Notes on Software KVM Switch Applications – 2025.10

2025-10-software-kvm-apps.md

Notes on Mouse & Keyboard Sharing / Software KVM Switch Applications

A random report comparing the input-emulation quality of software kvm switch applications available today.
I decided to write this since it's a chore to test them all out, and I figured it's useful for someone delving into this, also to cast more spotlight into the best one.

My intended use is occasional gaming on my Windows PC.
This sets the bar: the input needs to be reliable and as true as possible.

tl;dr

• Lan Mouse performs the best: high refresh rate and stable, but lacks a lot of extra features such as clipboard sharing
• ShareMouse is stable, has extensive features, but limited refresh rate
• Input Leap / Deskflow has extensive features and high refresh rate, but very jumpy

My Setup

A standard setup with input-capture on Mac and input-emulation on Windows:

flowchart LR
    M[Mouse]
    KB[Keyboard]
    MS[Mac Studio]
    W[Windows PC]

    M --- MS
    KB --- MS
    MS --- W

Loading

The two machines are connected through 2.5G Ethernet, with no notable configuration.
The Windows PC display operates at at 360Hz.
The mouse is configured to 250Hz polling rate for two reasons:

• I experienced jumpiness issues with input-leap in the past when [Mouse Polling Rate] > [Display Refresh Rate]
• I don't see improved benefits beyond 250Hz polling rate on the mouse, it's a nice sweet spot.

The Test

My test scenario: Draw circles around a dot quickly in Microsoft Paint.
It is very simple, but reveals a lot about the input-emulation quality and performance.

Input Leap

Very jumpy, noted by the long straight lines. It does have decent refresh rate, but compromised by the jumpiness.

Lan Mouse

Very high refresh rate, and practically no jumpiness. Perfect score.

ShareMouse

No jumpiness, but limited refresh rate, highlighted by the kinks on every turn.

Deskflow

Practically the same result as Input Leap; too jumpy.