. Aka the version to share mouse and keyboard but not the KVM version that also include remote control of a PC.
Also, apparently, from the steam comments, stardock wont let you upgrade from KM to KVM the steam version like they do for the versions sold on their site.
You might want to start looking at either a software KVM like Stardock's Multiplicity or a hardware KVM designed for that kind of setup. The hardware ones aren't cheap though. The Pro version of Multiplicity can control 9 PCs and share a monitor in addition to KB/MS. I don't know if it can handle multiple monitors on the host but it has a 30 day trial.
While I can appreciate make do/rubegoldberg setups, at some point you need to bite the bullet and do it right. I think you're at that point.
I think it should be doable, though I've certain never tried.
FWIW you may have a hard time finding suitable hardware that support PS/2 keyboards+mice so if you can go with USB do so.
https://www.startech.com/Server-Management/KVM-Switches/8-port-Enhanced-Digital-KVM-Switch-over-IP~SV841HDIE
^ this sort of thing might work, but is VERY expensive.
If you can find ethernet based extenders for the keyboard, screen, and mouse you might be able to combine that with a more conventional KVM. Alternatively look at KVM over IP solutions that have nothing but ethernet ports and require a module on the other end with plugs on one side and an ethernet jack on the other might be good.
A software solution might be better. If it were modern computers then this would be good possibly, but it only supports Windows 7 and later. For Windows only, back to 9x you could try using UltraVNC.
I think the retro computers bits throws in more of a snag than you'd expect.
I use to use this software to three box wow accounts on two computers over three monitors. It worked flawless but it was like ten years ago. Looks updated check it out.
Stardock Multiplicity https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/download-trial .
Now whether or not it works for you IDK. But Iv'e used it in the past and it works like a champ.
If you don't want to go the hardware route you can try Stardock's Multiplicity. I use that to manage multiple Windows machines (desktop, laptops), as a Keyboard/Mouse solution (since i have multiple monitors) but can also use it as a remote desktop to a headless spare computer and also to my arcade cabinet (which is in another room).
https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/
I used Multiplicity a few years back and worked pretty good for me. Both machines were using the same OS though, not sure if it can switch between different OSs.
Well it's more of a visual thing when the app window isn't in focus. And it was quite a while back when I did this but it's pretty damn handy especially when you need a computer to do stuff that's hogging cpu. Also using https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/ to control both makes it feel like one pc.
Give Multiplicity a try https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/ it even lets you share the audio between the 2 pcs so you can listen to your notifications from the stream on ur headset connected to the gaming
2 and 3 are your personal preference.
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A lot of users don't like KVM since there is the possibility of entering personal information on the screen that is being broadcasted. Some people prefer to keep their stream PC free of personal information to avoid it leaking out.
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I've used both and I went back to separate keyboard and mouse.
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KVM software I used was : https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/
Multiplicity has functionality for this. Lock when the master is locked and unlocks (with a pre-determined password) when the master is successfully unlocked.
I've used Synergy to connect between a Windows Desktop, Windows Laptop and a Mac Laptop.
Currently I'm in a Windows only environment so I use Multiplicity (https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/) to connect between 2 Windows laptops and occasionally my MAME arcade cabinet (running Windows 10), via remote desktop (Multiplicity supports this!)
Both Synergy & Multiplicity support copy/paste across machines which is a real time saver. Multiplicity supports drag & drop of files too (and multiple monitors).
I run an Ultrawide (3440x1440) and a secondary 1080p monitor connected to my laptop, the 1080p sometimes has the remote desktop running fullscreen for when I'm admining the MAME cabinet in the other room.
There are some paid software solutions that replace kvm's, https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/. The curved galant desk is best, keeps everything in reach especially when you place a printer and small file cabinet. If you don't want to spend a lot of time doing cable management just get some zip ties and start bunching wires together, makes it easier to vacuum and get a duster because that room seems like a dust magnet.
I've used both MWB and Synergy at various times and always felt like they almost did what I want. A few years ago I found Multiplicity and have been happy ever since. Depending on what licensing you need, it may be pricier than Synergy, but it is smooth and solid.