Two keyboards, one computer?

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 51
    Windows 7
       #1

    Two keyboards, one computer?


    It's the first time I've had to consider this, but I need to have two keyboards connected to the computer. I need one for certain jobs and another one for others. Is it possible? Does Win 7 have a setting that would allow 2 keyboards at the same time?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 28,845
    Win 8 Release candidate 8400
       #2

    labecs said:
    It's the first time I've had to consider this, but I need to have two keyboards connected to the computer. I need one for certain jobs and another one for others. Is it possible? Does Win 7 have a setting that would allow 2 keyboards at the same time?
    doubt it could you tell us more about the apps you need to use different keyboards?

    Thanks

    Ken J
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 108
    Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
       #3

    I would of thought it's just like having a 2 mice (or mouses? I dunno :P) plugged in where you can use both at same time.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 9,606
    Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
       #4

    2 way Keyboard switch box
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Two keyboards, one computer?-keyboard_switch.png  
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 28,845
    Win 8 Release candidate 8400
       #5

    Parker said:
    I would of thought it's just like having a 2 mice (or mouses? I dunno :P) plugged in where you can use both at same time.
    Parker you may be right. I was thinking about it after I posted. If there are two seperate drivers, keyboards, etc.

    Might work I should have thought it thru.

    Ken J
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 40
    W7 x64 Ultimate
       #6

    I would say yes, but only one can be used at a time.

    While I was struggling to fix my Saitek Gamers keyboard (USB) with Win 7, I also had a Logitech (PS2) plugged in. After fixing the Saitek one, I kept the other plugged in for just-in-case.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 51
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Yeah, it sounds strange, but I need to us a keyboard with special characters for some jobs, but I didn't want to have to be switching all the time. I tried to plug them in together, but the new one won't work while the other one is plugged in. Oh, well, I'll work harder and switch them around I guess.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 38
    Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit, Win7 N 32-bit, WHS
       #8

    I found that two keyboards work just fine, and you can switch from one to the other at will!

    This is how I found out: my Targus USB hub with all the Logitech kbd and mouse dongles failed the other day. I attached a PS2 keyboard and mouse to get the dual-boot PC start on the right foot, as it were... After finding what the problem was, I stuck thye Bluetooth/wireless dongles into the ports on the machine itself, and did not initially remove the PS/2 cables.

    I was then able to use either keyboard and mouse at will, even to the point of using the PS/2 keyboard and the wireless mouse, and vice-versa... Obviously, they have different drivers!

    Cheers,

    LMH
    Last edited by carioca; 13 Nov 2009 at 03:44. Reason: spelling
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       #9

    2 keyboards, 1 computer?


    Although the above posts were written 4 years ago, carioca's seems to be exactly what I was searching for. I have a wired keyboard and mouse connected to my desktop pc, and the pc connected (wired) to an HDTV about 20 feet away. The TV has inputs specifically to connect a pc and recognizes the PC in its menu of connected devices, essentially turning the HDTV into a second/clone monitor. However, it's inconvenient to have to go back to the keyboard to navigate using the pc monitor when viewing on the TV. I would like to connect a second wireless keyboard that could be used while sitting closer to the TV while the wired keyboard is also active/functional at the pc. I am looking closely at the SMK-Link Wireless Ultra-Mini Touchpad Keyboard (Wireless keyboard | Ultra-Mini Touchpad Keyboard | PC & Mac | SMK-Link). I've also researched full-size wireless keyboards with touchpads but have not found one that gets good reviews on distance/range like this one does.

    Is carioca's experience the exception to the rule, or can I spend the money on this wireless keyboard with confidence that the setup should work? If there's anything in the Windows 7 programming that would cause the simultaneous connection of 2 keyboards to result in a hardware/device conflict I would think it wouldn't have worked for carioca...

    If anyone has learned more about this in the last 4 years since the prevous posts, I'd very much appreciate hearing about it.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 184
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #10

    Laptops all have fixed keyboards & adding a wireless keyboard works; both keyboards remain active. No different for a desktop.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:02.
Find Us