Do you need to switch between multiple computers? A USB switch is an easy way to move your keyboard, mouse and monitor from one computer to another with ease. These 8 best USB switches are tried and tested by consumers for their convenience and reliability.
Here’s the shortlist to save your time
Top 8 Best USB Switches Reviewed
The Nilight Dual USB Charger is the upgraded version of a single USB charger. It has a total power of 4.2A, which can charge two devices simultaneously fast with 2.1A in each port. With a standard size, it fits right in slots where switches are supposed to go and makes your car more convenient and comfortable while driving. The Nilight Dual USB Charger is an ideal replacement or extra charger for fast charging mobile phones, tablets, cameras, GPS, and other USB-powered devices on car trips or vacations.
4K 3 Port HDMI KVM Matrix Switch by OREI, Share Multiple Devices, PC Computers on a Single Monitor; Ideal Device for Multi-Tasking on a Single Monitor. You can take control of three devices such as PC, Computer, Laptop, Android Smart Phones Streaming Box PS4/PS5 gaming devices, or 4K Blu Ray Players on a single Monitor. You can use a set of USB Keyboards and a Pointer to control everything.
NETGEAR’s JGS516 Gigabit Ethernet Switch provides a reliable and cost-effective way to add high-speed wired connectivity to your home or small office network. The switch supports 16 auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps ports that deliver full bandwidth performance at each port. The plug-and-play, easy setup design means you can connect the JGS516 to your computer or router without having to configure anything. Just plug in the cables and start using them right away!
The USB 3.0 Switcher Selector allows one button swapping between 2 computers to share 4 USB peripheral devices without constantly swapping cables or set up complicated network sharing software; Ideal for sharing devices such as a printer, scanner, mouse, keyboard, card reader, flash drive, and other USB devices between 2 computers; If the switcher doesn’t work on external hard disk, please connect the device with Micro USB Cable for extra power.
The DGODRT HDMI USB KVM Switch for 2 Computers is a high-performance product with the latest HDMI and USB technology. It can share one 4K monitor and 3 USB devices between two computers, ideal for home or office use. The two switching modes allow you to switch freely between computers by pressing the button on the front panel or using an external controller. With this HDMI KVM switch, you can increase your productivity at work or play games more conveniently at home.
NEW CARE 4K HDMI KVM Switch Box is a 2-in-1 switch that allows you to control two computers with only one set of keyboard, mouse, and display screen. It supports resolutions up to 4K@60Hz, full 18 Gbps bandwidth, and HDCP2.2 YUV:4:4:4 chroma sampling, making the display image more exquisite and realistic. The USB interface on the back panel can be connected to your computer via a USB cable.
Improve work efficiency by connecting and disconnecting quickly between your PC and peripheral devices. This USB Switch Selector box is a 4 port KVM switch with 4 sets of cables. It allows four computers to share up to four USB peripherals (printer, scanner, webcam) at the push of a button without constantly swapping cables or setting up complicated network sharing software.
You may be away from your desktop computer system for extended periods. Sabrent 3-port USB 3.0 hub is the perfect solution for connecting multiple USB devices to a single computer system. It is designed to fit in most standard-size laptop bags or carrying cases, making it ideal for business trips or vacations. The hub supports high-speed data transfers with 5Gbps bandwidth and the latest USB 3.0 specification, guaranteeing fast and stable performance.
5 Things To Consider Before Buying The Best USB Switches
1. Price-points
For starters, there are 3 price points for USB switches: $10 – $20, $40 – $60 and $80 – $100+. The higher the price point, the more features you’ll get with your switch. Most of the switches in this range come pre-configured with profiles that can perform specific tasks when activated by a button press or hotkey combination (e.g., Alt + F4 closes your currently active window). Some also have additional modes that cycle through different combinations of keyboard presses, including multimedia keys, brightness controls, and other shortcuts common in gamers’ peripherals. Many users like to purchase these switches for gaming applications, whereas others prefer to have multiple profiles for work and home-use scenarios.
2. Size / Portability
There are 3 main types of USB switch accessible sizes: Large (>6″), Medium (4″ – 6″), and Small (<4″).
Larger switches focus more on instant one-click keyboard combinations, while smaller ones offer a few more customization options with their programmable modes. On the other hand, medium-sized models often provide a nice balance between user control and portability due to their slim profile that can be carried along in laptop bags without disfiguring its exterior or adding much weight. This is why most people choose them as travel accessories when they’re going away from home for work or vacation.
3. Connectivity
USB switches are available in both Wired and Wireless models, with the latter being more expensive since they need batteries that have to be replaced every once in a while. However, many gamers prefer wireless USB switches due to their tactility – pressing down on keys feels much more natural when using them wirelessly than when using a wired switch that requires you to physically press down on your keyboard’s frame around the switch mechanism.
4. Configuration software compatibility
All USB switches come preloaded with software drivers that can usually be installed quickly. Still, some brands also allow users to download additional profiles through either their website or within third-party websites. These advanced features are only available to users who download the appropriate configuration software.
Check with the manufacturer of your USB switch for any software compatibility requirements if you plan to use additional features beyond just switching between two devices.
5. Keycap compatibility
Some brands, like Koolertron, actually design their switches around popular Cherry MX keycaps which means that they will fit nicely into most standard mechanical keyboards without worrying about getting the wrong-sized replacement keycaps later down the road. However, some USB switches can come in more unique styles. Hence, it’s essential to check with the manufacturer of your device before purchasing to see what kind of aftermarket keycaps are compatible with their product, or else you may be forced to get new keycaps along with your new USB switch.
3 Advantages Of Best USB Switches
1. Save Money on Chargers and Cables
Think about how much money you’ve spent overtime on chargers and USB cables alone? People typically buy at least one new iPhone every two years, and some don’t even last that long! With these switches, you can use all of your old chargers and cables without having to spend any additional money on them. This means that if you ever break or lose your charger, it’s not an issue because you can simply use one of the others already plugged into your USB switch.
2. Charge Multiple Devices Faster
Did you know that if you have multiple devices plugged in, they will charge faster? It’s true! You may have noticed this yourself when you plug two or more items into a socket at the same time. This is because the sockets can distribute power evenly among all devices. If no other devices are being used, only one device will receive power, and it will take longer to charge or operate correctly.
3. More Convenient for Travellers
If you’re someone who typically travels with multiple mobile devices, then these switches are perfect for you! They drain less battery on your part by allowing you to charge all of your devices without worrying about plugging them in at the same time. This way, there’s no need to pack a charger for each device or take up more space with multiple chargers.
To Wrap Up
USB switches are an excellent option for many reasons. Regardless of your needs, you can find the right one for you with these top 8 best USB switches. We hope this list will help make it easier to choose which switch is perfect for your home or office!
