The Best Input Director Alternatives for Seamless Multi-PC Control
Input Director is a powerful Windows application designed to simplify controlling multiple Windows systems with a single keyboard and mouse. Ideal for users with two or more computers, it allows seamless transitions between systems by hotkey or cursor movement, much like a multi-monitor setup. However, for various reasons, users often seek alternatives. Whether you need cross-platform compatibility, additional features, or simply a different approach to KVM-like functionality, there are excellent Input Director alternative options available.
Top Input Director Alternatives
Looking to streamline your multi-computer workflow? Here are some of the top alternatives to Input Director, offering a range of features, platforms, and pricing to suit your specific needs.
Synergy
Synergy is a popular Input Director alternative that allows you to share one mouse, one keyboard, and one clipboard across multiple Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It's a commercial and open-source solution, making it highly versatile for cross-platform environments. Key features include mouse sharing, keyboard sharing, and a shared clipboard for seamless two-way control.
Mouse without Borders
Developed by Microsoft, Mouse without Borders is a fantastic free Input Director alternative for Windows users. It enables you to control up to 4 computers from a single mouse and keyboard. Its features include mouse and keyboard sharing, support for multiple monitors, 32-bit support, automatic connection, shared clipboard, drag and drop functionality, and media button support.
Barrier
Barrier is a free and open-source Input Director alternative, offering cross-platform software for sharing a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers. It supports Mac, Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD. Noteworthy features include a shared clipboard, keyboard and mouse sharing, SSL encryption for secure connections, Wayland support, copy & paste actions, drag and drop, preconfigurable auto-connect, and a virtual KVM switch.
spacedesk
While not a direct keyboard/mouse sharing tool in the same vein as Input Director, spacedesk offers a unique alternative by allowing you to use other devices on your local network as an extended or mirrored display for your Windows desktop. It's a free solution supporting Windows, Windows Mobile, Android, iPhone, and iPad, making it ideal for creating a multi-display setup with existing devices. Features include screen mirroring, video wall capabilities, desktop sharing, and remote desktop.
ShareMouse
ShareMouse is a commercial Input Director alternative for both Mac and Windows, providing seamless mouse and keyboard sharing. It boasts an array of features like automatic display layout switching, a portable edition, screensaver synchronization, shared clipboard, drag and drop of files and text, dual-monitor support, keyboard and mouse sharing, plug and play setup, and prevention of unwanted computer switches.
Multiplicity
Multiplicity is a commercial Windows-only Input Director alternative that acts as a virtual KVM switch, enabling a user to control multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse. Key features include keyboard and mouse sharing, a shared clipboard, support for multiple monitors, remote desktop, remote support capabilities, and virtualization features.
x2vnc (win2vnc)
x2vnc (also known as win2vnc) is a free and open-source Input Director alternative for Windows and Linux. This program allows you to use two screens on two different computers as if they were connected to the same machine. It primarily offers support for multiple monitors and VNC Viewer capabilities for extending your desktop.
Win2VNC
Win2VNC is a free and open-source Input Director alternative for Windows. It allows you to seamlessly use two screens on different computers as if they were one, even supporting different operating systems. Its primary features are screen extension and mouse sharing.
across
across is a commercial Input Director alternative that transforms a Bluetooth-equipped PC or Mac into a standard Bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo. It supports Mac, Windows, and Android, making it a unique solution for connecting your devices. Its main features include keyboard and mouse sharing.
Choosing the right Input Director alternative depends on your specific operating systems, budget, and desired features. Whether you prioritize cross-platform compatibility, robust file transfer, or simple mouse/keyboard sharing, this list provides a comprehensive overview to help you find the best fit for your multi-computer setup.