Lan Mouse

Lan Mouse is open-source software for sharing mouse and keyboard control between multiple computers, functioning as a software KVM switch. It allows you to control several PCs with a single set of input peripherals, offering an alternative to proprietary solutions like Synergy.

★★★★★

5.0(1 ratings)

• Cross-platform sharing. Supports cross-control between Windows, macOS, and modern Linux desktop environments (GNOME, KDE Plasma, and wlroots-based compositors).
• Communication encryption. Implements DTLS encryption using WebRTC.rs to protect all network traffic between connected devices.
• Wayland support. Native compatibility with modern compositors such as Sway, Hyprland, and Wayfire, though specific configuration is required in some environments.
• X11 receiver mode. Systems running X11 can function as receivers, but currently only support input emulation.
• Modifier key handling. Manages modifier keys (Ctrl, Shift, Alt, Super) with variable support depending on the backend and compositor used.
• Connection indicator. Monitors the link status between devices to automatically manage key release and connection state.
• Upcoming features. Active development includes plans for input capture on different systems, latency measurement, clipboard support, and a graphical interface with GTK/Libadwaita.
• Wayfire-specific configuration. Requires enabling the shortcuts-inhibit plugin and recent versions for proper input capture functionality.
• Limitations on Windows. May exhibit cursor display issues when no physical devices are connected to the receiver system.
• Extensible architecture. Designed with a maintainable implementation that allows adding support for new backends and mobile platforms in future versions.

The Lan Mouse project emerges as an open-source alternative to commercial tools, with particular attention to performance and usability. It uses modern encryption technologies and supports major desktop environments, although it has some technical limitations in certain configurations. Active development continues to expand the software's compatibility and features.

Alternatives to Lan Mouse:

Deskflow

Deskflow is a desktop application for sharing a keyboard and mouse between multiple computers.

Price: Free   Size: 15.1 MB   Version: 1.26.0   OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS

InputShare2

InputShare2 is a desktop application for Windows that allows sharing input control between multiple devices.

Price: Free   Size: 102.9 MB   Version: 2.0   OS: Windows

TapTap Remote

TapTap Remote is an application that turns mobile devices into remote controls for computers.

Price: Free   Size: 19.4 MB   Version: 1.2.0   OS: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS