What is the best mouse and keyboard sharing software?

Question

UtilitiesProductivity

What is the best mouse and keyboard sharing software?

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Jan 19, 2024

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This question has been marked as Needs Clarification to give the best options.See in comments

5 Options Considered

Best mouse and keyboard sharing software	Price	Platforms	Website
57 Synergy	$29	Windows, macOS, Linux	-
-- Mouse without Borders	FREE	Windows	-
-- Multiplicity 3	$9.99	-	-
-- Input Director	FREE	-	http://inputdirector.com/index.html
20 ShareMouse	Free	-	-

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score 238 · Answer 1

Synergy

Top Pro

Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux

Share one mouse, one keyboard, and one clipboard between multiple Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. See More

Top Con

Clumsy configuration

Not easy to configure. See More

PioneeringCariocecus's Experience

Although Symless was unable to fix my problem (I had a computer way to far out of date) My customer service person bent over backwards and dug deep into the archives to find a version that would help but because of the way out of date computer it just didn't work. However I do highly recommend there service. Give it a shot! See More

Specs

Platforms:Windows, macOS, Linux

Top Pro

Low latency cursor and keystrokes

Low latency can be ensured by directly connecting computers via crossover cable. See More

Top Con

Lacks many features of the competition

No Drag & Drop of files. Clipboard sharing is just plain text. No pics. No text formatting. See More

CapableOkuninushi's Experience

I had a peculiar issue with my Mac and the support was escalated given that Symless was working continuously with fixing my problem. Sarah was amazing and Nick Bolton, the Symless CEO even personally emailed me to ensure my issue was rectified! This app is a must have and the customer service to ensure it works with your computers is at a level I have never experienced with any company I have ever done business with. Thanks Symless!!! See More

Top Pro

Share the clipboard across multiple computers

Copy and paste images and text between all of your computers. See More

Top Con

Not universally Unix compatible

Depending on what distro you have installed on your machine and your local network settings you may not be able to actually slave Microsoft machine to your Linux box. See More

Johnny Stanfield's Experience

I have two laptops that both dual boot Windows 10 and Linux deepin; and I only have one wireless mouse and keyboard... I am so thankful to the makers of Synergy for making my life easier and joining both desktops together with a shared mouse and keyboard!!! See More

Top Pro

Great customer service

After purchasing a professional license with an affiliate code, there's a possible issue where you only have rights to the second version. You can contact customer service and they will respond quickly to add your professional license. See More

Top Con

Paid binaries

While being partially open source, Symless charges for builds of their binaries, which is allowed by the GPL (open source license). Cost of $29 for Synergy Basic, or $39 for Synergy Pro. Older versions of the binaries are available for free, and the source code for the core of the app can be downloaded and compiled manually. See More

Tom Harpaz's Experience

Synergy for me was unstable (I used windows 10 and fedora 27), asked for a refund and got a quick response with my money back. In the future I hope synergy will become more stable and then I'll be happy to pay for their service. See More

Top Pro

This is a must-have if you work with multiple computers

If needing to keep one Mac from updating the iOS for a software compatibility issue, doing everything else on another Mac solves that problem & using Synergy makes it all easy & practical. See More

Top Con

Unreliable connection

Connection between computers often breaks with no reason. See More

TirelessHeka's Experience

Synergy 1 was great, Synergy 2 is very frustrating if using linux and os x no way to fix if not working, have to use top/activity monitor sometimes total reboot. Unfortunately it's the only mac to linux tool for sharing keyboard/mouse. Wish I could go back to synergy 1, it was great See More

Top Pro

SSL network encryption

Uses SSL network encryption which is especially important since the shared keyboard data may contain passwords, and the application can "control your computer" (as the MacOS X permissions dialog puts it) it is important to ensure that the connection between computers is secured so that even if you are using it on an open WiFi hotspot, others cannot see the data being sent, nor can they inject data into the connection. Note: This feature is only included with Synergy Pro and all paid versions of Synergy 2. See More

Top Con

Clicks don't get transferred to clients when the server is Windows

Bug's been open forever. Still not fixed. See More

LuckyCaoGuojiu's Experience

I have been using Synergy off and on for years with promising results. In the past, there have been enough small issues to keep me from using it effectively--for instance, I use Remote Desktop via VMWare Fusion/Windows 7 and the transfer of the clipboard as well as mouse and keyboard control were spotty. With the latest release, however, the good folks at Symless have nailed it! Though I still find the clipboard to be a bit slow from time to time (I realize that it is probably because of the fact that it has to transfer the clipped data to multiple machines), everything else is perfect. Love this software and the service has always been exceptional! Keep up the great work, Symless. See More

Top Pro

Customer service is fast to respond to inquiries and needs

Turnaround on refund in under 24 hours with complete customer satisfaction. See More

Top Con

The price seems to change constantly

Used to be free Open Source software but now prices seem to increase every few months. See More

Zachary Kimball's Experience

I had an edge case using the latest release of Ubuntu and windows 10. The team helped me find a work around and I think they’re working on a full patch for the next version. Definitely would recommend Synergy. It’s so much easier than my USB switch. See More

Top Pro

Saves space

It's great to have only 1 mouse and keyboard for 2 laptops and 2 large monitors in a smallish apartment. See More

Top Con

No Android Support

n1kk's Experience

Randomly stops working, some times causes extra synergy dock icon to appear on mac that cannot be closed or force closed preventing mac from rebooting or shutting down. See More

Top Pro

It was like not having 2 computers but made you feel as if you had one computer with extended monitor

Top Con

No wake-on-lan option for notebooks

This is more of a hopeful suggestion rather than a con, but they currently do not have the "waking-on-lan" feature to power up a notebook in closed position, but they do have plans to include that feature for future upgrades. Some users are definitely looking forward to that feature being available. See More

DashingWurrunna's Experience

The program seems to be failing on all kinds of tasks in a very inconsistent manner, and never actually just works. The "zero config" functionality makes troubleshooting effectively impossible, so is a big hindrance instead of a plus. Gave up after a lot of trying, despite nice helpdesk people. See More

Top Pro

Core software is complete open-source and free

If you know how to compile code from source, you can follow the documentation to compile the core binaries (server and client) and run them on your machines without a GUI using a hand-crafted configuration. Given how seamlessly and beautifully this works on a LAN, the paid option is more of a convenience that helps contribute to FOSS. The model is similar to Xchat and does not bar you from using the full-featured version. See More

Top Con

AltGr key (right Alt/Option key) does not work

This is an old bug they have had for many years and it can be very problematic for people who use keyboard that need that key a lot. See More

BraveNyx's Experience

Customer service is very responsible and can solve the problem in time. See More

Top Pro

You get to use your favorite keyboard and mouse for all the machines you deal with

Top Con

Scrolling in Chrome on Mac client is jittery

For some users, there is a bug which causes jittery movement on client. Scrolling on the server is normal. See More

ReverentXolotl's Experience

I use this daily and home as well as work. I would not be able to function without it. See More

Top Pro

Optimizes and saves screen real estate and desk real estate

Top Con

Doesn't work with Mac (as server) with secure keyboard entry

If you use the Mac as the "server", the mouse will switch to the "client" computer but not the keyboard. Simply entering a password in Chrome on the Mac will enable the SecureEventInput and kill the ability to use the keyboard on a Synergy client. The Synergy client doesn't notify the user if this setting is enabled or not. See More

TirelessAernus's Experience

Had some troubles on archlinux and everything was solved by the support team . Handfull solution to merge my Windows 7 laptop with my linux desktop and his virtual win10 client See More

Top Pro

Partially open source software

Synergy is partially open source. The open core is released under the GPLv2 license and the code is freely available on Github. See More

IndependentRhea's Experience

Bugs prevent this premium-priced product from being worth it. See More

Top Pro

Devs are active on Github

Reported issues are covered quickly on the Github site. See More

ReverentEthniu's Experience

Only version to ever work properly was the first release. Synergy 2 and its sub releases have all failed and did not work at all from the initial installation and even after working with support for months in hopes to get it working. Be glad to share email from Symless support showing everything we tried and the numerous others having the same issue on Mac, Windows and Linux. Many have requested refunds due to Synergy not even working from the get go. Sure there are some who get it to work but as stated version 1 is the only version that worked even with its qwarks, version 2.x are all crapware. Before buying read the forums and you will see do not go by what users on here alone state that it works great for it does not! Read forums and do a little research. See More

Jean-Pierre Massé's Experience

Great customer service, resolved the issue with an update. This software is really easy to update and configure, I really like it and help me manage my 3 desktop (Windows 7, 10 and MAC OSX) - 5 screens with a single mouse and keyboard without having to buy extra hardware. Continue your great job. See More

Ian Liddle's Experience

Works perfectly well for what I want it to do, which is stitching winboxen together with a Linux machine. See More

TrustingYhi's Experience

Synergy evolved once more with version2. Now every screens are server and client at the same time - connect multiple keyboard"s" and mouse"s" across multiple screens. Configuration files/options are not necessary anymore. See More

WonderfulAntaeus's Experience

I've used Synergy since early in its development. Symless has now taken it further, providing good support and keeping it relevant and useful. See More

Kamil Blixiński's Experience

I use this with Linux and MacOS. I am very happy. Connecting works great, there is no delay, clipboard works great. I am 100% more productive. See More

BraveElcmar's Experience

I bought this software a few weeks ago - still cannot get it to work. Just a simple share between a Mac and a PC. Still working with their tech support. Frustrating. See More

J Jr Hall's Experience

Version 1.8 was fantastic, everything has gone increasingly downhill since version 2. Sometimes things will connect, sometimes they won't. sometimes the wrong computers keyboard and mouse work. Sometimes the app will update, sometimes it won't. If you have desktop computers that never move and you can get it working, it might be a good solution, but not if you have laptops that move around. See More

BraveHyperion's Experience

Works well. And when it doesn't, the tech staff is there to help resolve any issue. See More

JoyousToci's Experience

Have used it a lot over the years. I don't always have multiple machines on in one location, but sometimes I might have 3 or 4 at one time and Synergy makes it easy to manage all the machines from one single location. Anyone who knows the frustration of using the wrong keyboard or wrong mouse and trying to juggle them, keeping them in reach but keeping the cables from tangling, wants to use Synergy! See More

FunnySpandaramet's Experience

It took a few days for me to work out setup - most of the challenges i had were due to using 4G LTE wifi... it all works beautifully now and Symless support was wonderful See More

ReflectiveAnagolay's Experience

Works perfectly. Easy to set up. Clipboard sharing is convenient. See More

ColorfulVorsa's Experience

Great customer service, app works great and couldn't be simpler to set up. See More

HappyLaverna's Experience

Using synergy (core) form pkgsrc on NetBSD with the paid synergy on a mix of Windows and macOS machines. Upgrade to 3 RC1 has lots of shiny new stuff I'll play with later, but it all Just Works See More

ReverentUlanji's Experience

Great way to bridge multiple computers. See More

NonchalantYurlungur's Experience

really bad experience buggy drag and drop is a pain never worked for me not very user friendly and pathetic support See More

PoisedHadur's Experience

good product and good support See More

KnowledgeableLouhi's Experience

V2 works well for me!! See More

SupportiveCacus's Experience

The support is fast and very helpful! Great service... See More

PrudentBonaDea's Experience

Perfect experience on Windows. See More

JoyousBellona's Experience

When something goes wrong you get great customer service in a timely manner. See More

CulturedEpione's Experience

Doesn't work at all after installing 2.0.5 See More

DiplomaticHunBatz's Experience

stopped working after day 2 See More

RationalEshu's Experience

Simple and robust system when Logitech Flow no longer work. See More

ModestBaldr's Experience

Good customer service See More

Runkies's Experience

I have used Synergy 1 for many many years in fact im a lifetime upgrade user and i still bought Synergy 2 because it will be worth it. Does it have bugs of course i dont think i have ever used any kind of software that didnt have some "undocumented features" :P support is always swift and mostly on point some times it can take them a while to get you an actual answer but i have never been left hanging with no word as to whats going on. i have always been a fan of their work and recommend them to anyone looking for sharing solutions See More

VigilantPapatuanuku's Experience

I purchased Synergy by recommendation from a few very trustworthy friends. I installed the product but managed to bungle the very simple setup procedure. I emailed them and got a response very quickly. After providing snapshots of the program on both computers, I had a response and fix quickly. Great support, great product. Works perfectly. I'm using it to switch between two computers in a dual PC streaming setup. I'm using a keyboard shortcut to zip control to the other computer then scrolling the mouse back to the other computer. Its as simple as that. Like having another monitor on a single PC. So simple but effective. See More

Kind Hearted Professor's Experience

Symless works very well and is a big help to me in my classroom. Their basic code may be open source, but they have done a lot of work to make this product secure and useful. I believe they easily deserve $30 for lifetime support of an excellent product. See More

HumbleElectra's Experience

I reached out to them with an inquiry regarding my setup and they responded very promptly with detailed information which was very helpful and resourceful. William C. See More

DreamerPannychis's Experience

By far, the best piece of software I have in my laptops. Not only the program is great, but the support team helped me every step, I really appreciate it. I super recommend it. Hands down. Best thing I´ve ever paid for. See More

FlexibleDagda's Experience

I am a software developer who uses Linux, Windows and MacOS machines. I find Synergy extremely useful to move between the several machines (and associated displays) I deal with continuously. It works reliably and makes my life considerably easier. Sure I could also use VPN and other tricks to switch between machines - but I prefer to be able to see several machines in their own displays simultaneously. Being able to use one keyboard and one mouse to access them all seamlessly saves me time, screen real estate and desktop real estate. I look forward to the next version of Synergy. See More

