How to use two keyboards on one laptop

If you are a user that has multiple keyboards, or perhaps just want to have an extra keyboard for increased productivity then there are several ways to use two keyboards on your laptop. One option is using the second keyboard through Bluetooth connection. Simply make sure both the laptops and the keyboards are compatible with this type of connection before initiating it.

Another solution is connecting them together by way of USB cables, which will need to be purchased separately if they do not come with your laptops. If either device does not have Bluetooth capability then it would be necessary to purchase an adapter for this purpose as well before starting. Once all these requirements are fulfilled then all that needs to happen is plugging in one end into the computer and the other into the secondary keyboard, making sure that the correct keyboard is chosen in the system preferences.

Once everything is set up it should be easy to switch between keyboards by pressing either the Fn or Control keys and the appropriate letter key on the top row of your keyboard.

virtual environment

The other way to use two keyboards on one laptop would be to create a virtual environment for the second keyboard. This can be done by using software such as xkb or kcm-xkb, which can be found in most repositories. After installing and opening one of these programs, it will be necessary to add a new keyboard layout. To do this click on the + sign at the bottom left corner of the window and then select “Keyboard Layout File” from the menu that pops up. After this, a file explorer window will open and it will be necessary to go to the location of the keyboard layout that you have downloaded. Select the file and click “Open”.

This keyboard layout should now appear in the list on the right side of the xkb or kcm-xkb window. It is important to note that not all layouts are compatible with virtual environments so it might be necessary to try a few before finding one that works for your system. After selecting the desired keyboard layout, click on the “Apply” button and then restart your computer.

Now, when you want to use the secondary keyboard, you can either switch layouts by pressing Ctrl+Shift or by using a program like xmodmap. To do this, it will be necessary to open up a terminal window and type in the following command: xmodmap “path to layout file”

Command line

An additional way to use two keyboards on your laptop is through using the command line, which is also possible for those that prefer not to use virtual environments or software. The process of configuring this will require entering several different commands into the Terminal but each one is simple enough that they can be memorized. However, if you are not comfortable with entering in these commands then there are plenty of resources online where someone has already done the work for you.

The last method requires downloading Auto Hotkey (AHA) and adding in custom scripts for switching between layouts when certain keys are pressed. This software is customizable to fit the user’s needs and can be edited to include as many keyboard layouts as desired.

Logitech Unifying Receiver 

If you have a Logitech keyboard, you will find them coming with the support for Logitech Unifying Receiver. The Logitech Unifying Receiver is a dongle type device that you would simply connect to your computer. It can be a perfect tool for a multi keyboard setup on your PC. 

The Logitech Unifying Receiver is connected to your computer, and you can then connect it to the keyboards. In fact, you can connect as many as six devices to the unifying receiver. But, it would help if you had all of those devices from Logitech. In case you have different devices from other manufacturers, the product does not work. 

You should also have the Logitech Unifying software installed on your computer. If you do not have it, you can simply install it on your device and begin using it for connecting two keyboards to the computer and get them to work simultaneously. You can connect multiple devices, and switch them on or off while they are connected. 

Whichever method you choose, using multiple keyboards on one laptop can be a great way to increase your productivity and efficiency when working on projects. With a little bit of setup and some practice, it will be easy to start using them like a pro in no time!


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Wasim Cheema
By Wasim Cheema

Wasim Cheema is a tech enthusiast who is passionate about all things that have to do with laptops and gadgets. He provides unbiased laptop reviews on different tech sites, where he has been sharing his thoughts on the latest technology for over 8 years now. His technical knowledge has helped him in providing sound advice on various topics including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other consumer electronics which are often difficult to find a reliable source of information on the web.


The Laptop Arts is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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