Not necessarily. If you only need one keyboard and mouse to control multiple computers, software input sharing can replace a USB switch. If you also need to switch monitor video or route other USB devices, you may still need a hardware switch or KVM. The title’s unnamed “app” cannot be identified from the available details, so the useful question is what you need to switch.
What software input sharing does—and what it does not
Input-sharing software connects computers over a network so you can move the pointer between them and use one keyboard and mouse. It can spare you from physically switching those input devices. It is not the same as switching the monitor’s video signal or routing every peripheral connected to a USB hub.
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That distinction is central: software may be enough when your monitor already has a way to display each computer, or when you use separate displays. If you want one button to change both the computer receiving keyboard and mouse input and the computer shown on your monitor, check for a hardware KVM with the ports and display capabilities your setup requires.
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Which option fits your computers?
| Option | Best fit | Requirements and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft PowerToys Mouse Without Borders | Windows users who want to control several computers with one keyboard and mouse. | Microsoft says it supports up to four computers, which must be on the same network. Microsoft documents a 100 MB maximum file-transfer size. Enabling service mode to support elevated apps or the lock screen carries an explicit additional security risk. Microsoft Learn |
| Logitech Flow | Windows and macOS users with a supported Logitech mouse. | Requires Logi Options+ on each computer, compatible hardware, and a shared Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. The number of computers depends on the mouse’s Easy-Switch capacity; Logitech documents two or three. Transfers use copy and paste rather than cross-computer drag and drop. Logitech Flow · Logitech support |
| Synergy | People who need keyboard and mouse sharing across Windows, macOS, and Linux. | Synergy describes its software KVM as operating “without video”; it does not switch monitor video. Check the vendor’s current license and feature details before buying. Synergy |
| USB switch or hardware KVM | People who need physical USB routing or want a device that can also switch monitor video. | Choose based on the number and type of connected devices, computers, display connections, and required resolution and refresh rate. A USB switch routes USB devices; a KVM may also switch video. TechRadar’s overview of software input sharing |
Check these details before choosing software
Operating systems and compatible hardware
Mouse Without Borders is a PowerToys feature for Windows. Flow supports Windows and macOS, but only with a supported Logitech mouse and Logi Options+ installed on each computer. Synergy describes support for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Confirm the current requirements for your specific versions and devices on the vendor pages.
#1 Best Overall
- Share Multiple USB Devices between 2 Computer : The BENFEI 2 in 4 out USB 3.0 kvm switch supports 2 computers share 4 USB devices like keyboards, mouses, U disk, printers, scanners, USB cameras, headphones, etc. It's convenient for you to switch freely between your work computer and personal computer, driver free and compatible with multiple OS, such as windows 7/10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP and Mac OS, Linux, and Chrome OS.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: With the 4x USB 3.0 ports, BENFEI USB Switcher supports up to 5Gbps data transfer speed. You can easily transfer data from U disk, mobile hard disk to computer. It's backward compatible with USB 2.0, too.
- Switch Easily: With the USB switcher button and LED indicator design, you can freely switch multiple USB devices between two computers with one click and clearly know the working status. Please note: When connected, it could work only when using the BENFEI USB A to USB A cable.
- Multiple USB Devices Support: BENFEI USB Switch provides an extra USB C(5V 3A) power supply slot. If you use some high power consumption devices such as HDD, USB cameras, headphones, etc, please connect extra power for stable performance. (The USB A-USB Charging cable is included, but the power adapter is not)
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY : Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely
Network access and security
Software options depend on network communication between computers. Microsoft says the machines must be on the same network. Logitech also requires a shared network and notes that firewalls, closed ports, sleep, or a disconnected network can interfere with Flow. A public, managed, or restricted network may prevent discovery or communication; check local network policy before relying on these tools.
File transfers are not identical
Mouse Without Borders documents a 100 MB maximum file-transfer size and lists single-file constraints for some copy, paste, and drag operations. Flow transfers files by copy and paste, not by dragging them between computers, and transfer time depends on the network. If moving files is essential, verify the exact method and limits in the relevant product documentation rather than assuming all input-sharing tools behave alike.
Rank #2
- 2 in 4 Out USB Switch Box: UGREEN 4 port USB sharing switch allows one button swapping between 2 computers to share 4 USB 2.0 peripheral devices without constantly swapping cables or setting up complicated network sharing software. (*Not a KVM switch and does not support a monitor or video transmission.*)
- Ideal for Sharing Multiple Devices: This USB Switch can share USB devices such as printers, scanners, mouse, keyboards, card readers, flash drives, etc. between 2 computers.(*It is recommended to power supply when using multiple devices simultaneously to avoid disconnection due to insufficient power.*)
- Wide Compatible System: 4 port USB switch works flawlessly with Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X, Linux, and Chrome OS. Driver-free, simply plug and play. (If the input PC only has a USB C port, please use a USB C to A adapter instead of a USB C to A cable, directly using the cable may not work.)
- One-Botton Switch & LED Light Indicator: You can easily switch between 2 computers with a single click on the button with LED indicating the active computer. UGREEN USB Switcher make switch effortless.
- Stable Connection: USB 2.0 sharing switch with a separate micro USB female port for option power, which optimizes its compatibility with more devices, such as HDD, Digital Video Cameras, SSD, etc. (The device doesn't include a charging cable and charger. Please use a Standard 5V charger, too high voltage output is not allowed.)
How to decide in practice
- List what must switch. If it is only the keyboard and mouse, software sharing may be sufficient. Include the monitor, storage, webcam, or other USB devices if you expect them to follow the active computer.
