A multi-device keyboard can help you coordinate your projects across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS machines seamlessly
The days of working from just one location — and just one device — are over. In an era of remote and hybrid work, you could spread your daily assignments across a powerful desktop, a versatile laptop, and a convenient smartphone. You might even need all three devices at once, depending on which apps you use. If you find yourself constantly switching from one machine to another, a multi-device keyboard could make your life much easier.
As the name suggests, multi-device keyboards can connect to a handful of different devices simultaneously. That can be a lifesaver if you routinely use multiple computers or smartphones. However, there are dozens of multi-device keyboards on the market, and each one of them functions a bit differently. To find the right multi-device keyboard for your workspace, you’ll first want to learn how they work, which features to look for, and whether they’re compatible with your current setup.
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What is a multi-device keyboard?
A multi-device keyboard refers to any peripheral that can switch among two or more different machines — computers, phones, smart TVs, and so forth — with a simple button press or keyboard shortcut.
Bluetooth® wireless technology is the gold standard for these multi-device connections, and just about every modern computer, mobile phone, and smart device comes with Bluetooth connectivity. Many multi-device keyboards can remember multiple Bluetooth pairings, making it easy to move from typing on a laptop to a tablet or even a smart TV with just a quick shortcut. Bluetooth also eliminates the need for additional dongles or ports, making it especially useful for streamlined setups or mobile productivity.
Technically speaking, any wireless keyboard can support multiple devices — if you’re willing to pair and unpair Bluetooth or physically disconnect a dongle every time you want to switch. That’s usually more trouble than it’s worth, though. A true multi-device keyboard should let you switch among devices with one or two keystrokes. Here are a few examples:
- Two devices: Your keyboard offers a single wireless USB connection and a single Bluetooth profile. You connect to a desktop computer with a USB dongle and a smartphone with Bluetooth. You switch between these two connections with a physical button on your keyboard.
- Three devices: Your keyboard supports three separate Bluetooth profiles. You connect to a laptop, a smartphone, and a smart TV. You switch among these devices with three programmable keyboard shortcuts.
- Four devices: Your keyboard offers a single wireless USB connection and three different Bluetooth profiles. You connect to a desktop computer with a USB dongle. You also connect to a smartphone, a tablet, and a smart TV via Bluetooth. You switch between USB and Bluetooth modes with a physical button on your keyboard. You switch among the three Bluetooth profiles with programmable keyboard shortcuts.
Generally speaking, USB connections are a bit faster and more stable than their Bluetooth counterparts. If you want a multi-device keyboard for gaming or demanding creative work, you should look for one with both USB and Bluetooth options. On the other hand, Bluetooth uses less power and works with a wider variety of devices. If you’re looking for a multi-device keyboard for everyday productivity, one with multiple Bluetooth profiles should work great.
Did You Know?:The HHKB Professional Hybrid offers both wired USB-C and wireless Bluetooth connectivity. With Bluetooth, you can connect to up to four devices simultaneously. Click here to learn more.
Multi-device keyboard features to look for
Support for multiple devices
If your keyboard has a single Bluetooth profile you could technically move it from a computer to a smartphone, but you’d have to unpair it from the first device and re-pair it with the second one every time. An effective multi-device keyboard lets you move from machine to machine with a dedicated button or keyboard shortcut and doesn’t have to be re-paired.
If you regularly use two devices, and at least one of them is a computer, any keyboard with both a wireless USB dongle and a Bluetooth connection will do. On the other hand, if you want to connect to three or four different machines, including mobile devices, you’ll want a keyboard that supports several Bluetooth profiles.
Hardware compatibility
Generally speaking, a Bluetooth keyboard will work with most computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and game consoles, regardless of their form factor or operating system.
If your keyboard has a wireless USB dongle, however, things may be a little more complicated. A USB-C dongle will work with just about any modern computer — Windows, macOS, and Linux alike. A USB-A dongle should work just as well, although you may need an adapter for especially new or thin laptops.
There are some edge cases, too. USB dongles often work with Android smartphones, but rarely with iOS. Older Bluetooth peripherals may not work with newer computers or phones, and vice versa. If you’re planning an unusual device combination, you may want to do some additional research first.
Easy switching
There’s no point in having a multi-device keyboard if you have to go through a tedious pairing process every time you want to use it. Before you buy a peripheral, check to see how it switches between various inputs. Some keyboards have a physical switch that lets you toggle between wireless USB and Bluetooth modes. Others use keyboard shortcuts or software interfaces to toggle between different Bluetooth profiles.
If you’re planning to use two devices, a simple USB/Bluetooth switch, like the one described above, will work fine. Otherwise, make sure that your preferred keyboard has a straightforward, intuitive way to move across three or more inputs.
Reliable brand
What will you do if your keyboard suddenly refuses to connect to a device that it used to find with no problem? Over the course of a few years, this is bound to happen at least once. If you have a well-built keyboard from a respected tech brand, you’ll have lots of options. You’ll probably be able to consult a full instruction manual, read a support database online, or chat with a customer support rep. If the device breaks — which doesn’t happen all that often — you’ll be able to send it in for repairs or get a replacement under warranty.
Now think about the same situation with a shoddily built keyboard from a no-name brand. The instructions are less likely to be comprehensive (or even available) and the business may not have a website or a social media presence. If anything goes wrong after your retailer’s return window, you may just have to buy a new keyboard. Go with a known brand and save yourself some grief.
Did You Know?:You can outfit your HHKB with a variety of accessories, including an adjustable stand, a wooden wrist rest, and some colorful keycaps. Click here to learn more.
Best multi-device keyboards available now
Is there a keyboard that can switch between computers? Actually, there are quite a few. Over the past few years, multi-device keyboards have become more common for both productivity and gaming. Whether you’re looking for a membrane or mechanical keyboard, you can start your search with these models:
Logitech MX Keys S
One of the heavy hitters in the consumer tech space, Logitech has been putting out excellent wireless keyboards for decades. The Logitech MX Keys S is a high-end productivity keyboard that supports up to three simultaneous device connections via Bluetooth and/or wireless USB dongle. Three dedicated buttons make device-switching easy. With an elegant design, comfortable keys, and plenty of ways to program the Logi Options Plus software, the MX Keys S is a worthwhile accessory for productivity power users.
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
Technically speaking, any wireless mechanical gaming keyboard with both USB and Bluetooth options is a multi-device peripheral. However, if you need more than two devices close at hand, consider the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless. This gaming keyboard supports up to four wireless connections at once: one via USB and three via Bluetooth. You can move from one device to another with some simple keyboard shortcuts. With full RGB capabilities and hundreds of hours of battery life, the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is a good choice for gaming, work, or anything in-between.
HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S
The Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) has delighted both typists and gamers for almost 30 years, combining a memorable design with top-of-the-line performance. The HHKB Professional HYBRID model lets you connect to up to four devices simultaneously via Bluetooth — and it doesn’t stop there. It also includes a wired USB-C connection, giving you access to a fifth device, more than any of the other options listed here.
With quick keyboard shortcuts, you can switch between devices in seconds, making it an ideal tool for multitaskers and power users alike. Additionally, both the HHKB Professional HYBRID and its silent HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S variant feature innovative Topre key switches, which are rare in a multi-device keyboard.
HHKB goes beyond what most multi-device keyboards offer — with unmatched connectivity, premium switches, and a legendary layout. Check out the full range of high-end keyboards from HHKB to learn more.
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