Managing multiple machines was once the domain of niche gadgets like KVM switches. But now that tablets, phones, and even TVs are full-fledged computers, you might want to use that keyboard and mouse on a lot of devices at once.
Enter the multiple-machine input category. These keyboards and mice have been designed specifically for switching between two or more computers, tablets, phones, et cetera, with either Bluetooth or USB-based wireless. Sometimes both at once!
Logitech has been perfecting this tech—most of the mice and keyboards they’ve released in the last few years have been capable of switching between multiple devices, and its FLOW software is particularly neat. But there are a few other options as well.
The Best Budget Multi-Device Keyboard: iClever Bluetooth
This multi-device keyboard from iClever is a pretty obvious clone of a similar Logitech design. But for the price, it’s the cheapest option you can find from a reliable manufacturer. The compact layout is designed to work well with PCs and mobile devices, with a slot on top for propping up a phone or tablet. The keyboard can switch between three saved Bluetooth connections with the easy-to-spot 1, 2, or 3 keys. Its rechargeable battery should last for weeks.
iClever Bluetooth Keyboard - Rechargeable Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard with Aluminium Alloy Housing and Phone Holder, Universal Bluetooth Keyboard for Tablet Android iOS Windows
The design is a bit derivative, but this keyboard connects to three different Bluetooth PCs, phones, or tablets at once, switching between them with dedicated keys. Nice.
$29.99
More offers
The Best Budget Multi-Device Mouse: VicTsing Pioneer Bluetooth
Calling this mouse an “homage” to Logitech’s MX Master design would be a bit cheeky, but budget supplier VicTsing has managed to copy most of the famous design features for less than half the price. It includes all the standard mouse buttons, plus a dedicated side-scrolling thumbwheel and an ergonomic body design. The mouse includes a standard wireless USB receiver and can connect to two Bluetooth devices, for a total of three gadgets under its control at once.
VicTsing Pioneer Bluetooth Mouse Rechargeable, Easy-Switch up to 3 Devices, Ergonomic Wireless Mouse with Side Scroll Wheel, 5 Levels Adjustable DPI Mouse for Laptop iPad Computer Windows/Mac/Android
This mouse has most of the features of Logitech's MX series, with less than half the price. It can connect to two Bluetooth and one USB devices at once.
$29.99
More offers
The Best Premium Multi-Device Keyboard: Logitech K780
If you want to get serious about multi-device functionality on your desk, we like Logitech’s mid-range K780. There are bigger and more expensive options in the company’s stable, but this one includes a handy shelf for your phone or tablet, long and strong enough to handle the biggest, heaviest tablets. Dedicated device swap buttons make switching easy, but it’s also compatible with Logitech FLOW for macOS and Windows, allowing seamless switching from one screen to another. It works on up to three devices, using either Bluetooth or Logitech’s Unifying USB receiver.
Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard for Computer, Phone and Tablet – Logitech FLOW Cross-Computer Control Compatible
The K780 keyboard includes a long tray for holding phones and tablets, works with three USB or Bluetooth devices at once, and is compatible with Logitech's FLOW software.
$53.94
More offers
The Best Premium Multi-Device Keyboard: Logitech MX Master 3
Logitech’s top-of-the-line mouse has mastery of multiple devices built right in. In addition to its super-comfy design, ball bearing scroll wheel, thumbwheel, and improved wheel buttons, and dual Bluetooth/USB wireless, it works with Logitech FLOW on macOS and Windows. The latest revision recharges via USB-C, a very welcome addition. Note that most of these features are also available on the more ergonomic MX Vertical mouse and MX Ergo trackball. All three of these designs are discounted pretty frequently, so keep an eye out for the sale if the high price puts you off.
Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Wireless Mouse - Graphite
The MX Master 3 is a phenomenal mouse on its own merits, but it can also connect to three USB or Bluetooth devices at once, and use Logitech's FLOW software.
$99.99
More offers
The Best Mobile Multi-Device Keyboard: Logitech K380
If you want a way to control your laptop, tablet, and mouse all at once, and space in your bag is at a premium, the tiny K380 will be your new best friend. This compact design is a lot like the Apple Magic Keyboard, but thinner with better key travel. It can switch between three Bluetooth devices on the fly, and yes, it’s also compatible with Logitech FLOW if you’re using it with multiple macOS or Windows machines.
Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard – Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Android, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV Compatible – with FLOW Cross-Computer Control and Easy-Switch up to 3 Devices – Dark Grey
Logitech's most compact FLOW keyboard can fit into almost any laptop or tablet bag, and works with up to three gadgets at once.
$29.99
More offers
The Best Mobile Multi-Device Mouse: Logitech Triathlon M720
This little guy is my favorite travel mouse. It’s not especially small, but it lasts for literally years on a single AA battery, and it’s as comfy as most desktop mice thanks to a curvy body with grippy plastic. Bluetooth and USB-based wireless mean it’ll work with any PC, tablet, or mobile device, and the switch button on the top makes the M720 it the easiest multi-device mouse in Logitech’s lineup. If you use it with desktops and laptops, it’s also compatible with FLOW.
Logitech M720 Triathalon Multi-Device Wireless Mouse – Easily Move Text, Images and Files Between 3 Windows and Apple Mac Computers Paired with Bluetooth or USB, Hyper-Fast Scrolling, Black
The M720 lasts basically forever on just one AA battery, and plays nice with up to three devices at once.
$33.94
More offers
The Best Multi-Device Keyboard for Gamers: Corsair K83
Gaming keyboards are hard to find in wireless form and even harder to find with multi-device support. But Corsair’s K83 packs both Bluetooth and a USB dongle, so it’ll work with two different machines if you’re using those specific connections, with switches built into the F5, F6, and F7 keys. The Layout packs a touchpad, dedicated volume wheel, and built-in thumbstick, the better to use for couch-based gaming on your game console or home theater PC. One USB dongle and two Bluetooth function buttons mean it works with up to three devices at once.
Corsair K83 Wireless Keyboard - Bluetooth and USB - Works w/PC, Smart TV, Streaming Box - Backlit LED
Corsair's media keyboard includes a built-in thumbstick, plus wireless USB and Bluetooth connections.
$92.99
More offers
The Best Multi-Device Mouse for Gamers: Logitech G603
I’m a bit biased because I have something of a love affair with this mouse. But in addition to being a super-comfy “shooter” mouse that’s practically unkillable in terms of battery life, the G603 also works with either USB or Bluetooth, with a quick swapping option via a button underneath. Note that, although this is a Logitech mouse, it doesn’t work with the company’s Unifying USB receiver or FLOW: it has its own dedicated low-latency wireless dongle, and programmed key bindings don’t work over Bluetooth.
Logitech G603 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse
Logitech's G603 is fantastic in general, but one of its tricks is working with both a USB and Bluetooth connection.
$54.32
More offers
Comments (0)