TrustworthyTawhirimatea's Experience

Compared Synergy and Sharemouse, honestly Sharemouse was slightly easier to setup, both seem to offer most of the same functionality, keyboard and mouse sharing, text - copy paste, etc. Then I compared costs and customer service. Attempted to contact Sharemouse, no response for days. Opened a quick chat with Synergy, they immediately addressed my question. Sharemouse is $140 for my setup, Synergy is $29. Strong recommend on Synergy. See More

DedicatedSeonangsin's Experience

using it for years using varying computers side by side. Supports encryption in open wlans. Cut and paste text Switching servers between linux (ubuntu) and windows works. Easy to setup, has many options to control behaviour if needed from text file. See More

MotivatedTutewehiwehi's Experience

This product is perfect for using a single keyboard across different computers and OS's. I have a Windows 10 PC and Mac Big Sur OS, and it has made me much more productive in my ability to easily go back and forth between the two, cut and paste, etc. I recently had an issue and their customer service is excellent. The UI could use some work, and occasionally there are quirks with the waking of both computers, but I would highly recommend. See More

TirelessElegua's Experience

I needed to share mouse and keyboard between an old MacBookPro (El Capitan 10.11.6) that could not be upgraded both for hardware limits and to keep the current software, and an iMac (Sierra 10.12.6), The support of Symless Synergy was very ready to help me find the solution with the correct version for backwards compatibility. Very satisfied with the application (synergy-v1.8.8-stable-MacOSX-x86_64) extremely fast and stable in every switching operation. The only flaw, a bit confusing setup procedure in some places, but otherwise thank you Synergy! PS. I don't know what it is like with other OS, but the fact of working with two Macs is brilliantly solved also the WAKE UP of the computer client, simply by setting the remote management between the two Macs See More

PositiveEuporie's Experience

I have been using Synergy for many years. I had a glitch where my Static IP on one computer had changed. I couldn't get a connection with my second computer. I opened a ticket about the auto configure error with Symless and received some suggestion on what to try. That had me up and running in a short time. This happened on a Sunday. Thank you for your support can't live without it. See More

KindPostverta's Experience

Good communication and very helpful to resolve my issue. See More

GloriousMuldjewangk's Experience

great app and superb service. See More

CoherentLatona's Experience

I have a Windows Surface Pro3 with a large external monitor, an old HP laptop, originally running WIndows but now Linux and a Raspberry PI with a large monitor attached. I got tired of dealing with 3 separate keyboards and mice on my cluttered desk, so I did a web search and found Symless Synergy. It installed easily on all three machines, but I couldn't figure out how to make it work. I set up a call with tech support and they easily solved the problem. Actually, the product works great and it's quite simple, it's just not very well documented and not completely intuitive to set up. But it's really quite easy and very reliable once you know how. Ask tech support for the documentation if you don't find it online, and you'll be fine, or set up a phone call and they'll get you through it. Once you've seen the setup, you'll be able to configure it yourself easily. It is like magic to be able just move my mouse across from screen to screen and just start typing, making it easy to control all three computers with a single keyboard and mouse! Tech support is busy, but very nice to work with. The product is well worth the one time purchase price! See More

CooperativeOyamatsumi's Experience

I use it on home and work workstations. Across platforms and OS versions. Support (if you need it, mostly you won't) is very fast. Copy-and-paste between machines is VERY useful. See More

DebonairMapulon's Experience

As a productivity tool, I rank this one of the best! I need to run two versions of Mac OS and Windows 10. I can do this with one keyboard and one mouse. Responsive support See More

DignifiedKarora's Experience

I have used Multiplicity for years from Stardock. It had it's quirks requiring me to unload and restart the server and client on all machines about twice/month (I use my computers every day for 4-5 hours -sad isn't it?). When I updated a recently purchased laptop to Win10 1903, Multiplicity stopped communicating with it. I gave up after hours and hours of troubleshooting and searched for a replacement. I looked at all the reviews, and even downloaded a couple. Some of the K/Ms required a subscription service - not good. Others charged for each monitor you used - not good. Synergy was within the top of almost every review. I had to contact the excellent support at synergy (thanks Daniel) to get it set up. However If I had completely read the manual it really would have been a snap to setup. Support was very patient with me. My biggest complaint is the lack of transferring files with drag & drop or even copy and paste. The forums say it is coming. Also with high network traffic such as copying huge directories, I notice the mouse really slows down on the clients. I found that it does copy and paste graphics and formatted text. See More

TranquilAmunet's Experience

I think the product is great. I was having trouble installing software. Synergy's support team was very helpful was very fast in communicating with myself See More

