If you’re in the unique situation of needing to use two Macs at the same time, the task can be made easier if you can control both of them with the same keyboard. Here are some ways to do it. It’s also possible to use the same mouse, as we explain here: How to Use the Same Keyboard and Mouse on Multiple Macs.
Universal control
Universal Management lets you use your mouse and keyboard on multiple nearby Macs and iPads that are connected to the same Apple ID. It has its limits:
- You need the correct Macs (with macOS Monterey version 12.4 or later) and iPads (iPadOS 15.4 or later); click the link above for minimum models.
- Your Mac must be signed in because Universal Control uses the Continuity handover feature, which only works when the account is active.
- If you’re using Fast User Switching on a Mac, this can kill Universal Control and may require you to sign out and sign back in even if you’re using the same Apple ID for multiple accounts on the same Mac.
Switchable Bluetooth Keyboard
If you don’t meet all the criteria, or you just want (as one Macworld reader does) one keyboard for two Macs and can’t get it due to a login requirement, you can opt for a particular type of Bluetooth keyboard – one with switchable support for two and more host connections. There are several Bluetooth keyboards in our roundup of the best keyboards for Mac.
There are several models from different companies, and Logitech offers a wide variety of options.
While you can also get multi-device mice (from Logitech and others), you might not need them if you’re just looking for login support. macOS allows you to use the tabs and keyboard features to select accounts and perform all necessary actions on the login screen.
This Mac 911 article is in response to a question posed by Macworld reader Paul.
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We also discuss here how to use one keyboard and mouse for multiple Macs (and sometimes iPads).