- Check each computer’s operating system. Choose an option that supports all the machines you intend to connect.
- Check hardware and network conditions. For Flow, confirm mouse compatibility and Logi Options+ availability. For any software option, confirm that the computers can communicate on the same network and that firewall or organizational rules will not block it.
- Choose hardware if you need hardware switching. For a KVM, verify the video connectors, resolution, refresh rate, USB ports, and number of computers against your actual setup. For a USB switch, confirm it has enough ports and supports the devices you want to share.
- Test the workflow that matters. Check pointer and keyboard movement, computer wake and login behavior, any needed file transfers, and whether the display or other peripherals switch as expected.
What the title’s “app” can—and cannot—mean
The unnamed app cannot be confidently identified from the title alone. Mouse Without Borders, Logitech Flow, and Synergy are distinct examples of software that can share keyboard and mouse input, but there is not enough information to say which one the title refers to. None should be presented as a verified first-person discovery.
The practical answer is conditional: an app can remove the need for a USB switch when your only goal is sharing keyboard and mouse input and your computers meet its compatibility and network requirements. It does not replace a display switch, and it may not route the other USB devices you want to share.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【USB 3.0 Switch for 3 Computers】This USB switch enables sharing 4 USB-A ports among 3 computers. It connects USB peripherals like keyboard, mouse, and printer, eliminating the hassle of constantly swapping cables between devices. Enjoy a tidier workspace and enhanced productivity. Note: This is not a KVM switch and does not support monitor connections
- 【5Gbps High-Speed Data Transfer】This usb switch for 3 computers features USB ports supporting file transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. USB 3.0 delivers five times faster transfer speeds than USB 2.0 ports, enabling instant file transfers without lengthy waits and significantly boosting productivity. Note: When connecting high-power USB devices, provide separate power for the USB peripherals. Otherwise, the switch will not function
- 【Two Switching Methods】This usb 3.0 switch offers two switching methods: Button switching and IR remote switching. You can switch between Triple computers by pressing the button on the device. Alternatively, you can use the included IR remote control to switch remotely. Note: Hotkey switching is not supported. Batteries are not included in the remote control
- 【Stable Operation & Broad Compatibility】This usb switch selector comes equipped with a Micro USB power cable. Connecting the switch with a 5V power source during use ensures stable operation and prevents interruptions caused by voltage fluctuations. This plug-and-play device offers broad compatibility across multiple systems, supporting Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10/11, Linux, and Mac operating systems
- 【Package & Service】Package Contents: 1x USB Switch 3.0, 3x USB A-A input Cables, 1x IR Remote Control, 1x Micro USB Power Cable, 1x User Manual. Should you encounter any issues during use, please feel free to contact us. Our professional after-sales team will provide you with support
Rank #4
- 【Aluminum Bi-Directional USB 3.0 Switch】The USB switch allows one-click switching of two computers to share 1 USB 3.0 peripheral, or switch between 2 USB devices on 1 computer. This Switch USB 3.0 switch also shares other USB devices such as printers, scanners, card readers, mice, keyboards, flash drives and other USB devices.
- 【5Gbps Data Transfer】The USB Switch supports data transfers up to 5Gbps and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices.USB 3.0 is more than ten times faster than the previous USB 2.0 standard. This means you can transfer a large HD movie in just a few seconds. The blue LED will indicate a running computer.
- 【Widely Compatible and】The USB splitter 1 in 2 out is Compatible with Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS, Linux, and Chrome OS. USB KVM switcher Ideal for sharing one USB device in Offices, Multimedia Teaching, Conference Rooms, Schools, Meeting Room and Training Facilities.
- 【Easy to Use】The USB switcher 2 computers only need plug and play, No extra power supply is required, no need to install drivers. (NOT included USB 3.0 Cable)
- 【No Worry to Buy】 The USB switch comes with 12 months after-sales service and 24 hour online technical support. If the USB switcher does not work properly for you, please feel free to contact us.
Rank #3
- 2 PCs Share Multiple Devices: UGREEN 2-In 4-Out USB switcher supports 2 computers sharing 4 USB devices like keyboards, mouses, printers, headphones, and USB cameras. Switch freely between your work computer and personal computer and boost your work efficiency. (NOTE: This USB Switcher is NOT a KVM switch and does not support connecting a monitor or video transmission)
- Connect USB C & USB A Devices: The USB 3.0 switch provides 1 USB C port and 3 USB A ports to support connecting various USB devices, extending more ports for two computers. (*It is recommended to power supply when using multiple devices simultaneously to avoid disconnection due to insufficient power.*)
- 5Gbps Data Transfer / Plug & Play: With 4 USB 3.0 ports, the USB 3.0 switcher supports data transfer up to 5Gbps and is backward compatible with USB 2.0; Simple plug and play for any modern operating system: Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux computers. (*The USB ports are primarily for data transfer and are not recommended for charging devices.*)
- Note: 1. If your input device uses a USB-C port, please purchase a USB-C to USB adapter before use. 2. When using a camera through the switcher, if your computer has a built-in camera, please select the UGREEN camera in the camera settings to ensure proper use. 3.The USB-C port on the product does not support video output and cannot be used with a dock to connect a display
- USB-C Power Supply: The USB switch is designed with a optional power supply for high-power devices like Hard Disk Drives, headsets, and other USB devices to work more stably; The upgraded USB-C Power port avoids the trouble of not finding a micro cable.
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