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Re:Ask HN: Control 2 air-gapped computers with 1 mouse and k... by WorldDev on Monday October 27, 2025 @09:10AM (#45720646)
That's interesting, thanks for sharing.

> Modern peripherals may have local storage

Do you mean the flash that contains the code for the microcontroller?

> I have a dumb USB switch

I am not 100% sure I understood. Is the "dumb USB switch" the paperclip?

Re:Ask HN: Control 2 air-gapped computers with 1 mouse and k... by NitpickLawyer on Monday October 27, 2025 @09:42AM (#45720966)
No, dumb as in it only has one "host" connection, and many peripheral ports. So I put all my stuff there, but it can only be connected to one host at a time. So instead of a switch, I use the cables. Unplug one, and plug the other. Almost the same effort.
Re:Ask HN: Control 2 air-gapped computers with 1 mouse and k... by WorldDev on Monday October 27, 2025 @11:45AM (#45722302)
I see, you are unplugging and re-plugging, instead of just pressing a button. That makes sense. It feels like a usb mechanical switch should exist, but I guess it does not.

Another option that I looked at is whether I could use the switching capability on the device itself. For example the new Logitech MX 4 can switch between different computers. It also has a wireless connection, versus bluetooth connection. Do you have a sense whether switching with a device like that is enough of a separation?