Simple KVM

Control multiple computers using one set of Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor.

Full KVMs are quite expensive, particularly ones which supports high resolution / high framerate.

Using this program and a cheap USB Switch (see below), you can achieve the same without spending hundreds of dollars.

Where to download

Releases can be found over in the releases section.

• Windows: download SimpleKVM.exe and run it.
• macOS (Apple Silicon): download SimpleKVM-macos-arm64.zip, unzip it, and drag SimpleKVM.app to Applications. Because the app isn't notarized, macOS blocks the first launch: open System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll down to the message saying SimpleKVM was blocked, and click "Open Anyway" (one time only). Terminal alternative: xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/SimpleKVM.app.

What you need

1. Connect your computers to your monitor.

2. Connect your mouse & keyboard to a USB Switch.

3. Run SimpleKVM on one of the computers.

   

You can now switch between the computers using the USB Switch, or a hotkey.

USB Switches

Any USB Switch will do. Here are some examples (no affiliation).

This one supports 4 computers. SABRENT 4 Port USB Switch for $29 USD

This one supports 2 computers. 2 port USB switch for $24 USD

This one supports 2 computers, but only has one input USB. 2 ports for for $3 USD

How does it work?

The program detects when USB devices connect or disconnect, or when hotkeys are pressed. It then tells the monitor to change its input source using a DDC/CI command, which many monitors support.

Does it support multiple monitors?

Yes

Run at startup

1. Click the settings button
2. Tick 'Run at Startup'

On Windows this creates a shortcut in the Startup folder; on macOS it creates a LaunchAgent in ~/Library/LaunchAgents.

Thanks to

This program was inspired by haimgel's display-switch program.