VigilantBaldr's Experience

Comes in pretty handy to control a couple systems at a time. See More

ColorfulClotho's Experience

Very helpful, great customer service, constant follow up! See More

GraciousHeimarmene's Experience

Simply the best - easy to use, reliable and smooth. See More

kaczocht's Experience

I started with Synergy v2 on February 28, 2019. I first reviewed the differences between v1 and v2. I understand it's beta and it will and does have bugs. With that said, despite the bugs, I very much appreciate this product. I reported two bugs which they already knew about and are working on them. After reading one of the support responses to another user, I'll probably refrain from further reporting bugs since they are rewriting the entire code line. Dropping network connection and interfering with monitor sleep mode on one of the two Win10 machines (works fine on the Win10 Pro 64 but not a laptop with Win10 Home) are the two most significant annoying issues. Regardless, I will continue using and enjoying the experience of using one keyboard/mouse for three machines displayed on one huge monitor. See More

CredibleShurpanakha's Experience

Installed yesterday on two Ubuntu 19.04 machines. Works as advertised. Very satisfied with the product. Tech support response was very fast. See More

JollyHunHunahpu's Experience

Works great and love the fact that I can share my keyboard and mouse with multiple PC's. See More

ProfessionalRongomai's Experience

Great app, great job (support). See More

Vivek Suranse's Experience

Good app to have for ease of access See More

MSchleger's Experience

Paid v1, was promised free uprade to v2, had to pay again and then they revoked v2 and "scheduled" it for 2020. At least they issued refund. See More

Joe Codeswell's Experience

it was very buggy when i used it. before i went to mouse without borders See More

See All

score 56 · Answer 2

Mouse without Borders

Top Pro

Free

Top Con

Windows only

Johann Deysel's Experience

For windows to windows mouse share this app works like a charm. Especially when considering its a Microsoft app ;) See More

Specs

Platforms:Windows

Top Pro

Copies clipboard across computers

Top Con

Copy/paste bug

Copy/paste stops working rather often. Need to relaunch one or the other, sometimes both, and sometimes need to restart the computer. See More

Dimitri Alexis Navruc's Experience

First reason is it is that "simple" , even networked , with antivirus off and firewall off open ports and everything set up for multiple scenarios won't work (Windows 10) better buy synergy it is 10 times much more simple or just hook up the computer with some wires it will work 10 times better but you need some experience over that.... See More

Top Pro

Drags and drops files between two computers

Top Con

Very basic monitor configuration

Only available monitor position options are all-in-a-row or checkerboard. See More

Joe Codeswell's Experience

works great. very reliable. copy & paste between windows 10 machines, i use it every day See More

Top Pro

Can use the mouse and keyboard of any computer on the network

Top Con

Only four computers max

Mouse without Borders is limited to a maximum of 4 computers. See More

SupportiveKuiXing's Experience

Works pretty fine! See More

Top Pro

Works well

Top Pro

Works when the PCs are locked

Can use any computers' mouse or keyboard at the login screen. See More

Top Pro

Lots of customisability

See All

score 23 · Answer 3

Multiplicity 3

Top Con

Windows only

You're running a linux box or a Mac? Then Multiplicity is not for you, sorry. It runs on a variety of Windows flavours, but it doesn't support anything but Windows. See More

Top Pro

Seamless Keyboard and Mouse Control

Multiplicity enables a single keyboard and mouse to control up to nine PCs each with a dedicated display monitor. The cursor can be smoothly moved directly to any monitor regardless of which PC the monitor is connected to. See More

Ian Liddle's Experience

Windows-only is a deal breaker. See More

Top Con

License fees

Unless using the 30-day trial, this software costs a minimum of 9.99 USD, which only gives access to a limited number of the multitude of features. See More

Top Pro

Listen to Audio and Alerts from Multiple PCs through One PC

Audio and alerts can be sent from multiple PCs to a single PC. See More

Top Pro

Drag/Drop and Copy/Paste between PCs

Quickly and securely drag and drop files of any size between PCs. Advanced compression techniques ensure very large files and folders, such as video files, transfer quickly. Copy and paste images and text between PCs, local and remote. Formatting attributes are retained when copying and pasting formatted images. See More

Top Pro

Remote Multi-Monitor Operation

Multiplicity supports control of remote PCs with multi-monitor configurations. Users may select the specific remote monitor display to show on the local PC monitor and freely switch between them. The window that contains the remote PC display can be resized and moved between monitors attached to the controlling PC. See More

Top Pro

Seamless Multi-Monitor Operation

Multiplicity supports multi-monitor configurations. Any Multiplicity controlled PC may have multiple monitors and Multiplicity will enable the user to seamlessly move the cursor across all PCs and all display screens. See More

