A computer mouse and keyboard is must-have device for every PC. This is the most convenient way to work with this device. But some tasks may require you to connect an additional keyboard. For example, you need to control your computer from anywhere in the room with an additional wireless keyboard, or you use another keyboard while playing games to record game moments, or when streaming to run additional features. The following are a few ways to connect and work with multiple keyboards at once.
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Connect both keyboards or mouses directly
Windows can use several keyboards or mice at the same time. You only need to connect your devices to your computer via the USB port or Bluetooth. Windows will launch the necessary drivers, and you can type or control your cursor with two keyboards or mice at once. To see all connected devices you need to go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, the settings you change here will be applied to all connected devices at once.
Connect keyboard using Logitech Unifying Receiver
Logitech is one of the largest PC device manufacturers in the world. Almost everyone has one or another of their devices. In case you have such a device, you can buy a special receiver developed by Logitech. Which you need to connect to your USB port, and you can connect to it all the computer peripherals you need. But it has to be manufactured by Logitech, it is a good solution if you are a fan of this company.
Control two cursors with two mice using a third-party app
A built-in Windows feature allows you to use two devices, but they will always work in pairs. And if you need two different cursors, then third-party apps can help.
Using MouseMux
MouseMux is an application that allows you to assign each mouse or keyboard to a different ‘user’. When you connect your mouse or keyboard and use it for the first time, the application will assign your device to the correct user. The profile silhouette then turns orange. And when you have connected devices, but are not using them, the silhouette will be black. The program offers 3 control modes:
- Native mode is the same as Windows mode, when all keyboards or mice will be used in turn.
- Switched input makes each user have a different cursor color and allows each person to drag the windows and type inside them with his own keyboard independently of the other users. There are limitations, for example it is not possible to click anything inside different windows at the same time.
- Multiplex mode — removes all the limitations of Switched input. In this mode, several users can work in several applications at the same time. When you click on a window with an application, you become the ‘Owner’ of that application. Note that this is an experimental mode and errors may occur. If the application doesn’t respond, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + ALT + F12 to close it.
You can download it here.
Using TeamViewer from another PC
Another way to effectively use two sets of devices if you have another computer is the TeamViewer application. To do this you need to:
- Download and install the program on your PC and the other computer.
- After starting, the fields ‘Your ID‘ and ‘Password‘ will be available to you. Enter the data from the ‘Your ID’ field into the ‘Partner ID’ field on the second computer.
- After pressing the Connect button, you will be asked for a password, which you take from the Password field.
- To see two cursors, you will also need to go to the tab Extras > Options > Remote control and check the box for ‘Show your partner’s cursor’.
This method will not allow you to perform functions independently as in MouseMux, but it will allow two people to control cursors on the same screen at the same time. Depending on your internet connection, mouse movements may be a bit slow and delayed.
You can download it here.
Collaboration Software
Depending on your needs, you may not need two mice or keyboards on your PC. For example, if your task is to have several people working on a text at the same time, a good solution would be to work through Google Docs or OneNote. With these services, everyone uses their personal computers but also works on the documents everyone needs at the same time.