Top Pro

Remote / VPN Operation

Multiplicity may be used to control PCs not on your local network if a VPN connection is available. See More

Top Pro

Universal Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse Connection Types

Multiplicity will work with any display or input device connection type that is compatible with your PC. See More

Top Pro

Connection Security Codes

Primary PCs are configured with a connection code unique to each PC it will control. See More

Top Pro

Encrypted Data Transmission

AES-256 encryption of all data sent between PCs with the ability to define a unique encryption key for each PC. See More

Top Pro

Encrypted Connections

Ability to require all or specific remote connections to be encrypted. See More

Top Pro

Lock and Unlock All PCs at Once from One Keyboard

Each PC can have its own unique password See More

Top Pro

View Only Connections

Remote PC connections can optionally be limited to view only. See More

Top Pro

Remote Connection Timeout

Remote connection session time limits can be preset to ensure connections are not left open. See More

Top Pro

Signed Binaries

Identify authentic Multiplicity binaries. See More

Top Pro

Lock Down User Configuration Options

Multiplicity's user configuration options can be set by administrators and locked down. See More

Top Pro

Audit Logging

Remote connection activity can be logged to the Windows Event Viewer. See More

Top Pro

IP-KVM / Remote Desktop Connection Session Codes

PCs requesting a remote connection can be required to enter a session code generated by the remote PC. See More

Top Pro

Dim/Darken Monitor Brightness or Highlight Active Monitor Border

Keep track of the active PC with monitor brightness or border highlight indicators See More

Top Pro

Active Thumbnail Sidebar

A second method to connect to a remote PC is to select it from the thumbnail sidebar. The sidebar can be displayed all the time or automatically based on mouse control. When sufficient thumbnails are available the sidebar will scroll and can be one or two columns wide. See More

Top Pro

Remote Many-to-One Operation

Multiplicity enables multiple PCs to access a single PC. This enables staff in different locations to access a PC when collaborating on a task or problem resolution. See More

Top Pro

Remote and Seamless Virtual Machine Support

In Remote mode Multiplicity can connect to a headless virtual machine (VM) and in Seamless mode connect to other PCs with monitors hosting VMs. See More

Top Pro

Remote / Seamless Mixed Mode Operation

Multiplicity supports simultaneous operation in both seamless and remote mode. This enables multiple local PCs to be seamlessly switched between using their own monitors while also controlling other PCs using a shared monitor, keyboard and mouse. See More

Top Pro

Remote PC Control Operation

Multiplicity enables a single monitor, keyboard and mouse to be used to control other PCs. Remote PCs can be located anywhere on the network. Keyboard and mouse inputs will be sent to the remote PC and the remote display will be shown on the local PC monitor. See More

Top Pro

Active Desktop Thumbnails

Multiplicity can display a full screen of active desktop thumbnails from remote PCs available to be selected and controlled from the Primary PC. Based on your monitor resolution Multiplicity will automatically resize and adjust the number of thumbnails displayed and horizontal scroll to accommodate as many thumbnail views as are available. See More

See All

score 62 · Answer 4

Input Director

Top Pro

Free

No cost for personal, non-commercial use. Commercial use of the software should contact the developer to negotiate a license. See More

Top Con

Windows-only

From their website: "Input Director is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, Windows 2008, Windows Vista, Windows 2003 and Windows XP(SP2). The systems must be networked." See More

Reords1978's Experience

hello this is the https://www.inputdirector.com/ See More

Specs

Website:http://inputdirector.com/index.html

Operating Systems:Windows

Price Range:FREE

Top Pro

Nothing more required

... if you have Windows machines. It has everything you'll likely need, including copy and paste across machines. The code is robust, the documentation is straightforward and complete, and it doesn't need support. Setup is simple, install it and forget it. See More

Top Con

Poor performance

It can freeze both computers randomly. See More

Top Pro

Plenty of configuration options if you want them

While InputDirector generally works well most of the time, right out of the box, it does also expose many configuration options that you can tweak and tune to change it to your liking. See More

Top Con

Mildly 'old-school' user interface

Not the best user interface design, especially comparing to modern trends. It can be a bit of a search through all the tabs and options, and experimenting with them a bit, before you get what you want. With that said, there aren't so many options that it's too much to handle. See More

Top Pro

It just works

Easy to set up. Nothing fancy, just works, no fuzz. The ability to open a file on the master or slave system by right click is fantastic. See More

Top Con

Freezes on a frequent basis

The app works fine for few minutes but after a while, it starts to freeze. This makes the program impossible to work with, and this was the case through weeks of use. See More

Top Pro

Provides selection of network interface to use

This advanced configuration option is really useful if your computer is on multiple networks and you need to tell ID which network it should send the keyboard/mouse traffic over. See More

Top Pro

Light-weight and unobtrusive app

ID doesn't use a lot of system resources, and for the most part, remains hidden in the notification area of the task bar. See More

Top Pro

Nearly no config required

Works instantly just as needed. See More

Top Pro

Windows XP compatible

ShareMouse is not Windows XP compatible, InputDirector still supports it. See More

See All

score 82 · Answer 5

ShareMouse

Top Pro

Drag&Drop files between Mac and Windows

Drag and drop files and folders between computers; even between Mac and Windows. A progress bar indicates the remaining transfer time. See More

Top Con

No Linux version

ShareMouse is available for Mac OSX and Windows only. No Linux at this time. See More

Jashan Chittesh's Experience

ShareMouse is very easy to set up (but do read the Manual and especially the Troubleshooting section, it does have very useful information), and "just works". I had used Synergy a long time ago, when it was still open source. That was a real mess to set up. The only thing missing in ShareMouse (for me), is Linux support, so if you absolutely need that - make sure to let the ShareMouse developers know ... and use something that does have Linux support until they add it. See More

Top Pro

Copy and paste images and text between PCs including formatted text and bitmaps.

ShareMouse can share the clipboard between multiple computers. Instead of overwriting all remote clipboards, ShareMouse performs the clipboard synchronization on the target computer of your choice. Use CTRL-V to insert the local clipboard and SHIFT-CTRL-V to insert a remote computer's clipboard contents. See More

Top Con

Paid features

Many of the advertised features are paid, so you won't get all the cool stuff for free. See More

JovialEris's Experience

Didn't work for me. After install on 2 machines when moving the mouse to one screen it disappears and the trackpad becomes unresponsive -- having to revert to other machine's trackpad. iMac + MacBook Pro See More

Top Pro

Zero configuration installation

ShareMouse does not require any configuration at all. Fire up the client on each computer and drag the mouse to the monitor of the other monitor. ShareMouse automatically determines the monitor layout without manual configuration. No fiddling with IP addresses or port configuration. See More

Top Con

Multi-touch gestures don't work for macs

Multi-touch will not work on the other Macs connected to host. See More

VersatilePan's Experience

My old Multiplicity worked pretty bad with Windows 10. I installed ShareMouse and worked perfectly right after installation without any manual configuration. Most important feature is that it works in both directions, that is no need to configure server and client. Great product and FREE for personal use. See More

Top Pro

Freeware for personal use

ShareMouse is free for personal use: for two computers, with 1 monitor each (there are two monitors max for free account). See More

Top Con

Terrible customer support

If it works for you, then great...but don't even TRY to ask for help if something goes wrong. See More

ConvivialThetis's Experience

ShareMouse Portable edition works well! There is no need to setup any configuration. It recognized the other computer at once automatically and started to work. Excellent! My computers are both Windows 7 professional SP2. See More

Top Pro

Works in ANY direction

ShareMouse works in any direction. No static client roles such as "master" or "slave". Each client can remotely control any other computer from any mouse/keyboard at any time without re-configuration. See More

Top Con

Seriously unreliable

Continuously loses the connection between computers and requires frequent reloading. See More

AwarePkharmat's Experience

I've tried Synergy and ShareMouse. Both suck so still looking for someone with a reliable package that works for Mac. See More

Top Pro

Simultaneous login and logout

Screen Saver synchronization. See More

Top Con

Has issues with 2-way sync

If you use 2 mice and 2 keyboards simultaneously, there are issues with keyboard focus. For the first PC keyboard to work on the second computer, you need either to use hotkeys to switch focus, or to use the first PC mouse to move the cursor to the second computer. If the cursor is moved by the second PC mouse, the first PC keyboard focus will not switch, causing a confusion, when one keyboard works on both computers, but the other keyboard works on one computer only. See More

Daniel Peltier's Experience

Product seems good, but when I went to purchase a pro license, I had technical difficulties, and then was treated like absolute garbage when I requested assistance. They instantly lost a customer for that. See More

Top Pro

Best monitor manager

The built-in monitor manager offers the most intuitive way to arrange monitor positings, including complex multi-monitor setuos. Instead of a static grid, monitors can be offset to achieve seamless transition of the mouse pointer. See More

Top Con

Could not get the 2 Macs to connect

It connected for two seconds then disappeared from one of the machines. See More

PerseveringSpandaramet's Experience

Nothing but kudos from me. Works without hassles. See More

Top Pro

Mac OSX and Windows support

Works with any mix of Windows and Mac computers. Including clipboard sharing and drag'n'drop offiles. See More

NonchalantYurlungur's Experience

best software hassle free See More

Top Pro

Keyboard remapper between Mac and Windows

ShareMouse can remap modifier keys between Mac and Windows for a streamlined cross-platform experience. See More

PerceptiveNgai's Experience

Works flawless. The only software that properly allows to drag files from one computer to another. See More

Top Pro

Password protection for use in shared network environments

ShareMouse clients can be password-protected and encryption of mouse movements and keyboard input ensures privacy. See More

Frankie's Experience

Works perfectly right from the start. See More

Top Pro

Dim monitor brightness of inactive monitors and mouse trails

Mouse trails help to easily find the mouse pointer in large monitor setups. Optional arrow trails on inactive monitors also help to navigate in huge setups. See More

Roro SPAM's Experience

a license Key must be paid for 4 monitors !! See More

Top Pro

Universal smart hotkey to jump between monitors

A single hotkey (which is easier to memorize than separate hotkeys for each monitor) allows to jump to a specific monitor, even in large setups. See More

Top Pro

Send CTRL-ALT-DEL to a remote Windows PC

ShareMouse can send the well-known Windows hotkey to a remote computer. See More

Top Pro

ShareMouse can remote control UAC protected secure desktops

Thanks to the ShareMouse service, ShareMouse can remote control remote Windows applications even if running with admin credentials. ShareMouse can also remote control darkened UAC dialogs (e.g. system permission requests). See More

Top Pro

Support for Audio/Multimedia keys

ShareMouse can also remote control multimedia keys such as volume controls, playback, fast forward/rewind. See More

Top Pro

Automatic monitor profiles

ShareMouse recognizes if a computer is launched in a different computer environment and auto-switches to the corresponding monitor layout. This is useful if you use a mobile computer in different locations. See More

Top Pro

Portable Edition

ShareMouse is also available as a portable version for use with a USB thumb drive. See More

Top Pro

AES encryption

Network traffic is encrypted with AES. See More

Top Pro

Scroll speed can be adjusted per computer

Scroll-wheel speed may be different between computers. ShareMouse allows to fine-tune the scroll speed individually on each computer to achieve a consistent and seamless experience. See More

Top Pro

Easy to use

It is the easiest to use software to share a mouse and keyboard. See More

See All

5 Options Considered

My Recommendation for Synergy

My Recommendation for Synergy

Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux

Clumsy configuration

Low latency cursor and keystrokes

Lacks many features of the competition

Share the clipboard across multiple computers

Not universally Unix compatible

Great customer service

Paid binaries

This is a must-have if you work with multiple computers

Unreliable connection

SSL network encryption

Clicks don't get transferred to clients when the server is Windows

Customer service is fast to respond to inquiries and needs

The price seems to change constantly

Saves space

No Android Support

It was like not having 2 computers but made you feel as if you had one computer with extended monitor

No wake-on-lan option for notebooks

Core software is complete open-source and free

AltGr key (right Alt/Option key) does not work

You get to use your favorite keyboard and mouse for all the machines you deal with

Scrolling in Chrome on Mac client is jittery

Optimizes and saves screen real estate and desk real estate

Doesn't work with Mac (as server) with secure keyboard entry

Partially open source software

Devs are active on Github

My Recommendation for Mouse without Borders

My Recommendation for Mouse without Borders

Free

Windows only

Copies clipboard across computers

Copy/paste bug

Drags and drops files between two computers

Very basic monitor configuration

Can use the mouse and keyboard of any computer on the network

Only four computers max

Works well

Works when the PCs are locked

Lots of customisability

My Recommendation for Multiplicity 3

My Recommendation for Multiplicity 3

Windows only

Seamless Keyboard and Mouse Control

License fees

Listen to Audio and Alerts from Multiple PCs through One PC

Drag/Drop and Copy/Paste between PCs

Remote Multi-Monitor Operation

Seamless Multi-Monitor Operation

Remote / VPN Operation

Universal Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse Connection Types

Connection Security Codes

Encrypted Data Transmission

Encrypted Connections

Lock and Unlock All PCs at Once from One Keyboard

View Only Connections

Remote Connection Timeout

Signed Binaries

Lock Down User Configuration Options

Audit Logging

IP-KVM / Remote Desktop Connection Session Codes

Dim/Darken Monitor Brightness or Highlight Active Monitor Border

Active Thumbnail Sidebar

Remote Many-to-One Operation

Remote and Seamless Virtual Machine Support

Remote / Seamless Mixed Mode Operation

Remote PC Control Operation

Active Desktop Thumbnails

My Recommendation for Input Director

My Recommendation for Input Director

Free

Windows-only

Nothing more required

Poor performance

Plenty of configuration options if you want them

Mildly 'old-school' user interface

It just works

Freezes on a frequent basis